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Title: History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Shropshire [1851]
Author: Bagshaw, Samuel
Language: English
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OF SHROPSHIRE [1851]***
Transcribed from the 1851 Samuel Harrison edition by David Price, email
ccx074@pgaf.org
[Picture: Book cover]
HISTORY,
GAZETTEER, AND DIRECTORY
OF
SHROPSHIRE;
COMPRISING
A GENERAL SURVEY OF THE COUNTY,
WITH A VARIETY OF
HISTORICAL, STATISTICAL, TOPOGRAPHICAL, COMMERCIAL,
AND AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION:
SHEWING
THE SITUATION, EXTENT, AND POPULATION OF ALL
_THE TOWNS_, _PARISHES_, _CHAPELRIES_, _TOWNSHIPS_, _VILLAGES_,
_HAMLETS_, _AND EXTRA-PAROCHIAL LIBERTIES_;
THEIR AGRICULTURAL AND MINERAL PRODUCTIONS;
THE LORDS OF THE MANORS AND OWNERS OF THE SOIL;
THEIR PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS, CHARITIES, ANTIQUITIES, & HISTORICAL EVENTS;
WITH A LIST OF
MAGISTRATES, PUBLIC OFFICERS, & CORPORATE BODIES;
AND
THE SEATS OF THE NOBILITY AND GENTRY:
IN ONE VOLUME,
WITH A LARGE COLOURED SHEET MAP OF THE COUNTY:
BY SAMUEL BAGSHAW,
Author of similar Works for Derbyshire, Kent, Cheshire, &c.
* * * * *
SHEFFIELD:
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR BY SAMUEL HARRISON, 5, HIGH-STREET,
AND SOLD BY SAMUEL BAGSHAW, WENTWORTH TERRACE, SHEFFIELD
Price to Subscribers, 14s. 6d.
1851
PREFACE.
IN presenting the Public with a popular History and Topography of the
County of Salop, with a Directory of its Inhabitants, the author has to
acknowledge his great obligations to the literary and official gentlemen
of the county, who have so freely furnished his agents with valuable
information, as well as to those who have honoured the publisher with
immediate communications; and also to the numerous subscribers who have
so liberally patronised the work. As authenticity is the grand
desideratum of Topography, all possible care has been taken to avoid
errors. Every Parish, Township, Village, and Hamlet, with all the
principal Residences and Farm Houses in the county have been visited for
the addresses, and to authenticate the necessary information. It is,
therefore, hoped that the great variety of subjects compressed within its
pages will be found complete and satisfactory to its numerous patrons,
and that the volume will be found an acquisition either to the library or
the office.
The Plan of the Work embraces a General History and Description of
Shropshire, containing the spirit of all that has been previously written
on the subject, extracted from ancient and modern authors, and from the
voluminous Parliamentary Reports of Public Charities, Population, &c.,
&c., together with a variety of Agricultural, Commercial, Statistical,
Biographical, and Topographical Information; and comprehending a Survey
of Antiquities, Roads, Rivers, Railroads, Minerals, Public Buildings,
Charities; together with a Chronology of Remarkable Events, from the
earliest period to the present time.
The Topography of the County commences at page 132, with an Alphabetical
Arrangement of the Parishes in their respective Hundreds, and of the
Towns, Townships, and Villages, under their respective Parishes; shewing
the Situation, Extent, and Population of each Parish, Township, Chapelry,
and Extra-Parochial Liberty; the Owners of the Soil and the Lords of the
Manors; the Nature and Value of the Church Livings, with their Patrons
and Incumbents; the Places of Worship, Public Buildings, Public
Charities, and Institutions; Trade and Commerce; Local Occurrences, and
Objects of Interest and Curiosity, &c. Each Township is followed by the
Addresses of the Gentry, and other principal Residents, with a
Classification of Trades and Professions. The Directories of Shrewsbury,
Oswestry, and other principal places, in addition to a Classification of
Trades and Professions, are accompanied by an Alphabetical List of
Persons, so that the address and occupation of any individual may be
instantly referred to. The Seats of the Nobility and Gentry are appended
to the General History of the County; and the whole is preceded by a
copious Index of Places, Persons, and Subjects, affording an easy
reference to the page at which every Parish, Township, and Hamlet is to
be found; thus giving to the Volume all the advantages of an Alphabetical
Gazetteer.
The extracts from the voluminous Parliamentary Reports of Public
Charities, we trust will be found a useful and valuable portion of the
publication. The standard works of Owen and Blakeway, and Phillips,
Histories of Shrewsbury, Duke’s Antiquities, Hulbert’s History and
Gregory’s Gazetteer of the County, as well as various Local Histories and
Guides to the more interesting parts of Shropshire, have been frequently
referred to in the compilation of the historical notices. The Work is
accompanied with a large Coloured Sheet Map of the County, engraved
expressly for this Publication. {ii}
SAMUEL BAGSHAW.
_Sheffield_, _October_ 25_th_, 1851.
GENERAL INDEX.
Abbeys, Monasteries, and Priories, 24
— Alberbury, 671
— Buildwas, 371
— Bromfield, 520
— Chirbury, 688
— Haughmond, 137
— Lilleshall, 395
— Malinslee, 376
— Shrewsbury, 72
— Wenlock, 583
— Wombridge, 440
Abcott, 700
Abdon, 517
Abertannat, 153
Ackleton, 494
Acton, 702
— Burnell, 498
— Castle, 498
— Pigott, 499
— Reynald, 310
— Round, 610
— Scott, 547
Adcott Hall, 217
Acton-on-the-Hill, 517
Adderley, 256
Adeney, 381
Adston, 706
Alderton, 143
Admaston, 445
— Spa, 445
Agricultural Improvements, 23
— Produce, 22
Alberbury, 670
— Abbey, 671
Albrighton, 452
— (St. Mary’s), 138
— Division, 132
Albright Hussey, 133
Albrightlee, 131
Albynes, 614
Alcaston, 519
Aldenham, 649
Alderton, 144
— (Great Ness), 241
Aldon, 553
Alkington, 355
Alkmere, 499
Allscott, 495
All Stretton, 530
Alveley, 611
Amaston, 671
Ancient Britons, 9, 12, 34, 213, 535, 449, 702
— Land Measures, 16
Antiquities, 157, 450, 568, 678
Apley, 436
— Castle, 436
— Park, 484
Argoed, 148
Arleston, 436
Arscott, 680
Asbaston, 389
Ashfield, 590
Ashford Bowdler, 519
— Carbonell, 519
— Hall, 519
Ash Magna, 355
— Parva, 356
Asterley, 680
Asterton, 704
Astley, 329
— (St. Mary’s), 139
— Abbots, 613
Aston (Chetwynd), 382
— Church, 382
— Hall, 476
— (Hopesay), 701
— (Munslow), 541
— (Wellington), 436
— (Wem), 329
— (Claverley), 467
— Botterel, 614
— (Oswestry), 190
— (Shiffnal), 476
— Eyre, 649
— Pigott, 693
— Rogers, 693
Asylum, 674
Atcham, 364
Atterley, 588
Attingham, 364
Bach and Norton, 532
Bach Mill, 541
Badger, 456
Bagginswood, 657
Bagley, 244
Balasley, 671
Balderton, 251
Balswardyne Hall, 505
Bannister Ralph, 332
Bardley, 659
Barkers Green, 329
Barlow, 701
Barnsley, 494
Barnwell George, 519
Barrow, 554
— Hall, 554
Baschurch, 212
Batchcott, 544
Battlefield, 133
Battle of Shrewsbury, 36
Bausley, 671
Baxter Richard, 390
Bayston Hill, 501
Beachfield, 693
Beach Mill, 541
Bearston, 297
Beckbury, 457
Beckjay, 700
Bedstone, 696
Bellaport House, 300
Belmont, 210
Bentley, 494
Bennett’s End, 635
Benthall, 555
— (Alberbury), 671
Bentley, 494
Beobridge, 467
Berghill, 209
Berrington, 499
Berwick, 140
— House, 140
— Mavaston, 366
Besford, 311
Betchcott, 514
Betchley, 296
Betton & Alkmere, 499
— (Berrington), 500
— (Drayton) 277
— Little, 499
Bettws-y-crwyn, 712
Bicton, 674
— (Clun) 709
Billingsley, 615
Birch, 215
Birch and Lythe, 231
Birches, 559
Bishop Heber, 282
Bishop’s Castle, 696
Bitterley, 664
Black Mere, 357
Black Park, 357
Blodwell, 154
Blore Heath, (Battle) 298
Bobbington, 458
Bolas Great, 368
— Parva, 285
Bomere Heath, 145
Boninghall, 458
— Albrighton Kennels, 458
Booley, 316
Boreatton, 215
Boraston, 667
Boreton, 503
Boscobel, 459
— White Ladies, 463
Boscobel, King Chas.’s Retreat, 460
— Royal Oak, 463
Botvylle, 524
Bouldon, 538
Bowdler, 519
Bowley, 316
Boycott, 680
Brace Meole, 511
Bradley, 494, 588
Bradney, 494
Bratton, 215, 446
British Encampments, 393, 212
Bridgnorth, 615
Brimstree Hundred, 452
Broadstone, 542
Broadward, 700
Brockton, (Worthen), 693
— (Longford), 400
— (Long Stanton) 550
— (Lydbury), 703
Bromfield, 520
— Priory, 520
Bromley, 594
Bromlow, 693
Brompton, (Berrington) 500
— Little, 701
Brompton-with-Rhiston, 691
Broncroft, 534
Bronygarth, 162
Brookhampton, 538
Broom, (Cardington), 523
Broom & Rowton, 701
Broomfield, 446
Broseley, 556
— Tobacco Pipes, 556
Broughall, 357
Broughton, (Bishop’s Castle), 698
— (Albrighton), 134
— (Claverley), 467
— (Shrewsbury), 134
Brown Clee Hill, 589
Brunslow, 701
Bryna Castle, 210
Bryngwyla, 159
Brynn, 155
Bryntanat Hall, 155
Buckingham, Duke of, 332
Bucknell, 699
Buildwas, 370
Buildwas Abbey, 371
Bulthey, 671
Buntingsdale Hall, 278
Burcot, (Worfield), 494
— (Wrockwardine) 446
Burford, 666
Burley, 532
Burlington, 476
Burlton, 247
Burncote, 494
Burton, 588
Burwarton, 634
Bury Ditches, 702
Butterey, 381
Button Oak, 660
Bynweston, 693
Caer Caradoc, 525
— Battle at, 10
Cainham, 635
Calcott, 674
Calloughton, 588
Calverhall, 305
— Hall, 305
Calvington, 381
Canals, 20
Cantlop, 500
Caractacus, 10
Cardiston, 676
Cardington, 521
Careswell Exhibitions, 478
Carwood, 701
Castle Pulverbach, 507
Castles, Acton Burnell, 498
— Bishop’s, 697
— Bridgnorth, 617
— Cause, 684
— Charlton, 447
— Church Stretton, 525
— Chirbury, 687
— Clun, 708
— Ellesmere, 219
— Knockin, 153
— Ludlow, 594
— Middle, 249
— Moreton Corbet, 294
— Oswestry, 167
— Quatford, 652
— Rowton, 672
— Sibdon, 705
— Shrawardine, 254
— Shrewsbury, 75
— Sundorne, 138
— Tong, 487
— Stoke St. Milborough, 552
—Wattlesborough, 672
— Whittington, 207
Catstree, 495
Cause, 684
Causton, 700
Caynton, 381
Caynton House, 381
Chantries, 24
Chapel Lawn, 710
Charlton, 447
Chatford, 503
Chatwall, 523
Chelmarsh, 635
Chelmick, 539
Cheney Longville, 707
Cherrington, 381
Chesterton, 494
— Roman Encampment, 494
Cheswardine, 259
Chetton, 636
Chetwynd, 372
— Aston, 382
Childs Ercall, 278
Chilton, 366
China Works, 569
Chinnel, 358
Chipnall, 261
Chirbury, 687
— Hundred, 687
Chorley, 659
Choulton, 703
Church Aston, 312
Church Preen, 506
Chrch. Pulverbatch, 506
Church Stretton, 524
Civil Wars, 38
Claverley, 464
Clee Downton, 551
Clee Hill, 551
Clee St. Margaret, 531
Clee Stanton, 551
Cleeton, 665
Cleobury Mortimer, 638
Cleobury Foreign, 641
Cleobury North, 643
— Hall, 644
Clewilsey, 713
Clive, 140
— Hall, 141
— Sansaw Hall, 141
Climate, 22
Clotley, 446
Cloverley, 305
Cluddley, 446
Clun, 707
Clunbury, 699
Clungunford, 700
Clunton, 700
Clurton, 506
Coad-y-Gaer Tower, 193
Coed-y-Rallt, 234
Coalbrookdale, 569
— Company, 374
— Ironworks, 569
Coalmoor, 566
Coalport, 569
— China Works, 569
Cold Hatton, 387
Cold Weston, 531
Colebatch, 698
Colemere, 232
Collieries, 374, 375, 398, 418, 439, 441
Comley, 524
Condover, 501
— Hall, 501
— Hundred, 498
Coppice Green, 476
Copthorne House, 675
Coptiviney, 239
Coreley, 644
Corfton, 533
Corve Dale, 532
Cothercutt, 507
Coton, (Alveley), 611
Cotton, (Ruyton), 198
— (Wem), 329
Cotwall, 388
Cound, 504
Court of Hill, 667
Coxheadford, 531
Crackley Bank, 476
Cranmere Heath, 494
Creamore House, 331
Cressage, 505
Crickett, 232
Crickheath, 190
Criggion, 672
Cronkhill, 366
Crosemere, 231
Cross Green, 446
Crow Meol, 675
Cruckmeole, 680
Cruckton, 680
Crudgington, 388
Culmington, 531
Cynynion, 190
Dalicott, 467
Darliston, 306
Davenport House, 492
Dawley Magna, 374
— Green, 375
— Parva, 375
Daywell, 210
Deckerhill, 476
Delbury Hall, 533
Derwen, The, 200
Deuxhill, 644
Diddlebury, 532
Dinmore, 704
Dinthill, 684
Ditches, 333
Ditton Priors, 589
Dodington, 358
— Liberty, 640
Donington, 398
— Wood, 398
— (Wroxeter), 451
— Shiffnal, 470
— House, 471
Doomsday Book, 16
Dorrington, (Muckleston), 298
— (Condover), 503
Dothill, 436
Dovaston, 149
Dowles, 644
Downton, (Stanton Lacy), 549
— (Upton Magna), 420
Drayton-in-Hales, 262
Druids, The, 9
Dryton, 451
Dudleston, 233
Dudston 688
Duddlewick, 659
Dudmaston Hall, 655
Dunvall House, 614
Dyffryd House, 151
Eardington, 654
Eardiston, 198
Earnastry Park, 534
Earthenware Manufactories, 555, 556, 557
East Foreign Liberty, 641
East Hamlet, 549
Easthope, 535
Eastwall, 537
— (Rushbury), 546
Eastwick, 235
Eaton-under-Haywood, 536
Eaton and Choulton, 703
Eaton Constantine, 378
Eaton by Stoke, 313
Eaton Mascott, 500
Ecclesiastical Revenues, 25
Ebnall, 210
Eddicliff, 709
Edge, 681
Edenhope, 714
Edgbold, 512
Edgebolton, 311
Edgeley, 361
— Moss, 361
Edgerley, 150
Edgmond, 379
— Hall, 380
Edgton, Brunslow and Horderley, 701
Edstaston, 330
Ellerdine, 388
— Oak House, 388
Ellerton, 261
— Hall, 261
Ellesmere, 219
— Castle, 219
— Chapels, 222
— Charities, 223
— Church, 220
— Court Leet, 222
— Fairs, 219
— Mechanics’ Institute, 222
— Savings’ Bank, 222
— Union House, 223
Elson & Greenhill, 235
Eminent Men, 136, 141, 205, 237, 282, 301, 315, 323, 330, 343, 344, 390,
464, 468, 475, 601, 669, 687
Emstrey, 366
Enchmarsh, 524
Ensdon, 252
— House, 253
Ercall Magna, 384
— Hall, 385
— Park, 385
— Lodge, 385
— Sherlow, 385
Ercall Childs, 278
Erway The, 233
Espley, 289
Eudon Burnell, 637
— Gorge, 637
Ewdness, 495
Evelith, 476
Eyton, (Alberbury), 672
Eyton & Plowden, 703
Eyton-on-the Wild-Moors, 392
— Hall, 393
— (Baschurch), 215
Eyton-on-Severn, 451
Exeter, Marquis of, 369
Faintree, 637
Farley, 681, 588
Farlow, 664
Farmcott, 468
Fauls, 306
Felhampton, 707
Felton Butler, 241
Fenn Gate, 495
Fennemere, 216
Fernhill, 211
Field Aston, 382
Finger Lane, 375
Fires, 405
First Fruits & Tenths, 25
Fitz, 135
— Hall, 136
Fletcher, Rev. Jno., 570
Ford, 676
— Hundred, 670
Forester, Lord, 591
Forton, 253
Frankton (English) 235
Frankfort (Welsh), 211
Friars, 24
Frodesley, 508
— Hall, 508
Funnanvair, 713
Gabowen, 210
Garmstone, 394
Gatacre, 468
General History of County, 7
Gentlemen’s Seats, 27
Glaseley, 645
Giant’s Grave, 157
Glanyrafon House, 155
Golding, 504
Goldston, 261
Grafton, 136
— Lodge, 136
Gravehanger, 298
Great Ness, 240
Greenhill, 235
Greet, 668, 667
Gretton, 546
Grimmer, 693
Grimpo, 205
Grindley Brook, 361
Grinshill, 136
Grove, 707
Guilden Down, 709
Guilds, 24
Habberley, 677
Habberley Office, 693
Hadley, 436
Hadnall, 142
Halford, 537
Hallon, 495
Halston, 147, 681
Hamlets, The, 514
Hampton Wood, 236
— Welsh, 255
Hanwood Great, 677
— Little, 681
Harcourt, 316
Harcourt, 659
Hardwick, 144, 236, 704
Harley by Wenlock, 589
— (Condover), 509
Harlscott, 132
Harmer Hill, 248, 251
Harnage, 504
Hartleberry, 495
Haston, 144
Hatton Cold, 387
Hatton by Eaton, 537
— Shiffnal, 476
Haughmond, 137
Haughton, 204
— (High Ercall), 389
— (Shiffnal), 477
— Hall, 477
— (Upton Magna), 420
Hawkstone, 285
Hayes, 693
Hayton Lower, 549
Hayton Upper, 549
Heath, 551
— Upper, 694
— Nether, 694
Heathton, 468
Heber Bishop, 281
Hem, 476
Hempton Load, 636
Hencott, 132
Hengoed Upper, 210
Henley, 665
Hentley or Henlle, 211
Henwicks Wood, 237
Herbert Lewd, 392
High Ercall, 384
— Hatton, 316
Highley, 645
Hill Cop Bank, 320
— Lord, 287, 301
— General Lord, 301
Hill-upon-Cott, 664
Hilton, 495
Hindford, 211
Hinnington, 476
Hinstock, 279
Hinton (Pontesbury), 681
— (Stottesden), 660
— (Whitchurch), 361
Hisland, 191
Hoccom, 495
Hockham, 495
Hockleton, 688
Hodnet, 280
Holdgate, 537
Holloway Ville, 542
Hollyhurst, 362
Holt Preen, 524
Holy Cross, 93
Holywell Lane, 375
Home 706
Homer, 589
Hooker Gate, 676
Hope, 694
— Baggot, 646
— Bendrid, 710
— Bowdler, 538
Hopesay, 701
Hopstone, 468
Hopton Castle, 702
— Cangeford, 539
— Court, 646
— and Espley, 289
— (Great Ness), 242
Hopton-in-the-Hole, 539
— Wafers, 646
Horderley, 701
Hordley, 244
Horton (St. Chad’s), 676
— (Wellington), 437
— (Wem), 332
Hospitals, 24
Howle, 374
Hughley, 564
Hundred of Albrighton, 132
— Bradford North, 256
— South, 364
— Brimstree, 452
— Chirbury, 687
— Clun, 707
— Condover, 498
— Ford, 670
— Munslow, 517
— Oswestry, 147
— Overs, 664
— Pimhill, 212
— Purslow, 696
— Stottesden, 610
— Wenlock Franchise, 554
Hungary Hatton, 270
Hungerford, 537
Hunkington, 420
Huntington, 566
Idsall, 476
Ifton Heath, 159
Ightfield, 292
Ingwardine, 660
Inwood, 680
Irelands Cross, 298
Iron Bridge, 568
Ironworks, 375, 438, 411, 654
Isle (The), 674
Isombridge, 389
Jackfield, 557
Jack of Corra, 305
Kemberton, 471
Kempton, 700
Kenley, 509
Kenstone, 289
Kenwick, 236
Kenwicks Wood, 337
Ketley, 438
Kevancalanog, 712
Kilhendre, 233
Kingslow, 495
Kingswood, 660
Kinlet, 647
Kinnerley, 148
Kinnersley 393
Kinnerley Argoed, 148
Kinnerton, 706
Kinton, 242
Knockin, 152
Knuck, 714
Knowbury St. Pauls, 635
Kynaston, 150
Lacon, 333
Lakes, 21
Langley, 499
Lawley, 439
Lawnt, 191
Lawton, 534
Lea and Oakley, 698
Lea, 681
Leasowes (The), 662
Leaton Knolls, 140
Leaton, 446
— (St. Mary’s) 141
Lee, 237
— Lee Bridge, 293
Leebotwood, 510
Lee Brockhurst, 293
— Gomery, 439
Leigh, 694
Leighton, 393, 694
Lilleshall, 394
— Abbey, 395
— House, 397
— Monument, 395
Lineal, 237
Linley (More), 703
— (Wenlock), 565
Little Betton, 499
— Brompton, 701
— Gane, 495
— Hanwood, 681
— Sutton, 534
— Shrawardine, 671
— Stretton, 530
— Wenlock, 565
Lizard Grange, 476
Llanvair Waterdine, 713
Llanforda, 191
Llanyblodwell, 153
Llanymyneck, 156
Llanytidman, 157
Llynck-lis-pool, 155
Llynclys, 155
Lodge The, 161
Longden, 681
Longden-upon-Tern, 399
Longford, 297, 399
Long Lane, 447
Longner, 134, 510
Longslow, 277
Longville, 537
Longwaist, 417
Loppington, 245
Lossford, 289
Lowe and Ditches, 333
Lowe, 660
Lower Down, 703
— Park, 534
Ludford, 540
Ludlow, 592
Ludstone, 468
Lurkinghope, 705
Lushcott, 537
Lutwyche Hall, 536
Ludbury North, 702
Lydham, 703
Lydley Heys, 524
Lyth, 503
Lythe (The), 231
Madeley, 567
Maesbrook Ucha, 151
— Issa, 150
Maesbury, 192
Magistrates, List of, 27
Mainstone, 714
Malins Lee, 375
Maneythesney, 713
Manufactures, 21
Manutton, 710
Marchamley, 290
Market Drayton, 262
Marrington, 688
Marsh, 685
Marsh Green, 389
Marton (Chirbury), 688
— (Middle), 251
— (Ellesmere), 237
Marton Old, 211
Mawley Manor House, 641
Meadow Town, 694
Medlicott, 706
Meeson, 370
— Hall, 370
Melverley, 162
Meole Brace, 511
Merehouse, 216
Merrington, 145
Messon, 370
Mickley, 306
Middle, 248
Middlehope, 534
Middleton (Alberbury), 672
— (Bitterley), 665
— (Chirbury), 689
— (Oswestry), 192
— Priors, 590
— Scriven, 648
Milford Hall, 217
Millen Heath, 307
Millichope, 537
— (Munslow), 542
Milson, 669
Mines, 21
Minsterley, 678
Minton, 530
Monasteries, see Abbeys
Monastic Institutions, 23
Monk Hopton, 579
Montford, 252
Mooretown, 388
Moore & Batchcot, 544
Moore, 544
Moot Hall, 68
Morton, 192
More, 703
Moreton Corbet, 293
Moreton Say, 295
Moretown, 89
Morewood, 704
Morrey, The, 258
Morville, 649
Moston, 316
Much Wenlock, 579
Muckleton, 312
Mucklewick, 691
Munslow, 541
— Hundred, 517
Muxton, 398
Myndtown, 704
Mytton, 136
Nash, 667
Neen Savage, 650
Neen Solars, 669
Neenton, 651
Nesscliff, 242
Ness Great, 240
— Little, 216
Netley, 515
Newcastle, 710
Newnes, 238
Newnham, 681
New Marton, 237
Newport, 400
Newton & Edgbold, 512
— and Spoonhill, 239
Newton, 142
— (Ellesmere) 239
— (Stottesden), 660
Newton on-the-Hill, 251
— (Worfield), 495
— (Westbury), 685
Newtown (Baschurch), 212
— (Wem), 333
Nobold, 512
Noneley, 248
Norbury, 704
Nordley Regis, 611
North Bradford Hundred, 256
Northwood (Ellesmere) 238
Northwood (Stottesden), 660
— (Wem), 334
Norton (Wroxeter), 451
— (Culmington), 532
Norton in Hales, 299
Nox, 682
Nursery, The, 205
Oaken Gates, 205
Oakes, 682
Oakley Park, 520
Obarris, 710
Obley, 700
Offa’s Dyke, 14, 210
Oldington, 495
Old Marlon, 211
Old Parr, 672
Old Oswestry, 169
Ollerton, 313
Onibury, 542
Onslow, 675
Oreton, 660
Orleton, 444
Osbaston, 151, 389
Oswestry, 163
— Hundred, 147
Oteley, 239
Overton, 545
— (Stottesden), 660
Overs, Hundred of, 664
Overton & Woofferton, 545
Oxen, 687
Palms Hill, 336
Pant, 190
Parish Registers, 26
Parr Old, 672
Patton, 550
Pave Lane, 382
Peaton, 534
Peerlogue, 710
Pentre Coed, 234
— (Edgerley), 150
Pentregaer, 193
Pentrehodrey, 710
Pentre Pant Hall, 200
— Ucha Hall, 151
— Shannel House, 194
Peplow, 290
Perthy Bank, 236
Petton, 253
Picklescott, 514
Pickstock, 383
Pickthorn, 660
Pimhill, 248
— Hundred, 212
Pimley House, 146
Pipegate, 298
Pitchford, 513
Pixley, 280
Plaish, 524
Plas-Yollen, 233
Plas-Warren, 233
Plealey, 682
Plowden, 703
Pontesbury, 679
Pontesford, 682
Population, 23
Porkington, 200
Porthywaen, 156
Posenhall, 556
Poston, 534
Poston Lower, 542
Poynton, 389
Preceptories, 24
Prees, 301
Prees-gwene House, 161
Prescott, 217
— (Stottesden), 660
Presthorpe, 589
Preston Brockhurst, 295
— Gobalds, 145
Preston-upon-the-Wild Moors, 415
— Montford, 684
— Boats, 420
— Wood, 295
Priestweston, 689
Priors Ditton, 589
Priors Lee, 476
Priories, 24
Providence Grove, 143
Pully, 512
Purslow Hundred, 696
Queen Anne’s Bounty, 25
Quatford, 652
Quatt, 654
— Jarvis, 654
— Malvern, 654
Quinta, The, 161
Ragdon, 539
Railways, 21
Ratlinghope, 704
Redcastle Hill, 288
Rednal, 204
Reilth, 714
Rhiston, 691
Rhos Goch, 694
Rhuddleford, 495
Richards Castle, 543
Ridge Higher, 239
— Lower, 239
Rindleford, 495
Ritton, 706
Rivers, 19
Roads, 21
Rock, 549
Rodington, 417
Roden, 390
Rodney’s Pillar, 672
Roman Invasion, 9
Romsley, 611
Roowood, 336
Rorrington, 689
Rossal, 674
Roughton, 495
Round Acton, 610
Rowley, 495
Rowton, 390
Rowton, 672
— (Stokesay), 553
Royal Oak, 463
Ruckley, 499
Rudge, 656
Rugantine, 712
Rushbury, 545
Roman Stations, 449, 545, 518, 654, 671, 694
Rushton, 451
Rushmore, 446
Ruthall, 590
Ruyton-of-the-Eleven-Towns, 196
Ryton, 472, 503
Sambrook, 261
Sandford, 204
— (Prees), 307
Sascott, 682
Saxon Gods, 14
Scrimage, 531
Selattyn, 199
Selley, 713
Severn, The, 19
Shadwell, 710
Shavington, 258
Shawbury, 309
Sheet, 540
Sheinton, 657
Shelbrook, 234
Shelderton, 700
Shelton & Oxon, 686
Shelve, 691
Shelvock, 198
Sheriff Hales, 397
Sherlowe, 385
Shiffnal, 473
Shineton, 657
Shipley, 469
Shipton, 547
Shotton, 144
Shooters Hill, 141
Shotatton, 199
Shrawardine, 254
— Little, 671
Shrewsbury, from 33 to 132
— Abbey, 49 and 72
— Abbots of, 74
— Almshouses, 85
— Annals, 79
— Anct. Mansions, 78
— Antiquarian and Nat. His. Society, 64
— Aquatic Excur., 72
— Assembly Rooms, 72
— Asylum, 66
— Barons of, 36
— Battle of, 36 & 133
— Baths Royal, 66
— Billiard Rooms, 72
— Bridges, 68
— Canal, 65
— Cattle Market, 68
— Chapels Ancient, 55
— Chapels Dissent, 55
— Charities, 82 to 93
— Charters, 44
— Coleham, 93
— Corporation, 42
— Council House, 78
— County Constab., 43
— County and Town Gaol, 63
— County Hall, 62
— Drapers Hall, 70
— Directory, 95
— Dispensary, 62
— Early Gov. of, 41
— Earls of, 35, 73
— Eye & Ear Dispensary, 62
— Frankwell, 93
— Fairs, 68
— Floods, 81
— Gaol, 63
— Gas Works, 67
— Gates & Posterns, 77
— Glass Staining, 71
— Great Parlia., 36
— Holy Cross and St. Giles, 93
— Hospital, St. Giles, 51
— Hill’s Mansion, 79
— House of Indus., 65
— House of Correc., 65
— Infirmary, 61
— Ireland’s Mansion, 79
— Jones’s Mansion, 79
— Kingsland, 72
— Library Subscription, 65
— Lord Hill’s Column, 67
— Markets, 68
— Market Hall, 63
— Market House, 63
— Mechanics’ Institute, 65
— Meole Brace, 93
— Mercer’s Hall, 71
— Monastic Foundation, 72
— Monks of, 73
— Municipal Act, 42
— Music Hall, 64
— Newspapers, 64
— News Room, 65
— Parishes of, 92
— Parliament at, 36
— Population, 34
— Public Buildings, 61
— Quarry The, 71
— Races, 72
— Railway Station, 67
— Savings’ Bank, 66
— Schools, 57 to 61
— Severn River, 33
— Show, 71
— — Cakes, 71
— — Brawn, 71
— Simnell Cake, 71
— Streets, 94
— Subscrip. Library, 65
— Tailors’ Hall, 71
— Theatre, 64
— Town Hall, 62
— Town Walls, 77
— Trade, 69
— Trade Directy., 115
— Water Works, 66
— St. Alkmund’s Parish, 92
— St. Chad’s Parish, 93
— St. Julian’s Parish, 93
— St. Mary’s Parish, 93
Shropshire Giant, 240
Siberscott, 682
Sibdon Carwood, 705
— Castle, 705
Sidbury, 657
Siefton, 532
Silvington, 670
Skeletons, 157
Skyborry, 714
Sleap, (Ercall), 388
Sleap, (Wem), 335
Smethcott, 144
Smethcott, 513
Snailbeach Mine, 678
Snedshill, 477
— Ironworks and Collieries, 477
Snitton, 665
Sodylt Hall, 234
Soil and Produce, 22
Sowdley Great, 262
Soulton, 335
South Bradford Hundred, 364
Spoad, 710
Spoonhill, 239
Spoonley, 258
Spray Hill, 384
Stableford, 495
St. Almund’s, 92
St. Chad’s, 93
St. Paul’s, Knowbury, 635
Stanford, 672
Stanmore, 495
Stanton-upon-Hine Heath, 314
— Lacy, 548
— Long, 550
— Shiffnal, 476
Stanwardine-in-the-Fields, 217
— in-the Woods, 217
Stanway, 547
Stapleton, 515
Steele, 307
Stiperstone Hill, 507
Stirchley, 418
— Hall, 418
— Ironworks, 418
St. Julian’s, 93
St. Martin’s, 158
St. Bryngwyla School, 159
St. Mary’s, 93
St. Winefred’s Well, 206
Stitt and Gatten, 705
Stocks and Coptiviney, 239
Stockett, 236
Stockton, 484
— Park, 485
Stockton-by-Newport, 400
Stockton-by-Chirbury, 689
Stoke-by-Burford, 667
Stoke-upon-Terne, 312
Stoke, St. Milborough, 550
Stoke, Say, 552
Stone Acton, 547
Stottesden, 657
— Hundred, 610
Stowe, 705
Strefford, 707
Stretton, 685
— All, 530
— Church, 524
— Little, 530
Styche & Woodlands, 297
Sundorne Castle, 138
Sugdon, 407
Sutherland, 1st Duke of, 394
Sutton, (Claverley) 469
— (Drayton), 278
Sutton-by-Chelmarsh, 636
Sutton-by-Shrewsbury, 515
— Spa, 516
Sutton-by-West Felton, 204
— Maddock, 486
— Little, 534
— Great, 535
— Court, 534
Swancote, 495
Swerney, 193
— Hall, 194
Sychtyn, 201
Sylattin, 199
Tan-coed-y-gaer, 193
Talbot John, 338 & 357
Tasley, 662
Tedsmere, 205
Tern, 392
— House, 392
Tetchill, 239
Thanes, 521
Thoughlands, 542
Ticklerton, 537
Tibberton, 384
Tilley, 336
— Green, 336
Tilsop, 667
Tilstock, 362
Timberth, 689
Tir-y-coed, 152
Tobacco Pipes Manufactory, 556
Tonge, 486
— Castle, 487
Totterton, 703
Trebert, 714
Trebrodier, 712
Trefarclawdd, 194
Treflach, 194
Trefnant, 672
Trefonnen, 195
Trelystan, 694
Trench, 240
Trench-by-Wem, 336
— Lane, 448
Treprenal, 157
Treverward, 710
Triptych, 666
Tugford, 553
Twyford, 205
Tylsoer Dr., 343
Tyn-y-rhos, 162
Uckington, 367
Uffington, 145
Uppington, 418
Uppington, 672
Upton Cresset, 662
— Magna, 419
— Parva, or Waters Upton, 421
Vennington, 685
Wackley Lodge, 232
Walcot-by-Chirbury, 689
Walcot-by-Wellington, 439
Walcot Hall, 702
Walford, 218
Walker’s Lowe, 661
Wallop, 685
Wall-under-Haywood, 547
Walton-by-Ercall, 392
Walton-by-Onibury, 543
Walton-by-Wenlock, 588
Walton-by-Worthen, 695
Walton-by-Stottesden, 661
Wappenshall, 439
Wars, 9
Waters Upton, 421
Watling Street, 426
Watts Dyke, 210
Wattlesborough, 672
Wellington, 421
— Fairs, 422
— Gas Works, 424
— History, 422 to 425
— Horticultural Society, 425
— Market Hall, 423
— News Room, 424
— Old Hall, 425
— Schools, 423
— Streets, 427
Welsh Frankton, 211
— Hampton, 255
Wem, 317
Wenlock Much, 579
— Edge, 589
— Franchise, 554
— Little, 565
Wentnor, 705
Westbury, 684
West Felton, 202
— Foreign Libty., 641
— Hamlet, 549
Westhope, 535
Westley, 503
Westley, 685
Weston-by-Clun, 709
Weston-by-Burford, 667
Weston Cotton, 195
Weston-by-Hopton, 579
Weston Lullingfield, 218
—Rhyn, 161
— Coalworks, 161
— Under Red Castle, 290
— Stowe, 705
Wettleton, 553
Whattall, 236
Wheathill, 663
Wheathall, 503
Wheel Green, 496
Whetmore, 667
Whitchurch, 337
Whitcott & Hardwick, 704
Whitcott Evan, 710
Whitcott Keysett, 711
White Ladies, 463
Whitley, 676
Whittington, 207
Whitton-by-Westbury, 685
Whitton-by-Burford, 667
Wicherley Hall, 218
Whixall, 307
Whigmore, 685
Whigwig, 589
Wikey, 199
Wilcott, 244
Wilderhope, 547
Wilderley, 508
Willaston, 308
Willey, 591
Wilmington, 689
Willstone, 524
Winnington, 672
Winsbury, 689
Winscote, 496
Winsley, 685
Wirswall, 364
Wistanstow, 706
Wistanswick, 373
Withington, 440
Wittingslow, 707
Wixhall, 291
Wollascott, 142
Wollaston, 672
Wollerton, 291
Wolf’s Head, 242
Wolverley, 336
Wombridge, 440
— Priory, 441
Woodbatch, 698
Woodcote, 442
Woodcote-by-St. Chad’s, 676
Woodhall, 681
Woodhouse, 477
Woodhouse, 204
Woodhouses New, 363
Woodhouses Old, 363
Woodlands, 297
Woodseaves, 278
Woodside, 477
Woofferton, 545
Woolstaston, 516
Woolston, 206
Woolston, 707
Woore, 298
Wooton, 196
Wootton, 549
Worfield, 491
Worthen, 692
Wotherton, 689
Woundale, 469
Wrentnall, 508
Wrickton, 661
Wrockwardine, 443
— Wood, 447
Wroxeter, 448
Wycherley The Poet, 141
Wyke, 476
Wyke-by-Wenlock, 558
Wyken, 496
Wykey, 199
Wytheford Magna, 312
Wytheford Parva, 312
Yeaton, 219
Yockleton, 685
Yorton, 134
GENERAL HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF SHROPSHIRE.
SHROPSHIRE is an inland county on the borders of Wales, bounded on the
north by Denbighshire, Cheshire, and a detached part of Flintshire: on
the east by Staffordshire: on the south by Worcestershire, Herefordshire,
and Radnorshire: and on the west by Montgomery and Denbighshire. In
length, from north to south, it is about forty-five miles, and its
extreme breadth thirty-five. Its circumference is computed at 200 miles;
and it comprises an area of 1,343 square statute miles, and,
consequently, 859,520 acres. The county, in Saxon annals, is called
_Scrobbesbyrig_ and _Scrobbescire_, and by Latin authors, _Comitates
Salopiensis_. It is one of the shires, which, in the time of the Romans,
was inhabited by the Cornavii, whose province comprehended the counties
of Cheshire, Salop, Stafford, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire. At the
census of 1801, the county embraced a population of 167,639 souls: 1831,
222,800: 1841, 239,048, of whom 119,355 were males, and 119,693 females.
At the same period, there were 47,208 inhabited houses, 2,086
uninhabited, and 293 houses building. The number of persons born in the
county in these returns was 203,689: in other counties, 3,240: in
Scotland, 391: in Ireland, 1,199: in the British colonies, 14: foreigners
in the county, 161: not specified where born, 1,144. Of the total
population, 55,645 males, and 54,624 females, were under 20 years of age:
12,189 were between sixty and seventy years of age: 6,006 between seventy
and eighty: 1,905 between eighty and ninety: 139 between ninety and one
hundred: and the age of 5 persons exceeded one hundred years. The total
population of the fifteen unions, into which the county of Shropshire is
divided, at the census of 1851, are returned as containing 245,019
inhabitants, of whom 122,122 were males, and 122,997 females.
Shropshire is divided into the hundreds of Albrighton, Bradford,
Brimstree, Chirbury, Clun, Condover, Ford, Munslow, Oswestry, Overs,
Pimhill, Purslow, Stottesden, and Wenlock franchise, and contains 224
parishes, and 5 extra-parochial places. By the recent Reform and
Division of Counties’ Acts, this county is divided into the northern and
southern divisions, each of which returns two members to Parliament. The
boroughs of Shrewsbury, Bridgnorth, Ludlow, and Wenlock also return two
members each. The expenditure of the county for the year ending
December, 1850, was £12,156. 17s. 4¼d., of which £3,587. 10s. 2d. was
expended on the Gaol and House of Correction; £2,257. 10s. 7d. in
prosecutions; £605. 17s. 5d. on bridges and roads; £562. 13s. 4d. on the
Lunatic Asylum; coroners, £501. 1s. 2d., and Clerk of the Peace, £436.
4s. 9d. Judge Blackstone says:—England was first divided into counties,
hundreds, and tithings by Alfred the Great, for the protection of
property and the execution of justice. Tithings were so called because
ten freeholders formed one. Ten of these tithings were supposed to form
a hundred or wapentake, from an ancient ceremony, in which the governor
of a hundred met all the aldermen of his district, and holding up his
spear, they all touched it with theirs, in token of subjection and union
to one common interest. An indifferent number of these wapentakes, or
hundreds, form a county or shire, for the civil government of which a
shire-reeve or sheriff is elected annually. The magistrate above the
hundredry was called the trithingman or lathgrieve, presided over three,
four, or more, hundreds, formed into what was called a trithing, in some
places a lathe, and in others a rape; hence the lathes of Kent, the rapes
of Sussex, the parts of Lincoln, and trithings or ridings of Yorkshire.
The kingdom was divided into parishes soon after the introduction of
Christianity, by Honorius, Archbishop of Canterbury, in the year 636, and
the boundaries of them, as marked in Doomsday book, agree very nearly
with the present division. The custom, which still continues, of making
the hundreds responsible for the excesses of a lawless mob, is an
appendage of the Saxon system of tithing. As the extreme ignorance of
the age made deeds and writings very rare, the County or Hundred Court
was the place where the most remarkable civil transactions, were
finished, and, in order to preserve a memorial of them, and prevent all
future disputes, here testaments were promulgated, slaves manumitted,
bargains of sale concluded, and, sometimes, for greater security, the
most considerable of these deeds were inserted in the blank leaves of the
parish Bible, which thus became a kind of register, too sacred to be
falsified. It was not unusual to add to the deed an imprecation on all
such as should be guilty of that crime. In the County Court or
shiremotes, all the freeholders were assembled twice a year, and received
appeals from the other inferior courts. They there decided all causes,
ecclesiastical as well as civil, and the Bishop, together with the
Alderman or Earl, presided over them. All affairs were determined
without much pleading, formality, or delay, by a majority of voices, and
the Bishop or Alderman had no further authority than to order among the
freeholders. Where justice was denied during three sessions by the
Hundred, and then by the County Court, there lay an appeal to the King’s
Court; but this was not practised on slight occasions. Two-thirds of the
fines levied in these Courts went to the King, and made no contemptible
share of the public revenue.
Historians all agree that the Aborigines of Britain were a tribe of
Gauls, who emigrated from the continent, probably a thousand years before
the Christian era. Previous to the Roman conquest, the ancient Britons
inhabiting the southern parts of the island had made some little progress
towards civilization, but those in the north were wild and uncultivated,
and subsisted chiefly by hunting and the spontaneous productions of the
earth, wearing for their clothing the skins of animals killed in the
chase, and dwelling in habitations formed of the interwoven branches of
the forest. They were divided into small nations or tribes. Each state
was divided into factions within itself, and was agitated with emulation
towards the neighbouring states; and while the arts of peace were yet
unknown, wars were their chief occupation, and formed the principal
object of ambition among the people. Their religion was Druidical, but
its origin is not known. Some assert that the Druids accompanied the
Gauls in early ages, and others that Druidism was first introduced into
England by the Phœnicians, who were the first merchants that traded to
this island, and for a considerable time monopolized a profitable trade
in tin and other useful metals. Their government, (according to Diodorus
Siculus, the ancient historian,) though monarchical, was free, and their
religion, which formed one part of their government, was Druidical.
Justice was dispensed, not under any written code of laws, but on
equitable principles; and on difference of opinion in the assembled
congress, appeal was made to the Arch-Druid, whose decision was final.
Their religious ceremonies were performed in high places and in deep
groves, and consisted in worshipping the God of nature, and rendering him
praise on the yearly accession of the seasons. The priests possessed
great authority among them, besides ministering at the altar, and
directing all religious duties; they enjoyed an immunity from wars and
taxes; they possessed both the civil and criminal jurisdiction; they
decided all controversies among estates, as well as among private
persons, and whoever refused to submit to their decree, was exposed to
the most severe penalties; the sentence of excommunication was denounced
against him; he was forbidden access to the sacrifices of public worship;
he was debarred all intercourse with his tribe, even in the common
affairs of life; he was refused the protection of law, and death itself
became an acceptable relief from the misery and infamy to which he was
exposed.
The means by which religion was supported was by voluntary offerings and
tithes, and in this respect we find a similarity with all nations of
antiquity. Despite the corruptions and philosophical atheism in which
the Druidical religion became involved, candour demands of us that the
Druids were in possession of learning as extensive and more useful than
some of their Christian posterity, who, from the eighth century to the
Reformation, were almost wholly employed in scholastic divinity,
metaphysical or chronological disputes, legends, miracles, and
martyrologies, and Dr. Kennedy informs us that in St. Patrick’s time no
fewer than 300 volumes of their books were burnt, and no doubt the same
was practised so long as a volume could be found. By this destruction a
wide chasm has been made in the historical details of this country.
Julius Cæsar, in his “_Commentarii de Bello Gallico_,” informs us that
the Druids inculcated the doctrine of the immortality and transmigration
of the soul, and discoursed with the “Youth about the heavenly bodies,
their motion, the size of the heavens and the earth, the nature of
things, and the influence and power of the immortal Gods.” The misletoe
was their chief specific in medicine, and nothing was held so sacred as
the misletoe of the oak, which, being scarce, was gathered with great
ceremony on a certain day appointed for their general festival. In the
civil government of this ancient people capital offenders were sentenced
to death, and sacrificed in the most solemn manner. The spoils of war
were often devoted to their divinities on the altars of their temples.
At the time of the Roman invasion the British Druids exerted their utmost
zeal in opposing the usurpation of that foreign power. The invaders on
the other hand fired with equal resentment, endeavoured to establish
their security by the extermination of the Druidic order, and its priests
were sacrificed to this barbarous policy; many fled to the island of
Anglesey, and afterwards perished in the flames by the orders of
Seutonius, and great numbers were cut off in an unsuccessful revolt of
the Britons, under Queen Boadicea, after which the power and splendour of
the Druids rapidly declined. No species of superstition was ever more
terrible than that of the Druids; no idolatrous worship ever attained
such an ascendant over mankind; and the Romans after their conquest
finding it impossible to reconcile those notions to the laws and
institutions of their masters, while it maintained its authority, were at
last obliged to abolish it by penal statutes—a violence which had never
in any other instance been practised by these tolerating conquerors.
The Britons had long remained in a rude and independent state, when
Cæsar, having overrun all Gaul by his victories, first cast his eye on
this island, and being ambitious of carrying his arms into a new world
then mostly unknown, he took advantage of a short interval in his
continental wars, and made an invasion in Britain fifty-five years before
the birth of Christ. In his first expedition the Kentish Britons
immediately opposed him, and compelled him to fight in the vicinity of
Dover, combating even amongst the waves with singular courage; and,
although Cæsar, observing his troops to be dispirited by the attacks of
the enemy, ordered up his vessels with his artillery, and poured from
their sides stones, arrows, and missiles; yet the natives sustained these
unusual discharges with unshaken intrepidity, and the invaders made no
impression until the standard bearer of the 10th legion rushed forward,
exclaiming, “Follow me, unless you mean to betray your standard to your
enemies.” Upon which the Roman legions were incited to that desperate
and close battle, which at length forced back the Britons and secured a
landing. The inhabitants of the neighbourhood then sent a message of
peace, but four days afterwards a tempest dispersing the enemy’s fleet
they attacked the Romans afresh. Cæsar’s invasion in the ensuing summer
was more formidable: it was made with five well appointed legions, and
two thousand cavalry, amounting in the whole to thirty thousand of the
best disciplined troops then known, and under the ablest commanders.
Terrified at the menacing approach of such a force, the inhabitants
retired among the hills, and Cæsar having effected a landing without
opposition, and chosen a proper place for the security of his fleet,
(supposed to be where the town of Deal, in Kent, now stands), hastened on
to the scene of conflict, and found the Britons had assembled in great
numbers from all parts, who continued an unequal contest with the Roman
legions for several days, but were at length utterly routed, and great
numbers of them slain, nor did the Britons ever after this engage the
Romans with their united forces. Cæsar then led his army to the river
Thames, towards the territories of Cassivellaunus, the principal leader
of the defeated Britons, on the submission of whom, and having imposed an
annual tribute on the vanquished, and received the hostages which he
demanded, marched back to the sea shore, and shortly after took his final
leave of Britain. The civil wars which ensued, and which ended in the
establishment of an absolute monarchy at Rome, saved the Britons from
that yoke which was about to be imposed on them, the conquerors having
little force to spare for the preservation of distant conquests; the
Britons were therefore left to themselves, and for nearly a century after
the invasion of Cæsar, enjoyed unmolested their own civil and religious
institutions. In the interval between the first and second invasion of
Britain by the Romans, the founder of the Christian religion had
accomplished his divine mission, in a province of the Roman empire, but
almost without observation at Rome. In the reign of Claudius the Romans
began to think seriously of reducing the Britons under their dominion,
and Plautius, an able general, sent over A.D. 43, gained some victories,
and made considerable progress in subduing the inhabitants. Claudius
himself finding matters sufficiently prepared for his reception, made a
journey into Britain, and received the submission of several British
states, among which were the Cantic, Antrebates, Regni, and Trinobantes,
who inhabited the south-east part of the island. The other Britons under
the command of Caractacus still maintained an obstinate resistance, and
the Romans made little progress against them till Ostorious Scapula was
sent over, in the year 50, to command the armies. This general rapidly
advanced the Roman conquests over the Britons, pierced into the country
of the Silures—a warlike tribe who inhabited the banks of the Severn, and
fought a great battle with Caractaeus upon the hill called Caer Caradoc,
not far from Clun, on which are the remains of an ancient fortification
still to be seen. In this battle the British leader artfully availed
himself of his knowledge of the country, and posted himself on a spot,
the approaches and retreats of which were as advantageous to his own
party as they were perplexing to the enemy. Caractacus running from one
part of the camp to another, animated them by the valorous deeds of their
ancestors, and told them that the work of that day would be the beginning
of new liberty or of eternal slavery. The people received these animated
harangues with loud acclamations, and engaged according to the solemn
rites of their religion, never to yield to weapons or wounds. Their
resolution astonished the Roman general, and the river which flows at the
foot of the hill, together with the ramparts and steeps, presented to the
assailants a formidable and resolute appearance. The Britons, who had no
armour or helmets to shelter them, were at length thrown into confusion,
and great numbers of them perished by the broad swords and javelins of
the legionaries, who obtained an illustrious victory. The wife and
daughter of Caractacus were taken prisoners, and his brother submitted to
the conqueror. Caractacus threw himself upon the protection of the Queen
of Brigantes, and was treacherously delivered up to the Romans shortly
after. The fame of Caractacus had reached Rome, and the people were
assembled as to some great sight when the British prisoners arrived
there. First in the procession we are informed came the king’s
dependants and retinue, and the trappings and collars and trophies which
he had won in war; next his brothers, his wife and daughter, and last
himself was presented to public view; his body was mostly naked and
painted with figures of beasts; he wore a chain of iron about his neck,
and another about his middle; the hair on his head hanging down in curled
locks covered his back and shoulders. Caractacus neither by his looks
nor language pleaded for mercy, and when he came before the Emperor’s
seat expressed himself in these terms:—“Had I made that prudent use of my
prosperity, which my rank and fortune would have enabled me to make, I
had come hither rather as a friend, than as a prisoner; nor would you
have disdained the alliance of one descended from illustrious ancestors,
and sovereign over many nations. My present condition, disgraceful as it
is to myself, reflects glory on you. Possessed as I once was of horses,
men, arms, and wealth, what wonder is it if I parted from them with
reluctance. Had I sooner been betrayed, I had neither been distinguished
by misfortune nor you by glory. But if you now save my life I shall be
an eternal monument of your clemency.” The Emperor generously granted
the pardon of Caractacus, his wife, and brothers, who remained at Rome in
the highest esteem. At this time Christianity was preached in the
imperial city, and Brennus with others of his family became Christians.
At the expiration of seven years they were permitted to return, and were
thus furnished with a favourable opportunity of introducing the Gospel
into their own country, and were instrumental in reclaiming many of the
Britons from their ancient superstitions. It does not appear that
Caractacus was converted to Christianity at Rome, but his son Cyllin, and
his daughter Eigen, are both ranked among the British saints. Eigen
bestowed her hand on a British chieftain, and Claudia, one of her
sisters, is supposed to have become the wife of Pudens, a Roman senator.
Notwithstanding the misfortunes that befel Caractacus, the Britons were
not subdued; and this island was regarded by the ambitious Romans as a
field in which military honor might still be acquired. During the reign
of Nero, Suetonius Paulinus was invested with the command, and prepared
to signalise his name by victories over these barbarians. Finding that
the island of Mona, (now Anglesey), was the chief seat of the Druids, he
resolved to attack it, and to subject a place which was the centre of
superstition, and which afforded protection to all their baffled forces.
The Britons endeavoured to obstruct his landing on this sacred island,
both by the force of arms and the terrors of their religion. The women
and priests were intermingled with the soldiers upon the shore, and
running about with flaming torches in their hands, and tossing their
dishevelled hair; they struck greater terror into the astonished Romans
by their howlings, cries, and execrations, than the real danger from the
armed forces. But Suetonius exhorting his troops to contemn a
superstition which they despised, impelled them to the attack, drove the
Britons off the field, burned the Druids in the same fires which they had
prepared for their captive enemies, destroyed all the consecrated groves
and altars, and, having thus triumphed over the religion of the Britons,
he thought his future progress would be easy in reducing the people to
subjection.
The Britons, taking advantage of the absence of Suetonius, were shortly
after in arms, headed by Boadicea, the Queen of the Iceni, who had been
treated in the most ignominious manner by the Roman tribunes, and had
already attacked with success several settlements of their insulting
conquerors; the Romans, and all strangers, to the number of 70,000,
resident in London, are said to have been massacred: thus determined were
the British to cut off all hopes of peace or compromise with the enemy.
But this cruelty was revenged by Suetonius, in a great and decisive
battle, where 80,000 Britons perished, and Boadicea herself, rather than
fall into the hands of the enraged victor, put an end to her own life by
poison. But the dominion of the Romans was not finally established till
A.D. 80, when the Roman legions were placed under the command of Julius
Agricola. This celebrated commander formed a regular plan of subduing
Britain, and rendering the acquisition useful to the conquerors. He
carried his victorious arms northward, defeated the Britons in every
encounter, pierced into the forests and mountains of Caledonia, reduced
everything to subjection in the southern parts of the island and chased
before him all the men of fiercer and more intractable spirits, who
deemed war and death itself less tolerable than servitude under the
victors. Agricola endeavoured to secure his conquest by erecting a chain
of forts across the isthmus between the Frith of Forth and the Clyde, and
in the year 84 he extended a chain of stations from Solway Frith to
Tynemouth. He introduced laws and civilization among the Britons, taught
them to desire and raise all the conveniences of life, reconciled them to
the Roman language and manners, instructed them in letters and science,
and employed every expedient to render those chains which he had forged
both easy and agreeable to them. The inhabitants having experienced how
unequal their own force was to resist that of the Romans, acquiesced in
the dominion of their masters, and were gradually incorporated as a part
of that mighty empire. The chain of stations erected by Agricola was
afterwards connected by an earthen rampart, raised by the Emperor Adrian
as an obstruction to the Caledonians, who frequently descended and
committed the most dreadful ravages in the Roman territories.
The early commerce of the ancient Britons was carried on by barter,
without the aid of money, but about the commencement of the Christian era
a mint master was invited over to Britain from the continent. A mint was
erected at Colchester, and money of gold, silver and copper was coined in
that city; about forty different specimens have reached our times. Mines
both of silver and gold were worked in the island during the reigns of
Augustus and Trajan. The Romans drew their revenues from various
sources; commerce, mines, legacies, houses, and lands all contributed to
supply their exactions; and as they had suggested to the natives the mode
of making money, they did not fail to supply the exhausted treasury of
Rome from the industry of Britain. A succession of ages had almost
identified the Britains with the Roman conquerors; and when the Emperors,
pressed by difficulties at home, and weakened by their possessions
abroad, began to withdraw their legions from this island, the inhabitants
importuned them to remain, to protect them from the incursions of the
Picts and Scots. The wall of Severus was no longer a barrier to these
semi-barbarians. During the residence of the Romans in this island,
comprehending a period of 400 years, many great public works were
accomplished, and they left behind them numerous monuments of their skill
and industry. The conquered country was divided into six provinces, each
of them governed by a prætor and præstor, the former charged with the
general administration of government, and the latter with the management
of finances.
In the year 450, two years after the last Roman legion had quitted
England, Hengist and Horsa, two brothers, reputed descendants in the
fourth generation from Wodin, one of the principal gods of the Saxons,
embarked their army, to the number of 1,600, on board three vessels, and
landing in the Isle of Thanet, immediately marched to the defence of the
Britons, who had invited them over to protect them against their northern
invaders. Having expelled the enemy, the fertility and richness of the
country presented a temptation too strong to be resisted by the ambition
of these newly acquired friends, who soon began to aspire to the
possession of the island. The Saxons of Germany soon after reinforced
Hengist and Horsa with 5,000 men, who came over in seventeen vessels.
Roused by this display of treachery, the native inhabitants flew to arms,
and fought many battles under Vortimer with their enemies; the victories,
however, in these actions are disputed by the British and Saxon annalist,
but the progress made by the Saxons proves that the advantage was
commonly on their side. It was about the year 455 the Hengists aiming at
an independent sovereignty in Britain, began the conquest of the
territory, and a series of battles ensued between Hengist and Horsa on
the one side, and Vortimer and Catigern, two sons of Vortigern, on the
other. The battle of Aylesford is memorable for the death of Horsa on
the side of the Saxons, and of Catigern on that of the Britons. But
Hengist, continually reinforced by fresh numbers from Germany, carried
devastation into the most remote corners of Britain; and being chiefly
anxious to spread the terrors of his arms, he spared neither age, sex,
nor condition, wherever he marched with his victorious forces. The
private and public edifices of the Britons were reduced to ashes, the
priests were slaughtered on the altars; others deserted their native
country and took shelter in Armorica, where, being charitably received by
a people of the same language and manners, they settled in great numbers,
and gave the country the name of Brittany.
King Arthur, in the year 518, almost expelled the Saxons from the island;
but after the death of this monarch, the Saxons again prevailed under
various leaders, and the island was divided into seven kingdoms. Thus
was established the Heptarchy, Shropshire being included in the kingdom
of Mercia, which reached from London to the Mersey. In the kingdoms of
the Heptarchy, an exact rule of succession was either unknown or not
strictly observed, and thence the reigning prince was continually
agitated with jealousy against all the princes of the blood, whom he
still considered as rivals, and whose death alone could give him entire
security in his possession of the throne. From this fatal cause,
together with the admiration of the monastic life, and the opinion of
merit attending the preservation of chastity, even in a married state,
the royal families had been entirely extinguished in all the kingdoms
except that of Wessex; and Egbert was the sole descendant of those first
conquerors who subdued Britain, and who enhanced their authority by
claiming a pedigree from Woden, the supreme divinity of their ancestors.
The Mercians, before the accession of Egbert, had very nearly attained
the absolute sovereignty over the Heptarchy. He had reduced the East
Angles under subjection, and established tributary princes in the
kingdoms of Kent and Essex. Northumberland was involved in anarchy, and
no state of any consequence remained but that of Wessex, which, being
much inferior in extent to Mercia, was supported by the great qualities
alone of its sovereign. Egbert led his army against the invaders,
obtained a complete victory, and, by the slaughter executed on them in
their flight, gave a mortal blow to the power of the Mercians. Egbert,
however, allowed Mercia, East Anglia, and Northumberland the power of
electing a King, who paid him tribute, and was dependent on him. Thus
were united all the kingdoms of the Heptarchy, in the year 823, in one
great state, near 400 years after the first arrival of the Saxons in
Britain. The fortunate arms and prudent policy of Egbert at last
effected what had been so often attempted in vain, by other princes.
Union in the government gave the people hopes of settled tranquillity,
but these fair expectations were speedily blasted by the re-appearance of
the Danes, who for some ages had kept the Anglo-Saxons in a state of
perpetual alarm. For upwards of forty years, and through five successive
reigns, the Danes continued the struggle, and, at the death of Etheldred,
his brother Alfred, the successor to the throne, was obliged to abandon
the field, and seek an asylum as a swine-herd. Emerging afterwards from
his retreat, he expelled the invaders, and contributed essentially to lay
the foundations of those institutions on which the glorious
superstructure of English liberty, was finally erected. Alfred soon
perceived that an army without a maritime force, must ever be at the
mercy of every piratical plunderer, determined to store his ports with
shipping; and vessels larger than those in use in the surrounding nations
were built, many of which carried sixty oars. The unremitting attention
of this illustrious prince to the navy, contributed to increase the
blessings of his reign, and has obtained for him the title of “Father of
the British Navy.”
Of the Saxon system of government it may be observed, that it had in it
the germ of freedom, if it did not always exhibit the fruit. In religion
they were idolators, and their idols, altars, and temples, soon
overspread the country. They had a god for every day of the week.
_Thor_, the God of thunder, represented Thursday; _Woden_, the God of
battle, represented Wednesday; _Friga_, the God of love, presided over
Friday; _Seater_, the God of Saturday, had influence over the fruits of
the earth; _Tuyse_, the God of the Dutch, conferred his name on Tuesday;
they also worshipped the sun and the moon, each conferring a name on one
of the days of the week; _Sunnan_, on Sunday; and _Monan_, on Monday.
The merit of eradicating this baneful superstition, by the introduction
of Christianity, was reserved for a Roman Pontiff. Gregory, surnamed the
Great, who, in the year 597, sent Augustine, a monk, into the south, and
Paulinus into the north of England, by whose preaching the Christian
religion made such rapid progress, that it soon became the prevailing
faith, and Augustine was elevated to the Archbishopric of Canterbury, and
Paulinus was made Archbishop of York. He was the first to preach
Christianity in Mercia, where he followed the victorious arms of Edwin,
King of Northumbria.
The greater part of this country was inhabited by the Cornavii and
Ordovices, the first of which occupied the eastern side of the Severn,
whose capital was Uriconium, now Wroxeter, and the latter were confined
to the western side of the Severn. Though the troops of the Cornavii
were registered in the declension of the empire, it is supposed that they
submitted to the Roman yoke upon easier terms than their neighbours, who
held out some time ere their liberty was wrested from them. The Romans
allotted one side of the Severn, eastward, to Britannia Prima, and the
western side to Britannia Secunda. The Saxons made Watling street, that
runs through the middle of the county, the boundary between them and the
Danes, but when the compact with the Danes was broken, it returned to the
former division of England and Wales. After the Romans had abandoned the
Island, part of Shropshire was included in the kingdom of Powis, which
comprised portions of the counties of Chester, Flint, Denbigh, Radnor,
and Brecon, and the whole of Montgomeryshire, of which Pengwern
(Shrewsbury) was the capital. For near two centuries this section of
Powisland was the theatre of frequent and sanguinary contests between the
Britons and the Saxons; it was finally subdued and incorporated with
Mercia, the most powerful of the seven kingdoms forming the Saxon
Heptarchy. When the Danes invaded this island, and, by their formidable
incursions, seemed to threaten its total subjection, this part of the
kingdom of Mercia, though it suffered less than others, came in for a
share of the general calamity, and its chief city, Uriconium, was
destroyed. About the year 777, the seat of the Prince of Powis was
removed from Pengwern to Mantraval, in Montgomeryshire. The Britons, who
had made incursions into Mercia, were forced not only to abandon all
their conquests there, but also that part of their country which lay
between the Severn and OFFA’S DYKE, which that King threw up as a new
boundary between them and Mercia, instead of Severn, their former
boundary. The Britons had made their incursions into Offa’s territories,
while he was employed in subduing the Saxon kings, and having no
opposition, they were very successful, till at length Offa, being obliged
to conclude a peace with the English, that he might dispossess them of
their new acquisitions, in which he proved so successful as to force
their retreat, and to prevent their ever returning, threw up the
before-mentioned ditch. This ditch extended from the river Wye along the
counties of Hereford and Radnor, to Montgomeryshire, and thence near the
road between Bishop’s Castle and Newtown. It then passed by Mellington
Hall, where there is an encampment, and on to Leighton Hall, not far from
which it is lost for upwards of five miles, the channel of the Severn
probably serving for that space, as a continuation of the boundary. It
is again seen at Llandysilio and Llanymynech, from whence it runs to
Tref-y-clawdd, and below the race course, at Oswestry. It then passes
above Selattyn, whence it descends to the Ceriog, and goes by Chirk
Castle, and crosses the Dee and Rhuabon road, near Plas Madoc, and being
continued through Flintshire, ends a little below Holywell. Offa, after
having carried his arms over most parts of Flintshire, and vainly
imagined that his labours would restrain the Cambrian inroads, and
prevent incursions beyond the limits which he had decreed to be the
boundaries of his conquests. It is observable, says Pennant, that in all
parts the ditch is on the Welsh side, and that there are numbers of small
artificial mounds, the sites of small forts along its course. These were
garrisoned, and seem intended for the same purpose as the towers in the
famous Chinese wall, to watch the motions of their neighbours, and to
repel hostile incursions. The folly of this great work appeared on the
death of Offa, for the Welsh, with irresistible fury, carried their
ravages far and wide in the English marshes. Harold made an ordinance
that all Welshmen found beyond Offa’s Dyke, within the English pale, with
a weapon about him, was to have his right hand cut off by the King’s
officers.
In the year 1013, Seneyn, King of Denmark, landed with an army in this
country to revenge a cruel massacre of the Danes, which had taken place a
short time before; having brought his fleet up the Trent to Gainsborough,
and landed his forces, it created such a terror that the whole kingdom
was soon brought under his yoke; he, however, did not long enjoy his
success, for he died the following year, and was succeeded by his son
Canute, between whom and Edmund, the Saxon, several sanguinary
engagements took place, and the kingdom was for a short time divided. In
1041, Edward the Confessor was by the unanimous voice of the people
raised to the throne; having reigned twenty-five years he died, and with
him ended both the Saxon and Danish rule in this kingdom. Harold, the
son of Godwin, was the next to take possession of the throne, but he was
opposed by his brother Tosti, who formed a confederacy with Harfrager,
King of Norway; he entered the Humber with a considerable force, and
landed his troops in Yorkshire, where, in a deadly conflict, they were
completely overthrown by Harold, who left his brother and Harfrager among
the slain. Harold having retired to York to rejoice over his victory,
received information that William Duke of Normandy had landed with a
numerous and warlike army at Ravensey, in Sussex, to meet this unexpected
foe. Harold immediately marched his forces to Hastings, where in an
unsuccessful battle he lost his life. William the Conqueror had no
sooner taken possession of the throne, than he set up various claims to
his new possessions, but his principal right was that of conquest, and if
his sword had not been stronger than his titles, so many English estates
would not have been placed at his disposal. William brought in his train
a large body of Norman adventurers, and the roll of Battle Abbey, given
by Ralph Holinshead, contains the names of 629 Normans, who all became
claimants upon the fair territory of Britain, and the Saxon lords were
forced to resign their possessions. The landed property in this county
was chiefly given to Roger de Montgomery, his kinsman, whom he created
Earl of Shrewsbury, and of him, it was mostly held by knights’ service;
to William Pantulf he granted 29 lordships, of which Wem was the
principal, and he therefore made it the head of his barony. Ralph de
Mortimer had fifty manors, of which nineteen were held under Roger de
Montgomery; Roger Lacy had 23 manors: Roger Fitz Corbet 24 manors;
Osborne Fitz Richard nine; and Guarine de Meez one manor.
After so great an agitation as that produced by the conquest, some years
were necessary to restore a calm. A violent struggle was made to expel
the Normans, and York was the rallying point of the patriot army. To
suppress this formidable insurrection, William the Conqueror repaired in
person into the north at the head of a powerful army, swearing by the
“splendour of God,” his usual oath, that not a soul of his enemies should
be left alive. According to William of Malmesbury, confirmed by others,
the whole of the country was laid waste from the Humber to the Tees, and
for nine years neither spade nor plough was put in the ground, which was
the reason why _vasta_ so often occurs in Doomsday book. Knowing the
detestation in which he was held, the Norman Bastard, as historians
designate him, entertained a constant jealousy of the English, and he
obliged them every night at eight o’clock to extinguish their fires and
candles at the toll of a bell which obtained the name of “Curfew.”
Having by these sanguinary atrocities reduced the country to repose, the
Conqueror, in 1080, caused a survey to be taken of all the lands in the
kingdom, on the model of the book at Winchester, compiled by order of
Alfred the Great. This survey was registered in the national record
called the _Doomsday Book_, in which is the extent of the land in each
district, the state it was in, whether meadow, pasture, wood, or arable,
the name of the proprietor, the tenure by which it was held, and the
value at which it was estimated, were all duly entered. In order to make
this document complete, and its authority perpetual, commissioners were
appointed to superintend the survey, and the returns were made under the
sanction of juries of all orders of freemen in each district. After a
labour of six years the business was accomplished, and this important
document, the best memorial of the Conqueror, written in Roman, with a
mixture of Saxon, is still preserved in the Chapter House, Westminster.
For many years Doomsday Book remained unprinted, but in the 40th of the
reign of George III. his Majesty, by the recommendation of Parliament,
and with a proper regard to public interest, directed that it should be
printed for the use of the Members of Parliament, and also be deposited
in all the public libraries in the kingdom. The counties of
Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Durham, are not described
in Doomsday Book, probably owing to the desolation in which they were at
that time involved. Through all ages this “book of judicial verdict”
will be held in estimation, not only for its antiquity, but also for its
intrinsic value. At the time it was completed, it afforded the king an
exact knowledge of his own land and revenue; while the rights of his
subjects in all disputed cases were settled by it; and to the present
day, it serves to show what manor is, and what is not ancient demesne.
As the various parish histories of this county contains frequent extracts
from this document, it may be necessary to explain the land measures and
other obsolete feudal terms used at the time to which it refers. A
_perch_, five yards and a half; an _acre_, 160 square perches; an _ox
gauge_, or _bovate_, as much as an ox can till, or 28 acres; a _virgate
or yard of land_, 40 acres; a _carucate_, _carve_, or _plough land_,
generally eight ox gangs; a _hide_, as much as one plough would cultivate
in one year; a _knight’s fee_, five hides, or 200 acres of land;
_berewicks_ are manors within manors; _merchet_, or _maiden’s rent_, a
fine anciently paid by inferior tenants for the liberty to dispose of
their daughters in marriage; a _heriot_, a fine paid to the lord on the
death of a landholder; _tol_, a tribute for liberty to buy and sell;
_theane_, a liberty to a lord of a manor for judging bondmen and villeins
in his own court; _infangtheof_, a privilege of certain lords of manors
to pass judgment of theft, committed by the servants within their
district; _thelonia_, a writ lying for one who has the king’s demesne in
fee-farm to recover reasonable toll; _sockmen_, tenants who hold by
servile tenure; _borderers_, cottagers; _villein_, a member belonging to
a manor. In the time of the Conqueror _Earls_ began to be _feudal_,
_hereditary_ and _patrimonial_; and these, as appear by Doomsday, were
styled simple Earls, as Earl Hugh, Earl Roger, &c. Afterwards Earls were
created with an addition of the name of the place over which they had
jurisdiction, or of the principal seat where they resided; and they had,
as had been customary, the _third penny_ from the county where they
resided for their support. Soon after the conquest they began to be
created by charter, without any ceremony further than the delivery of it.
King John is the first mentioned who used the girding of the sword, by
which they were said to be invested with this honour. Thereupon the
Sheriff had command to make livery unto them the third penny of the plea
of the county, after which the Earl had a certain sum only allowed him
out of the profits of his county, as expressed in the patent for his
better support and dignity, and sometimes great possessions were given in
lands for the same purpose.
In the reign of William III., Hugh de Montgomery, second son of Earl
Roger, and who succeeded him in the Earldom of Shrewsbury, with the Earl
of Chester and Owen, a Welsh Lord, made an unexpected attack upon Wales,
and committed great atrocities upon the inhabitants. Many of the Welsh
fled into Ireland, and left their country to the mercy of the English.
Their flight gave their enemies an opportunity of continuing their march,
and they penetrated into Anglesey, where they destroyed all before them
with fire and sword. While they were thus exercising their cruelties,
Magnus, King of Norway, who had lately made himself master of the Isle of
Man, advanced as far as Anglesey. On the English endeavouring to hinder
him, the Earl of Shrewsbury was slain in the skirmish. His death was
looked upon as a just judgment for the cruelties committed by him in that
isle. The Earl’s death caused some disorder among the English troops,
and constrained them to abandon the shore; when Magnus landed, and
finding the English had left nothing to plunder, he shortly after
re-embarked. Earl Roger, who succeeded his brother Hugh in the Earldom
of Shrewsbury, being of a rash and discontented spirit, was among those
who favoured the claims of Duke Robert, in place of Henry I. On the
accession of Henry I. he rebelled, and fortified his castles in
Shropshire, and at Shrewsbury built and fortified a flank wall from each
side of the castle, across the isthmus, down to the Severn side; hereupon
the king declared him a traitor, and marched with a considerable force
against him. The earl perceiving that he had no forces to withstand the
attack of the king, confessed his treason, and was shortly after banished
to Normandy; but again appearing in arms, he was taken prisoner, and
ended a miserable life in close confinement at Wareham. About this
period the king sent several of his council to Shrewsbury, among whom
were Richard de Belmarsh, bishop of London, warden of the Marches, and
governor of the county of Salop, and others, to meet there Jorweth ap
Blithyn, on pretence of consulting with him about the king’s affairs; but
when he came there, contrary to all equity, he was condemned for treason
and committed to prison. The Marches of Wales are supposed to have been
settled by the Saxons, to prevent the incursions of the Welsh. The Lords
of the Marches claimed to provide silver spears, and support the canopy
of purple silk at the coronation of Queen Eleanor, consort of King Henry
III. The court of the Lord’s Marches was held at Ludlow, and the
jurisdiction extended from Chester to Bristol. All the country between
Offa’s Dyke and England was called the Marches, the Lords of which had
the power of life and death in their respective courts. In every
frontier manor a gallows was erected, and if any Welshmen came over the
boundary they were taken up and hanged; and if any Englishman was caught
on the Welsh side, he suffered the same fate. The houses were frequently
moated round, and palisades set round the edge of the moat, into which
place the inhabitants every night drove their cattle for better security.
If a Welshman got a cow or a horse over the bar he cried out “my own,”
and any person pursuing them further would be at the risk of his life.
After the death of the Earl of Macclesfield, the last lord president, the
court was dissolved. Shropshire being the frontier between England and
Wales, had more castles in it than any other county in England; on the
west side they stood so thick, says Dr. Fuller, “that it might seem
divided from Wales with a wall of continued castles.” Speed tells us,
“that besides several towns strongly walled, there were two and thirty
castles in this shire.”
In the year 1233, Richard, Earl of Pembroke, and several other noblemen,
being disgusted with the conduct of the King, broke out into open
rebellion, and taking advantage of the animosities subsisting between the
English and the Welsh, fled into Wales and joined Llewellyn, Prince of
Wales. Having collected an army, they laid waste all the Marches between
Wales and Shrewsbury, which town they plundered and put the inhabitants
to the sword. The King being then at Gloucester, called a council there,
when it was determined that the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Bishops
of Chester and Rochester, should be sent into Wales with offers of pardon
for all past injuries, and proposals of peace if they would return to
their obedience, which being accepted, peace was restored;
notwithstanding, soon after this the Earl was treacherously drawn away
into Ireland, and there killed, being stabbed in the back with a dagger.
The peace with the Welsh had but a short continuance, for in the year
1241 the King marched with his army from Gloucester to Shrewsbury,
designing from thence to have proceeded into Wales against David ap
Llewellyn, but during his residence here, a submission being made by
David, he stopped his march. In 1267, Henry again appeared in Shrewsbury
at the head of his army, designing to march against Llewellyn, whose
restless temper created new disturbances; but by the mediation of the
Pope’s Legate, and upon Llewellyn’s submission, a peace was concluded.
In the reign of Edward I. we find the disturbances of the Welsh still
continued; upon which account the courts of exchequer and king’s bench
were removed to Shrewsbury, that the Welsh might be awed into submission.
The situation of the inhabitants of Shropshire at this period was
peculiarly distressing: they were continually subject to the depredations
and incursions of the Welsh, their hostile and unmerciful neighbours; and
the wolves inhabiting the desolate mountains of that country, frequently
came down in herds, and ravaged whole districts. A commission was given
to Peter Corbet to destroy all he could find; and by offering a sum of
money to those who killed a certain number, and brought their heads to
Shrewsbury, they were in a short time considerably reduced.
Bishop Burnell was Chancellor in the year 1283, and the Lords and Commons
assembled at his seat at Acton Burnell, the Lords sitting in the castle,
and the Commons in a barn belonging to the monastery of Shrewsbury. On
this occasion, the famous statute of Acton Burnell was made, called the
statute merchant, by which act debtors in London, York, and Bristol were
obliged to appear before the different mayors, and agree upon a certain
day for payment, otherwise an execution was issued against their goods,
for imprisonment for debt did not take place till some hundred years
after this time. The Parliament was again summoned to meet at
Shrewsbury, on the morrow after Michaelmas day, to consult what course
should be taken with David, Prince of Wales, whom the King declares he
had received in his banishment, had nursed while an orphan, and enriched
out of his possessions. David, having fled from his brother Llewellyn,
Prince of Wales, who had imprisoned his two brothers, Owen and Roderick,
the King received him into his service, created him Earl of Denbigh, and
gave him land to the yearly value of a thousand marks, in lieu of those
possessions he ought to have had in Anglesey, and, to attach him to the
interests of England, gave him to wife a rich English heiress; David,
however, never ceased to excite his brother Llewellyn, to free himself
from the English yoke, because, as his brother had no children, he was
his presumptive successor. Llewellyn took up arms, and penetrated into
the territories of the English, where he defeated two of their armies.
Edward, in hopes of being more fortunate, marched, at the head of a
numerous army, when Llewellyn retired to Snowdon Hill, where he could not
be attacked, but at length, regardless of the inequalities of his forces,
he descended into the plain, to fight the English. The English proved
victorious, Llewellyn was slain on the spot, and his army entirely
routed, and David, his brother, after some time roving about the country,
was taken by the English, and, with his wife, two sons, and seven
daughters, sent to Rhyddlan Castle, where the King then was. As he was
the last of the race of the Welsh Princes, Edward was inclined to secure
his late conquest by his death; accordingly, after having been for some
time kept prisoner, he was brought to Shrewsbury, where he was tried by
the Parliament, and, by their advice, on the 30th September, 1283, he was
condemned to die. Thus the last of the ancient British princes was
ignominously drawn at a horse’s tail about the town, then hanged,
afterwards beheaded, his body quartered, and his bowels burnt; his head
was fixed near that of his brother, on the tower of London, and his four
quarters were sent to York, Bristol, Northampton, and Winchester. This
barbarous execution is said to have been the first of the kind, and it
was afterwards usually inflicted upon traitors. An account of the Great
Parliament, held in Shrewsbury, in the time of Richard II., and of the
famous battle of Shrewsbury, will be found noticed at a subsequent page.
RIVERS.—The Severn is the principal river in the county. This
magnificent stream ranks next to the Thames in point of celebrity, for
the extent of its course, the distance for which it is navigable, and the
commerce it sustains. It has its rise on the mountain of Plynlimmon, on
the verge of Montgomeryshire, and enters Shropshire, near Melverley, and
at Cymmeran Ferry receives the waters of the river Vernieu. Between
Montford Bridge and Fitz, the river Perry falls into the Severn, which
here makes a great bend, and encloses a fine estate, of five miles in
circuit, called the Isle, the property of the Rev. H. Sandford. It then
passes Berwick House, and speedily arrives at Shrewsbury, from whence it
takes a circuitous route to the rural village of Uffington, and passes by
Longnor Hall, to Atcham, where it is crossed by a noble stone bridge, not
far from which it receives the waters of the Tern. Winding its devious
way, the Severn skirts the village of Cound, and near the ruins of
Buildwas Abbey, is crossed by a neat iron bridge. It shortly after
passes by Coalbrook dale, near to which it is crossed by a second iron
bridge, which gives name to the populous district surrounding it. Two
miles below is Coalport, celebrated for the extensive porcelain
manufactures. The river, having passed here, proceeds to Apley Castle,
and shortly after reaches the town of Bridgnorth, and is here crossed by
a magnificent stone bridge. Thence proceeding to the south-east, it
passes by Quatt, and leaves this county by the parish of Alveley, passing
through a narrow slip of the county of Stafford, it arrives at Bewdley,
in Worcestershire. From its source in Plynlimmon Hill to the sea, the
Severn runs about 220 miles. It is navigable to Shrewsbury, but few
vessels, however, proceed further than Ironbridge, the navigation being
interrupted by shallows, and the great irregularities of the water. By
means of numerous canals the navigation is extended into every part of
the kingdom, being united with the Thames on the east, and with the
Trent, the Humber, and the Mersey, towards the north; thus forming the
grand outlet and channel for the commerce of the kingdom on the south
east. The river takes its name from _Sabi_ and _Sabrin_, sandy; in Latin
_Sabrina_; in Welsh, _Haurian_, signifying the queen or chief of rivers.
By the statute of 23rd of Henry VIII., it is enacted, that no person
shall ask or demand any toll for going on the path, by the side of the
said river, upon pain to forfeit forty shillings. These statutes were to
supersede all patents and commissions granted to particular persons by
the prerogative of the Crown. Excellent fish are caught in this river,
particularly salmon, trout, pike, shad, flounders, and carp.
Among the waters which contribute to swell the current of the Severn, in
addition to the Vernieu and Perry, already noticed, is the Meole-brook, a
considerable stream, which enters the river at Coleham. The Meole is
increased by the Rea, before it joins the Meole, the former receiving
upwards of a dozen smaller streams, before it has its confluence with the
Meole. The Tern has its rise from a large pool in Staffordshire. At
Willow Bridge, it first takes the name of Tern, and, from this place to
within a short distance of Drayton, divides the counties of Salop and
Stafford. A little below Ternhill, it crosses the turnpike road, where
there is a stone bridge, called Tern Bridge; it then proceeds by Stoke,
Bolas, Upton Waters, and has its junction with the Severn a little below
Atcham Bridge. This river has a course of about thirty miles, and
receives the Cherrington brook, the Strine, the Roden, and several other
nameless streams, on its route. Between Cound and Bridgnorth the Severn
receives five or six small brooks, which flow from the western part of
the county, and two small streams join it from the east. Below
Bridgnorth the river Worfe and several small brooks, add their influence
to swell the current of the majestic Severn.
The streams that irrigate Shropshire, north of the Severn, and do not
fall into it, are the Morles, which rises in Sellatyn, and runs into the
Ceiriog, which joins the Dee near Chirk. Shel-brook runs into the Dee
from near Welsh Hampton. Elf-brook, near Whitchurch, and the Weever,
with three contributary streams, become a considerable river through
Cheshire. South of the Severn, and not far from the course of the
Camlet, we meet with the Clun, which joins the Teme, near Leintwardine,
in Herefordshire. Kemp brook, and four others, fall into the Clun. The
Ony joins the Teme near Oakley Park. This river, for some distance, runs
parallel with the Camlet, which, in its course, has a fall of about 300
feet. Stadbrook, and another small stream, having joined the Ony, have
their confluence with the Teme, and at Ludlow the Teme is augmented by
the Corve, which flows for many miles through a valley, to which it gives
name. The Corve is augmented by two brooks, one of which is a junction
of three small streams. Ledwick brook, with three contributary streams,
and the Rea, with five, joins the Teme, which, having formed the boundary
of the county, finally leaves it near Tenbury, in Worcestershire, and
falls into the Severn below the capital of that county. The Rodon is
formed by the confluence of three streams, which, in very dry summers,
lose their currents. The first of these rises on Whixall Moss; the
second, on Bettesfield Heath, in Flintshire; and the third proceeds from
the White Meer, in the township of Lee. The three rivulets meet on
Wolverly meadows, and passing by Loppington, runs on to Wem, and thence
by Shawbury, to Roddington, and has its confluence with the Tern not far
from Withington.
CANALS.—The first canal in Shropshire was formed by William Reynolds,
Esq., in 1788, for the purpose of conveying ironstone and coal from the
Oaken Gates to Ketley. Shortly after an act of parliament was obtained
for the SHROPSHIRE CANAL, which was finished in 1792. It commences at
Donington Wood, and proceeds about one hundred yards on a level; it then
descends one hundred and twenty feet, by an inclined plane of three
hundred and twenty yards from the top of this inclined plane, which is
the highest level of the canal; it proceeds by Wrockwardine and
Snedshill, and near to Oaken Gates, where it is joined by the Ketley
canal. From this junction it is continued to Southall Bank, where a
branch strikes off to the right, and terminates at Brierly Hill. The
main line, turning to the Southall Bank, goes on to the Windmill farm,
and passes to the east of Madeley, until it reaches the banks of the
Severn; here it descends 207 feet by an inclined plane, which is 350
yards in length, from whence it proceeds parallel with the river to
Coalport, where it terminates. Immediately after the completion of this,
the SHROPSHIRE CANAL was projected. The Company, having purchased about
a mile of the north end of the canal cut by Mr. Reynolds, erected an
inclined plane of 233 yards in length, and 75 feet of fall. From the
termination of this plane the canal passes on by Eyton Mill, to Long
lane, where it traverses a valley of considerable length, and crosses the
river Tern, 16 feet above the surface of the Meadow, by means of an
aqueduct and an embankment. Near this place it crosses the turnpike road
from Shrewsbury to Wellington, then passing on to Rodington, and over the
river Roden, through Wellington, to Atcham, it enters a tunnel of 970
yards in length. Thence it passes at the base of Haughmond Hill, and
along the banks of the Severn, it terminates in a large basin, near the
Castle Foregate, at Shrewsbury.
The Ellesmere navigation, or the Shropshire Union railway and canal
company may be called a system of canals extending through the large and
fertile tract of country which lies between the banks of the Severn and
those of the Mersey, and between the confines of North Wales on the west
and the borders of Staffordshire on the east—a space of fifty miles in
length, and more than twenty in breadth, exclusive of the valleys which
open into North Wales. Its grand object is to unite the Severn, the Dee,
and the Mersey, and by that means to open a communication from the above
mentioned districts to the ports of Liverpool and Bristol. There is a
short canal formed by the Marquis of Stafford, which commences at
Donington Wood and proceeds to Pave-lane, near Newport, a distance of
nearly seven miles, with a branch to his lordship’s lime works at
Lilleshall, This canal was made for conveying coal to the latter place
from the works at Donington, now held on lease by the Lilleshall company.
The Montgomeryshire canal, a branch of Ellesmere, also passes through a
portion of this county.
LAKES OF SHROPSHIRE.—The lakes of this county are neither numerous nor
extensive. At Marton, near Baschurch, is the Marton and Fennymere pool,
covering 96A. 2R. 15P. At Marton, near Chirbury, is a pool covering 40A.
2R. 37P., from which issue three streams running in different directions.
At Ellesmere is a magnificent sheet of water covering 116 acres; Colemere
87 acres; Crosemere 44 acres; Whitemere 62 acres; Blackmere and
Newtonmere are in the same neighbourhood. A fine sheet of water at
Shrawardine covers 40 acres. South of the Severn are a few small lakes,
but not of any considerable extent. Thus the part of the country which
abounds most in running water has the fewest pools. At Walcot and
Hawkstone are lakes of considerable extent, the latter stretches two
miles in length. Sundorne, Halston, and Tong, have embellishments of the
same kind.
ROADS AND RAILWAYS.—The principal line of road crossing this county is
the London and Holyhead parliamentary mail road, which between
Wolverhampton and Shiffnal, runs through Shrewsbury and enters
Denbighshire, near Chirk. The traffic on this road has been much
diminished since the opening of the railways between London and
Liverpool. The Chester, Shrewsbury, and Bristol road enters near
Whitchurch, and runs southward by Shrewsbury, Church Stretton, and
Ludlow, into Herefordshire. A branch leads from Ludlow to Bishop’s
Castle and Montgomery. Mail and other roads run between Shrewsbury and
Bridgnorth, Ludlow, and Birmingham, across the Clee Hills, Ludlow,
Wenlock, and Coalbrook-dale, and Ludlow and Bridgnorth. There are also
various other communications between Newport, Drayton, and Wellington,
&c. The principal railroads are the Shrewsbury and Chester, the
Shrewsbury and Birmingham, and the Shropshire Union. The former on
leaving the station at Shrewsbury crosses the Castle Foregate by a cast
iron bridge, and proceeding by Leaton Heath, Baschurch, and Whittington,
passes on to Gabowen, where there is a short branch to Oswestry, having
ten trains running daily. The trunk line then proceeds to Preesgwene,
where there is a station, and shortly after passes into the county of
Denbigh, and on to Chester. The Shrewsbury and Birmingham and the
Stafford branch of the Shropshire union railways have a line formed by
the joint companies, extending from Shrewsbury to a little beyond
Wellington, where one branches off to Shiffnal and Wolverhampton, and the
other to Newport, and from thence to Stafford. An act of parliament has
been obtained for a railway from Shrewsbury to Hereford, which will open
a communication with the southern parts of the county of Shropshire. The
works between Shrewsbury and Ludlow are in a rapid state of progress, and
the line to the latter place is expected to be open for traffic in
December, 1851. The length of this railway will be fifty miles, and the
estimated cost £354,822. The line from Ludlow to Hereford is expected to
be completed in 1852. It is to Shropshire, and some of its intelligent
and enterprising natives that the all absorbing system of railways, which
now intersect Great Britain, and cover its surface like net-work, owes
its discovery and establishment. It was adopted in the year 1767, by
that celebrated firm of iron masters, the Coalbrook-dale Company, who hit
upon the expedient of laying the pig iron upon the wood rails throughout
their extensive works, bearing in mind that in the event of a rise in the
price of iron, the rails could easily be taken up and vended as pig iron.
Thus, to this somewhat accidental appropriation of iron, and the
facilities it rendered to the easy and safe carriage of heavy materials,
coupled with the important discovery of steam power, and the general
improvement in engineering incident to railroad travelling, this
important discovery and attainment of modern times may justly be
ascribed.
MINES AND MANUFACTURES.—The minerals of this county are of great
importance. Its rich coal formations, and the limestone and ironstone
associated with them, afford employment to thousands. There are coal
pits in many parts of the county, but more particularly in the east, at
the several places of Lilleshall, Stirchley, Dawley, and the
neighbourhood. An immense quantity of the coal is consumed in the iron
furnaces, the principal of which are at Coalbrook-dale, Horse-hay,
Old-park, Ketley, Snedshill, and Oakengates. About seven per cent. of
the iron manufactured in the whole kingdom is raised from the mines in
this district. Lead is got in considerable quantities on the western
verge of the county, but is chiefly confined to the hundred of Ford. The
Snailbeach, Gravels, and Bathole mines, are the most productive; the lead
ore got is usually of very superior quality. Calamine is also met with,
and the rock at Pimhill is strongly tinctured with copper. Symptoms of
both copper and lead appear in the Cardington hills, and at Pitchford a
mineral pitch exudes from the red sandstone. Freestone, slate, and
pipe-clay are found. At Ashford, on the banks of the Tern below Ludlow,
is the Salt-moor Spring, where salt was made at the period of the Norman
Conquest.
China, of great excellence and exquisite workmanship, is made at
Coalport; earthenware is also manufactured, particularly Wedgewood-ware,
at Coalport and Broseley. Carpets are extensively made at Bridgnorth,
and there are three establishments for the manufacture of hair seating at
Market Drayton. There is an extensive factory at Shrewsbury where linen
thread is made, and woollens of a coarse texture are made at Church
Stretton. Nails are made in several places. At the Coalbrook-dale
Company all kinds of castings and almost every article in which iron is
used is there manufactured. Paper is made at two or three places in the
county. The chief manufacture of the county is that of iron. The
beautiful art of glass staining has been brought to great perfection by
Mr. David Evans, of Shrewsbury.
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE.—The whole country is in general well cultivated,
yielding good crops of all kinds of grain, turnips, peas, and potatoes.
There are many fine orchards scattered throughout the county,
particularly in the southern division, and hops are cultivated on a small
scale on the southern border. The meadows near the Severn are extremely
fertile, being frequently enriched by the overflowing of that river; but
the grass land receives less attention from the farmer than the arable.
The northern part of the county is remarkable for its dairy produce, the
cheese being equal to the most celebrated dairies of the adjoining county
of Chester. The sizes of the farms are various, but large farms of from
400 to 800 acres are much more numerous than in the adjoining counties.
In many parts of the county five or six small holdings have been taken
from the humbler class of farmers and let to one tenant. In one township
visited by our agent the land held by fourteen different tenants, within
memory of man, is now held by three farmers. Barley and wheat in many
parts are grown to a considerable extent. The arable and pasture lands
are found in about equal proportions. The cattle are mostly of a fine
breed, many of the farmers being noted for the superiority of their
stock, but there does not appear any peculiar breed which can be affirmed
as exclusively belonging to this county. In the northern division of the
county and on the western borders large flocks of sheep are kept, in some
parts the old Shropshire breed may frequently be observed; they are
distinguished by their black mottled faces and legs, and are in size
nearly as large as the south-down. About half a century ago a breed of
neat cattle prevailed very much, resembling the Lancashire long-horns.
The old Shropshire ox was remarkable for a large dewlap. This county was
formerly famous for a breed of pigs which is now almost extinct.
CLIMATE, SOIL, AND ASPECT. The climate of this county is in general very
salubrious; but, from the irregularity of its soil and surface, it varies
in dryness and geniality. On the east, where the land is warm and flat,
the harvest is frequently ripe sooner than in the middle of the county,
where the vales are extensive, but the surface light, and the bottom
often clayey. But hay and grain are both gathered earlier in the middle
of the county than on the western side, where the vales are narrow, and
the high lands frequent and extensive, although the ground in general is
not so stiff, and lies for the most part on the rock. The easterly winds
prevail in spring, and westerly in autumn. Few counties are possessed of
a greater variety of soil than this, as will be seen on reference to the
respective parishes. Divided into nearly two equal parts by the Severn,
its southern portion assumes the mountainous character peculiar to the
counties of Montgomery and Denbigh, whilst the north half approaches more
nearly to a level, agreeably relieved by bold swells, and romantic
valleys finely wooded. The landscape possesses every variety of natural
charms, the bold and lofty mountain, the woody and secluded valley, the
fertile and widely cultured plain, the majestic river, and the
sequestered lake; and is no less rich in those remains of ancient times
which awaken a thousand enthusiastic reflections by engaging us in the
contemplation of the memorable events of our history.
AGRICULTURAL IMPROVEMENTS. Great improvements by draining, enclosure,
and superior management have been progressing for the last half century
in most parts of the county. This has been accomplished on many estates
by the united efforts of the landlords and tenants; the former finding
tiles and materials, and the latter performing all the draught work at
their own expense. The farms in Shropshire were formerly much smaller
than they now are, which was found a great obstacle to improvement. They
did not invite men of capital, and to manage a farm successfully, like
any other occupation or business, it is necessary that the occupant
should possess sufficient capital; for without it, it is useless to
expect improvement or profitable cultivation. The want of it is
unfortunately too common among farmers. Wanting it in the onset, they
have not been able to acquire any, and thus have gone on from year to
year with difficulty, perhaps deteriorating the soil, and reducing the
little capital they possessed. The farmers’ clubs, established for the
discussion of practical husbandry, have had a tendency to develop many
hidden facts, and to dispel deep-rooted prejudices by friendly argument
and interchange of thought. Farmers seldom meet to exchange ideas but at
these associations, which may be considered in the character of Normal
schools, where the old and young may impart and receive information on
many things connected with their occupation. On the whole Shropshire is
before many other counties in agricultural improvements. The judicious
application of capital, superintended by men of true practical science,
will make it one of the finest agricultural counties in England. The
farm houses are mostly composed of brick, and have been greatly improved
within the last thirty years, particular attention having been paid to
the conveniency of the outbuildings and farm yards, which in many
instances are of great extent and admirably contrived.
The following returns of the population of the fifteen Unions into which
the county of Shropshire is divided, are copied from the Parliamentary
reports of the census taken March 31st, 1851; viz:—Atcham Union, 19,318
inhabitants, 3,767 inhabited houses, and 125 uninhabited; Bridgnorth,
15,590 inhabitants, 3,164 inhabited houses, and 248 uninhabited; Church
Stretton, 6,160 inhabitants, 1,192 inhabited houses, and 43 uninhabited;
Cleobury Mortimer, 8,632 inhabitants, 1,771 inhabited houses, and 131
uninhabited; Clun, 10,118 inhabitants, 2,054 inhabited houses, and 125
uninhabited; Ellesmere 15,667 inhabitants, 3,148 inhabited houses, and
125 uninhabited; Ludlow, 17,045 inhabitants, 3,420 inhabited houses, and
172 uninhabited; Madeley, 27,626 inhabitants, 5,545 inhabited houses, and
154 uninhabited; Market Drayton, 14,160 inhabitants, 2,774 inhabited
houses, and 131 uninhabited; Newport, 15,623 inhabitants, 3,018 inhabited
houses, and 69 uninhabited; Oswestry, 22,795 inhabitants, 4,618 inhabited
houses, and 228 uninhabited; Shiffnal, 11,482 inhabitants, 2,239
inhabited houses, and 99 uninhabited; Shrewsbury, 23,095 inhabitants,
4,574 inhabited houses, and 252 uninhabited; Wellington, 20,760
inhabitants, 4,089 inhabited houses, and 156 uninhabited; Wem, 16,948
inhabitants, 3,469 inhabited houses, and 146 uninhabited. At the same
period there were 112 houses building in the various Unions throughout
the county.
MONASTIC INSTITUTIONS. The following is a list of the religious houses
and monastic institutions which formerly existed in Shropshire, with
their annual value as returned at their suppression. The Benedictine
monks had a great Abbey at Shrewsbury, returned as of the annual value of
£132. 4s. 10d. Haughmond Abbey, £259. 13s. 7¼d. Buildwas Abbey, £110.
19s. 3d. Wombridge Priory, £65. 7s. 4d. Battlefield College, £54. 1s.
10d. Tong College, £22. 8s. 1d. Lilleshall Abbey, £229. 3s. l½d.
Bridgnorth Hospital, £4. Ludlow Hospital, £17. 13s. 3d. Wenlock Priory,
£401. 0s. 7¼d. St. Chad’s College, Shrewsbury, £14. 14s. 4d. St. Mary’s
College, £13. 1s. 8d. According to Speed there was also a Monastery of
Black Monks at Bromfield, a Priory at Chirbury, with various cells and
chantries, which will be found noticed in the several parishes in which
they were respectively situated. It was one of the singular
characteristics of the Roman Catholic Church, that it gave scope to
partial reformation. What among Protestants would be called a new sect,
became in that church merely a new order. From time to time, men arose
to recall attention to some doctrine or practice, which had fallen into
disuse, and for a revival of which a necessity was felt. The church gave
scope to their zeal, and benefited by their efforts till they, in turn,
became rich and corrupt, and other reformers were needed. About the year
1120, the rule of St. Augustine was reformed by St. Norbet. He professed
that the Virgin Mary had pointed out the site on which he was to found a
new church, and that she had prescribed the white habits the monks were
to wear.
ABBEYS.—In a society of religious persons, whether male or female, where
an abbot or abbess presided, it was styled an abbey. The governor had
the sole power over the convent, could appoint or discharge any officer
at pleasure, and prescribe what rules the monks or nuns should be obliged
to observe. The abbots have enjoyed the privilege of conferring the
lower orders of priesthood, but in the essential points of jurisdiction
they were everywhere subject to the diocesan bishop. The consequence of
the abbots grew with the wealth of their monasteries, several received
episcopal titles and privileges, all held rank next to that of a bishop,
and had a vote in the ecclesiastical councils. Equal privileges and
rights appertained to the abbesses, as the superior of the nunneries,
except that they were not allowed to vote at synods. When the society of
religious persons consisted of men, it was called a monastery. There is
reason to believe that there were monasteries in Britain before the end
of the 4th century. In the course of the 7th century many monasteries
were founded in all parts of England. These monasteries were designed in
some places for the seats of the bishops and their clergy; in others, for
their secular priests, who preached and administered the sacraments over
the neighbouring country, and in most instances, they were seminaries of
learning for the education of youth. If a monastery or nunnery was
subject to another, it was called a CELL. The great English abbeys had
many such cells in distant places.
PRIORIES.—When the chief person in a Monastery bore the name of Prior, it
was styled a Priory. These religious houses were of two sorts—either
they were such whose prior was independent, or they were such as depended
upon some great abbey, from which they received their Prior, and to which
they were often obliged to pay a small pension or annual acknowledgment.
Whenever the Convent to which they belonged was beyond the seas, then it
was styled an alien Priory. These last transmitted their revenues to
their foreign superior, for which reason their estates were generally
seized to carry on the wars between England and France.
PRECEPTORIES.—Whenever the Knights Templars, or Hospitallers, had any
considerable manors or farms, they erected a church for the service of
God, and built a convenient house of habitation, to which they sent out
their fraternity, under the command of a Preceptor. CHANTRIES were
chapels erected and endowed for the singing of masses for the souls of
the deceased. Chantry rents are still paid to the Crown by the purchaser
of their lands. HOSPITALS were small convents, occupied by a few monks,
for the entertainment of all who went any pilgrimage on religious
pretence. GUILDS were societies of lay brethren, who lived together like
monks, but were of no professed order. THE GREY FRIARS were at first
called _Franciscans_, from the name of their founder, St. Francis: they
were likewise called _Minorites_, from their being the lowest and most
humble of all orders; and _Observants_, from their great strictness to
the rules of their order. They were styled mendicants, from their
professing wilful poverty, subsisting chiefly upon alms, which they used
to ask from door to door, by which they were distinguished from monks,
who kept at home within their convents, and lived in common upon their
substance. Their habit was a long grey coat down to their heels, with a
cowl or hood, and a cord about their loins, instead of a girdle. Many
privileges were granted them, and many of high degree were ambitious of
living, dying, and being interred in the habit of these Franciscans. The
_Black Friars_, so called from their habit, a black cope and cowl over a
white coat, were likewise called _Dominicans_, from their having been
founded by St. Dominick; and black preaching friars, because they were
the only preachers of all the friars. These monks obtained extensive
grants of land, and had many persons of note within their convents. The
_White Friars_ took their name from the dress they wore. They came into
England in 1325, and first settled at Canterbury.
ECCLESIASTICAL REVENUES.—The Ecclesiastical Commissioners were appointed
under an act passed in the 6th and 7th of William IV., for the general
improvement and equalization of the dioceses, for the dividing of
extensive parishes, and augmenting small livings, and the adopting such
other measures as may conduce to the efficiency of the Established
Church. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of York, the Bishop
of London, the Bishop of Lincoln, the Bishop of Gloucester, the Lord High
Chancellor, the President of the Council, the Lord High Treasurer, and
the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with others, form a body politic and
corporate, by the name of the “Ecclesiastical Commissioners of England,”
for the purpose of the said act. The Commissioners reported, in 1835,
that the total amount of the gross annual revenues of the several
Archiepiscopal and Episcopal Sees of England and Wales was £181,631. The
total amount of the net annual revenues of the several cathedral and
collegiate churches in England and Wales was £284,241; and the total
amount of the net revenues of the same, £208,209. The total amount of
the gross annual separate revenues of the several dignitaries and other
spiritual persons, members of the cathedrals and other collegiate
churches, in England and Wales, was £75,854. The total number of
benefices, with and without cure of souls, the incumbents whereof have
made enquiries to the returns of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners,
omitting those which are permanently or occasionally annexed to superior
preferments, are 10,540; the gross annual revenue of these benefices is
£3,197,225; giving an average income of £303. The total number of
benefices, with and without cure of souls, in England and Wales,
including those not returned, but exclusive of those annexed to other
preferments, (about 24 in number) is 10,718; the total gross income of
which, calculated upon the average of those returned, amounts to
£3,251,159; and the net income thereof, £3,055,451. The number of
curates returned, as employed by resident incumbents, was 1000, whose
annual stipends or payments in money amounted to £87,075; affording an
average of £86, Those employed by non-residents were 4,124; the amount of
their stipends, £337,620; average, £79: and the average of the whole of
the curates’ stipends, £81. In concluding their report, the
commissioners state that the archbishops and bishops in possession of
their preferments, are subject to heavy expenses, and that the charges
for first fruits and fees generally exceed the amount of their receipts
for the first two or three years, after entering office.
QUEEN ANNE’S BOUNTY; FIRST FRUITS AND TENTHS.—From the earliest periods
every bishop and clergyman has been required to pay the amount of his
first year’s incumbency into a fund, and every succeeding year one tenth.
These first fruits and tenths were formerly collected at their full
value, and applied to the use of the pope, as early as the time of Pope
Nicholas (A.D. 1200). For this purpose a valuation was made of all the
livings in England, which is still preserved in the Remembrancer’s
office, and designated, “Valor of Pope Nicholas IV.” At the time of the
Reformation, King Henry VIII. passed a law, with the sanction of
Parliament, declaring that the first fruits and tenths should be
appropriated to the use of the state; and he caused an accurate and full
valuation to be made of all the ecclesiastical livings in England and
Wales, which were accordingly paid into the public exchequer, till the
reign of Queen Anne, with the exception of a short period in the reign of
Philip and Mary. Queen Anne, deploring the wretched condition in which
many of the clergy were placed, owing to the insufficiency of their
livings, came to the determination that the first fruits and tenths
should be paid into a fund, called _Queen Anne’s Bounty_, and that the
amount should be appropriated to the livings of the poor clergy. No
fresh valuation has been made since 1535, and registered in what is now
called the _King’s Book_, till that made by order of the Ecclesiastical
Commissioners, in 1835, on which the payments are now regulated. That
the payments might not operate oppressively, the first year’s income was
to be paid in four annual instalments; and livings of small value were
entirely exempt, and hence, called “_Discharged livings_.” During the
time of Popery, a large portion of the tithes had been alienated from the
parishes, for the endowment of religious houses, or for chantries, to say
masses for the dead. These endowments, at the Reformation, being seized
by Henry VIII., left the greater part of the parochial livings very poor.
The governors of Queen Anne’s Bounty, sometimes aided by benefactions,
and at others by Parliamentary grants, for the endowment of churches,
have been able to augment many of the poorest livings, and now the
resources at the command of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, by various
reductions in cathedral and collegiate churches, will cause the church
livings, in a few years, to be considerably equalized: The receipts for
the year 1846, amounted to £206,502.
CHARITIES.—The parochial accounts of the posthumous charities are given
from the voluminous reports of the commissioners deputed by parliament to
enquire into the state and appropriation of public charities in England.
This commission commenced in 1817, and was not finished till the year
1839. The charities bequeathed by numerous individuals for the education
and relief of the poor of this county, produce collectively the large sum
of £21,578. 6s. 4d. In addition to this a very large amount is
subscribed by the benevolent inhabitants, for the support of the various
charitable institutions, among which are free schools, hospitals,
dispensaries, lunatic asylums, and various societies for relieving the
poor, &c. The summary of the reports of the Commissioners of Inquiry
into charities show that in England there are 442,915 acres, or about 690
square miles, belonging to charities, which is little less than the area
of Worcestershire. The rent of these lands is £874,313 per annum. The
amount of rent charge is near £80,000 per annum, a great part of which is
made up of very small sums. The interest of the money (above £6,000,000)
which belongs to charities is £255,151 per annum; the whole income of the
charity property inquired into by the commissioners is £1,209,395 per
annum. Now all this is not derived from one plain single source, but
from all the counties of England; from numerous rent charges, money in
the funds, mortgages, personal and turnpike securities, &c. Further,
this only includes the charities inquired into by the commissioners. We
believe that the commissioners have here and there missed a few
charities. New charities are daily increasing, and those not included in
the inquiry are very numerous.
PARISH REGISTERS.—The earliest of the parish registers date from the
establishment of the Church of England, injunctions to this effect having
been issued by Cromwell, Henry’s vicegerent in ecclesiastical matters in
1538. The canons now in force date their authority from the beginning of
the reign of James I., A.D. 1603. One of these prescribes minutely the
manner entries are to be made in the parish registers, and contains a
respective clause, appointing that the ancient registers, as far as they
could be procured, should be copied in a parchment book. This new
regulation appears to have been carried into effect, so that the only
parish registers now extant are transcripts commencing with Queen
Elizabeth’s reign. The parish register act of 1812 obviated some of the
previous sources of error, and insured the further usefulness of the
registers of that period. But a satisfactory system of registration was
not established until the year 1837, when the act for registering births,
deaths, and marriages came into operation in England and Wales. The
registration of births is considerably more complete than the old
parochial registers of baptism, and the register of deaths is believed to
be very complete.
A LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL
SEATS & RESIDENCES OF THE NOBILITY, GENTRY, & CLERGY,
IN THE COUNTY OF SHROPSHIRE.
*** _To avoid increasing this List_, _the Villa Residences in the suburbs
of the Towns are not inserted_, _but will be found in the Directories of
the respective Parishes in which they are situated_.
* * * * *
THOSE WITH * AFFIXED ARE ACTING MAGISTRATES.
Abertannat Hall, 1½ mile S.E. of Blodwell, John Edwards, Esq.
Acton Burnell Hall, 8 miles N.E. of Shrewsbury, * Sir Edward Joseph
Smythe, Bart.
Acton Reynald, 7 miles N.E. by N. of Shrewsbury, * Sir Andrew Vincent
Corbet, Bart.
Adderley Hall, 4 miles N.W. of Drayton, * Richard Corbet, Esq.
Admaston Hall, 1½ mile N.W. of Wellington, The Hon. Charles Noel Hill;
Philip Buchannan, Esq.
Albrighton, 4½ miles S.E. of Shiffnal, Rev. George Woodhouse, The
Vicarage; Thomas Plowden Presland, Esq.
Aldenham Hall, 4 miles N.W. of Bridgnorth, Sir John E. D. Acton, Bart.
Apley Castle, 1¼ mile N. of Wellington, * St. John Chiverton Charlton,
Esq.
Apley Park, 4 miles N. of Bridgnorth, * Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq.,
M.P.
Argoed Hall, 7 miles S.E. of Oswestry, Edward Downes, Esq.
Ash Magna, 2 miles S.E. of Whitchurch, The Rev. William Bryans.
Ashford Hall, 3 miles S.W. by S. of Ludlow, * Major General Russell, C.B.
Astley House, 5 miles N.N. by E. of Shrewsbury, John Bishton Minor, Esq.
Aston Hall, 1 mile N.E. of Shiffnal, * Uvedale Corbet, Esq.
Aston, 2 Miles S.E. of Oswestry, * Edward Harvey Lloyd, Esq., The Hall;
Mrs. Lloyd.
Aston, 9 miles N. of Ludlow, * Francis Marston, Esq.
Atcham, 3 miles S.E. by E. of Shrewsbury, * Rev. Henry Burton.
Attingham Hall, 4 miles S.E. of Shrewsbury, The Right Honourable Lord
Berwick.
Badger, 5 miles S.E. by S. of Shiffnal, * Robert Henry Cheney, Esq., The
Hall; The Rev. Thomas T. Boddington, The Rectory.
Balswardyne Hall, 8½ miles S.E. of Shrewsbury, Sir George Harnage, Bart.
Baschurch, 8 miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, Edward Birch, Esq.; Rev. William
Jones.
Beckbury, 4 miles S.E. by S. of Shiffnal, Walter Stubbs, Esq.; Rev.
Walter Ralph Smythe.
Bellaport House, 4 miles N.E. of Drayton, Rev. Hugh Ker Cockburne.
Belleview, 1½ mile S.W. by S. of Oswestry, William Banning, Esq.
Belmont, near Oswestry, * Joseph Venables Lovett, Esq.
Berrington, 4½ miles S.E. by S. of Shrewsbury, The Hon. and Rev. T. H.
Noel Hill; Charles Arthur Williams, Esq., Eaton Mascott.
Berwick Upper House, 2½ miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, The Hon. Henry
Wentworth Powys.
Berwick House, 2 miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, * Thomas Henry Hope, Esq.
Besford, 3 miles S.E. of Wem, Joseph Taylor Reynolds, Esq.
Betton Hall, 2 miles N.E. of Drayton, William Church Norcop, Esq.
Bewdley, 8 miles E. of Cleobury Mortimer, * William Lacon Childe, Esq.,
Jun.; * Slade Baker, Esq.; * Arthur Lyttleton Annesley, Esq., Arley
Castle.
Birch Hall, 1 mile S.E. of Ellesmere, * Richard George Jebb, Esq.
Bishop’s Castle, 20 miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, * Rev. John Bright,
Totterton; * Rev. John Rogers, The Home.
Bitterley, 4 miles N.E. of Ludlow, * Rev. Charles Walcot; Sir Charles
Cuyler.
Blodwell, 6 miles S.S. by W. of Oswestry, Rev. John Parker; William
Lyons, Esq.
Bobbington, 8½ miles S.W. of Wolverhampton, Rev. Henry Pennant Cooke.
Boningale Hall, 5 miles S.E. by S. of Shiffnal, George Taylor, Esq.
Boreatton Park, 9½ miles N.W. by N. of Shrewsbury, Rowland Hunt, Esq.
Bridgnorth, 8 miles S.E. of Much Wenlock, Rev. George Bellett, St.
Leonards; Rev. Wm. K. Marshall, St. Mary’s Rectory; J. Baker, Esq.,
Walsbatch. (See also p. 626.)
Broadway, near Shrewsbury, * John Owen, Esq.
Bromfield, 2 miles N.W. of Ludlow, The Hon. Robert Henry Clive, Oakeley
Park.
Broseley, 4 miles E. of Wenlock, The Hon. and Rev. O. W. W. Forester, The
Rectory; * George Pritchard, Esq.; John Pritchard, Esq.; John Onions,
Esq., White Hall; * Richard Thursfield, Esq.
Bryn Harford near Oswestry, Charles Scarlett Andrews, Esq.
Brynn, 1½ mile N.W. of Blodwell, John Hamor, Esq.
Bryntanat Hall, 2¼ miles W. of Blodwell, William Henry Perry, Esq.
Buildwas Park, 4½ miles N.E. of Much Wenlock, Walter Moseley, Esq.
Buntingsdale Hall, near Drayton, John Tayleur, Esq.
Burcott, near Wellington, Charles Emery, Esq., The Hall; John Stanier,
Esq., Leaton Hall.
Burford, near Tenbury, * George Rushout, Esq., M.P., The Hall; * Rev.
James Wayland Joyce, The Rectory; Rev. Herbert MacLaughlin, Boraston
Rectory; Rev. Caleb Whiteford, Whitton Rectory.
Burleigh Villa, 7 miles W. by N. of Wellington, Thomas Taylor, Esq.
Burlton, 5 miles S.W. of Wem, Robert Chambre Vaughan, Esq., The Hall;
Edward Goldsborough Chambre Vaughan, Esq., Wood Gate.
Burwarton, 9 miles S.W. of Bridgnorth, The Hon. G. F. H. Russell, The
Hall.
Calverhall, 3 miles N.E. of Prees, John Whitehall Dod, Esq., Jun., Rev.
Edw. Mainwaring.
Cheswardine, near Market Drayton, Thomas Hudson, Esq., The Hall; Rev.
Charles Miller.
Cheshire Coppice, 3 miles N. of Wellington, William Henry Dickinson, Esq.
Chetwynd, near Newport, * John Charles Burton Boroughs, Esq.; Thomas
Collier, Esq., Beech Hill; Robert Fisher, Esq., The Lodge; William
Washbourne, Esq.; Rev. Thomas Whately, The Rectory.
Childs Ercall, 6½ miles N.W. of Newport, Rev. B. E. Johnson.
Chirbury, 2½ miles E. of Montgomery, Rev. James Wilding, The Vicarage;
Edward Humphries, Esq., Walcot.
Chorley, near Stottesden, Thomas Crump, Esq., The Hall.
Church Aston, near Newport, Ralph Ormsby Gore, Esq., The Hall.
Church Preen, 5½ miles W. by S. of Wenlock, Frederick Thomas Webster,
Esq.
Church Stretton, 13 miles S.W. by S. of Shrewsbury, Duppa Duppa, Esq.,
Kington; Rev. Hugh Owen Wilson, The Rectory.
Citadel (The), near Hodnet, Reverend John Hill.
Claverley, 6 miles E. of Bridgnorth, Rev. George Hilder Betterton Gabert,
The Vicarage: William Wilson, Esq., Beobridge; * Farmer Taylor, Esq.,
Chykenell.
Cleobury North, 8 miles S.W. of Bridgnorth, Henry George Mytton, Esq.,
The Hall; The Misses Mytton.
Clive Hall, 3½ miles S. of Wem, George Harding, Esq.
Cloverley Hall, 6 miles S.E. of Whitchurch, * John Whitehall Dod, Esq.,
M.P.
Clungunford, 8 miles S.E. of Bishop’s Castle, John Rocke, Esq., The
House.
Copthorne House, 2 miles W. from Shrewsbury, Thomas Brocas, Esq.
Condover, 4¾ miles S. of Shrewsbury, * Edward William Smythe Owen, Esq.,
The Hall; Rev. J. W. Harden, John Loxdale, Esq., The Lyth; Robert
Steward, Esq., Ryton Grove.
Coreley, 4½ miles N.N.E. of Tenbury, Rev. Walter Haliburton, The Rectory.
Coton, 3 miles N. of Wem, * George Bowen, Esq.
Cotsbrook House, near Bridgnorth, Orlando Jack Bridgman, Esq.
Cound, 6 miles S.E. of Shrewsbury, Rev. Henry Thursby, The Hall.
Court of Hill, near Tenbury, * Major Arthur Charles Lowe.
Creamore House, near Wem, John Unsworth, Esq.
Cruck Meole, 4½ miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, * Henry Diggory Warter, Esq.
Cruckton Hall, 4 miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, * Francis Harries, Esq.
Dalicott House, near Claverley, George Mackenzie Kettle, Esq.
Davenport House, near Bridgnorth, * William Sharington Davenport, Esq.
Daywell, near Oswestry, * Joseph Venables Lovett, Esq.
Diddlebury, 8 miles N. of Ludlow, Henry Wood, Esq., The Hall.
Dodington, near Whitchurch, George Brookes, Esq.; William Lee Brookes,
Esq.; George Harper, Esq., Mossfield House; John Faulkner Wood, Esq.
Donington, 5 miles S.E. of Shiffnal, The Rev. Henry John Howard, The
Rectory; George Jones, Esq., Shakerley.
Dorrington, 6½ miles N. of Church Stretton, John Thomas Hope, Esq.,
Netley House.
Drayton in Hales, 18 miles N.E. of Shrewsbury, Rev. John Lee; John Edward
Wilson, Esq., The Grove; Thomas Whitfield, Esq.
Dudleston, 4½ miles N.W. of Ellesmere, George Bennett, Esq., Sodylt Hall;
Edward Morrall, Esq., Plas Warren; Robert Morrall, Esq., Plas Yollen;
Richard Ellerton, Esq., The Erway.
Dudmaston Hall, near Bridgnorth, * William Wolryche Whitmore, Esq.
Eardington, near Bridgnorth, John Henry Cooper, Esq., The Knowle Sands;
Mr. Thomas Austin Jackson, The Forge; Rev. George Leigh Wasey, The Knowle
Sands.
Easthope, 5 miles S.W. of Much Wenlock, Moses George Benson, Esq.,
Lutwyche Hall; Rev. Robert Armitage, The Rectory
Edgeley House, near Whitchurch, John Lowe, Esq.
Edgmond, near Newport, Captain Clement Hill; Rev. John Dryden Pigott.
Edstaston, near Wem, Daniel Boote, Esq., The Hall; Rev. John Stewart, The
Rectory.
Ellerton Hall, 4½ miles N.W. by N. of Newport, Robert Masefield, Esq.
Ellesmere, 16 miles N.N.W. of Shrewsbury, William Aldrick Cotton, Esq.;
Rev. John David Day, The Vicarage.
Elm Lodge, near Ludlow, James Davies, Esq.
Ensden House, 5½ miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, Evan Bowen, Esq.
Ercall High, 8 miles N.E. of Shrewsbury, Rev. Robert Townsend Forester,
The Vicarage; George Townsend Forester, Esq., Sherlowe; William Holt
Midgley, Esq., The Park; Edward Blakeway Steedman, Esq., The Hall.
Eyton on the Wildmoors, near Wellington, Thomas Eyton, Esq., The Hall.
Faintree, 5 miles S.W. of Bridgnorth, Thomas Pardoe Purton, Esq., The
Hall.
Fern Hill, near Whittington, * Thomas Lovett, Esq., The Hall.
Fitz, 5¾ miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, R. Middleton, Esq., The Hall; * Rev.
Daniel Nihill.
Frodsley, 9 miles S. of Shrewsbury, Rev. Peter Downward, Longnor Green;
Rev. T. L. Gleadow, The Rectory.
Gatacre Hall, 5 miles S.E. of Bridgnorth, * Edward Lloyd Gatacre, Esq.
Gatacre Park, 5½ miles S.E. from Bridgnorth, * Edward Farrer Acton, Esq.
Grafton Lodge, 5½ miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, John Henry Denston, Esq.
Great Ness, near Baschurch, George Edwards, Esq., The Hall; Rev. Mr.
Kenyon, The Vicarage; Thomas Justice Bather, Esq.
Gredington Park, near Whitchurch, * The Right Hon. Lord Kenyon.
Greet, 5 miles S.E. of Ludlow, Rev. Joseph C. Bradney, The Rectory.
Grinshill, 7 miles N. of Shrewsbury, Rev. John Wood, The Rectory; William
Embrey Wood, Esq., The Vineyard.
Hadley, near Wellington, Mrs. Thorneycroft, The Hall; Matthew Webb, Esq.
Halston, near Whittington, Edmund Wright, Esq., The Hall.
Hardwick Grange, 6 miles N. of Shrewsbury, The Misses Hill.
Hardwick Hall, 2 miles W. of Ellesmere, * Sir John Roger Kynaston, Bart.
Hawkstone, 4 miles N.E. of Wem, * The Right Honourable Viscount Lord
Hill.
Highley, 7 miles S.S.E. of Bridgnorth, William Jordin, Esq.; Rev. Samuel
Dupre.
Hinstock, 5 miles S.E. by S. of Market Drayton, * Henry Justice, Esq.
Hodnet, 6 miles E. of Wem, * Algernon Charles Heber Percy, The Hall; Rev.
Samuel Herrick Macauley, The Rectory.
Hopesay, 6 miles S. by E. of Bishop’s Castle, Rev. Philip B. Adams, The
Rectory.
Hopton Wafers, nr Cleobury Mortimer, Mrs. Lucy Botfield, The Court; Rev.
S. Woodward
Hopton Castle, 9 miles S. of Bishop’s Castle, Rev. George D. Pardoe.
Hurst, near Ludlow, * Philip Morris, Esq.
Ightfield, 4 miles S.E. of Whitchurch, Rev. John Justice.
Isle The, near Shrewsbury, Rev. Humphrey Sandford.
Kemberton, 2 miles S.W. by S. of Shiffnal, Rev. George Whitmore, The
Rectory.
Ketley, 2 miles E. of Wellington, Rev. Thompson Stoneham; John Williams,
Esq.; George Bradbury, Esq., The Grove.
Kilhendre, near Dudleston, Captain Johnson.
Kingsland, near Shrewsbury, * Richard Frederick Hill, Esq.
Kinlet Hall, 5 miles N.E. of Cleobury Mortimer, * William Lacon Childe,
Esq.
Kinnerley, 7 miles S.E. of Oswestry, Rev. Edmund W. O. Bridgman.
Kinnerley, 4 miles N.E. by N. of Wellington, Rev. Andrew Burn.
Knockin Hall, 6½ miles S.S.E. of Oswestry, The Hon. Captain Charles
Orlando Bridgman.
Leaton Knolls, 4½ miles W.W. by N. of Shrewsbury, * Jonathan Arthur
Lloyd, Esq.
Leegomery House, near Wellington, William Shakeshaft Lawley, Esq.
Leighton Park, 3½ miles N. of Much Wenlock, Sir George Harnage, Bart
Leighton, 1½ mile S.E. by S. of Welshpool, John Naylor, Esq.
Leighton, 9 miles S.E. of Shrewsbury, * Robert Gardner, Esq., The Hall.
Lilleshall House, 4 miles S.W. of Newport, * The Marquis of Stafford.
Lilleshall, 3 miles S.W. of Newport, Rev. Henry George Bunsen, vicar, The
Old Hall.
Linley Hall, 5 miles N. of Bishop’s Castle, R. B. More, Esq.
Llwyny-groes Hall, 6¼ miles S. of Oswestry, R. N. Broughton, Esq.
Longford, near Newport, * Ralph Merrick Leeke, Esq., The Hall; Rev. John
K. Charlton.
Longford Hall, near Shrewsbury, Rev. Waties Corbet.
Longnor Hall, 3½ miles E. of Shrewsbury, * Robert Burton, Esq.
Longnor Hall, 5 miles N. of Church Stretton, * Panton Corbet, Esq.
Longnor Hall, near Shrewsbury, * Edward Corbett, Esq.
Loppington House, 3 miles W. of Wem, * Thomas Dickin, Esq.
Loton Park, 8 miles W. of Shrewsbury, * Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart.
Ludford House, near Ludlow, Francis Lechmere Charlton, Esq.
Ludlow, * Rev. George Dansey Pardoe; * Richard Betton, Esq., Overton
House; James Baxter, Esq., (see also Directory, page 605.)
Lydham, 2 miles N.E. of Bishop’s Castle, Rev. Arthur Oakeley, The
Rectory.
Marnwood, near Ironbridge, Rev. John Bartlett.
Marsh Hall, near Shrewsbury, John Wood, Esq.
Marton, near Middle, David Francis Atcherley, Esq., The Hall.
Mawley Hall, near Cleobury Mortimer, Sir Edward Blount, Bart.
Melverley, 9 miles S.E. by S. of Oswestry, Rev. Henry Rogers, The
Rectory.
Middle, 7 miles N.W. by N. of Shrewsbury, Rev. George Henry Egerton, The
Rectory; Sir John Majorbanks, Bart.
Middleton Scriven, 5 miles S.W. of Bridgnorth, Rev. Thomas Rowley, D.D.,
The Rectory.
Millichope Park, near Munslow, Charles Orlando Childe Pemberton, Esq.
Milson, 3 miles S.W. of Cleobury Mortimer, Rev. Thomas Hardwicke, D.D.,
The Rectory.
Moreton Corbet, 4½ miles S.E. of Wem, Rev. Robert F. Wood, The Rectory.
Moreton Say, 3 miles N.W. by W. of Drayton, Rev. Robert Upton.
Munslow, 6 miles S. of Church Stretton, Rev. Thomas C. Powell; John
Downes, Esq.
Nash Court, 6 miles S.E. of Ludlow, * George Pardoe, Esq.
Neachley, near Donington, * George Holyoake, Esq.
Neen Savage, near Cleobury Mortimer, * Rev. Charles R. Somers Cocks.
Netley Hall, 6½ miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, * John Thomas Hope Esq.
Newport, 18 miles N.E. of Shrewsbury, (see Directory, page 409.)
Norbury, 4 miles N.E. of Ludlow, * Rev. William Henry Cynric Lloyd.
Norton-in-Hales, 3½ miles N.E. by N. of Drayton, Rev. Frederick Silver,
The Rectory.
Nursery The, 4½ miles S. of Oswestry, John F. M. Dovaston, Esq.
Oakley House, two miles E. of Bishop’s Castle, William Oakeley, Esq.
Oakley Park, 2 miles N.W. of Ludlow, * The Right Hon. Robert Henry Clive,
M.P.
Oldbury, 1 mile S.S.W. of Bridgnorth, Mrs. Margaret Wynne Jones, The
Lodge.
Onslow Hall, 4 miles W. from Shrewsbury, Colonel Wingfield.
Osbaston House, 5½ miles S. of Oswestry, Captain Thomas Evans, R.N.
Oswestry, 17½ miles N.W. from Shrewsbury, Richard Jones Croxon, Esq.;
Rev. Thomas Salway, The Vicarage; Thomas Longueville Longueville, Esq.
Oteley Park, near Ellesmere, * Charles Kynaston Mainwaring, Esq.
Oxon, near Shrewsbury, * Edward Morris, Esq.
Park Hall, near Oswestry, * Richard Henry Kinchant, Esq.
Peatswood, near Market Drayton, * Thomas Twemlow, Esq.
Pell Wall, near Market Drayton, * Purney Sillitoe, Esq.
Pentra Ucha Hall, 2½ miles W. of Kinnerley, Frederick Alexander Payne,
Esq.
Peplow, 7½ miles N.W. of Newport, * George Staveley Hill, Esq.; Captain
George Hill, The Hall.
Petton Hall, 6 miles S.E. of Ellesmere, * William Sparling, Esq.
Pitchford, 7 miles S. of Shrewsbury, * The Right Hon. Earl of Liverpool;
Rev. Charles Powell Peters, The Rectory.
Pontesbury, 7½ miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, * Rev. Charles Drury; Rev.
William Harrison; Rev. William Vaughan; Frederick Jones, Esq., The Hall.
Porkington, near Oswestry, William Ormsby Gore, Esq., M.P.
Powis Castle, near Welshpool, * The Right Hon. Earl Powis.
Pradoe, 5 miles S.E. of Oswestry, * The Hon. Thomas Kenyon.
Prees, 5 miles S. of Whitchurch, * Sir Robert Chambre Hill, K.C.B., The
Hall; The Ven. Archdeacon Allen, The Vicarage.
Prees Gwene House, 2½ miles from St. Martins, Richard Powell, Esq.
Preston Gubbals, 4½ miles N. of Shrewsbury, Rev. William Stevens.
Preston Montford, 4 miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, Miss Wingfield, The
Cottage; Mrs. Wingfield, The Hall.
Priors Lee Hall, near Shiffnal, John Horton, Esq.
Quatt, 4½ miles S.E. of Bridgnorth, * Rev. Edmund Carr, The Rectory.
Quatford, 1½ mile S. of Bridgnorth, John Smalman, Esq., The Castle; John
Clayton, Esq., The House; John Sing, Esq., The Hall; Stephen Wolryche,
Esq., The Villa.
Quarry Place, near Shrewsbury, * John Thomas Smitheman Edwards, Esq.
Quinta, 3 miles W. of Saint Martins, Rowland Jones Venables, Esq.
Rednal, near West Felton, William Mostyn Owen, Esq.
Reilth, near Mainstone, Richard Sankey, Esq.
Rossal, 3 miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, Dowager Countess Fielding.
Rowton Castle, 7 miles W. of Shrewsbury, Henry Lyster, Esq.
Rudge Hall, 8 miles S.W. by S. of Bridgnorth, Thomas Boycott, Esq., The
Hall; Rev. W. G. Greenstreet, The Vicarage.
Ruyton, 10 miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, Rev. George Evans; Rev. Leonard
Slater.
Ryton, 3½ miles S.E. by S. of Shiffnal, Rev. Robert William Eyton, The
Rectory.
Saint Martins, 5 miles N.E. of Oswestry, Rev. William Hurst, The
Vicarage.
Sandford, 5½ miles N.E. of Wem, * Thomas Hugh Sandford, Esq.
Sansaw Hall, 4 miles S.E. of Wem, Captain Martin.
Selattyn, 3 miles N.N.W. of Oswestry, Rev. Gerald Carew, Pentre Pant
Hall; Rev. Albany Rosendale Lloyd, The Rectory; William Williams Edward
Wynne, Esq., Sion House.
Shavington Hall, 4 miles N.W. of Drayton, The Right Hon. Earl of
Kilmorey.
Shawbury, 6 miles S.S.E. of Wem, Rev. W. S. Marvin, The Vicarage.
Shineton, 2¾ miles N.N.W. of Much Wenlock, Rev. Henry Bagnall, The
Rectory.
Shipton Hall, 7 miles S.W. of Much Wenlock, * Thomas Mytton, Esq.
Sibdon Castle, 8 miles S.S.E. of Bishop’s Castle, James Baxter, Esq.
Sion, near Oswestry, William Williams Edward Wynne, Esq.
Shiffnal, 7½ miles S. of Newport, Mrs. Botfield, Decker Hill Hall; Rev.
John Brooke, Haughton Hall; Rev. Townshend Brooke, Idsal Vicarage;
William Cope, Esq., Park House; John Eyke Esq., Stanton House; Michael
Goodall, Esq., Evileth; Rev. T. O. Durant, Evileth Hall; William Henry
Slaney, Esq., Hatton Grange.
Smethcott, 5½ miles N. of Shrewsbury, Rev. Robert Joseph Buddicom, The
Rectory.
Stanage Park, near Ludlow, * Edward Rogers, Esq.
Stanton-upon-Hine-Heath, 5 miles S.E. of Wem, Rev. James Thomas Holloway,
D.D., The Vicarage; Thomas Faulkner Wood, Esq., The Woodlands.
Stapleton, 5½ miles S.W. by S. of Shrewsbury, The Hon. and Rev. E. R. B.
Fielding.
Stirchley, 5 miles S.E. of Wellington, Rev. Hugo Moreton Phillips, The
Rectory.
Stockton, 4½ miles N. of Bridgnorth, Rev. Charles Blaney Cavendish
Whitmore; Wm. Hazledine Austin, Esq., South Lodge; Richard S. Darby,
Esq., Crow Greaves.
Stoke Hall, 4 miles N.W. of Burford, Philip Henry Williams, Esq.
Stoke-upon-Tern, 4½ miles S.W. of Drayton, Rev. John Gladstone, The
Rectory.
Stottesden, 8 miles S.W. by S. of Bridgnorth, Rev. Charles John Maddison,
The Vicarage.
Styche, 2½ miles N.W. of Market Drayton, Henry B. Clive, Esq., M.P., The
Hall.
Sundorne Castle, 3 miles N.E. of Shrewsbury, * Andrew William Corbet,
Esq.
Sutton Hall, 4½ miles S.E. of Oswestry, Geo. Dawes Brittain, Esq.; Jas.
Hargreaves, Esq.
Sutton, 5 miles N.E. by N. of Ludlow, Charles Powell, Esq.
Sweeney Hall, 2 miles S. of Oswestry, * Rev. John Parker; Mrs. Parker.
Tedsmere Hall, near West Felton, Thomas B. B. Owen, Esq.
Tern House, 2 miles S.E. of High Ercall, Thomas Jukes, Esq.
Terrick Hall, near Whitchurch, William Halstead Poole, Esq.
Tilstock, 2½ miles S. of Whitchurch, Rev. Wm. Renton, Rectory; Danl.
Kempster, Ivy House.
Tong Castle, 3 miles E. of Shiffnal, G. C. S. Durant, Esq., Rev. G. S.
Harding, The Rectory.
Trefarclawdd House, 2½ miles S.W. by S. of Oswestry, John Croxon, Esq.
Trefonen, 4 miles S.W. of Oswestry, Rev. Daniel Lloyd.
Tunstall Hall, near Market Drayton, * Peter Broughton, Esq.
Tyn-y-Rhos, 4 miles W.W. by N. of St. Martin’s, Rev. John Crozon
Phillips.
Uffington, 3 miles N.E. by E. of Shrewsbury, * Rev. John Oliver Hopkins.
Uppington, 7 miles S.E. by E. of Shrewsbury, S. H. Ashdown, Esq.; Chas.
Stanier, Esq.
Upton Magna, 4 miles E. of Shrewsbury, Miss Arabella Pigott, The Cottage.
Vineyard The, near Wellington, Thomas Campbell Eyton, Esq.
Walcott Hall, 4 miles S. of Bishop’s Castle, The Right Honourable Earl of
Powis.
Walford Manor, 6½ miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, * Robert Aglionby Slaney,
Esq.
Wallop Hall, near Westbury, * John Michael Severne, Esq.
Westbury, 9 miles S.W. by S. of Shrewsbury, Joseph Dickinson, Esq.; Rev.
Wm. Cureton.
Welsh Hampton, 2¾ miles N.E. by E. of Ellesmere, Rev. George S. Master,
The Rectory.
Wellington, 8 miles S.W. of Newport, Rev. Benjamin Banning, The Vicarage;
Rev. Charles Campe; William Wyley, Esq., Dothill Park. (See also
directory).
Wem, 11 miles N. of Shrewsbury. John Henry Barker, Esq.; Thomas Dickin
Brown, Esq.; Roger Spencer Dickin, Esq.; Rev. J. W. D. Merest, The
Rectory; Sir John Beckerton Williams, Knt., The Hall; Charles Oldham,
Esq.; J. H. Walford, Esq.
West Felton, 13 miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, Rev. Thomas Hunt; Rev. Peter
Geo. Bentley.
Whitchurch, 20 miles N. of Shrewsbury, Thomas Burgess, Esq.; Rev. William
Henry Egerton, The Rectory; Sir John Hanmer, Bart., Bettisfield Hall;
Richard Parry Jones, Esq.; Robert Darwin Vaughan, Esq.
Whittington, 2½ miles N.E. by E. of Oswestry, Rev. Charles Arthur Albany
Lloyd, The Rectory; Richard Henry Kinchant, Esq., Park Hall.
Whitton, 9½ miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, * Rev. Charles Leicester.
Whixall, 4 miles N. of Wem, Rev. John Evans, The Rectory.
Willey Park, 3 miles E. of Much Wenlock, the Right Honourable Lord
Forester.
Winsley Hall, near Westbury, John Phillips, Esq.
Withington, 5½ miles E. of Shrewsbury, Rev. Corbet Browne, The Rectory;
Rann Dolphin Edwards, Esq.
Woodcote, 3 miles S.E. by S. of Newport, * John Cotes, Esq.
Wood Hill, 4 miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, Lazarus Jones Venables, Esq.
Woodhouses, 2½ miles S.E. of Whitchurch, James Goulbourn Etches, Esq.
Woodlands, 3 miles S.S.W. of Bridgnorth, Thomas Whitmore Wylde Browne,
Esq.
Worfield, 3½ miles N.E. by E. of Bridgnorth, Rev. Cornelius Broadbent,
The Rectory; Captain Brazier, Bradney; John Bach, Esq., Chesterton;
George Smith Dorset, Esq., Hilton House; Thomas Wilson, Esq., Stanlow;
Joseph Parkes, Esq., Wyken.
Worthen, 9 miles N.E. of Montgomery, * Rev. Charles Awdry.
Wrockwardine, 2½ miles W. of Wellington, Miss Anne Maria Cludde, The
Hall; Mrs. Cludde, Orleton Hall; Rev. George L. Yate, The Vicarage.
Wroxeter, 5¾ miles S.E. by S. of Shrewsbury, Rev. Edward Egremont, The
Vicarage; Wm. Henry Oatley, Esq.; Edward Stanier, Esq., The Hall.
Yockleton, 2 miles N.E. of Westbury, Thomas Nicholls, Esq., The Hall.
Yorton Villa, near Broughton, Rev. William Jeudwine.
ERRATA. {32}
Page 145, fourth line from top, for R. R. Slaney, Esq., M.P., read R. A.
Slaney, Esq., M.P.
Page 172, sixteen lines from bottom, for two trains read ten trains.
Page 251, eleventh line from top, for Maxton read Marton.
Page 329, seventeenth line from top, for excelent read excellent.
Page 337, sixth line from top, for in the year 1804 read 1404.
Page 346, tenth line from top, for Breveton read Brereton.
Page 365, twenty-ninth line from top, for Buxton read Burton.
Page 372, fourth line from top, for exort read extort.
Page 445, fifth line from bottom, for Nowell read Noel.
Page 491, twenty-fourth line from top, for Kingleford read Ringleford.
Page 500, sixteenth line from top, for Burner read Burnel.
HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY.
SHREWSBURY is a market town, and borough corporate and parliamentary,
situate 153 miles N.W. of London, 40 miles S. from Chester, 40 miles W.
from Lichfield, 44 miles W.N.W. from Birmingham, 53 miles N. from
Hereford, 58 miles S. from Liverpool, 109 miles N. from Bristol, and 108
miles S.E. from Holyhead. The town stands nearly in the centre of the
county of which it is the capital, and occupies two hills of gentle
ascent, which gradually rise from the bed of the river Severn, whose
stream gracefully bends its course around three sides of the town; thus
forming a peninsula, having a narrow isthmus, not more than three hundred
yards across, to the north east. Shrewsbury covers nearly the whole
peninsula, excepting a narrow margin of meadow and garden grounds, which
runs between the walls and the river. It has gradually extended beyond
the boundaries of the river, forming the populous suburbs of Abbey
Foregate and Coleham on the east, Frankwell on the west, and Castle
Foregate, beyond the neck of the isthmus, stretching towards the north.
The bold situation of the town, rising amidst a vast plain, backed with
mountains—the frowning castle—the elegant towers and tapering spires of
the churches—the noble bridges, and picturesque buildings, produce,
altogether, a scene of singular beauty and grandeur. The delightful
prospects from every side of the town, over a rich and finely wooded
country, adorned by the meanderings of the Severn, are surpassed by none,
and equalled but by few other towns of our island.
The streets, in common with those of almost all our old towns, are
irregularly disposed, some of them steep and narrow, and indifferently
paved. In this respect, however, considerable improvements have been
made in some of the principal thoroughfares. Many of the houses have the
characteristics of high antiquity impressed upon them; and the domestic
architecture of former days, with projecting gables, is often intermixed
with that of modern erection, and of elegant appearance. The close
wooden-built alley, called a “shutt” in the provincial dialect of the
place, is everywhere seen connecting the principal streets with each
other. Although the gravelly banks on which the town stands afford a
fall in every direction, by which it might easily be kept from filth and
damp, yet the peculiarly pleasant situation was for a long period but
little regarded. Many important alterations have, however, been made
under the provisions of an Act of Parliament obtained in 1821, for
removing obstructions, watching, lighting, and the general improvement of
the town; the powers of which are vested in trustees, who must be persons
occupying property rated at £50 per annum, or worth £2,000. The streets
are now lighted with gas, and the town is supplied with an abundance of
excellent water. Its elevated situation, the natural dryness of the
soil, and its pure water, contribute, doubtless, to the salubrity for
which it is so remarkable. Speed quaintly observes:—“Wholsom is the
aire, delectable and goode, yeelding the springe, and the autumne, seed
time and harveste, in a temperate condition, and affoordeth health to the
inhabitants in all seasons of the yeere.” The ancient Britons gave the
place the name of _Pengwern_, the Saxons, _Scrobbes-byrig_; both of which
imply a fenced eminence planted with shrubs. The poet and antiquary,
Leland, thus beautifully accounts for its name:—
Built on a hill, fair Salop greets the eye,
While Severn forms a crescent gliding by;
Two bridges cross the navigable stream,
And British alders gave the town a name.
At the census in 1801, the borough of Shrewsbury contained a population
of 14,739 souls. In 1841 there were 18,285 souls; of whom 8,444 were
males, and 9,841 females. Of the former, 3,589, and of the latter, 3,803
were under the age of twenty years. Of the entire population, 14,341
persons were born in this county, and 3,944 elsewhere. At the same
period, there were 3,727 inhabited houses, 342 uninhabited, and 23
building.
Shrewsbury is supposed to have been built by the Britons, between the
years 520 and 594, as a refuge from the Saxons, who levelled their
ancient fortress of Wroxeter with the ground, and forced them to retreat
beyond the Severn; which river then became the boundary of the kingdom of
Mercia, the most considerable of all the kingdoms of the Heptarchy. On
this subject, the celebrated historians of Shrewsbury, Messrs. Owen and
Blakeway, observe: We conceive that our town was built after the Saxon
invasion; but that it owed its foundation to the Britons. We cannot
claim any pretensions to the dignity of a Roman station. No vestige of
that imperial people has ever been discovered within its circuit. But a
few miles lower down the river, at the present village of Wroxeter, was
the flourishing town of _Uriconium_; and here, doubtless, after the
Romans had finally withdrawn their forces from the island, the Britons
continued to occupy the seats deserted by their ancient masters, until
they were driven from them by superior force, to the time of which we may
approximate within no very wide range of years. We are in possession of
the valuable poems of Llywarc Hên,—valuable, notwithstanding their great
obscurity, for the few rays of light which they scatter over the darkest
period of our history. He was a prince of the Cambrian Britons; who,
pressed by the Northumbrian Saxon, retired towards the end of the sixth
century to his countrymen in Powis, among whom he is said to have
protracted his life to the unusual extent of 145 years, deriving thence
the epithet of _hen_ or the _old_. His writings contain several proofs
of his acquaintance with the district now called Shropshire. Its
streams, Severn, and Morlas, and Tern; its mountains, Digoll, Nescliff,
and Digon; its towns, Baschurch, Ercall, Hodnet, all appear in his poems.
And when he speaks also of _Pengwern_, and when it is known that this was
the Welsh name for Shrewsbury, we need not doubt that he designed by that
to mark our town, and consequently that it had then arisen.
At the time the Britons abandoned Wroxeter, the situation of Pengwern was
one of eminent natural strength. We must not estimate the degree of
protection imparted to the place by the Severn from our ideas by the
condition of the river in the present advanced state of cultivation.
Whenever any country is thinly inhabited, trees and shrubs spring up in
the uncultivated fields, and, spreading by degrees, form large forests,
which, confining the exhalations of the soil and obstructing the course
of streams, cause the rivers to overflow and stagnate into lakes and
marshes. The Severn, on the eastern side of Shrewsbury, formerly ran in
five channels, and spread into a marshy lake from the foot of Wyle Cop as
far as the site of the Abbey. Thus the fugitives were protected by the
deep bed of the river, its sinuous windings, and the morasses of its
banks, where they might shroud themselves in the underwood which hid the
foot, and the thickets which crowned the summit of the lofty and
peninsular knoll now covered by the capital of Shropshire. How long the
fugitives remained in possession of their new seat it is vain to enquire.
But they were followed hither by the Saxons, who reduced the place to
ashes, and the elegy of Llywarc calls upon the maidens of Pengwern “To
quit their dwellings, and behold the habitation of Cynddylan, the royal
palace of Pengwern, wrapped in flames.”
The importance of the peninsular situation of Pengwern could not long
remain without an occupant; and a few years after its destruction under
Cynddylan, we find it inhabited by a king of Powis, the capital of his
kingdom, and even ranking among the twenty-eight cities of Britain. The
kingdom of Powis at this time comprised the south-western parts of the
counties of Cheshire, Flint, and Denbigh, the whole of Montgomeryshire,
with portions of the counties of Radnor, Brecon, and the adjoining parts
of Shropshire, as far as the river Severn. Of the state of the town,
under its native princes, we possess no information. The arts of civil
life, which the Britons had cultivated under their Roman masters, had
totally disappeared in the course of three centuries of uninterrupted
warfare. A ditch, or a rude rampart of unhewn logs, inclosing a few
hovels for the residence of the prince and the offices of religion, some
wattled huts, with a fold or two for sheep and cattle, probably composed
the whole of Pengwern Powis. On the invasion of the Saxons, the new
possessors gave it the appellation of _Scrobbes-byrig_—a fenced eminence,
but overgrown with shrubs.
King Ethelred, in the year 1006, kept his court at Shrewsbury; and in
1016 the inhabitants revolted to the Danish chief, Canute. They were
afterwards compelled to return to their allegiance, and were severely
punished for their defection by Prince Edmund, son of Ethelred. Alphelm,
a prince of the blood, having been invited by Edric, duke of Mercia, and
son-in-law to Ethelred, to a banquet at Shrewsbury, and afterwards to a
hunting party, was treacherously murdered during the chase by one Godwin,
a butcher of the town, whom Edric had hired for the purpose. This
circumstance probably gave rise to a custom prevalent during the reign of
Edward the Confessor, of twelve of the principal persons keeping guard
over the king’s person when he came down to Shrewsbury, and the same
number attending him whenever he went out a hunting. In this reign
Shrewsbury had two hundred and fifty-two houses, besides the mint, which
was under the direction of three officers, who were compelled to pay into
the royal treasury twenty shillings at the end of every fifteen days,
while the money was current. After the Norman conquest, Owen Gwynedd,
Prince of Wales, laid siege to Shrewsbury; but William the Conqueror, who
had just returned from a visit to his native country, in order to quell
the rising tumults which everywhere began to threaten his British
dominions, soon raised the siege, and punished the English chiefs, while
he took ample vengeance on the Welsh. In this reign, Roger de
Montgomery, the relation and favourite of the Conqueror, was created Earl
of Shrewsbury, Arundle, and Chichester, and had a grant of nearly the
whole of the county of Shropshire, besides a hundred and fifty manors or
lordships in other parts of the kingdom. In one of the deeds
transferring these manorial grants, Roger styles himself _Rogerius_, _Dei
gratia_, _Scrobesburiensis Comes_—Roger, by the grace of God, Earl of
Shrewsbury.
At the Doomsday survey, 1086, Shrewsbury is styled a city, and the Abbey
is said to have been founded where the parish church of the city stood.
This book also contains a summary of several municipal laws, customs, and
usages, for the internal regulation of the place, and for increasing the
king’s revenues. The amount of taxes at this period was £20, of which
the king had two-thirds and the sheriff one, Hugh de Montgomery, who had
succeeded his father Roger in the earldom of Shrewsbury, having been shot
by an arrow from the skilful hand of Magnus, King of Norway, was
succeeded by his brother, Robert de Belesme. Earl Robert united with the
party who opposed the pretensions of Prince Henry, son of William Rufus,
and espoused the claims of Robert, Duke of Normandy. He afterwards broke
out into open rebellion, strengthened his castles in Shropshire, and at
Shrewsbury built and fortified a flank wall, from each side of the castle
across the isthmus, down to the side of the Severn. Upon this, the earl
was publicly declared a traitor, and King Henry marched against him with
a considerable force. The surrender of Bridgnorth to Henry induced the
earl to quit Shrewsbury, and to commit its defence to three generals and
eighty soldiers hired expressly for the purpose. With the assistance of
a few Welsh, with whom he had made peace, he frequently disturbed the
royal forces, till, being much harassed, he was compelled to return to
Shrewsbury. Soon afterwards, the town was surrounded with an army of
60,000 men; and Robert de Belesme had scarcely seated himself in the
castle, when the king demanded the immediate surrender of the place,
threatening, in case of refusal, in three days to besiege the town, and
hang every one found in the castle. The earl, perceiving that he had no
forces to withstand the attack of the king, confessed his treason,
implored the royal clemency, and sent the keys of the castle by the hands
of Ralph, Abbot of Seez, afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury, which the
king accepted, and banished the restless earl to Normandy. The spirit of
revenge and ambition, however, rekindled in his breast, and he contrived
once more to appear in arms against Henry; but was at length taken
prisoner, and ignominously conveyed in chains to England, where he ended
a miserable life a close prisoner at Wareham.
In 1139, William Fitz Allan, a powerful baron, was governor of the town
and sheriff of the county. During the wars between Stephen and the
Empress Maude, this baron espoused the cause of the empress, and with
several noblemen opposed the forces of the king. He left the castle,
which he had strongly fortified, under the command of a deputy governor,
whom he compelled to swear never to deliver his trust to the king. This,
however, did not prevent the monarch from taking the castle: after which
the king hanged several of the garrison for their contumacy. In 1260 the
English army rendezvoused at Shrewsbury, and shortly after the town and
castle fell once more into the hands of the rebels. They soon after
reverted to their former owners, and the government of the town and
castle was conferred by the king on his eldest son Edward. In 1277 the
Courts of Exchequer and King’s Bench, during the reign of Edward I., were
removed to Shrewsbury, in which place they appear to have been held at
least for some months.
David, Prince of Wales, the last of the princes of the ancient Britons,
having at length become a prisoner in the hands of Edward, in 1283, was
sent in chains to Shrewsbury. A writ having been issued for assembling
the parliament on September 30th at this place, for the express purpose
of taking into consideration the measures necessary to be adopted with
respect to this rebellious prince. This is remarkable, as “_the first
national convention in which the commons had any share by legal
authority_.” Twenty cities and towns, Shrewsbury being one, were
directed to send two deputies, and every high sheriff to send two
knights. The parliament met in the chapter house, or refectory of the
abbey, where David was condemned to be drawn about the town at the tail
of a horse, then hanged, afterwards quartered, his bowels burnt, his four
quarters sent to York, Bristol, Northampton, and Winchester, and his head
fixed near that of his brother Llewelyn, on the Tower of London. Thus,
with the death of the last of the ancient British princes, commenced a
mode of execution, usually exercised on traitors, disgraceful to
humanity, and barbarous in its example.
In the 20th of Richard II. the parliament was adjourned from Westminster
to Shrewsbury. On the king’s arrival, he gave a sumptuous feast to the
peers and commons in the abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul. The parliament
was held in the Chapter House, and so numerous were the members and their
retinues that Speed calls this “THE GREAT PARLIAMENT.” It was certainly
an important one. Chester was on this occasion made a principality, and
among the articles of accusation afterwards brought against the king by
Henry Bolingbroke were the oppressive laws which it enacted. The next
account on record relative to this place is the memorable BATTLE of
SHREWSBURY; the skirmishing of which began under the walls of the castle
gates, but the principal scene of action was at Battlefield. This
engagement between Henry IV. and the Earl of Northumberland, fought on
the plains and heaths of Battlefield and Albright Hussey, was one of the
most important recorded in English history. The origin of the quarrel
was a mandate from the monarch to the earl not to ransom his Scottish
prisoners taken at Homedon, which that nobleman deemed an infringement of
his rights. The jealous policy of Henry in this proceeding, and his
ingratitude for the services which raised him to the throne, roused the
indignation of Northumberland, and inflamed the high soul of his son,
Lord Henry Percy, whose warlike disposition had gained him the
characteristic appellation of Hotspur. Thomas, Earl of Worcester,
younger brother to Northumberland, participated in their discontents,
entered into their views of revenge, and offered his assistance to
overthrow the usurper whom they had united to establish. Hotspur, who
was the life of the conspiracy, released and made a friend of his valiant
rival, Douglas, entered into a correspondence with Glyndwr, and reared
the standard of rebellion, around which all his vassals and adherents
rallied. He was joined by a powerful army from Scotland, under Earl
Douglas and other chiefs, who, impelled by a rooted animosity to the King
of England, warmly espoused the cause of the conspirators. Henry, who
was apprised of their movements, placed himself at the head of a body of
troops, and hurried into Shropshire, having previously ordered his sons,
the Prince of Wales and Lord John of Lancaster, and his steady adherent,
the Earl of Westmorland, to meet him with reinforcements at Bridgnorth.
Aware that every thing depended on celerity of movement, he took
possession of Shrewsbury, just as the forces of Lord Percy were preparing
to assail it. Owen Glyndwr having mustered a numerous levy of Welshmen
at Oswestry, sent off a detachment of 4,000, but, on being apprised of
the king’s success, thought proper to suspend the march of his main body.
Had the valour of Hotspur been tempered by discretion, he would have
paused until the junction of his ally had given him better assurance of
success. His army consisted of 14,000 chosen men; but the king’s army is
said to have been nearly double that number. Had Glyndwr made good his
engagements, the armies would have been about equal. Percy, however, had
confidence in his own prowess, and his experience of that of his compeer,
Douglas, banished every doubt of victory from his mind. His ardour
received a momentary check from the following incident, which strikingly
exemplifies the universal superstition of the times:—In preparing for the
field, he called for his favourite sword, when he was informed that he
had left it at the village of Berwick the preceding night. The name of
the place startled him, and heaving a sigh, he exclaimed, “Alas! then, my
death is near at hand; for a wizard once told me that I should not live
long after I had been at Berwick, which I thought was a town in the north
so called. Yet, I will not be cheaply won.”
The abbot of Shrewsbury and one of the clerks of the privy seal, were
sent by the King to offer pardon to Hotspur if he would lay down his
arms, but to no purpose. Percy completed all his military arrangements,
and stationed his troops in a field still called the Hateleys—the royal
forces occupying ground immediately opposite. A flourish of trumpets,
mingling with the contending shouts of “St. George and victory,” and
“Esperance Percy,” was the signal of onset, which was answered by a
tremendous discharge of arrows from both sides. The Scots, who were too
impatient to fight at a distance, rushed with great fury upon the centre
of the royal army, and threw it into disorder; but the King hastening
with fresh succour rallied his broken troops and recovered their ground.
He frequently exposed himself in the thickest of the battle, which indeed
he might the more safely do, since he had diminished the chances of
personal danger, by investing several of his knights in regal
habiliments. Events soon proved the prudence of the stratagem. Percy
sought him in every part of the field, and Douglas with equal impetuosity
slew three of these mock-monarchs with his own hand. The fight extended
from Berwick westward, to the vicinity of Haughmond Abbey in the east,
and continued for three hours with various success. The bravery of the
King was nobly seconded by the valour of his son, Prince Henry, who that
day performed his noviciate in arms, and gave earnest of the future glory
of Agincourt. The Scottish champion, seconded by Hotspur, made another
furious attack on the royal station—slew the standard bearer, and came
within a sword’s point of the king, who fled for his life. In one of
these charges Hotspur was shot through the brain by an arrow, and fell
gloriously in the midst of his foes. Shortly after his army gave way on
all sides, and a total rout ensued. Douglas fled, and being hotly
pursued, he was thrown down from his horse while taking a desperate leap
on Haughmond-hill, and seized by the enemy. Phillips, the historian,
says, “1,600 royalists were slain, and 3,000 wounded; on the side of
Percy 6,000 were killed, among whom were Lord Percy and most of the
knights and gentlemen of Cheshire; there fell on that day 2,291 men of
note.” Henry having put a period to the slaughter, halted to return
thanks on the field of battle, and decreed the erection of a collegiate
church at Battlefield. The pious gratitude of the victorious monarch but
ill accorded with the punishment he subsequently inflicted on the
vanquished. The Earl of Worcester, Sir Theobald Trussel, and Sir Richard
Vernon, were executed at the high cross of Shrewsbury, and their heads
exposed to public view on London bridge. Hotspur’s body, which was found
among the slain, was placed between two mill stones, in the market place,
after which it was quartered, and hung on the gates of Shrewsbury, and
other places in the kingdom. The King released Douglas without ransom,
because he feared the Scots would avenge the death of a man so dear to
them, and from similar motives he afterwards accepted the submission of
Northumberland.
During the contest between the houses of York and Lancaster, which
deluged England with blood, almost to the total extinction of her ancient
nobility, the town of Shrewsbury espoused the party of the White Rose.
In the records of the corporation is preserved a letter from Richard,
Duke of York, requesting the burgesses to assist him with men in the
enterprise he meditated of removing his rival, Somerset, from power.
After his defeat and death at Wakefield, his son Edward, Earl of March,
went to Shrewsbury, and obtained in its neighbourhood a powerful levy,
which enabled him to revenge his father’s cause, in the great victory of
Mortimer’s Cross. He was shortly after proclaimed king. The attachment
of the inhabitants, and the great strength of the town, induced him to
choose it as the asylum for his queen during the subsequent vicissitudes
of the war. Whilst she resided here she had two sons, Richard and George
Plantagenet; the latter died young, and the former, with his elder
brother, Prince Edward, was, according to history, murdered in the Tower,
at the instigation of their uncle, the Protector. On the usurpation of
the crown by Richard III. his agent, the Duke of Buckingham, deserted him
and fled into Wales, where he took up arms, and endeavoured to excite a
general insurrection against the tyrant whom he had formerly served.
Being abandoned by his followers, he fled in disguise into Shropshire,
and concealed himself in the house of his steward, who, tempted by the
price offered for his apprehension, betrayed him to John Mytton, sheriff
of the county. He was immediately taken to Shrewsbury, where, by the
king’s peremptory order, and without trial, he was executed on a scaffold
erected before the High Cross.
The despotisms of Richard soon alienated the hearts of his subjects, and
disposed them to receive his rival, the Earl of Richmond, with open arms.
That prince, afterwards King Henry VII., landed at Milford Haven in
August, 1485, with a force of about 2,000 men. The Welsh, who regarded
him as their countryman, flocked to his standard and gave him every
assurance of support. Having mustered his army he determined to march
for Shrewsbury. On arriving at the Welsh bridge, he found the place in a
posture of defence; and on summoning the town he was unexpectedly refused
admittance by the head bailiff; a curious conference ensued, of which an
account is given in a manuscript belonging to the school library. “The
head-bailey Maister Myttoon, being a stout wyse gentilman, on demand
being made of entrance, answered, sayinge that he knew no kynge but only
kynge Richard, whose lyffetenants he and his fellows were; and before he
should entir there, he should go over his belly, meaning thereby, that he
should be slayne to the ground, and that he protested vehemently on the
othe he had tacken; but on better advice Maister Myttoon permitted the
kynge to pass; but to save hys othe, the sayd Myttoon lay along the
ground, and his belly upwards, and soe the said erle stepped over hym and
saved his othe.” The earl was first proclaimed king on his entrance into
Shrewsbury; the inhabitants testifying their joy at his coming, and their
vows for his success. He is said to have lodged in a house in the Wyle
Cop, three doors below the Lion Inn. In 1488, when quietly established
on the throne, he paid a visit to Shrewsbury, in testimony of his
gratitude for its services to his cause; and in 1490, he, with his Queen
and Prince Arthur, were present at a solemn festival, and attended mass
in the collegiate church of St. Chad. Five years after, Henry again
visited the town, and was nobly entertained in the castle by the
corporation. The spring of the year 1551 was fatally distinguished by
the commencement of a dreadful epidemic in this town called the “sweating
sickness.”
In the year 1642, the ill-fated Charles I. came hither from Nottingham,
at the head of his army, which was here amply reinforced and provisioned.
The King was joined by Prince Rupert, Prince Charles, and the Duke of
York, and many other noblemen and gentlemen of the neighbouring counties.
Charles set up a mint here, at which was coined money for his own use,
from the voluntary contributions of plate which were sent by the
inhabitants and others. The corporation about this time filed a bill in
Chancery against Richard Gibbons, late mayor, and Thomas Challoner,
schoolmaster, who kept the keys of the free school chest, to recover the
sum of £600, which they had surreptitiously taken from the funds of the
charity, and lent to his Majesty. It appears the bill was dismissed
without any relief, but it took the right honourable the Commissioners of
the Great Seal eleven years before they could decide on its rejection.
What, however, of justice was wanting to the plaintiffs in this cause was
made up in assurances of thankfulness, and gracious promises by the royal
receiver, who had given his note of hand, to refund the money whenever it
should be called for. Some time after the king’s arrival he summoned the
gentlemen and freeholders of the county, and addressed them in the
following terms, on a plot of land called the Soldiers’ Piece, now
converted into a race course:—“It is some benefit to me, from the
insolence and misfortunes which have driven me about, that they have
brought me to so good a part of my kingdom, and so faithful a part of my
people. I hope neither you nor I shall repent my coming hither; I will
do my part that you may not; and of you I was confident before I came.
The residence of an army is not usually pleasant to any place, and mine
may carry more fear with it, since it may be thought (being robbed and
spoiled of all my own, and such terror used to fright and keep all men
from supplying me), I must only live upon the aid and relief of my
people. But be not afraid, I would to God my poor subjects suffered no
more by the insolence and violence of that army raised against me (though
they have made themselves wanton even with plenty), than you shall do by
mine. And yet I fear I cannot prevent all disorders; I will do my best;
and this I promise you, no man shall be a loser by me, if I can help it.
I have sent hither for a mint; I will melt down my own plate, and expose
all my land to sale or mortgage, that if it be possible, I may not bring
the least pressure upon you. In the meantime, I have summoned you hither
to do that for me and yourselves, for the maintenance of your religion,
and the law of the land (by which you enjoy all that you have) which
other men do against me. Do not suffer so good a cause to be lost, for
want of supplying me with that, which will be taken from you by those who
pursue me with violence. And whilst these ill men sacrifice their money,
plate, and utmost industry to destroy, be you no less liberal to
preserve. Assure yourselves, if it please God to bless me with success,
I shall remember the assistance that every particular man here gives me
to his advantage. However, it will hereafter (how furiously soever the
minds of men are now possessed) be honour and comfort to you, that with
some charge and trouble to yourselves, you did your part to support your
king and preserve the kingdom.” During the king’s residence here he kept
his court at the Council House. The Princes Rupert and Morris were
stationed with the army, which exercised in the fields near the Hall.
The king caused the castle gates to be repaired, pulled down many houses
near the castle, and brought the water from the Severn up to the gate, by
means of a draw bridge. He also built a strong fort at the upper end of
Frankwell, in which he planted cannon.
Sir Michael Earnley was governor of the castle in 1644, and during the
storming of the town by the parliamentary forces had command of the
garrison. At this time, Colonel Mytton, a soldier of great valour, was
governor of a small garrison at Wem, and general of Cromwell’s army in
this county. Having made two unsuccessful attempts, on the night of the
3rd of February, he came with his forces consisting of two hundred and
fifty foot, and the same number of horse, and marched towards Shrewsbury,
where they arrived about three o’clock on Saturday morning. Eight
carpenters went up the river in a little boat, and landed within the
enemy’s breast work, under the castle hill on the east side. The
sentinels, after some pause fired upon them, but they very soon sawed
down so many of the palasades as gave the men a free passage.
The first that stormed were forty-two troopers dismounted, with their
pistols, and about as many firelocks. They were led on by Mr. Huson, a
puritan preacher, Captain Willers, and Lieutenant Benbow; then followed
some other musqueteers along the side of the Severn, under the Castle
Hill, and entered the town at the Water-lane Gate; after these marched
three hundred and fifty infantry, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
Rinking. Having entered the streets of the town they marched to the
market place, surprised the guard, and put the captain to death; the rest
marched to the castle Foregate, which was also soon gained; the guard
having basely deserted it. The town being in possession of the
parliamentary forces, they let down the draw bridge, near the castle, and
the horse immediately entered under the command of Colonel Mytton and
Bowyer. It was now about break of day, and the inhabitants were filled
with consternation and surprise at beholding the enemy in the very heart
of the town, which, on retiring to rest the preceding night, they thought
the most secure in the island. About twelve o’clock the castle after a
feeble resistance surrendered, on condition that the English part of it
should march to Ludlow, but the Irish were delivered up to the
conquerors. At the time of the assault the governor, Sir Michael
Earnley, was confined by sickness to his bed; but waked by the noise of
the tumult, he sprang up at the moment the enemy were rushing into his
chamber, and with great courage refused to submit to the conquerors,
rejecting all quarter, he wantonly perished, covered more with wounds
than with glory. The loss in killed and wounded was inconsiderable; but
the prisoners and property seized by the victors was of great importance,
for here were taken eight knights and baronets, forty colonels, majors,
captains, and others of quality, besides the common soldiers, also
fifteen pieces of ordnance, several hundred stand of arms and powder, &c.
For these important services the general received the thanks of
parliament, and was made governor of the castle. The late lieutenant
governor was tried by a court martial at Gloucester, and afterwards
hanged, for negligence and cowardice, in suffering the place to be
surprised without his having made a suitable resistance. Prince Maurice
made his escape before the castle surrendered, but the whole of his
magazine fell into the hands of the victors.
In the contest between the king and the parliament, Colonel John Benbow,
uncle to the celebrated Admiral Benbow, united with the parliament
forces; but afterwards deserted his principles, and espoused the cause of
the monarch. He distinguished himself by opposing his former associates
at the taking of Shrewsbury, for which vacillating conduct he was
condemned by the parliament, and shot on the green before the castle,
October 15th, 1651. At the same time the parliament in order to strike
terror into those who favoured royalty, adjudged the Earl of Derby to
suffer at Bolton. Several other gentlemen of the first families in
England were also sentenced to death at the same period. An attempt was
made to reduce the town to loyal obedience, after the death of the
protector Cromwell, but the governor of the castle secured the place in
the interest of parliament.
At the restoration, notwithstanding the joy which was diffused through
the kingdom, it is probable there were some in every county who still
sighed for the Commonwealth. The municipal bodies of the realm,
terrified by the example of London, made haste to surrender the charters
they had received from former monarchs into the hands of the sovereign.
The corporation, however, of Shrewsbury stood out for a twelvemonth. At
length, on the 13th of June, 1684, it was agreed unanimously, that the
charter of the town should be surrendered and yielded up to his majesty,
when his pleasure should require it. On the 20th of August, it was
“Ordered that the mayor and committee attend the Lord Chief Justice
Jones, to discourse him, touching the renewing of the charter, and
unanimously agreed, that in the new charter there shall be only twelve
aldermen and twenty-four assistants.” The king’s death prevented this
instrument from passing the great seal in his name. Within a week after
that event, the corporation sent up an address to their new sovereign,
expressive of “their joyfulness in his succession, and humbly thanking
him for his gracious declaration in preferring the Protestant religion;”
no obscure intimation of their wishes on that momentous subject, which
engaged all ranks with an intensity of interest difficult to be conceived
by the present generation. On the 17th of March, 1684, the corporation
received their new charter, in which the king expresses his gracious
affection for the melioration of the town of Salop, and hopes that, if
the burgesses and inhabitants have more ample liberties and privileges,
they will be the better enabled and the more bound to render him the more
special service. He grants that the town shall be “a free town of
itself, and the burgesses and inhabitants shall be a body corporate, and
sue and be sued; that there shall be one good and discreet man of the
aldermen of the town who shall be mayor; twelve good and discreet men
(the mayor being one) who shall be aldermen; and twenty-four good and
discreet men, assistants.” Then follow various other officers, and a
clause empowering the corporation to supply vacancies occasioned by
death, &c. When James II. made a progress through this part of his
dominions, the corporation resolved to expend £200 in entertaining and
making a present to the king. They despatched two gentlemen to
Gloucester and Worcester for the purpose of ascertaining the manner in
which the royal traveller was entertained in those cities. They resolved
that the conduits should run with wine on the day of his majesty’s
entrance, and that the corporated companies should appear with their
drums, colours, flags, and streamers. The king arrived on the 24th of
August, and took up his abode at the Council House, where the corporation
presented him with a purse of gold containing one hundred guineas. On
the following morning, he exercised the gift of healing, by touching
several persons for the king’s evil. The king issued a proclamation on
the 17th of October for restoring corporations to their ancient charters
and franchises, and orders were the same day made in council for removing
all corporate officers, who had been put in by the crown since 1679.
Richard Mickleston was at this time mayor of Shrewsbury; under the new
charter of 1685 he was discharged from his office, and John Hill, Esq.,
elected in his room, under the charter of 1638.
The various “compositions” which the burgesses of Shrewsbury appear to
have entered into amongst themselves for the government of this borough,
clearly indicate that a large share of power was exercised by “the
commons” in its municipal institutions. The liberties and customs of the
burgesses or commons were confirmed by the charter of Henry II., and by
various others granted before and after the date of the compositions
alluded to. But the constitution of the borough was materially altered
by a charter of the 14th of Charles I., transferring to a select body the
functions previously exercised by the commons. This charter continued to
be the governing one till the passing of the new municipal act, in 1835.
The corporation by it was appointed to consist of a mayor, twenty-four
aldermen, and forty-eight assistants, with an indefinite number of
burgesses or freemen, under the style of the “mayor, aldermen, and
burgesses of the town of Shrewsbury, in the county of Salop,” instead of
the “bailiffs and burgesses,” as in the old charter. The ministerial
officers named in the charter were, the recorder and his deputy, the
steward, town clerk, two coroners, four auditors, two chamberlains, a
sword bearer, three serjeants-at-mace, and three serjeants-yeomen.
Exclusive jurisdiction in the borough was granted, the magistrates being
the mayor and ex-mayor, the bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, the
chancellor of the diocese, the recorder, steward, and three senior
aldermen. Few of them, however, continued to act. Petty sessions were
authorised to be held weekly, quarter sessions for all criminal actions
not capital, a weekly court of record for all personal suits to any
amount, and for ejectments, and a court leet, with view of frank-pledge.
A court of requests was established in the 23rd of George III. for the
recovery of debts under 40s., which was held every alternate week. The
number of suits in the court in 1839 was 1011. This court has been
superseded by the new county court act.
Under the new municipal act, the borough is included in schedule A,
amongst boroughs to have a commission of the peace, which has accordingly
been granted, and the court of quarter sessions and recorder
re-appointed; and in section I. of that schedule among those the
parliamentary boundaries of which were to be taken till altered by
parliament. The limits of the borough extend considerably beyond the
ancient boundaries, and now include the whole town and its suburbs. It
has been divided into five wards, and appointed to be governed by ten
aldermen and thirty councillors under the usual corporate style. The
income of the corporation in 1840, was £1903. 10s. 8d. The income for
the year ending September 1st, 1850, was £3184. 6s. 9d. of which £515.
11s. 3d. arose from the rental of premises; £1750. 1s. 11d. from the
borough rate; and the remainder from miscellaneous sources. The
principal items of expenditure for the same period are—police, £832. 1s.
4d.; salaries, £346. 14s.; rent and taxes, £42. 8s.; reparations, £187.
6s. 5d.; turns in the quarry and other annual payments, £267. 19s. 2d.;
prosecutions, £217. 19s. 5d.; maintenance and removal of prisoners, £245.
17s. 11d.; expenses at sessions, including fees, &c., £395. 1s. 4d.;
inquests and coroners expenses, £72. 4s. 6d. There was also a balance of
£265. 0s. 9d. in the treasurer’s hands. Shrewsbury has regularly
returned two members to parliament since the reign of Edward I. Previous
to the passing of the reform act the franchise was in the burgesses
inhabiting within the ancient limits of the borough, paying scot and lot,
and not receiving alms or charity. The county assizes, and quarter
sessions, are held here; petty sessions are held every Tuesday, and the
borough magistrates sit daily.
The following is a list of the members of parliament, the corporate body,
and the municipal officers of the borough of Shrewsbury for the year
1851:—
MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT.
Robert Anglionby Slaney, Esq., and Edward Holmes Baldock, Esq.
BOROUGH MAGISTRATES.
Edward Hughes, Esq., mayor; Joseph Birch, Esq., ex-mayor; Robert Burton,
Esq.; Edward Haycock, Esq.; William Henry Perry, Esq.; James Watkins,
Esq.; T. G. Gwyn, Esq.; Edward Morris, Esq., John Hazledine, Esq.
MAYOR—Edward Hughes, Esq.
ALDERMEN—John Thomas Smitheman, Esq.; Edward Haycock, Esq.; William
Wyburgh How, Esq.; John Loxdale, Esq.; James Watkins, Esq.; John Bowen,
Esq.; Robert Burton, Esq.; Thomas Groves, Esq.; John Legh, Esq.; Charles
Lloyd, Esq.
COUNCILLORS.
_Castle Ward Within_—William James Clement, Joseph Birch, William Henry
Perry, Edwin Foulkes, Thomas Hall, Richard Jeffreys Mulckleston.
_Castle Ward Without_—James Smith, Thomas Birch, John Bishton Minor,
Joseph Chune, Benjamin Birch, James Moore.
_Stone Ward Within_—Thomas Campbell Eyton, William Richard Stokes, David
Evans, James Burrey, Edward Hughes, Lewis Meredith.
_Stone Ward Without_—William Burr, Charles Bowen Teece, John Hazledine,
George Harper, Richard Taylor, William Butler Lloyd.
_Welsh Ward_—Thomas William Trouncer, Robert Mortimer Healing, Robert
Baugh Blakemore, William Onions, Robert Haycock, Henry Keate.
_Recorder_, Charles Harwood, Esq. _Coroner_ (_borough_), Henry Keate,
Esq. _Town Clerk_, J. J. Peel, Esq. _Clerk of the Peace_, G. Gordon,
Esq. _Magistrates’ Clerk_, W. H. Cooper, Esq. _Chief Constable_,
Captain Mayne. _Borough Treasurer_, Mr. Henry Pidgeon. _Surveyor_, Mr.
Thomas Tisdale. _Governor of the Gaol_, Mr. John Sheppard, _Town
Marshall and senior Serjeant_, S. Farlow. _Chief Constable_, William
Harper. _Serjeant of Mace_, John Thomas. _Town Crier_, George Rowe.
THE BOROUGH POLICE FORCE consists of a chief constable, two
superintendents, two inspectors, and thirteen constables.
THE COUNTY CONSTABULARY consists of a chief constable, two first class
superintendents, four second class superintendents, ten first class
constables, and forty second class constables.
IN the year 1756, thirty-seven colliers were brought to gaol for rioting
and committing outrages in the county, it being a time of scarcity for
all kinds of provisions. The trial took place at the spring assizes of
the following year. Ten of the rioters were left for execution; but the
judge sent his report express to the attorney-general, with an intimation
fixed for the day of execution, and the individuals two in number, who,
as he deemed it should suffer the sentence of the law. The report having
been transmitted to Mr. Pitt, then secretary of state, it lay there
untouched, and was never laid before the king. The day of execution
arrived, without any reprieve, and Mr. Leek, the deputy sheriff, was
advised by several of the principal gentlemen in the town to leave the
prisoners to their fate. But he was so much shocked at the thought of
executing so large a number, which he was convinced could not be the
intention of the judge, that he ventured to postpone the execution, and
sent off an express to London, on the return of which he had the
satisfaction of finding that his conduct was highly approved of, and
still more, the consciousness that he had saved eight lives. The
following is part of a letter written to him on the occasion by Lord
Chief Justice Willes:—“Till I saw your letter I was under the greatest
uneasiness,—for I took it for granted that all the ten rioters had been
executed on Saturday last; and, upon my return from the Home Circuit, on
Thursday last, I found that by a shameful neglect in one of the secretary
of state’s officers, no reprieve had been sent down; and, as it was then
too late to send one down, I saw no reason to hope that their execution
would be deferred to a longer time. But though, to be sure, you have
acted contrary to your duty, you have acted a wise, prudent, and most
humane part; and you have not only my thanks, but the thanks of some of
the greatest men in the kingdom, for the part you have acted on this
occasion.” In a letter from Mr. Leek’s agent in town it is stated, “My
Lord Commissioner Willes was so afflicted . . . that it really made him
ill; and he did not for two days go into the king’s closet, so much he
feared the effect it might have upon the king’s mind, if the affair was
communicated to his majesty while it was under that state of uncertainty.
Thank God, your prudent and well judged respite has prevented all the
uneasiness and mischiefs that might have happened; and I have the
pleasure to assure you that no step was ever taken that has given more
satisfaction, than this of yours has done. My Lord Commissioner Willes
waited this day upon the king with your letter, and has directed me to
acquaint you, by his majesty’s orders, that his majesty entirely approves
of what you have done.”
CHURCHES.
ST. MARY’S CHURCH stands in a commanding position in St. Mary’s street,
and is one of the most interesting ecclesiastical edifices in the
country. This fine structure is cruciform, and consists of nave, side
aisles, transept, chancel, two side chapels, and a tower, crowned with a
lofty and beautiful spire. In common with most of our early churches
there is no opportunity of ascertaining the precise date of its erection;
it is said to owe its foundation to Edgar, who, at the suggestion of
Archbishop Dunstan, placed in it a dean, seven prebends, and a parish
priest, with a stipend of £6. 6s. 8d. per annum. There is, however,
every probability that the foundation was antecedent to his reign. In
the time of Edward the Confessor, this college possessed a landed estate
of about 1300 acres, which it continued to hold at the Domesday survey,
but of which it was soon after deprived. From a very early period this
church enjoyed the privilege of a royal free chapel, and was therefore
exempt from the jurisdiction of the Bishops. These privileges formed a
frequent ground of contest between the sovereign pontiffs and the kings
of England. A particular instance relates to the church now under
consideration. About the year 1270, the dean had a dispute with the
Abbot of Salop, touching the right of presentation to the Church of
Fittes, or as it was then written, Fitesho, to which one Robert de Acton
had been instituted by the Bishop of Lichfield, and forcibly ejected by
the dean. Acton, being a crusader, was under the especial protection of
the pope, whose officer called “the Executor of the Cross,” sent an order
to the Abbot of Shrewsbury to restore the incumbent to his benefice.
This being done the king’s attorney-general filed an information against
the abbot, requiring him to answer ‘whereof he exercised jurisdiction in
the Chapel of Fitesho,’ appertaining to the King’s Free Chapel of St.
Mary, of Salop, which is exempt, so that neither our lord “the pope, nor
any other ecclesiastical judge hath jurisdiction therein.” Judgment
passed against the abbot, and he was sentenced to pay damages to the king
and to suffer imprisonment.
The Dean of St. Mary’s, had, from time immemorial, the power of
collecting and paying into the king’s exchequer, the tenths or other
subsidies arising from the deanery and prebends. Edward the first
confirmed this privilege; and his grandson, in the eighteenth year of his
reign, recognized by directing the sheriffs of Salop and Hereford not to
enter the jurisdiction of the royal chapel, or to levy a distress on the
possessions thereof, for any subsidies or tenths, unless the dean should
neglect to make a due return. At the dissolution of collegiate churches
1. of Edward VI., the revenues which consisted chiefly of tithe, amounted
to £42, the greatest portion of which was granted by that monarch towards
the endowment of the Free Schools. According to Leland it had a dean and
nine poor prebendaries, also vicars choral, two chauntry priests, a
parish priest, and a clerk or assistant. The peculiar jurisdiction of
the Royal Free Chapel remained till the recent act of parliament restored
it to the bishop of the diocese, and was held in lease at an annual rent
of £1. 6s. 8d., of the corporation to whom Queen Elizabeth granted it by
charter, dated 23rd May, 1571. The usual style of the minister was
“ordinary and official, principal of the peculiar and exempt jurisdiction
of the Free Royal Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” In his courts
wills were proved, letters of administration were granted, and all
ecclesiastical matters, arising within the parish and its subordinate
chapelries, adjudicated. In 1632, King Charles I., during his residence
at the council house, attended divine service here, received the
sacraments, and made solemn protestations of his fidelity to the
principles of the reformed religion.
This venerable edifice exhibits various styles of architecture: the
Anglo-Norman of the 12th century in the basement of the nave and most of
the doors; the lancet style of the 13th century, in the chancel and
transept, and the obtuse arch of the 15th century in the side aisles and
chapels. The basement of the tower is of red sand stone, and the upper
portion of grey, and in the Anglo-Norman and early pointed styles of
architecture. The dimensions of the church are—length from east to west
160 feet—breadth of nave and side aisles 53 feet—transept 90 feet, and
height of tower and steeple 223 feet; the height of the steeple from the
bed of the river 300 feet. The beautifully proportioned octagonal spire
which rises from a tower of noble proportions, is a conspicuous ornament
to the town, and is seen from the adjacent country to a considerable
distance. The nave and side aisles externally, in the pointed style of
the 15th century, are of the Grinshill free stone, and entered on the
north and south-west by beautiful semi-circular arches, adorned with
chevron, lozenged and foliated mouldings; the south-west porch is in the
Anglo-Norman style, having zigzag mouldings, issuing from clustered
columns, with foliated capitals. On each side is a small pointed window,
exhibiting specimens of the earliest rudiments of the millioned Gothic
architecture, in which has lately been placed some highly interesting
painted glass, of German execution, on which are depicted various
incidents, chiefly from the Apocrypha. A stone porch, entered by a
pointed arch, had recently been erected before the corresponding door on
the north side.
The interior of this venerable edifice is spacious, lofty, and strikingly
noble; the nave is separated from the side aisles by four semicircular
arches, resting on elegant clustered columns, with foliated capitals of
varied and beautiful designs. Above is a clerestory, which is continued
along the walls of the chancel, lighted by a short double window, bluntly
pointed and bisected by single mullions. The ceiling of the nave is of
panelled oak, richly studded with elegant and exquisitely carved pendants
and foliated bosses, and merits attention not only on account of its
elaborate workmanship, but as being one of the richest and most highly
preserved specimens of its kind now in existence. A lofty pointed arch,
including in its span the entire breadth of the nave, rises from richly
clustered piers, with foliated capitals, and divides the nave from the
ancient choir. Eastward is a similar arch of like dimensions, springing
from the same pier. From these, the wings of the transept, corresponding
in size, branch off to the north and south. At each extremity of the
transept is a fine triple lancet window, highly enriched with slender
shafts, foliated capitals, and delicate mouldings, filled with beautiful
stained glass, illustrative of Scripture history; the most prominent
figures are those of Christ, the Virgin Mary, the Apostles and
Evangelists, and an escutcheon of the arms of George III., executed by
Mr. David Evans, of Shrewsbury. The chancel is elevated above the rest
of the church. The ceiling, like that of the transept, is excellently
painted, and adorned with some of the rich fret work removed from the
wreck of the churches of St. Chad and St. Alkmund. On the north side of
the altar is a beautiful triple lancet window, with arches remarkably
acute, resting on two insulated columns, with capitals adorned with
foliage. This window contains some fine stained glass, representing the
history of the life of St. Bernard. The great east window occupies the
whole extremity of the chancel, and exhibits the debased style of English
architecture of the Elizabethan era. In this window is the curious and
beautiful ancient stained glass which filled the window of the old St.
Chad’s church, prior to its demolition, and which was presented to this
church in 1791. The subject is the genealogy of Christ from the root of
Jesse. Jesse is represented reclining in sleep, from his loins spring a
vine, which overspreads the whole window, enclosed in his branches the
several kings, his descendants—the series of which is finished by the
husband of the Virgin Mary in a devotional posture at the feet of his
progenitor. Many of the figures are depicted with their peculiar
emblems, the ground of the whole is exquisitely beautiful, and the
clusters of grapes, and the bright verdure of the vine leaves, are
displayed with great effect. Underneath is an inscription requesting our
prayers for “Mons. John de Charlton, and Dame Hawis, his companion,” from
which, and from the armorial bearings, we learn that this beautiful piece
of ancient art was set up by the great Sir John de Charlton, lord of
Powis, and must have been executed about the middle of the fourteenth
century. It has been conjectured the glass was presented to the grey
friars of this town, to which religious house Sir John and his wife were
great benefactors, and that it was removed to St. Chad’s at the
dissolution. This is a singular circumstance of so fragile a material
surviving the destruction of two vast and substantial edifices. Within
the last few years the window has been judiciously restored. The organ
is a powerful and fine toned instrument, erected by Harris and Byfield,
in 1729. By the munificence of the present incumbent, the west end has
been enriched by an elegant organ screen of the most elaborate
workmanship, executed by Mr. John Carline. On the south side of the
chancel is the Trinity or “Leybourne chapel,” which communicates with the
south transept by a fine Norman arch, and with the chancel with an arch
in the pointed style. It is said to have been founded about the year
1300, by one of the Leybournes, of Berwick, as a place of sepulture for
the family, and was subsequently enlarged into its present form by the
Draper’s company. In the south east wall are three stone sedilia, with
canopied arches, and near the north east wall is an altar tomb (probably
of Simon de Leybourne, lord of Berwick, who died between 1300 and 1315),
the sides of which are adorned with canopied niches formerly containing
figures; and on the tomb reclines a figure of a knight cross-legged, and
in chain armour. In this tomb the headless corpse of Thomas Percy, Earl
of Worcester, who was taken prisoner at the battle of Shrewsbury, 1403,
and beheaded, is believed to have been interred. Underneath the south
window is a neatly executed gothic monument in memory of Heathcoate
Wigram, of Woodhouse, in the county of Essex; he was a pupil to the Royal
Free Grammar School, of this town, and was drowned whilst bathing in the
Severn, on September 1st, 1838, aged 14 years. The monument was erected
by the masters and pupils in memory of him whom they loved and lamented.
Against the east wall are monuments to John Jendine, Esq., and Thomas
Sutton, Esq., and between them is the statue of Bishop Butler, erected by
his pupils at the cost of eight hundred guineas. The figure is full
length, sitting in an easy and graceful position, clothed in the
episcopal robes; the right hand hanging over the chair, and the left hand
supporting the head, which is leaning in thought. The figure is of the
purest statuary marble, and the pedestal which supports the statue of
dove coloured marble from the Clee Hill; it was sculptured by F. H.
Baily, Esq., R.A. On the north side of the chancel is the vestry,
recently erected in the Norman style, the windows of which are ornamented
with antique German and Flemish glass; immediately adjoining is the
chauntry chapel of St. Catherine; these windows are also beautified with
stained glass, illustrating various portions of Scripture history. This
chapel is now used as a baptistry, and the ancient stone font, which is
beautifully carved, stands in the centre, on a rich pavement of encaustic
tile. An alabaster slab, against the north wall, engraved with figures
of a warrior and a lady, commemorates Nicholas Stafford, Esq., and
Catherine, his wife, who died in 1643. A white marble monument, recently
erected by subscription, over the door leading into the vestry, remembers
the brave admiral Benbow, a native of the parish. It represents an
obtuse pyramid of black marble, against which leans an oval medallion
bust of the admiral, surrounded with anchors, flags, and cannon, and
below a delicately sculptured representation in bas relief of a naval
fight. In the north transept is placed a most beautiful free stone
monument to the late Rev. J. B. Blakeway, which for elegance of design,
and beauty of execution, has rarely been surpassed in modern times; it is
upwards of 12 feet in length and 16 feet in height, and is divided into
three compartments by clustered buttresses, which sustain richly
crocheted pinnacles. The centre compartment comprises a large pointed
arch canopied and crocheted, the back of which is deeply recessed, and
contains the following inscription in ornamental Roman capitals:—
To the Memory of the Reverend
JOHN BRICKDALE BLAKEWAY, M.A., F.A.S.,
Thirty-one years ordinary and official,
And thirty-two years Minister of this Parish.
This Monument is erected
By the voluntary subscription of his parishioners,
As a tribute of respect for his talents,
Esteem for his virtues,
And gratitude for his long and faithful services,
As their friend and pastor.
He died the tenth day of March, MDCCCXXVI,
Aged sixty years.
As a preacher, Mr. Blakeway was admired for his forcible illustration of
Holy writ, and the valuable admonitions which his discourses generally
contained. As an author he was known to the world by the publication of
several sermons, and controversial tracts; and as an historian his name
will be immortalized in the elaborate History of Shrewsbury, which he
commenced in 1820, in conjunction with the venerable Archdeacon Owen, and
just lived to see the general history and ecclesiastical portions
published in two quarto volumes. There are other memorials, exquisite
specimens of monumental skill, unrivalled in elegance of design and
richness of execution, in various parts of the same edifice, which our
limits will not allow us to notice. On the exterior wall of the tower
are the following quaint verses to the memory of Robert Cadman, who, on
February 2nd, 1793, lost his life in an attempt to descend from the top
of the spire of St. Mary’s along a rope which he had fixed to its highest
part, and extended to a field on the opposite side of the river. In the
midst of his passage the rope broke, as he was passing over St. Mary’s
Friars, and he fell lifeless on the ice-bound earth:—
Let this small monument record the name
Of Cadman, and to future times proclaim,
How from a bold attempt to fly from this high spire,
Across the Sabrine stream he did acquire
His fatal end! ’Twas not for want of skill,
Or courage, to perform the task, he fell;
No, no, a faulty cord, being drawn too tight
Hurried his soul on high to take his flight,
Which hid the body here beneath; good night.
The patronage of St. Mary’s church is vested in five trustees, the living
is returned at £312, and is enjoyed by the Rev. W. G. Rowland; the Rev.
V. B. Johnstone and T. G. Galway are the curates.
ST. CHAD’S CHURCH.—The old collegiate church of St. Chad, of which only a
small part, called the Lady Chapel, is standing, occupies the eminence
between College Hill and Belmont. The collegiate establishment consisted
of a dean, ten secular canons, and two vicars choral; and was founded
soon after the subjugation of Pengwern, in the 8th century, by Offa, King
of Mercia, who, as tradition states, converted the palace of the kings of
Powis into his first church. In the time of Edward the Confessor, this
church held twelve hides of land, which it retained at the Domesday
survey. Subsequently other considerable possessions were acquired by the
college, so that at the dissolution the yearly revenues amounted to £49.
13s. The college was dissolved in the 2nd Edward IV., and the crown
leased the collegiate property for a term of twenty-one years, and a few
years afterwards it was appropriated to the Free School of Shrewsbury, in
which it is now vested. Respecting the various changes which this
ancient edifice must have undergone during a period of nearly 1,000
years, few notices have been preserved. In the year 1393, a considerable
part of it was consumed by fire, occasioned by the carelessness of a
plumber, who, alarmed at the conflagration, endeavoured to escape over
the ford of the Severn, and was drowned. The damage was so extensive,
that the inhabitants of the town obtained from Richard II. a remission of
certain taxes to enable them to rebuild it.
In this church, at a very early period, the doctrines of the Reformation
were promulgated. William Thorpe, a priest, obtained leave in the year
1407 to deliver a sermon before the principal inhabitants. On this
occasion he boldly exposed the corruptions of the Romish church, in
consequence of which the bailiffs of the town preferred charges of heresy
and sedition against him to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who brought him
to trial. In his examination, he candidly admitted the charges laid
against him, but adhered to his opinions with manly and unshrinking
steadiness, when he was remanded to prison; but of his subsequent fate we
possess no account. The progress of the Reformation effected a wonderful
change in the minds of men. In the 1st of Edward VI. the bailiffs of
Shrewsbury, whose predecessors had denounced one of its boldest champions
as a heretic, ordered the pictures and superstitious ornaments of St.
Chad’s to be publicly burnt; and in the 26th of Elizabeth, the service of
the Church of England was solemnly established there.
The old church was a majestic edifice, and from its situation, on a
commanding eminence, presented from a distance a cathedral-like
appearance. It was cruciform, with a central tower, and chiefly in the
Anglo-Norman and lancet styles of architecture, with subsequent
additions, having the characteristics of the fifteenth and sixteenth
centuries. The misfortune which befel this venerable edifice in 1788 is
a striking proof of the mischiefs occasioned by the interment of the dead
in the interior of places of worship. Early in the year, one of the four
pillars, which supported the tower in the centre of the church, shrunk in
so alarming a manner as to endanger the safety of the fabric. An
architect of the town advised that the whole tower should be taken down,
but the parish vestry, rejecting this advice, employed a mason in the
rash attempt of underbuilding the pillar. The second morning after the
work had commenced, July 9th, when the clock had struck four, the decayed
pillar gave way, the tower was instantly rent asunder, and falling with
its heavy peal of bells on the roof of the nave and transepts, sunk, with
a great part of the building, in one tremendous crash to the ground. The
ruins, on the following day, presented an awful spectacle; and pews,
pulpit, organ, monuments, and bells, were seen broken and dispersed in a
thousand forms. Among the rubbish were found pieces of Saxon sculpture,
which had probably belonged to the ancient church, and had been used in
the repairs after the calamitous fire which happened in 1393. Any
attempt at rebuilding the edifice being now deemed inadvisable, the
remaining fragments were taken down, except the Lady Chancel, to prevent
further mischief. The fine stained glass of the west window having
fortunately escaped destruction, was carefully preserved, and afterwards
placed in the chancel of St. Mary’s church. The figure of St. Chad, in
his episcopal vestments, which stood on the summit of the organ, was also
preserved, and is now placed in the vestry of the new church. Such
funeral monuments as could be rescued from the ruins, were placed at the
disposal of the families to whom they belonged, and others were removed
to the chapel before mentioned. This chapel, originally dedicated to the
Virgin Mary, was rebuilt in 1571, by Humphrey Onslow, Esq., being the
burial place of his family, and is now solely used for reading the
funeral service over those who are buried in the ancient cemetery. One
of the monuments now removed to the Abbey Church remembered Richard
Onslow, an eminent lawyer, and speaker of the House of Commons in the 8th
of Queen Elizabeth. He was the ancestor of Sir Richard, afterwards Lord
Onslow, who filled the chair of the House of Commons in the 8th of Queen
Anne; and also of Arthur Onslow, Esq., who so ably exercised the office
of speaker during many successive parliaments. There is a small tablet
to the Rev. Job Orton, who was interred in the same grave as Mr. Bryan, a
former minister of this church, who quitted his benefice on the act of
uniformity.
THE NEW CHURCH OF ST. CHAD.—From the site of the old edifice being deemed
ineligible, the new church was built on a commanding eminence bordering
on the Quarry. It is constructed of the beautiful white free stone
brought from Grinshill. The body of the church forms a circle one
hundred feet in diameter, and externally consists of a rustic basement,
with square windows, on which reposes a superstructure, containing a
series of large arched windows, between each of which are coupled Ionic
pilasters, resting on the basement and supporting a bold cornice, crowned
with an open balustrade. Attached to the main edifice is a small
circular building with similar enrichments; and beyond which is the
steeple, consisting of three stories. Upon a square rustic basement
rises an octagonal belfry, enriched with Ionic pilasters, and above, a
small cupola supported on a heavy cylinder, surrounded by eight slender
Corinthian pillars. A heavy cross and vane crowns the summit. On each
side of the tower is a plain square wing, which are used as vestries.
Before the front is a handsome portico, elevated on a flight of steps,
and supported by four Doric columns. The exterior beauty of this church
consists more in the fineness of its materials, and the splendour of its
ornaments, than in the harmonious proportion and disposition of its
several parts. The interior is handsomely and conveniently arranged; and
though possessing much of the theatrical air, yet, by the ingenuity of
the circular arrangement, all the congregation can distinctly hear and
see the officiating clergyman. A capacious gallery, ornamented in front
with a handsome balustrade, surrounds the whole church except the
chancel, and reposes on a double row of short pillars with Ionic
capitals. From these a corresponding tier of slender fluted shafts rises
to the ceiling, which is adorned with a glory in the centre, and a rich
cornice of angels and wings interlaced. The chancel, contrary to general
custom, is towards the north, and is separated from the body of the
church by a handsome arch, springing from an entablature supported by
composite columns, with capitals richly gilt. Over the chief entrance is
a powerful and fine-toned organ, built by Gray, of London, in 1794, and
enlarged and improved in 1848. The font formerly belonged to the parish
of Malpas, and is that in which the late Bishop Heber was baptized.
The principal monuments are, a handsome panelled marble tablet, with a
fine bust by Chantrey, commemorative of Mr. John Simpson, an eminent
architect, and builder of this church. A similar tablet and bust, by
Chantrey, to William Hazledine, Esq., the builder of the Menai bridge; an
oblong Grecian tablet, with an elegant latin inscription, to the Rev.
Francis Leighton, his lady, and two grandchildren; and in the vestibule
an elegant marble mural monument to the officers and privates of the
53rd, or Shropshire Regiment, who were killed on the 10th of February,
1846, in the battles of Subraon, Aliwal, and Loodhiana, on the Sutluj.
The window above the altar is ornamented with painted glass, representing
the descent from the cross, after Rubens, the Salutation and
Representation in the Temple, executed by Mr. Evans, of this town, whose
skill has also been exercised in four other windows of this church, of
which the subjects are, the raising of Lazarus, Christ receiving little
children, healing of the sick, and the tribute money, the whole of which
were presented by the Rev. R. Scott. The church was commenced building
March 2nd, 1790, and consecrated August 20th, 1792; there is
accommodation for a congregation of 2200 persons. The total cost,
including site, organ, and bells, £19,352. The living is a vicarage,
returned at £350, in the patronage of the Lord Chancellor; incumbent,
Rev. John Yardley, M.A.
THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS, commonly called the _Abbey Church_, is
situated in the Abbey Foregate. It is built of red sand stone, and
consists of nave, side aisles, and a massive tower at the west end.
Though the beauty of the church has suffered both from dilapidation and
mutilation, yet it displays many interesting features of ancient Norman
architecture, combined with the earlier pointed style. It originally
formed part of the richly endowed monastery founded by Roger de
Montgomery, the first Earl of Shrewsbury, and was built on the site of a
small wooden church dedicated to St. Peter, which it is said was erected
in the time of Edward the Confessor, by Siward, a Saxon gentleman, then
resident in Shropshire. The nave or great western aisle, was in very
early times appropriated to the use of the neighbouring inhabitants, who
were in general servants of the Abbey. It was called the Parish Church
of the Holy Cross, within the monastery of St. Peter’s, of Salop. For
this reason it was spared in the general destruction of the Abbey, and
being now one of the parochial churches of the town, retains the name of
Holy Cross. When entire it was a stately cruciform building, equal in
size to some of our cathedrals, but two-thirds of the structure was
destroyed at the dissolution of monasteries in the time of Henry VIII.
The principal entrance is at the west end under the tower, through a
pointed doorway, with mouldings skilfully inserted within a deeply
recessed semi-circular arch, the exterior rib of which springs on each
side from a Norman pillar, with indented capital. Above this rises a
magnificent and elegantly proportioned window, divided horizontally by
embattled transoms, and perpendicularly by six upright mullions into
seven compartments; the arched head is gracefully pointed and filled with
a profusion of the most delicate tracery. On each side of the window is
a canopied niche, containing statues of St. Peter and St. Paul, the
tutelar saints of the Abbey. The nave is separated from the side aisles
by the semi-circular arches, resting on short mosaic pillars in the
Anglo-Norman style. The western portion has two pointed arches in the
Gothic style, rising from clustered pillars, with capitals composed of
small horizontal mouldings; a lofty and graceful arch opens from the nave
of the tower, and affords a view of the fine west window, the upper part
of which is filled with armorial bearings. The fine eastern window
filled with stained glass was executed by Evans, of Shrewsbury, with his
usual taste. Underneath this window is a beautifully executed stone
altar screen, composed of an arcade of five Norman arches, with varied
mouldings, surrounded by a pierced balustrade. The communion table is
fenced by stone railing uniform in style, the whole of which was designed
and executed by Messrs. Carline and Dodson, of this town, through the
liberality of the late Rev. R. Scott. The north east window of the north
aisle contains a figure of St. Peter, the arms of the see of Lichfield,
of Lord Berwick, the donor, and of thirteen incumbents since the
reformation. In the south aisle is a beautiful mosaic window of stained
glass, containing the armorial bearings, of the families connected with
the Rev. John Roche. At the west end of the church is a spacious
gallery, and an excellent organ, erected in 1806, at the cost of 365
guineas.
There are several ancient monuments which have been removed hither on the
demolition of other sacred edifices in the town and county, which are
preserved in the ample side aisles. The oldest in the church is in the
south aisle, a mutilated figure of a warrior in the costume of the reign
of King John, and supposed to represent the founder of the Abbey, Earl
Roger de Montgomery, who died in the year 1094. In the north aisle is
the recumbent figure of a person in the robes and coif of a judge brought
from St. Chad’s. In the south aisle is a monument brought from St.
Giles’s church, with a figure in priestly vestments. Opposite the last
is the effigy of a knight in linked armour, removed from the priory
church of Wombridge, conjectured to commemorate Sir Walter de
Dunstanville, who died in the 25th of Henry III., 1240. In the south
aisle an alabaster altar tomb, bearing the recumbent figures of a man (in
the habiliments of war) and his wife, remembers William Charlton, who
died in 1524. This monument was originally erected in Wellington church.
An altar tomb in the north porch, in the style of the fifteenth century,
has a figure of a knight in plate armour, partly covered with a monastic
dress, and another figure in the dress of a hermit of the Romish church.
Near the east end of the north aisle, is a large altar tomb with full
length figures, to the memory of Richard Onslow, Esq., speaker of the
House of Commons, in the 8th of Elizabeth, who died 1571, and his lady.
This memorial was formerly placed in the chancel of old St. Chad’s
church. Above this is a mural monument brought from St. Chad’s,
representing a gentleman in a ruff, and a lady with long veil thrown
back, kneeling under two arches; above, a lady in a habit and coif, and a
little girl kneeling, to the memory of Thomas Edwardes, Esq., who died
1634, and of Mary, the wife of his son, Thomas Edwardes, Esq., who died
1641. In the south aisle is an alabaster altar tomb, in the Grecian
style, bearing the figure of an alderman in his civic robe, and a lady in
the scarlet gown formerly worn by the lady mayoresses of Shrewsbury,
commemorative of William Jones, Esq., who died 1612, and his wife, who
died in 1623. The monument was originally placed in St. Alkmund’s
church. There are numerous other mural monuments, of more modern dates,
which are elegantly designed, in memory of deceased members of some of
the principal families of the parish. In the vestry is an old painting
of the Crucifixion, which in 1728 occasioned much strife between the
minister and his flock. In that year Mr. Latham, who had been lately
inducted to the vicarage, presented a petition to the Bishop of Lichfield
and Coventry, praying that a picture representing our Saviour upon the
cross might be removed out of the church. A counter petition was also
presented by the parishioners, but the wardens shortly after received an
order from the bishop for the removal of the picture. It was afterwards
long possessed by the family of Hilton, by whom it was again restored to
the parishioners of the Holy Cross. The living is a vicarage with St.
Giles annexed, valued in the king’s book at £8. The small tithes are
commuted for £363, and the impropriator, Lord Berwick, receives £110.
The patronage is vested in the Right Hon. Lord Berwick, who received it
in exchange for three small livings in Suffolk; incumbent, Rev. Robert L.
Burton, M.A. The vicarage of the Holy Cross is a small fabric of wood
and plaster situated in the Abbey Foregate, now converted into two
cottages. From time immemorial certain lands have been vested in the
churchwardens and their successors; they now produce an income of £250
per annum. “The vicar and churchwardens are a corporation with power of
making leases of the landed possessions, &c., and have a common seal
which is appended to such documents. The seal is kept in a chest secured
by three locks, and the keys are severally in the possession of the vicar
and two churchwardens. It is of brass of the _visica piscis_ form, and
has in the centre a baton or mace, and on each side a clothed arm
projecting towards the centre, that on the dexter side holding a pastoral
crook, that on the sinister side a naked sword; the ground work studded
with stars, and around the margin this inscription:—S.COMMVNE DE FFORYATE
MONACHOR.” The space of ground on the east side of the church,
containing 7300 yards, whereon formerly stood the choir and Lady Chapel
of the monastery, was in 1840 converted into a public cemetery.
THE CHURCH OF ST. GILES stands at the eastern extremity of the suburb of
the Abbey Foregate, the living of which is annexed to that of Holy Cross.
It is a small plain building consisting of nave, chancel, and north,
aisle, with a small bell turret at the west end. Of its foundation we
possess no record, but the structure is doubtless as old as the early
part of the twelfth century, and some confirmation is afforded to this
conjecture by the arches of the northern and southern doors, having the
characteristics of that era. The nave is divided from the side aisle by
three pointed arches, sustained on plain round pillars. It is highly
probable that the north aisle was made for the accommodation of persons
afflicted with leprosy—the hospital of which formerly stood near the
church, and from which they had access by a pointed doorway, when they
might hear the offices of religion without endangering other worshippers
with their contagious malady. A lofty pointed arch separates the nave
from the chancel, which is terminated by a flat arched eastern window,
which is exquisitely beautified with stained glass, executed by Mr.
Evans. The four lower compartments have full length figures of the
Evangelists, standing upon hexagonal pedestals. Over each figure is a
beautiful canopy of tabernacle work, and the intersections of the tracery
contain the symbols of the Evangelists. In the three principal
compartments of the upper division, are fine representations of the
salutation, the wise men’s offering, and the presentation in the temple.
The small lancet window on the north side, contains a figure of the
patron saint, St. Giles, exquisitely executed. On the floor are several
ancient stones bearing crosses, probably denoting the interment of some
of the masters of the old hospital. From an entry in the parish
registrar of the date 1655, it appears this church formerly possessed a
steeple at the west end. In the steeple was a great bell and two smaller
ones, which were taken down in 1672, and used in the following year, with
four lesser bells, and the great “Wenefrede bell,” in the recasting of
the present ring of bells in the Abbey church. For a long period this
venerable edifice exhibited a rude appearance of damp and neglect, and
divine service was celebrated only on two Sunday evenings during the
year. In 1827, however, the Rev. W. G. Rowland, the liberal donor of the
beautiful east window, thoroughly repaired and happily rescued it from
the ruin and decay to which in its previous condition it was fast
hastening. Subsequently the massive oak benches were removed, and
replaced with new ones; a new pulpit and altar screen of oak, beautifully
carved in unison with the architecture were added, and the whole building
fitted up for divine service by the munificence of the Rev. Richard
Scott, who also gave £500 towards augmenting the salary of the
officiating minister. Since June, 1836, divine service has regularly
been performed on the Sabbath. The Rev. Joseph Simpson, M.A., is the
officiating minister. In the parish book is the following
memorandum:—“1585, paid Barnett and his sonne for pulling down the crosse
of St. Gyles, xviij d.” This cross formerly stood in the church yard,
and was curiously sculptured. A large stone which now lies in the church
yard, with a cavity on the upper side, was most probably the base and
socket of the cross. It is now termed the _pest basin_, which tradition
states to have been used during the time of the plague for holding water,
in which to avoid the spread of the disease the people deposited their
money in their bargains for provisions with the country folk.
ST. ALKMUND’S CHURCH, situated in St. Alkmund’s Square, is a neat
structure of freestone, erected in 1795, with the exception of the tower
and spire, which fortunately escaped the fate of a former edifice,
inconsiderately destroyed under a mistaken apprehension of its stability.
The original church was founded by Ethelfleda, daughter of Offa, King of
Mercia, who governed that kingdom at the beginning of the ninth century.
King Edgar, by the advice of St. Dunstan, gave other lands and
possessions, and placed here a dean and ten prebends. Its patron saint
was a prince of the Northumbrian family, who is said to have been buried
at Lilleshall. At the Doomsday survey, this church had possession of
nine manors, in all about 4,020 acres, out of which 620 were in demesne,
and a rent of £8. 8s. 8d., which, with other rents, produced a revenue of
£500 per annum. The manner in which it lost this appendage, as recorded
in Dugdale, is an example of the fluctuations to which, in those days of
turbulence, even the most sacred property was liable. King Edward the
Confessor wrested these lands from one Spirtes, a canon of St. Alkmund’s,
and gave them to Godfrey Wiffesune. On his death, about two years after
the conquest, Nigel, an ecclesiastic, obtained them. After his decease,
one Gilbert de Cundore, a layman, had possession of them, and retained
them till he was excommunicated by the bishop. In order to obtain
absolution, he and his knights submitted to do penance, and were flogged
by the canons at the altar of St. Alkmund’s church. The property finally
centred in Roger, Earl of Hereford, who held it by force of arms.
“The superior and dean of this collegiate church had, in common with
those of other Saxon foundations, the right of hereditary succession, and
even claimed a privilege of alienating the property to other than
religious uses. In the year 1150, when monastic institutions were
universally popular, and the colleges of the secular clergy had fallen
into disrepute, Richard de Belesme, then dean of St. Alkmund’s,
voluntarily surrendered the estates of the deanery, which lay at
Lilleshall, towards the endowment of an abbey of canons regular of St.
Augustine, about to be erected on that spot made sacred by the sepulchre
of the patron saint of his church; and so great was his zeal for this new
institution, that he solicited and obtained the consent of the Pope and
King Stephen for dissolving the college entirely, and for transferring
all its estates to the new abbey. Thus stripped of all its landed
property, the benefice sank from a collegiate establishment to a poor
vicarage, which continued in the patronage of the monks of Lilleshall
till the dissolution, when it became vested in the crown.”
The old church was a spacious structure, exhibiting various styles of
architecture, from the Anglo-Norman period to the middle of the sixteenth
century. Of its antiquity, however, few features remain; for the panic
caused by the sudden fall of St. Chad’s church, induced the parishioners
of St. Alkmund to petition parliament to pull down the body of the old
church, and erect a new one on its site. The modern building is in the
ancient pointed style of architecture; an oblong square, eighty-two feet
by forty-four feet, with a recess for the altar. The ancient tower,
terminated with crochetted pinnacles, remains, and is seventy feet high,
surmounted with a chaste and elegantly proportioned spire, one hundred
and fourteen feet—making a total of 184 feet from the ground. Over the
altar is a window of painted glass, executed about fifty years ago by
Eginton, representing Evangelical Faith, in a female figure as large as
life kneeling on a cross, with the eyes elevated and the arms extended
towards a celestial crown, which appears amidst the opening clouds, This
window was erected at a cost of two hundred guineas. The church is
handsomely fitted up, and will accommodate a congregation of 800 persons.
Upon the gallery, at the west end, is a good organ, erected by
subscription in 1823. The tower contains a peal of eight bells, recast
in 1813. The sound of church bells was supposed to be very efficacious
in chasing away the spirit of darkness by our superstitious ancestors.
The following curious notice will shew that they were not at all times
proof against infernal agency:—
“This yere, (1533) upon twelfe daye, in Shrowsbury, the dyvyll appearyd
in St. Alkmund’s churche, there when the preest was at high masse, with
great tempeste and darknesse, so that as he passyd through the churche he
mountyd up the steeple in the saide churche, tering the wyers of the
saide clocke, and put the print of his clawes upon the 4th bell, and took
one of the pinnacles away with him, and for the time stayed all the bells
in the churches within the saide towne, that they could neyther toll nor
ringe.”
Of the ancient tombs and mural monuments which abounded in the old
edifice, none were preserved in the present structure worthy of notice,
with the exception of a tablet to Chief Justice Jones, who died in 1692.
Several tablets of a modern date adorn the walls. The living is a
vicarage, valued in the king’s book at £6, now returned at £219. Patron,
the Lord Chancellor; incumbent, the Rev. Charles Edward Leopold Wightman,
M.A.
ST. JULIAN’S CHURCH is situated upon elevated ground, at the top of the
Wyle-cop, near to St. Alkmund’s church. Of its early foundation in Saxon
times we possess no particulars. It was distinguished through several
reigns as a rectory and a royal free chapel, with a peculiar
jurisdiction. According to Tanner, at a very early period it was annexed
to the free chapel of St. Michael, within the castle, and so continued
until the reign of Henry IV., when they were both resigned into the
king’s hands. Subsequently, the rectory was granted, among other things,
to augment the new foundation of Battlefield College, and thenceforth the
living became a mere stipendiary curacy. On the dissolution of that
college, the living was granted by the crown to John Capper and Richard
Trevor; and after many subsequent transfers, passed into the family of
Prince, from whom it has descended to the present patron, the Earl of
Tankerville.
The present church, built in 1749 on the site of a former edifice, which
had become ruinous, is an oblong structure in the Grecian style,
consisting of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with a tower at the west
end. This tower is the only existing portion of the old church which
remains, and is crowned with eight crochetted pinnacles. It has an
excellent illuminated clock; and a peal of six bells, which were recast
in 1706. The interior has a handsome appearance: four Doric pillars on
each side the nave support the ceiling, which is carved and decorated
with the fret-work of the old church. Over the side aisles and west end
are commodious galleries, in the latter of which is a superior organ,
erected by subscription in 1834. The east window contains a figure of
St. James, in ancient stained glass, which was purchased from a splendid
collection brought from Rouen in 1804. Several of the other windows are
ornamented with armorial bearings. There is only one monument of any
antiquity: a coarse marble slab, inscribed in Longobaric capitals to a
member of the Trumwin family. Among the memorials of a modern date is
one to the memory of Mr. John Allatt, the benevolent founder of Allatt’s
Free School. The south aisle contains a neat memorial, of the Grinshill
freestone, to commemorate the liberality of the late Rev. Richard Scott,
B.D., who expended upwards of £1,500 in the reparations of this church,
and other improvements connected with the fabric. It contains the
following inscription, dated 1847, in reference to the improvements made
by Mr. Scott: “Who, in Christian love, and a desire to honour God with
his substance, has caused an effective architectural character to be
given to the exterior of the south side of this sacred edifice, which,
from the limited funds raised for its re-edification in 1750, necessarily
induced brick as a material, and a design possessing little claim to
taste; stone piers are now set at each end of the building and between
the lower windows, which have been lengthened. Above, on a block
cornice, are Roman Doric pilasters which sustain an entablature, crowned
by an open balustrade and vase-shaped acroteria. Fretted console tables
have been added to the upper windows, the architecture entirely renewed,
and, like those below, re-glazed with metallic frame-work. A new portal
and door at the eastern end of the south aisle, and the surface of this
portion of the church and chancel, covered with stucco; the apex of the
gable being finished with an appropriate ornament.”
In the north aisle is a similar memorial, inscribed to the same
individual for his munificent beneficence “In erecting an ornamental
stone wall and parapet round the church-yard, flagging the foot-path
underneath and that on the eastern side, and likewise along the basement
of the church, renewing the steps at the south-east thoroughfare, and
lowering, repairing, and enclosing those which form the main approach
from the street to the cemetery; also for a new pavement in the area
leading to and from before the south door, rebuilding the steps of the
portico with the addition thereto of a continuous pedestal, painting the
north side of the church, and cleaning the stone work, roofing the
chancel, and placing thereon a stone cornice and blocking course, with a
foliated cone at each angle, as well as for other useful improvements
connected with the fabric.” The living of St. Julian’s is a perpetual
curacy, returned at £159, in the patronage of Earl Tankerville, and
incumbency of the Rev. James Jardine Rogerson, M.A. The chapel of Ford
was formerly an appendent of this church.
ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH, situated at Frankwell, is a neat cruciform
structure, in the Gothic style, with a short tower at the west end,
ornamented with four pinnacles. It is built of the beautiful Grinshill
freestone, from a design by Mr. Haycock. The cost was nearly £4,000,
raised by voluntary subscription. It was consecrated for divine service
on January 30th, 1832. The interior has a chaste and elegant appearance,
and will contain a congregation of 750 persons. Of the sittings, 460 are
free and unappropriated. By the liberality of the late Rev. Richard
Scott, B.D., the chancel has been beautified with an altar screen, the
gallery with a small organ, and the triple lancet windows filled with
splendid stained glass. The centre window contains a full-length figure
of Isaiah, clothed in a brilliant vest of purple, over which is thrown a
green robe lined with ermine, denoting his royal descent. The windows on
each side have spirited figures of St. Matthew and St. Mark. The former
exhibits deep and serious meditation, and holds a manuscript in his left
hand; and the latter, a venerable figure, is pointing to an open gospel,
which he holds in his left hand. The windows in the north and south
transepts are also embellished with glass of a rich and elaborate mosaic
pattern, which contributes to the imposing effect of the splendid east
window. The living is a perpetual curacy, returned at £118, in the
patronage of the vicar of St. Chad; incumbent, the Rev. John Harding,
M.A.
ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH, situated in the populous suburb of Castle Foregate,
is a neat brick structure, in the Grecian style of architecture,
consisting of nave, side aisles, and elliptical recess for the communion,
with an octagonal tower in three divisions, rising to the height of
seventy feet, over the side aisles are galleries which are free; there is
also a spacious gallery in the west end for the use of the school
children, in which stands a small organ the gift of the Rev. W. G.
Rowland, M.A. The pulpit and reading desk are octagonal, and placed on
opposite sides of the church; the roof is panelled in large square
compartments, and painted in imitation of oak. Three windows of stained
glass which decorate the chancel are the exquisite productions of Mr.
David Evans. The centre one is illustrative of the Nativity, from the
celebrated “La Notte” of Correggio. The windows on each side represent
the Annunciation, and the Presentation in the Temple; the former from a
picture by Guido, and the latter from a celebrated painting by Rubens.
These windows were the gift of the Rev. W. G. Rowland, M.A., to whose
liberality the parishioners are also indebted for the service of
communion plate, the peal of six bells, which hang in the tower, and the
erection of the adjacent school rooms, for the education of the poor
children of this populous portion of the parish of St. Mary’s. The
church was erected at an expense of £2000, raised by subscription, and
consecrated on the 24th August, 1830, as a chapel of ease to St. Mary’s
church. The edifice contains 800 sittings, of which 600 are free and
unappropriated.
THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY, situated on the Meole-road, was erected
in 1837, for the accommodation of the inhabitants of the populous suburb
of Coleham. It was built at a cost of nearly £1900, raised by
subscription, aided by the grant of £600, from the Lichfield Diocesan
Society, and a further grant of £150, from the Incorporated Church
Building Society. The structure is a neat fabric of brick with a short
tower; the body of the church has five windows on each side, and an
elliptical recess for the communion, separated, internally, from the nave
by a circular arch. The church contains 812 sittings, of which 504 are
free. The window over the altar contains beautifully executed figures in
stained glass, of the Evangelists, and St. Peter and St. Paul; several of
the other windows are beautified with scriptural medallions, in stained
glass, which together with a handsome service of communion plate, were
presented by the late Rev. Richard Scott, B.D. This place of worship was
formed into a district parish church in 1841. The living is a perpetual
curacy enjoyed by the Rev. James Colley, M.A.
ANCIENT CHAPELS.—Several ancient chapels formerly stood in various parts
of the town, the most considerable of which seems to have been the
collegiate chapel of ST. MICHAEL, within the castle. No vestige of its
site now remains, though it probably existed, at least in a ruinous
state, in the reign of James II., for, it appears at that time, an order
was made by the corporation, “that enquiry should he made after the
stones taken away from the ruins of St. Michael’s chapel within the
castle.” Part of the CHAPEL OF ST. NICHOLAS, on the left hand entrance
to the council house, is still standing; it is of the early Norman era,
and most probably was built by the first Norman, Earl of Shrewsbury, for
the use of such of his retainers as resided in the outer works of the
castle. The only portions of this edifice at present remaining are the
nave, a massive arch formerly opening into the chancel, and two similar
side arches. The building is now converted into a stable. ST.
CATHERINE’S CHAPEL is stated to have occupied an elevated site upon
Coton-hill. The CHAPEL OF ST. MARY MAGDALENE, a site near Trinity
Church. ST. BLASE’S CHAPEL was situated in the Murivance. A tea garden
near the site of the Belle-vue, was formerly called the Hermitage. These
and other ecclesiastical edifices which once adorned this eminent town,
have now disappeared; yet their faint traces still afford matter of
interesting speculation for the antiquary.
DISSENTING CHAPELS.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHAPEL, situated in High-street, as the first dissenting
place of worship established in the town, claims our first attention. To
the act of uniformity, which, on St. Bartholomew’s day, 1662, drove from
their livings upwards of two thousand clergymen of the church of England,
Shrewsbury is indebted for its first dissenting church. It was formed by
the Rev. John Bryan, M.A., and the Rev. Francis Tallants, M.A., ejected
from the livings of St. Chad’s and St. Mary’s. Their meetings were first
held in the house of Mrs. Hunt, and after experiencing various
alternations of suffering and indulgence during the unsettled times that
followed the act of uniformity, in 1683 their meetings were suppressed,
and these eminent preachers of the gospel were forced into obscurity. On
King James II. allowing liberty to Dissenters to meet for worship, they
assembled as before in Mrs. Hunt’s house. In 1691, they built a chapel
in High-street, and Mr. Tallants caused the following (with the latter
sentence the Hugonists, of France, usually began their worship,) to be
painted on the walls:—“_This place was not built for a faction or a
party_, _but to promote repentance and faith in communion with all those
who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity_. ‘_Our help is in the name
of the Lord who made heaven and earth_.’” The year 1715 was particularly
unfortunate for Protestant Dissenters; mobs and riots arose in various
places, particularly in Lancashire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire—among
the chapels pulled down in Shropshire were those of Wem, Whitchurch, and
Shrewsbury. The chapel, in High-street, was soon after rebuilt by the
government, and the liberties of Dissenters confirmed and fixed upon a
solid foundation. In 1839 the venerable chapel was almost entirely taken
down, owing to the building being considered unsafe, and because the
commissioners under the street act required a part of the premises. It
was rebuilt nearly on the old site, and re-opened for public worship in
July, 1840. The interior has a simple and primitive appearance, the
fittings are of old oak; there is accommodation for about 300
worshippers. The Rev. Richard Astley has been the respected pastor of
the congregation since the year 1831. For a more extended and very
pleasing account of this place of worship, we beg to refer our readers to
the “History of the Presbyterian Meeting House of Shrewsbury,” published
by the present minister in 1847.
THE INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, situated on Swan-hill, had, its origin in some
unhappy disputes which arose in the congregation worshipping in
High-street chapel, relative to the invitation of a minister being
invited to settle among them. The chapel is a substantial brick edifice,
with a neatly furnished interior, and contains six hundred sittings. On
a stone tablet in the front is the following inscription:—“This building
was erected in the year 1767, for the public worship of God, and in
defence of the rights of majorities in Protestant Dissenting
congregations, to choose their own ministers.” There is a cemetery
adjoining the chapel. The Rev. Thomas Weaver has been the pastor of the
congregation worshipping here for 52 years.
THE INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, Castle-gates, a handsome building of free stone,
is the most imposing structure in connection with the nonconformists in
the town of Shrewsbury. It was erected in 1845, at a cost (including the
site) of £3000. The interior has a very chaste, and beautiful
appearance; it will hold six hundred persons. The Rev. Edward Hill is
the minister.
THE CATHOLIC CHAPEL is situated in Beeche’s-lane, near the southern
portion of the town walls. It is a neat building erected in 1776, and
enlarged in 1825; the front is stuccoed, and surmounted by a plain cross.
The interior has a tasteful and elegant appearance; the altar rests on a
sarcophagus, on the front of which is a painting of the last supper,
above is a figure of Christ on the cross. On the gallery is a small
organ, and on each side the entrance an elegant marble shell for the holy
water. The chapel will hold about three hundred worshippers. The Rev.
Eugene Egan is the priest. A plot of land, extending from Belmont to the
southern walls, has been purchased, with the intention of erecting a new
Catholic church, on a scale commensurate with the wants of an increasing
congregation. The Catholics formerly met for worship in an upper room of
an old house in St. Alkmund’s-square.
THE BAPTIST CHAPEL, situated in Claremont-street, a plain brick building,
was opened for divine worship in 1780, and enlarged in 1810. A society
of this persuasion is stated to have existed in this town, in the time of
the Commonwealth. In the chapel is a small memorial, of Mr. Palmer, who
was pastor of the congregation for twenty-seven years.
THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHAPEL is a commodious building, on St.
John’s-hill, erected in 1804, and subsequently enlarged and decorated.
It is neatly fitted up, and surrounded with galleries, in which is a
small organ. It is calculated to hold 700. The Methodists have also
small places of worship in the Castle Foregate and New-street, Frankwell.
THE WESLEYAN NEW CONNEXION CHAPEL, (EBENEZER,) situated at Tower-place,
is a handsome building, having two entrances, with a Doric portico to
each. The cost of the structure was £1500, and it was opened for divine
worship, June 13th, 1834. The interior has a light and pleasing
appearance; it is without galleries; in the centre of the chapel are two
rows of pews, with a row on each of the sides, which ascend gradually
from the floor; the blank walls display arches and pilasters, supporting
a frieze and cornice.
THE FRIENDS’ MEETING HOUSE, a plain brick structure, in a retired
situation, on St. John’s-hill, is fitted up with much simplicity and
neatness. It was erected in 1746, and enlarged in 1807.
THE WELSH CALVINISTIC CHAPEL, a brick structure, erected on the site of a
former edifice, is situated in Hill’s-lane. It is calculated to
accommodate about 400, and was opened for divine worship in December,
1826. The Dissenters of this persuasion have also a small chapel,
situated in the Wagon and Horses passage, Pride-hill. The service in
both these chapels is in the Welsh language.
THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a place of worship to accommodate about
four hundred, situated in Castle-court. They have also a small chapel,
at the Old Heath.
SCHOOLS.
THE ROYAL FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL, situated near the Castle gates, is a noble
institution for the education of youth, founded by King Edward VI., in
1552, and endowed with the greater portion of the revenues of the two
dissolved colleges of St. Mary and St. Chad. Queen Elizabeth greatly
augmented the endowment, in 1571, by adding the rectory of Chirbury, with
additional tithes and estates in St. Mary’s parish. The structure is
large and lofty, and occupies two sides of a quadrangle, with a square
pinnacled tower at the angle, partly rebuilt in 1831. The original
school was of timber, and the present tower, chapel, and library, were
added in 1595. The wooden building was taken down in 1630, and its place
supplied by the present stately edifice of Grinshill free stone. In the
centre is a gateway, adorned on each side by a rude Corinthian column,
supporting statues of a scholar and a graduate bareheaded, in the costume
of the times. Over the arch is an inscription in Greek, importing that a
love of literature is essential to the formation of a scholar. The whole
structure exhibits an incongruous mode of building, and that mixture of
styles, “where the Grecian and the pointed, however discordant and
irreconcilable, are jumbled together, and compose a fantastic species,
hardly assignable to any class or name.” The principal school room,
which occupies the upper story, was originally divided by three
partitions with folding doors, but these being removed, it forms a very
spacious and noble apartment. The chapel, in which prayers are read by
the head master every morning, occupies the ground floor, and is divided
from the ante-chapel by a very handsome oak screen carved in the
grotesque manner prevalent in the days of Elizabeth. The ceiling is
adorned with fret work, preserved from the ruins of St. Alkmund’s church.
Above the chapel is the library, which was rebuilt at considerable
expense in 1815. It contains a valuable collection of manuscripts and
books—one side being occupied by the library of the late Dr. Taylor. Two
large pointed windows, with mullioned tracery, afford light to this
apartment;—in the northern window are the arms of Edward VI., Queen
Elizabeth, St. John’s College, Cambridge; the See of Lichfield and
Coventry impaling Cornwallis, and those of the town;—in the south windows
are the arms of the four principal benefactors, with appropriate
inscriptions in Latin. Around the walls are portraits of Henry VIII.,
Edward VI., an Admiral in the costume of the time of Charles II., and
several of the former head masters.
Among the curiosities in the library are three sepulchral stones,
discovered in ploughing a field near Wroxeter. The largest has on its
summit, a pine-cone between two lions, and beneath the pediment a rose.
The first is taken from the _Picea_, called by Pliny, _Feralis Arbor_,
expressive of its melancholy subject, and not unfrequent on memorials of
this kind; the inscription denotes the death of _C. Mannivus Secundus_,
of the town of Polentia, a _beneficiarius_, or veteran of the twentieth
legion, who had served his time, and was called again into the service by
the entreaties of the chief legate. The second stone has, on the upper
part, a human face, two dolphins, and two serpents. The third is
inscribed to M. Petronius, sigifer, or standard bearer, to the _Legio
quatuor-decima gemina_, the fourteenth double legion, or a legion formed
from two. As this legion never was in Britain, the learned Dr. Ward
supposes that Petronius only came for his health and died here. There
are also various other interesting antiquities, chiefly found at
Wroxeter, and a small collection of fossils and natural curiosities. In
front and at the back of the schools are play grounds, contiguous to
which are houses for the master and the assistant-masters, with ample
accommodation for boarders who come from all parts of the kingdom. The
grammar school has long maintained a pre-eminent rank among the public
seminaries of sound learning and religious education in this country, and
has sent forth numerous individuals who have been distinguished for their
eminent classical attainments. Under the care of its first master,
Thomas Ashton, we learn there were two hundred and ninety scholars, among
whom were the sons of many of the first families in England. Camden,
when he wrote, says—“it was the best filled in all England, being
indebted for their flourishinge state to provision made by the excellent
and worthie Thomas Ashton”—who was a munificent contributor to the school
himself, and was instrumental in procuring the grant of augmentation from
Queen Elizabeth. Mr. Ashton resigned his office some years before his
death, but he continued to cherish the seminary over which he had
presided with paternal care. He drew up the code of laws by which it was
governed for more than two centuries; and one of his last acts was to
visit the school, when he preached a farewell sermon to the inhabitants
of the town, after which that “Godlie father,” accompanied with the tears
and blessings of the people, returned to Cambridge, near which he died at
the end of a fortnight, 1578.
The school is open for the gratuitous instruction of burgesses of
Shrewsbury, who are not under six nor more than sixteen years of age,
provided they are qualified to begin the Latin accidence. By act of
parliament, 38th George III., the whole management of the school and
revenue was vested in the Bishop of Lichfield, as visitor, and thirteen
governors and trustees. The appointment of head master rests with the
Fellows of St. John’s College, Cambridge. The under master is appointed
by the head master. Among the many persons of eminence who have received
their education in this school, we may enumerate Sir Philip Sidney; Sir
Fulke Greville; Lord Brook; Edwin Sandys, Archbishop of York; Judge
Jeffries; Lord Chief Justice Jones; Dr. Bowers; Bishop of Chichester; Dr.
Thomas Bishop, Salisbury; Dr. Taylor, editor of _Lysias and Demosthenes_;
James Harrington, the author of _Oceana_; Wycherley, the dramatist;
Ambrose Phillips, the poet; and the Rev. J. B. Blakeway and the Venerable
Archdeacon Owen, the learned historians of Shrewsbury. Through the
exertions and learning of the late venerable head master, Dr. Butler
(late Bishop of Lichfield), the school attained to unrivalled celebrity,
and the learned prelate observed, on resigning his arduous duties to his
talented successor, “That he considered Dr. Kennedy as the most brilliant
scholar he had ever sent forth, as the brightest star in that galaxy of
distinguished pupils whose names adorn the ‘boards’ of Shrewsbury school.
That from Dr. Kennedy’s experience of his system, both as a pupil and
assistant master at Shrewsbury school, from his constant practice as a
lecturer and private tutor at College, and as an assistant master for six
years or more at Harrow, as well as from his own unrivalled talents and
high literary distinction, from his fine taste and sound learning, there
was not a shadow of doubt but that he would fully maintain the reputation
which Shrewsbury school had already acquired, and would add at least as
many distinguished names to its ‘boards,’ during his superintendence of
this important foundation, as had been inscribed there by himself in an
equal period.” We are happy to observe that the bright anticipations of
the venerable bishop have been already realised. By an act of
parliament, passed 33rd George III., for the better government and
regulation of the Free Grammar School in Shrewsbury, it was ordered,
that, after the payment of all taxes, salaries, scholarships,
exhibitions, and repairs of the school, and all expenses about the
necessary business of the school, the surplus should be employed in
founding and maintaining exhibitions in the Universities of Cambridge and
Oxford, as the governors and the bishop of the diocese for the time being
should think fit; and that such surplus should, when and as often as it
should amount to £100 or upwards, be laid out in the purchase of lands
and tenements, or in the purchase of stock, or in such other way as the
governors and bishop should deem advisable. At this period the annual
income of the school amounted to £900.
From the Charity Commissioners’ Report, published in 1830, we learn that
the total income of the school property for the year ending December
31st, 1828, amounted to £2,740. 2s. 9d. The following will show the
particulars of the property held by the governors:—The tithes of
Albrighton, in the parish of St. Mary, £101. 15s. 6d.; the tithes of
Chirbury, £1,045. 13s. 4d.; tithes of Clive, in the parish of St. Mary,
£347. 13s.; tithes of Astley, £221. 15s.; tithes of Oxon and Shelton,
£71. 4s.; tithes of Frankwell, £56. 14s.; tithes of Betton, £129. 1s.;
tithes of Whitley and Welbatch, £99.; tithes of Leaton, £150; tithes of
Wollascot, £13.; tithes of Woodcote, Horton, Bicton, and Calcot, £397.;
tithes of Almond Park, Berwick, and Newton, £52. 10s.; tithes from Castle
Foregate, £18. 18s.; schoolhouse at Grinshill, built in pursuance of one
of the orders of Thomas Ashton, for the scholars to retire to in case of
infectious disorders, let for £4. 4s.; spiritual jurisdiction of St.
Mary’s, demised by the corporation to the Rev. W. G. Rowland, the office
of the said ecclesiastical, spiritual, peculiar, and exempt jurisdiction,
with all the profits thereto belonging, and the seal of office for
twenty-one years, at the yearly rent of £1. 6s. 8d., payable to the
governors and trustees of the Free Grammar School, dated 29th January,
1828; Chief rents at Astley and Sansaw, 18s. 3d.; for encroachments on
school garden, 3s.; and £30 per annum arising from the sum of £1,000
invested in the three per cent. consols, purchased in 1828. In January,
1829, the amount of stock was £14,570. 10s. 4d. three per cent consols.
This was subsequently reduced by sales, made under the directions of the
Court of Chancery, for the purpose of defraying the expenses of repairs
on the estates, to £13,311. 19s. 6d.
The income arising from the school property now (1851) amounts to upwards
of £3,000 per annum, which is appropriated in the payment of the salaries
of the masters, the maintenance of scholarships and exhibitions in the
universities, the stipend of the Vicar of Chirbury, and the curates of
St. Mary’s, Clive, and Astley, and the necessary repairs of the school
buildings. The surplus is employed in founding additional exhibitions in
the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The following list will show
the great advantage presented to meritorious scholars of Shrewsbury
School:—Four exhibitions, of £63 each, founded by James Millington, D.D.,
in 1724, at Magdalen College, Cambridge, tenable during residence till
M.A.; two exhibitions of £40 each, founded by the same donor, for sons of
burgesses born in Frankwell, and who have been educated at the school, in
Millington’s Hospital, founded by the testator; also one fellowship of
£126 per annum at Magdalen College, tenable during residence till M.A.;
one exhibition, of £23 per annum, founded by the Rev. John Taylor, D.D.,
in 1766, open to any college. The scholars chosen are allowed to enjoy
the exhibition for the term of six years, provided they reside in the
college the greater part of each term. One exhibition of £10 per annum,
the gift of Mr. Noneley; one of £30 per annum, founded by Mr. Podmore.
There are also four foundation exhibitions of £70 per annum each; one
Butler foundation of £100 per annum; and one of £66 per annum;—all
limited to the sons of burgesses of Shrewsbury. Two exhibitions, founded
by Oswald Smith, of £25 per annum; four exhibitions to Christ Church,
Oxford, founded by Mr. Careswell, in 1689, for natives of Shropshire, of
£60 per annum.
_Head Master_: Rev. Benjamin Hall Kennedy, D.D.—_Second Master_: Rev.
William Burbury, M.A.—_Assistant Master_: Rev. John Mort Wakefield,
M.A.—_Mathematical Teacher_: Rev. Alfred Tolver Paget, M.A.—_Assistant
Master_: Rev. Vanden Bempde Johnstone, M.A.—_Modern Languages_: Mr.
Thomas Amand Bentley.—_Writing Master_: Mr. Thomas Northage Henshaw. The
head master has a salary of £300 per annum, and the second master £150.
BOWDLER’S, or THE BLUE SCHOOL, situated in Beeches-lane, a plain brick
building with a cupola, was founded in 1724, pursuant to the will of Mr.
Thomas Bowdler, alderman and draper, for the instruction, clothing, and
apprenticeing poor children of St. Julian’s parish. Twenty-five boys and
an equal number of girls are now educated and clothed; the dress of the
children is blue, whence the school is called “The Blue School.” The
master has a salary of £40 per annum, and the privilege of taking twenty
day scholars, and the mistress £20 per annum. Robert Rogerson and Mary
Ann Sharrat are the teachers. The foundation of the several charity
schools will be more particularly noticed with the general charities of
the borough.
ALLATT’S CHARITY SCHOOL, situate in St. John’s-row, is a neat structure
of free stone, comprising commodious houses for the master and mistress,
connected by arcades, with spacious school rooms. The school was built
in 1800, pursuant to the will of Mr. John Allatt, who bequeathed his
property for the educating and clothing of the children of the more
respectable class of poor persons resident in the town. There are forty
boys and forty girls educated, clothed once a year, and a certain number
at a proper age apprenticed. The funds of the school consist of a
capital stock of £14,200, of which £10,800 are invested in three per
cents, as the educational fund, and £3,400 as a clothing fund. Thomas
Bagley and Frances Buttery are the teachers.
MILLINGTON’S SCHOOL stands in the rear of the hospital, and was founded
by the munificence of Mr. Millington, for the instruction of twenty-five
boys, and as many girls, natives of Frankwell. The children are
completely clothed twice in every year, and at the age of fourteen
apprenticed with a small premium; on producing a certificate of good
conduct during their apprenticeship they are rewarded with a gratuity.
Two exhibitions of £40 a year each, in Magdalen College, Cambridge, are
founded, to which scholars originally on the hospital foundation have the
preference, or in default of such, two born in Frankwell, educated at the
free schools. Sarah Bishop and Francis Cullis are the teachers.
SHREWSBURY NATIONAL SCHOOL, situated in the Abbey Fore gate, is also
called the “Brown School,” from the brown dress of the children. The
schools are commodious, and there is a convenient residence for the
teachers. It is supported by subscriptions, and sermons annually
preached in aid of its funds. There are now 190 boys and 96 girls
educated in this school. Joseph Barker Molynaux and Mary Ann Williamson
are the teachers. The annual income amounts to £250 per annum.
ST. CHAD’S PAROCHIAL SCHOOL is a plain substantial edifice, situated in
Barker-street. It is supported by subscriptions and donations, and a
small weekly sum contributed by the children. The average number of
children that attend the school may be calculated at a hundred boys and
an equal number of girls. Edward Evans and Jane E. Turner are teachers.
HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL is a spacious building of brick, situated in the rear
of the Holy Trinity Church, at Coleham; a residence for the teachers
adjoins the school. There are about 100 boys and girls, and 120 infants,
receiving instructions in these schools. James Owen and Martha Clarke
are the teachers.
ST. MARY’S AND ST. MICHAEL’S SCHOOLS, situated in St. Michael-street, owe
their origin in a great measure to the Rev. W. G. Rowland, the incumbent
of St. Mary’s, who was a munificent contributor towards their erection.
The schools were built in 1832, in the old English style of architecture.
They are supported by voluntary subscriptions, and the scholars are
provided with books, and gratuitously educated, with the exception of a
number of the children from the extensive factory of Messrs. Marshall and
Co., whose instruction is paid for by the proprietors of the mill.
Richard Jones and Sophia Evans are the teachers. About 120 boys and 100
girls attend. Adjoining the school premises are ten neat cottages, built
by the Rev. W. G. Rowland, the income arising from which is expended in
bread, and distributed amongst the necessitous poor, in St. Mary’s and
St. Michael’s churches.
THE DIOCESAN SCHOOLS, Swan hill, in connection with the Lichfield Board
of Education, was established in 1842. This is an institution for the
general education of youth, ably conducted by Mr. Henry Newsham.
Particular attention is paid to the mathematical education of the youth
of this establishment. A limited number of boarders are taken.
THE BRITISH or LANCASTERIAN SCHOOLS were first established in Shrewsbury
in 1812, when a commodious school was built opposite the county gaol, for
conducting education on the plan suggested by Mr. Joseph Lancaster.
Subsequently the premises were taken down, and the site is now occupied
as a railway station. A building was afterwards taken in Watery-lane,
where the school was conducted till the present year (1851), when a neat
school-house, measuring forty-eight feet by twenty-eight, was erected at
the rear of the county gaol, at an estimated cost of £700. About 150
boys and 100 girls attend the school. Mr. Thomas Harris is the teacher.
ST. ALKMUND’S PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, situated between St. Mary’s-street and
St. Alkmund’s-place, is numerously attended both by boys and girls. The
teachers are William Donellan and Martha Badger.
INFANT SCHOOLS.—_St. Chad’s Infant School_ is situated in Barker-street,
not far from the National School. One hundred and twenty attend the
school, which is conducted by Segismunda Roberts. The _Infant School_,
Castle Foregate, has an attendance of eighty. Ann Townsend is the
teacher. There is also an infant school in Frankwell, which was built by
the late Dr. Darwin, and is now chiefly supported by Miss Darwin. These
are interesting institutions for giving an early moral bias to the mind,
and calculated to effect much good.
SUNDAY SCHOOLS.—The Sunday schools of Shrewsbury have existed nearly from
the earliest formation of such institutions. Schools are connected with
the established churches, and the different congregations of dissenters,
which are very numerously attended.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
THE SALOP INFIRMARY.—This excellent institution, situated near St. Mary’s
churchyard, was established in 1747, and has the honour of being one of
the earliest of these Samaritan institutions in the kingdom. The
building, which preceded the present stately fabric, was a plain brick
structure, designed for a private residence; although repeatedly
enlarged, it was found too small for the additional number of patients
consequent upon an increasing population, and at a meeting held on
November 16th, 1826, it was resolved that a new infirmary should be built
on the site of the old one. The present building was erected in 1830,
from a design by Mr. Haycock, at the cost of £18,735. 18s. 10., of which
£12,994. 1s. 3d. was raised by subscriptions, and the remainder disbursed
from the funded property of the charity. The structure has a noble
appearance, and stands in a commanding position on the verge of an
eminence overlooking the Severn; it is 170 feet in length, by 80 feet in
height, having a handsome Doric portico in the centre. There is ample
accommodation for 150 patients, and the internal arrangements are
admirably adapted for the purpose they are designed to fulfil. The
principal floor is appropriated to the board room, dispensary, waiting
room for patients, with private apartments for the house surgeon and
matron; the first floor has seven wards for male patients, with day room,
scullery, and baths; the upper room contains a spacious operation room,
with wards for females; in the attics above are four other wards with
nurses’ room, &c. A staircase at each end communicates with spacious
galleries extending the length of each story. The whole is thoroughly
ventilated, and an uniform temperature preserved by a patent hot water
apparatus. A spacious terrace has been constructed on the eastern side,
that such of the patients as are able may possess every benefit resulting
from pure air and exercise. From this the eye commands an uninterrupted
view of an extensive and finely wooded country, bounded by the long ridge
of Haughmond Hill, the Wrekin, and the Stretton Hills. The pecuniary
concerns of the institution are superintended by a board of directors; a
treasurer is also appointed annually, who, on the anniversary day in the
hunt week, is accompanied to church by the subscribers and patrons of
this charity, where, after a sermon, a collection is made in aid of the
funds. From its establishment to midsummer, 1849, the sum of £219,934.
16s. 7¼d. has been received for its support; 60,077 in-patients admitted,
and 117,747 out-patients recommended as fit objects for its benefits.
The weekly average number of patients in the house during the year ending
midsummer, 1849, was 103; out-patients on the books, 603. The total
receipts for the year ending at the same period was £3,237. 7s. 5d., of
which £1,669. 11s. was received from yearly subscriptions; £355. 2s. 6d.
from benefactions and legacies; £627. 6s. 11d., the interest and
dividends of funded stock, and £585. 7s. 6d. from miscellaneous sources,
which includes £183 8s. 6d. collected at the anniversary sermon in St.
Chad’s church. Of this stock £16,400 is secured in the three per cent
consols, £3,449. 10s. new 3¼ per cents; £100 on the Watling-street road,
and £150 on the Bridgnorth-road. Subscriptions have been made amounting
to £1,227. 6s. 8d., as a “Chaplain’s Endowment Fund.” “The house surgeon
is allowed to take three pupils at a premium of twenty guineas to
himself, and 200 guineas to the infirmary, which entitles the pupil to
board and residence for five years.” Attendance at this hospital is
recognized by the Royal College of Surgeons, and the apothecaries’
company, London.—_Physicians_: Henry Johnson, M.D., Thomas James Drury,
M.D., Henry Parker, M.D.—_Surgeons_: H. E. Burd, J. Dickin, and J. Y.
Arrowsmith.—_House Surgeon_: John Robert Humphreys. _Secretary_: Henry
Bevan.
THE DISPENSARY, like most other institutions of this kind, is supported
by annual subscriptions and benefactions. It was established in 1843,
and although the funds do not allow the full extent of usefulness which
the charity is capable of, yet it is pleasing to observe from the annual
reports that it is making steady progress in the estimation of the
public. It appears from the report ending September, 1849, that the
total number of patients have been 3,391. The receipts for the year
ending at the same period were £160. During the year 560 cases received
attention, of which 403 were cured, 123 relieved, 30 died, and 4 were
dismissed.—_Patron_: His Grace the Duke of Sutherland.—_Surgeon_: Mr. G.
P. Gill,—_Hon. Secretary_: Folliott Sandford, Esq.—_Dispenser_: Mr. G. S.
Whitney.
THE EYE AND EAR ESTABLISHMENT, Castle-street, was established in 1818,
under the management of a committee of gentlemen, for the special object
of affording relief to the humbler members of society, who may be
suffering from any calamity incident to those delicate organs of the
human frame, the eye and ear. The number of patients admitted from the
opening of this institution has been 6,224.—_President_: Viscount
Hill.—_Surgeon_: Edwin Foulkes. The institution is open every Wednesday
and Saturday mornings.
THE COUNTY HALL, situated in the Market-square, is a handsome and
commodious building, completed in 1837, at the cost of about £13,000. It
is built from a design of Sir Robert Smirke, of beautiful white free
stone, the principal front measuring 112 feet in length, and exhibits the
Italian style of architecture. In the interior of the structure the
different apartments are convenient, lofty, and well adapted to the
various purposes for which they are intended. On the ground floor is a
commodious vestibule, which communicates with rooms on each side, for the
mayor, and counsel at assizes and witnesses. Opposite the entrance door
is a noble staircase; on the first landing, the centre one leading to the
judge’s room, and those on each side to the respective courts, which are
of equal dimensions, forty-two feet by thirty-six feet. The bench is
elevated three feet above the floor, on each side is accommodation for
the magistrates; immediately before the judge is a large table, with
seats provided for the councillors. In each court is a gallery for the
public, and the ceiling is panelled and ornamented. From this division
the staircase leads to another large room, adapted for a third court, or
other public purpose; above it are offices for the clerk of the peace,
and for the town clerk.
The ancient Guild or Shire Hall was a low timbered fabric, with a high
clock turret, erected in the reign of Henry VIII., and stood across the
market square. The lower part was appropriated to retail shops, and the
upper story contained the rooms in which the business of the town was
transacted, and the assizes held. The municipal records were preserved
in a strong square tower near the south east side, erected in 1490. At
the summer assizes, in 1783, in consequence of the pressing remonstrance
of the judge, enforced by the threat of a fine upon the county, an act of
parliament was obtained the following year for this purpose. To render
the new building more handsome and commodious, and to remove the
inconvenience occasioned by the old one standing across the street of the
greatest resort, several houses, together with the ancient tower of the
Exchequer, were taken down, and various other improvements made, in the
adjacent parts. The new hall was completed in 1785, at an expense of
£11,000, raised by a county rate. In consequence of sinkings having in
1832 been observed in different parts of the structure, the building was
surveyed by different architects and pronounced unsafe and dangerous.
The proper authorities immediately determined to take down the whole
edifice, and erect a more commodious one on its site. For this purpose
some adjoining premises were purchased, and the present substantial
structure, admirably adapted for the purposes intended, was completed, as
already noticed, by Messrs. Birch, builders, in 1837.
THE TOWN AND COUNTY GAOL stands on a salubrious cliff of gravel, a short
distance from the castle, and contiguous to the railway station. The
building was erected in 1793, on the principles of the benevolent Howard,
at an expense of £30,000. The front of the prison displays a bold and
massive appearance, having two rusticated stone lodges and a gateway in
the centre, over which is a fine bust of Howard, by Bacon. The building
is of brick, and is spacious, airy, and well supplied with water, by
means of a pump worked by the prisoners. Immediately in front of the
gateway is the governor’s house, which, with certain offices, forms the
southern front of the building. The chapel is an octagonal structure in
the centre of the prison, and is contrived so as to separate every class
of prisoners, yet, so that the minister may be seen by all the
congregation. The remainder of the structure is divided into four
principal courts, with several smaller ones, around which are cloisters,
with sleeping rooms above for the prisoners, and cells for the
refractory. A regard to the gradation of vice is strictly observed in
the classification of the prisoners, many of whom are employed in some
useful trade, such as shoemakers, tailors, blacksmiths, &c., others are
employed in picking oakum and wool. The galling and disgraceful
restraints of irons are altogether dispensed with, except in cases of
capital and very refractory offenders. Great attention is paid to the
moral culture of the inmates by the assiduous chaplain, in order to
reclaim the wanderer. Divine service is performed twice every day,
except Saturday; and the prisoners are all separately catechised several
times during the week. The water to supply the gaol is pumped from the
Severn into a large reservoir, which will hold 2,000 gallons. The gaol
is calculated to accommodate 300 prisoners, and there are 135 separate
cells. During the year ending September, 1849, there was a total of
1,291 prisoners; greatest number of prisoners at any one time in the
year, 203; daily average of criminals, 147; daily average of debtors, 9.
Gross expenditure for the same period, £3,337. 17s. 8d. Mr. John
Shepherd is the governor; and the Rev. David Winstone, chaplain. The
corporate magistrates are entitled, under the act for erecting this gaol,
to send to it prisoners, both criminal and civil, for whose maintenance,
of course, the borough pays.
THE MARKET HOUSE, situated in the Market Square, an antique and
interesting fabric, is one of the handsomest structures of its kind in
the kingdom. In Dr. Taylor’s MSS. is the following account of the first
Market House in this town of which any record remains:—“This yere, 1567,
Maister John Dawes, of Shrosbery, an alderman of the sayde towne, began
and buylded two fayre houses in the Corne Market there, for the saffe
placinge of corne from wether, so that the owners thereof may stand saffe
and drye, the which buildings was at his own coste and charge, which
place servyth for the inhabitantes as also strangers to walke in, and the
loft above for soondry profitable purposes.” To these timber buildings
others were added in 1571, for the like purpose. In 1595 the whole was
removed, and the present structure built on the site. The principal
front is towards the west, and has in the centre a spacious portal, over
which are sculptured the arms of Elizabeth. On each side of the portal
is an open arcade of three round arches, supported by massive pillars,
over which a range of square mullioned windows lights the upper story.
Large open arches occupy the north and south ends, which are terminated
with pointed gables. Above the northern arch is a tabernacled niche,
containing a statue of Richard, Duke of York, in complete armour, with
his armorial bearings, removed from the tower of the old Welsh Bridge, on
its demolition in 1791. At the south end is the figure of an angel, in a
canopied niche, bearing a shield of the arms of France and England. This
fragment of antiquity formerly stood in the southern tower of the Castle,
or North Gate, and was removed here in 1825, when that building was taken
down to widen the street. The basement of the Market House is 105 feet
long, and 24 feet wide. The upper story is devoted to the purposes of a
Mechanics’ Institution. The market is held on Saturday, is numerously
attended by farmers from the surrounding district, and considerable
quantities of corn are sold, chiefly by sample.
THE MUSIC HALL AND PUBLIC ROOMS occupy the southern side of the Market
Square, and form a handsome pile of building, erected in 1840 from a
design by Mr. Haycock. On the ground floor is the Post Office; and
immediately above, the Public News Room, which is supported by annual
subscription. The Music Hall, a noble apartment, occupies the remaining
portion of the second floor. It measures 90 feet in length, 42 feet
wide, and 38 feet high. The orchestra, which is situated at the south
end, contains a fine-toned and powerful organ, the munificent gift of the
late Rev. Richard Scott, B.D., to the Choral Society of the town. On the
third story are Billiard Rooms, &c.
THE THEATRE, situated in the Shoplatch, has a lofty stuccoed front, with
three niches, containing statues of the immortal Shakspere, and of the
comic and tragic muses, which give it a bold and imposing effect. The
lower part consists of a rusticated base, one hundred feet in length,
comprising a range of good shops, and a dwelling for the manager. The
interior is conveniently arranged, and handsomely decorated with
appropriate devices. It will accommodate a numerous audience; and was
opened September 8th, 1834. It stands on the site of a former Theatre,
which, if we may credit the affirmation of Phillips, was part of the
ancient palace of the Princes of Powisland, who, in their frequent
transactions with the sovereigns of England, often resided in Shrewsbury.
The ancient boundary wall of this mansion inclosed all the space
contained between Cross Hill, St. John’s Hill, Murivance, Swan Hill, and
Shoplatch. It is probable that the old edifice was part of the great
chamber, appropriated, according to the usage of the times, for receiving
company, and occasionally for exhibiting shows and dramatic interludes.
THE SHROPSHIRE AND NORTH WALES NATURAL HISTORY AND ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY
was established on the 26th of June, 1835. The Museum, situated in
Dogpole, is principally designed to illustrate the natural history of the
district in its various branches of geology, mineralogy, zoology, and
botany, by the gradual formation of complete and systematic arrangements
of its productions in each of these departments. It is also open to
other objects of scientific interest, and in particular is a suitable
repository for such remains of antiquity as are found within the
district, or illustrate its general history. The library contains many
valuable books, illustrative of natural history and antiquities. It is
deeply to be regretted, that hitherto the council have been able to do
little more than maintain the museum in existence. Had they been
entrusted with a larger amount of funds, they might have very
considerably enlarged its collection, and extended its interests. Many
donations are still in store for exhibition, whenever a more commodious
building can be procured. It is, therefore, hoped that a district of so
much scientific and antiquarian resource may, before long, be furnished
with a building, in which specimens of its own productions may be placed
for inspection, and which may also be a repository for objects of general
interest and national importance. _President_: The Right Hon. the Earl
of Powis.—_Treasurer_: Thomas Eyton, Esq.—_Honorary Secretary_: Henry
Johnson, M.D.
THE MECHANICS’ INSTITUTION was originally established in 1825, and in the
year 1833 a building was erected for their meetings, in Howard Street.
The committee of management subsequently took the Corn Market chambers,
which are found admirably adapted for the objects of the institution,
which affords to mechanics, artisans, and others, opportunities of
acquiring, at their leisure hours, the principles of science and the
arts; and for the cultivation of literature. The library comprises
upwards of 2,000 volumes, and the reading-room is supplied with the
leading London and provincial newspapers and magazines. There are
classes for the English and French languages, arithmetic, mathematics,
writing, drawing, music, and modelling. The present number of members is
two hundred. The income for the year ending September, 1849, was £110.
15s. 10d. _President_: Mr. Edward Elsmere.—_Honorary Secretaries_: Mr.
W. P. Scoltock and Mr. Robert France, jun.
THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION was established
in 1850, under the patronage of the Lord Bishop of Lichfield. Its
general object is to afford the young men of the town of Shrewsbury the
means of spending their leisure hours in a rational and profitable
manner, and of acquiring useful knowledge on literary and scientific
subjects, in subservience to the doctrines and precepts of revealed
religion. A library and reading room have been established, and
competent persons employed to deliver lectures on various interesting and
scientific subjects. All persons subscribing twelve shillings and
sixpence annually, or five guineas in one donation, to the funds of the
institution, are members; and all persons elected by the committee, on
the payment of six shillings per annum, have the advantages of the
institution. _Treasurer_, W. B. Lloyd, Esq. _Honorary Secretary_, Mr.
Henry Newham.
THE SUBSCRIPTION LIBRARY, on St. John’s hill, contains a valuable
collection of books in the various department of literature and science,
numbering upwards of nine thousand volumes. It was established in 1785.
Proprietary members pay one guinea admission, and an annual subscription
of a guinea and a half. Elinor Urwick is the librarian.
THE NEWS ROOM.—The public News Room in the Corn-market, immediately above
the Post Office, is supported by annual subscriptions; the members have
the advantage of perusing the principal London and provincial newspapers,
magazines, and journals, &c. The walls are adorned with some fine
pictures, presented at various periods to the corporation of the town,
among which are Charles I., Charles II., William III., George I., George
II., George III., Admiral Benbow, Lord Hill, and others.
THE CIRCUS, a spacious building situated near the Welsh bridge, was
formerly used for equestrian performances. It is now used as a depot for
the immense quantities of butter and cheese which are brought to the town
for sale at the monthly fairs; considerable quantities of these
commodities are brought from Wales.
THE BUTTER AND POULTRY MARKET, situated at the top of Pride-hill, was
erected in 1819 by voluntary contributions amounting to £2000. It is not
at all commensurate with the wants of the town, and of the ample produce
brought to its weekly markets large quantities are exposed for sale in
the streets.
THE NEW BUTTER AND CHEESE MARKET, situated in Howard-street, is a
spacious building containing an area of 5400 feet. The exterior consists
of a centre and two wings, and has a handsome appearance; the roof is
supported by four rows of cast iron pillars—and there is ample room to
dispose of the large quantities of butter and cheese which are brought
for sale on the Wednesdays following the first fair in each month.
THE HOUSE OF INDUSTRY was originally built as an asylum for the reception
of orphans from the Foundling Hospital in London. This spacious
structure is situated at Kingsland, and crowns the steep eminence above
the river, whence a most delightful and picturesque view of the town and
country is obtained. The governor of the Foundling Hospital began the
building in 1760, and finished it in five years, at an expense of
£12,000. Children were sent down from London in great numbers, and put
out to nurse with the neighbouring cottagers, under the inspection of the
gentlemen in the vicinity. At a proper age they were taken into the
house, where they were employed in the manufacture of wool, and
afterwards placed out as apprentices. At one time there were more than
four hundred orphans in the hospital; but the funds of the institution
not proving adequate to the plan of sending children to provincial
hospitals, it was discontinued in 1774. After being shut up several
years, it was converted into a place of confinement for the Dutch
prisoners taken in the American war. It was afterwards used as an
infirmary, whilst the present noble structure was building. The rapid
increase of the parochial rates, of Shrewsbury, induced the inhabitants
to petition parliament for an act to incorporate the five parishes of the
Town and Meole Brace, so far as concerned the poor, and to establish a
general House of Industry. In 1784, they purchased the orphan hospital
from the governors of the foundling charity, for the admission of the
poor, who, in their declining years, here find an appropriate shelter,
and are supplied with decent and comfortable necessaries of life. The
situation is highly salubrious, and the terrace in front of the house
commands a fine view of the quarry, the town, its suburbs, and the whole
range of mountains in Salop, Montgomery, and Denbigh. The internal
arrangements have a clean and orderly appearance, and the kind attention
of the governor and guardians to the wants of the inmates, who are
chiefly the aged, infirm, and helpless poor children, is highly
creditable. [When we visited the house there were six old women of the
age of 75 and upwards, one had reached the age of 95 years.] There is
accommodation for 350 inmates, exclusive of that portion of the building
which has been let off as a private asylum; the inmates are now 75. The
infirmary and vagrant ward are in the rear, as are the schools, which are
held in a building formerly used for hand-loom weaving; adjoining which
are four acres of land, cultivated by the scholars; it is chiefly used in
raising green crops, and is highly productive. The union embraces the
parishes of St. Chad, St. Mary, St. Alkmund, St. Julian, Holy Cross, and
Meole Brace, for which ten guardians are appointed. _Chairman_, Mr.
Charles Lloyd. _Surgeon_, Henry Keate. _Chaplain_, Rev. W. J. James.
_Governor_, Mr. William N. Kindellon.
THE SAVINGS’ BANK, situated on College-hill, was erected in 1838, at a
cost of £2000, which includes a sum of £600 given for the site. The
capital stock of the bank, on November 20th, 1849, amounted to £179,990.
6s., at which time 4461 depositors, 56 Charitable societies, and 42
Friendly societies had accounts with the bank. Of the depositors there
were 2329 whose respective balances did not exceed £20; 1138 were above
£20 and not exceeding £50; 587 were above £50 and not exceeding £100;
253, not exceeding £150; 134 not exceeding £200; and 20 exceeding the
latter amount. The bank is open on Monday and Saturday, from 11.30, a.m.
to 1.30, p.m. Mr. Charles Blount, _Actuary_. The gross amount of the
capital invested by the Charitable Societies, amounts to £307. 14s. 5d.;
and of the Friendly Societies, to £18,362. 5s. 4d.
THE ROYAL BATHS, situated at Benbow-place, were established in 1831, by
Mr. William Onions. The front of the building exhibits a chaste design,
being ornamented by a portico, supported by two Ionic pillars, and two
pilasters. The conveniences, are varied and ample, and such as are only
to be met with in the first rate establishments in the kingdom. The
moderate charges and strict attention to cleanliness and comfort will, no
doubt, insure to them an extensive patronage. The swimming bath is of
sufficient dimensions to enable persons to learn or practice the art of
swimming; there are also hot, air, vapour, shower, warm, medicated, salt,
and fresh water baths in constant readiness. A charge of 21s. per annum
is made for the use of the swimming bath, and sixpence for a single bath.
THE SHREWSBURY WATERWORKS were established, by a company of shareholders,
under an act of parliament, obtained in 1830, for the purpose of
affording the inhabitants a constant supply of water from the Severn.
The works are situated in Chester-street, and the water is raised by
means of a steam engine, capable of throwing up 20,000 gallons per hour,
into a large reservoir near the top of Pride-hill, and thence distributed
in pipes to all parts of the town. The town is also gratuitously
supplied with excellent water from a fine spring called Broadwell, near
Crow Meole, distant about two miles, being conducted thence to conduits
placed in different parts of the town for the convenience of the
inhabitants. Few towns have such an excellent and abundant supply of
this fine beverage of nature.
THE GAS WORKS are situated in the Castle Foregate, near the goods depôt
of the Shrewsbury and Ellesmere canal. They were established in 1820 by
a company of shareholders with a capital stock of £10,000 raised in £10
shares. The luminous vapour is supplied from three gasometers which will
hold together 80,000 cubic feet of gas.
THE RAILWAY STATION.—The united station of the Shrewsbury and Chester,
the Shrewsbury and Birmingham, and the Shrewsbury and Stafford branch of
the Shropshire Union Railway, is a magnificent structure in the
perpendicular style of architecture, situated near the Castle-gates. It
exhibits a frontage of 150 feet in length, and two stories in height,
with a square tower in the centre, ornamented with a richly carved
battlement, with octagonal turrets of considerable elevation, at the
corners. On each side of the tower extends a large wing, divided into
four equal spaces by projecting turrets. The ridge of the roof is
finished with an ornamental cast iron crest, and the windows are divided
by stone transoms and mullions. The total cost of the station-house,
offices, and engineering works, was £51,000; the goods, engine-station,
and other necessary works £20,000. The gross cost of the above works,
including the viaduct of the Severn, contiguous to the station, and the
bridge over Castle Foregate, exceeded £100,000.
The ground floor is appropriated to booking offices, waiting rooms, and a
large refreshment room; above are the offices for the clerks, and other
offices. The platforms respectively measure 600 feet, and 450 in length,
and 16 feet wide. A wrought iron roof, beautifully designed, of 70 feet
span, covers the platforms and lines of rails for a space of 450 feet.
The goods and coal depots are situated between the station and
Coton-hill, with convenient access from Castle Foregate-street: here an
abundance of coal, lime, and slates is always on hand. Near the station
is the _Viaduct_ over the Severn, consisting of seven elliptical arches,
45 feet span. The rails are 36 feet above the ordinary level of the
river. A cast iron bridge of sixty-four feet span, from the Brymbo iron
works, carries the Shrewsbury and Chester railway over the Castle
Foregate. The whole of the works were executed by Mr. Brassey, the
contractor, under the direction of Mr. James Baylis, the resident
engineer, at the joint expense of the several companies whose lines unite
in Shrewsbury.
LORD HILL’S COLUMN, erected to commemorate the brilliant victories and
achievements of that distinguished warrior, stands on rising ground near
the entrance of Abbey Foregate, from the London road, and forms a
conspicuous and interesting object to the surrounding country. This fine
Doric pillar, considered to be the largest in the world, was completed on
the 18th of June, 1816, at a cost of £5,973. 13s. 2d. The pedestal,
which is square, has a buttress at each angle, on which is a lion
couchant, worked out of Grinshill free stone, of which material is the
column. The chastely fluted shaft is surmounted by a cylindrical
pedestal, supporting a statue of his lordship, of colossal proportions,
executed in artificial stone, by Messrs. Coade and Sealey, London. The
statue is 17 feet high, and the height of the pillar 116 feet, making a
total height of 133 feet from the ground to the top of the statue. A
beautiful spiral staircase, the munificent donation of the builder, Mr.
Straphen, winds round the interior of the shaft, and opens on the summit,
at the base of the pedestal of the statue, whence the visitor will enjoy
a beautiful panoramic view of Shrewsbury and the fertile plains of
Shropshire, unrivalled in extent and splendour. On the sides of the
pedestal are inscriptions, recording the victories of the gallant
general, to whose honour this voluntary tribute of Salopian esteem was
erected.
THE ARMOURY, situated near to St. Giles’ church, is a spacious brick
edifice, built by government in 1806, at an expense of £10,000, and
intended as a depôt for containing the arms of the volunteer corps of
this and the adjoining counties. The principal building is 135 feet long
by 39 feet wide, divided into an upper and lower story, capable of
containing 25,000 stand of arms; at each angle is a small residence, and
within the enclosure are two magazines for ammunition. The arms having
been removed to Chester, the premises have remained unoccupied ever
since. The structure now presents a dilapidated appearance; it has
become by purchase the property of Lord Berwick.
THE COUNTY COURT OFFICES for the recovery of debts not exceeding £20 are
situate in Wyle Cop. The court contains within its jurisdiction the
following parishes and places, viz.:—Acton Burnell, Alberbury,
Albrighton, Astley, Atcham, Baschurch, Battlefield, Berrington,
Cardington, Cardiston, Church Preen, Church Pulverbatch, Church Stretton,
Condover, Cound, Cressage, Easthope, Eaton-under-Haywood, Eaton
Constantine, Fitz, Ford, Frodesley, Great Harwood, Great Ness, Habberley,
Hadnal, Harley, Haughmond Demesne, Hope Bowdler, Hughley, Kenley,
Leebotwood, Leighton, Little Ness, Longnor, Melverley, Meole Brace,
Middle, Minsterley, Montford, Petton, Pitchford, Pontesbury, Preston
Gubballs, Ruckley and Langley, Rushbury, Shineton, Shipton, Shrawardine,
Shrewsbury—viz.: St. Chad, St. Julian, St. Mary except Clive, and Holy
Cross and St. Giles, and Smethcott, Stapleton, Sutton, Uffington,
Uppington, Upton Magna, Westbury, Withington, Wolstaston, Wollaston and
Wroxeter.—_Judge_: Uvedale Corbett, Esq., Aston Hall.—_Clerk_: Joshua
John Peele, Esq., Murivance.—_High Bailiff_: Mr. Henry Bloxham, St.
Mary’s square.—_Bailiffs_: Edward Bury and Richard Prinn.
THE CATTLE MARKET or NEW SMITHFIELD, situated near the banks of the
Severn, on a plot of land called Raven Meadow, is approached from the
lower part of Mardol, and the Castle gates nearly opposite the railway
station. This market covers four acres of land, and is not surpassed by
any provincial market in England for the conveniences it affords, and its
adaptation to the purposes intended. It was opened on November 19th,
1850. The total cost has been £15,000, of which £2500 was expended in
raising the ground. A lofty brick wall surrounds the market, which is
capable of affording accommodation for 700 horses, 1400 cattle, 5000
sheep, and 1000 pigs, with suitable trial ground for the horses,
appropriate pens for the sheep and pigs, and a long range of sheds under
the north wall for the cattle. If the tolls are not sufficient to pay
the interest of the money borrowed for the formation of the market, the
act of parliament authorizes a rate upon the town to meet the deficiency.
The market or fair is held every alternate Tuesday, when stock of all
kinds is brought in very considerable quantities for sale.
FAIRS for cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, and fat stock are held every
alternate Tuesday. The following will be the dates for the year 1851,
viz.:—January 14, 28; February 11, 25; March 11, 25; April 8, 22; May 6,
20; June 3, 17; July 1, 15, 29; August 12, 26; September 9, 23; October
7, 21; November 4, 18; December 2, 16, 30.
BUTTER AND CHEESE FAIR is held on the Wednesday following the first fair
in each month.
THE WOOL FAIR takes place on July 1 and August 26.
THE ENGLISH BRIDGE is a substantial and elegant structure, 400 feet in
length, and composed of seven arches, crowned by a bold balustrade. It
was erected in 1774, at an expense of £15,710, of which £11,494 was
raised by voluntary subscriptions. The central arch is sixty feet in
width, and forty in height, which is double the height of the end arches,
and consequently disagreeably steep; the breadth of the thoroughfare is
also inconveniently narrow (only twenty-five feet) for the innumerable
carriages and passengers which are continually passing over it. The
object in its construction was to contrive as much space as possible for
the water during floods. With the exception of this defect, its
architectural beauty is surpassed by few bridges in the kingdom; it is
highly ornamental to the town, and an equally noble monument of the
public spirit of the gentry of the county. The keystone of the central
arch is adorned with a fine head of Sabrina, “goddess of the river,” and
that on the opposite side with a head of Neptune, the “father of
fountains.” The keystones of the other arches are worked into a shell;
on the central piers of the arches are finely carved dolphins.
The old English bridge, built probably by the abbots and burgesses
conjointly, was taken down on the completion of the present structure.
It was constructed on seventeen arches, and extended over the main
stream, also an arm of the river now filled up which flowed into the
Meole Brook; its length was 864 feet, and the breadth only 12 feet, being
greatly encumbered with houses. Near the eastern extremity was a gate
and a strong embattled tower, with chamber and portcullis, and beyond a
draw-bridge.
THE WELSH BRIDGE, so called on account of the road from Shrewsbury to a
considerable part of North Wales lying over it, is situated at the foot
of Mardol, and crosses the river into the populous suburb of Frankwell.
It is a bold and substantial structure, consisting of five arches, the
length being 266 feet and the breadth 30 feet, completed in 1795, at an
expense of £8000, raised by subscriptions. The old Welsh bridge taken
down on the erection of the above structure, was situated a few yards
higher up the stream than the present fabric. It was a most interesting
monument of antiquity, and consisted of seven arches, with massive gate
towers at each extremity, in the finest style of castellated building.
Leland, who visited Shrewsbury in 1539, in describing this bridge
says:—“It is the greatest, faynest, and highest upon the stream, having
six great arches of stone; it standeth on the west syde of the towne, and
hath at the one end of it a great gate to enter by into the towne; and at
the other end towardes Wales a mighty stronge towre to prohibit enemies
to enter on the bridge.” Above one of the gates stood an armed statue of
a knight, which was removed in 1791, and placed in a niche in front of
the Market-house. This effigy was an important object of attraction to
the Welshmen, from a tradition, that it represented Llewelyn, Prince of
Wales. Antiquaries, from its attendant embellishments, state it
represented Richard Duke of York. The tolls arising from marketable
goods over this bridge were abolished by the payment of £6000 to the
corporation, which sum was raised by public subscriptions.
THE RAILWAY VIADUCT over the Severn, situated a little east from the
station, consists of seven elliptical arches, forty-five span, and
thirty-six feet above the ordinary level of the river. The whole has a
bold, massive, and elegant appearance.—A BRIDGE of cast iron of
sixty-four feet span, crosses the Castle Foregate, and carries the four
lines of rails of the Chester and Shrewsbury railway.—A WOODEN BRIDGE,
consisting of two timber arches, eighty-five feet span each, on the bow
and spring principle, leads from the public walk called the Dana, over
the railway station, to the front of the county gaol.
TRADE AND MANUFACTURES.—The trade of this town was once esteemed of great
importance to the kingdom, and though its consequence has been eclipsed
by the subsequent increase of other places, yet it has never been
destitute of a considerable share of internal commerce. In early times
it was distinguished for its glove cloth, and shoe manufactories, but its
ancient traffic in Welsh woollens was in a great measure the cause of the
former opulence of Shrewsbury. Camden, in his account of the town in
1586, observes:—“It is a fine city, and of good commerce; and by the
industry of the citizens and their cloth manufacture, and their trade
with the Welsh, is very rich, for hither the Welsh commodities are
brought as to the common mart.” Pennant, who wrote more than half a
century ago, says:—“From very early days this place possessed almost
exclusively the trade with Wales, in a coarse kind of woollen cloth
called Welsh webs, which were brought from Merinoth and Montgomeryshire
to a market held here weekly on Thursday. They were afterwards dressed,
that is, the wool raised on one side, by a set of people called shearmen.
At the time of Queen Elizabeth the trade was so great, that not fewer
than 600 persons maintained themselves by this occupation. The cloth was
sent chiefly to America to clothe the negroes, or to Flanders, where it
is used by the peasants. At present the greatest part of this traffic is
diverted into other channels, and not more than four or five hundred
thousand yards are brought to the ancient mart.” The stout Welshmen were
accustomed to come to the market, with troops of hardy ponies, each with
a halter of twisted straw, and laden with bales of cloth.
It was a practice of the drapers and shearmen to assemble at the
Market-house at two o’clock, and according to ancient usage proceed up
stairs in seniority. The traffic was a ready money business, and as the
Welshmen left much of their cash behind them, in exchange for groceries,
malt, and other commodities, the loss of such a trade may easily be
conceived, when it is said that more than six hundred pieces of web have
been sold in one day. The Welsh flannels were formerly made by the rural
population, and the small farmers employed their female domestics at
leisure hours in this business. These seldom made more than four or five
pieces during the year, and those from the wool of their own flocks. The
principal manufacturers were farmers, who maintained servants solely for
that purpose, and hired weavers by the year. They produced forty or
fifty pieces annually at market, each measuring from 100 to 150 yards;
and, as it was a ready money trade, many of them made considerable sums.
At present, chiefly from the introduction of spinning mills and the power
loom, this ancient domestic manufacture is almost swept away. The
market, formerly held here every Thursday, is now removed to Welshpool,
Newton, and Llanidloes, which has nearly caused the total extinction of
this branch of local commerce. There are now only two flannel merchants
in the town, and they visit the different localities in which the
flannels are manufactured to purchase their goods.
The general trade and prosperity of Shrewsbury are said to have been very
much injured by the exactions of its guilds or incorporated companies,
the most considerable of which are the drapers and the mercers. The
former were incorporated by Edward IV., and united with an ancient guild
or fraternity of the Holy Trinity, founded in the church of St. Mary.
Their company is recognised by several subsequent acts of parliament.
They have now a considerable estate, originally purchased by the
voluntary contributions of the members, which is expended in the support
of the inmates of St. Mary’s almshouses, in liberal subscriptions to the
charitable institutions of the town, and in relief to widows and families
of deceased members. On the south-west side of St. Mary’s church is the
Drapers’ Hall, a curious half-timbered building, erected, probably, about
the time of Elizabeth. The large room, finely wainscotted with old oak,
contains two massive oak tables, and a fine old chest, with richly carved
ornaments. Portraits of the royal founder of the company, and of Degory
Watur and his spouse, decorate the wainscot. Among the records of the
Drapers’ Company are the following:—“25 Elizabeth, 1583, ordered that no
draper set out for Oswestry on Monday before six o’clock, on forfeiture
of 6s. 8d., and that they should wear their weapons all the way, and go
in company. Not to go over the Welsh Bridge before the bell tolls
six.”—“27 of Elizabeth, 1585, a market was held at Knocking, and a
halfpenny paid by the drapers for every piece of cloth bought.”—“1621,
agreed to buy no more cloth in Oswestry.”
The Mercers were incorporated by Edward IV., on condition that they
should maintain a priest to sing at the altar of St. Michael in the
collegiate church of St. Chad; that they should give a penny a week to
thirteen poor men, to pray for the good estate of the king, his family,
and themselves; and also find a wax taper to be carried before the holy
sacrament on the procession of Corpus Christi, on the celebration of
which day it was customary for all the companies to unite as their grand
anniversary, and preceded by their masters and wardens, ornamented with
colours and curious devices they attended the bailiffs and members of the
corporation, who, with the friars of the convents and the parochial
clergy, followed the holy sacrament, which was borne by priests under a
rich canopy of velvet, to a stone cross without the town (probably that
now called the Weeping Cross). Here all joined in bewailing their sins,
and in chanting forth petitions for a plentiful harvest; they then
returned in the same order to the church of St. Chad, when a grand mass
was celebrated. Three days of unbounded jollity and recreation followed
this magnificent festival. These were held on a piece of ground called
“KINGSLAND,” where each company had its “arbour,” and the several
incorporated communities, accompanied by bands of music, flags, and
devices emblematical of their craft, preceded by a “King” or some other
principal personage, assembled at their respective arbours and spent the
time with much festivity. After the reformation the religions ceremony
was abolished, but one day of entertainment is still observed under the
denomination of the SHREWSBURY SHOW, now held on the second Monday after
Trinity Sunday. Each company has still its arbour or pavilion, adorned
with the arms of the company, in which refreshments are provided. These
are visited by the mayor and corporation, who used formerly to wear their
robes of office upon this occasion. The following is an entry from the
books kept by the bailiffs, dated 1521:—“Wine to the Bishop of Coventry
and Lichfield, president of our lord the king’s council in the marches of
Wales at the general procession of Corpus Christi, 3s. 8d.” The show was
revived and kept up with much pageantry in 1850. The ancient _Tailors’
Hall_ formerly stood on College Hill; the _Weavers’ Hall_ on Wyle Cop;
the _Cloth Workers’ Hall_ in High-street, and the _Mercers’ Hall_ in the
King’s Head Shutt. The chief manufactories at the present time in
Shrewsbury are the extensive establishment of Messrs. Marshall and Co.,
for flax spinning and the manufacture of linen thread, where upwards of
800 operatives are employed. The factory is a spacious and lofty
building, situated in St. Michael-street; the aggregate amount of steam
power employed is equal to 116 horses. Linen was formerly extensively
manufactured here; a linen and flax mill was taken down about fifteen
years ago; there are now only about half a dozen hands employed in
weaving linen. The cotton manufacture was introduced into Shrewsbury in
1790, when several factories were built at Coleham, and the trade was
carried on in a spirited manner. In 1817 the proprietor, in consequence
of a great depression in trade, declined business, since which the mills
have been closed, and some portion of them converted into cottage
tenements. _Malting_ is very extensively carried on, as will be seen in
reference to the trades’ list, which will show thirty different firms.
_Glass Staining_ has been brought to the highest state of perfection by
Mr. David Evans, whose ingenious talents and consummate skill have raised
the art to a degree of perfection unequalled in modern times. The
beautiful specimens visible in the restorations of Winchester and
Lichfield cathedrals, in most of the churches of Shrewsbury, and in
churches almost in all parts of the kingdom, will compare with some of
the finest works of the ancient masters, and speak his merits more
forcibly to the refined taste than whole volumes of feeble encomiums.
There are several _Iron-founderies_, and the manufacture of _Agricultural
Implements_ is carried onto a considerable extent, with _Tanning_ and
other branches of trade as will be seen on reference to the trades’
directory. Among the delicacies for which the town is noted is the
_Shrewsbury Cake_, a delicious sweet cake, which the poet Shenstone
speaks of as “Rend’ring through Britain’s isle Salopian’s praises known.”
The _Simnel Cake_ is also much admired, and great quantities are made
about the season of Christmas. It consists of an exterior crust or shell
deeply tinged with saffron, enclosing a compound of rich fruit. _The
Shrewsbury Brawn_ is highly celebrated among the connoisseurs of this
ancient Christmas dish.
THE QUARRY.—This fine public promenade occupies a rich sloping meadow of
about twenty acres, on the west side of the town, and derives its name
from a disused stone quarry nearly in the centre, which supplied a
considerable part of the red sand stone visible in the older portions of
the walls and churches of Shrewsbury. An avenue of lofty lime trees,
more than five hundred yards in length, follows the windings of the
Severn; to the middle and at each end of which, three other shaded walks
lead from various parts of the town. “The still retirement and pleasing
gloom of this delightful grove, from which the noise of the busy town,
and even a prospect of its buildings, are almost entirely excluded—the
refreshing coolness of its shade—the rich verdure which ever clothes its
meadow—the fine sweep of its umbrageous arch—and the majestic flow of the
river, which here combine to render it the favourite and constant resort
of the inhabitants, and a principal attraction to the stranger.” The
opposite bank of the Severn rises abruptly, and is crowned with the House
of Industry, an extensive and handsome building, and some modern
plantations, contribute greatly to embellish the scene, and render it one
of the finest public walks in the kingdom. The ground was planted and
laid out during the mayoralty of Henry Jenks, Esq., in the year, 1719,
previous to which it was a waste plot of land, where the inhabitants were
used to indulge in feats of wrestling, tilting and other sports. In a
place called the Dingle, planted with a clump of magnificent trees, are
the remains of a rude amphitheatre, with ascending seats cut in the bank,
where the friars of the adjacent convent entertained the Salopians with
those ancient, sacred dramas, called mysteries or Whitsun plays, so
famous in the days of our ancestors. Here, also, during the reign of
Elizabeth, many plays were exhibited, in which the scholars of the free
school sustained the principal characters; among which, in 1565, was a
play called Julian the Apostate, and two years afterwards was exhibited
the passion of Christ. It is said that the Queen herself intended to
have honoured the last with her presence, and had even arrived as far as
Coventry on her way, but hearing that it was over she returned to London.
The corporation in the year 1569 leased the quarry to three persons for
ten years, for the consideration of a red rose yearly, on condition that
they should bring the water from Broadwell, near Crow Meole, in leaden
pipes as high as it would run into the town of Shrewsbury. By this means
the water was first brought into the town; the work was completed in the
year 1574, and then the conduits were first opened.
THE HORSE RACES are held annually in the second week in May, and continue
for two days; they attract a considerable influx of visitors to the town,
but are not so celebrated as they were in former times. The race course
is situated a quarter of a mile N.N.E. from the Abbey Church, on the road
leading to Monk Moor. It also bears the name of “the soldiers’ piece,”
and is pointed out by tradition as the spot on which the unfortunate
Charles I., when at Shrewsbury in 1642, drew up his army and addressed
the assembled gentry of the county on the subject of his distresses.
THE ASSEMBLY ROOM was erected in 1777, at the back of the Lion Hotel; the
room is commodious and suitably decorated, and the balls are usually
attended by the rank and fashion of the county.
THE BILLIARD ROOMS are situated in the Market-square; the third story of
the Music Hall has been divided into convenient apartments, which are now
occupied as billiard rooms, of which Mr. Edward Vaughan is the
proprietor.
AQUATIC EXCURSIONS.—Much pleasure and healthy exercise is afforded on the
Severn during the summer months, and an emulation of skill is frequently
excited among the rowers. Boats may be hired at a moderate charge, and
pleasure parties frequently take an excursion up the river to the
picturesque and shady banks of Berwick and the Isle, or to the rural
village of Uffington. The Severn also affords much pleasure to the
votaries of the “gentle craft,” the river being celebrated for the
excellency of its salmon, besides which trout, pike, grayling, perch, and
many other sorts of fish are caught.
KINGSLAND is a plot of ground covering twenty-seven acres on the south
west side of the town, the common property of the burgesses, thirty of
whom in rotation receive annually 4s. 6d. from its produce, in lieu for a
“turn for their kine.” It is studded with small enclosures and
“arbours,” to which the several incorporated trading companies of the
town annually resort in procession on the Monday after Trinity Sunday,
accompanied by bands of music and devices emblematical of their craft; a
more particular account of which has been noticed with the various
guilds.
MONASTIC FOUNDATIONS.—_The Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul_, which stood
on the eastern banks of the Severn, in the suburb which still bears its
name, owes its foundation to Roger de Montgomery, the first Norman Earl
of Shrewsbury. In the time of the Saxons it is said a church stood on or
near this spot, and a community of monks was in all probability united to
it. The Danes, during their ravages in the ninth century, plundered and
depopulated monastic institutions, and this it is conjectured fell with
the rest. The kingdom becoming more settled under the reign of Edgar,
many of the abbey churches which had till then laid desolate were taken
possession of by secular priests, who, swerving from the strictness of
monastic life, engaged in the active concerns of society. Such,
apparently, was the state of the monastery of Shrewsbury at the time of
the Norman invasion. The church, then a rude edifice of wood, was
governed by Odelirius, a priest, who as archpresbyter, presided over a
college of married secular clergy. Its district was called the parish of
the city. From the fact that the portion of each prebend, at the death
of the incumbent, should revert to the monks of a new abbey, there can be
no doubt that at this period it was collegiate. This was the cause of
much litigation, it being customary for ecclesiastical livings to descend
as by inheritance to the next of blood. These claims were, however,
abolished during the reign of Henry I. In the seminary belonging to this
ancient church, a priest named Seward is mentioned as an eminent teacher,
and to him the historian Ordericus Vitalis owed his education.
When Roger de Montgomery took possession of his territories in
Shropshire, he determined to refound the monastery, and to introduce into
it the monks of his favourite order, St. Benedict, whom he invited over
from a religious house founded on the estates of Mabel, his first
Countess, at Sees, in Normandy. He obtained the land on which the
monastery of Shrewsbury stood from Siward, a Saxon nobleman, and in 1083
laid the foundation of a magnificent abbey, which, when finished, was
re-dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, the patrons of the ancient
monastery. With the consent of his Countess, Adelaisa, he retired to the
holy solitude of his monastery and received the tonsure and habit of a
monk, on which occasion he presented the fraternity with the tunic of
Hugh, the sainted abbot of Clugin, in Burgundy, which vestment he
occasionally wore, doubtless in anxious hope of its communicating some
portion of the sanctity of its former possessor. In the immediate
prospect of his dissolution he invested himself with this precious relic,
thus exemplifying the pitiable superstition of those who “put on the
weeds of Dominic or Franciscan and think to pass disguised.” He was
buried in the Lady Chapel, between the two altars.
His second son, Hugh, succeeded to the Earldom of Shrewsbury, soon after
which he paid a solemn visit to the abbey, to do homage to the tomb of
his father, on which occasion, though of a profligate and cruel
character, he added greatly to the endowments of the institution; and,
among other things, conferred on the monks the tithe of all the venison
of his forests in Shropshire, that of Wenlock excepted. The barons who
attended Earl Hugh, imitated his munificence and conferred large estates
on the abbey. By these and other acquisitions the revenues of the house
were greatly enriched, and the abbot obtained the honour of ranking among
those spiritual barons who sat and voted in parliament, had the authority
of bishops within their houses, wore the mitre, sandals, and gloves,
carried silver crosiers in their hands, gave their episcopal benediction,
conferred the lesser orders, and in some instances were exempt from all
authority of the diocesan. It is uncertain when these high functions
were first exercised, but the abbot of Shrewsbury is mentioned among the
spiritual lords who voted in parliament in the 49th of Henry III.
In the days of King Stephen, when the popular passion for relics had
attained an unbounded extravagance, the monks of Shrewsbury determined
not to be behindhand with their brethren in availing themselves of so
fruitful a source of opulence; therefore, during the abbacy of Herbert,
the third abbot, they commenced business on their own account. After
ransacking the legends of Wales for a subject, they at length had the
good fortune to pitch upon one sufficiently absurd for their purpose, in
the bones of the martyred Virgin St. Wenefrede, which lay interred in the
churchyard at Gwytherin, in Denbighshire. After much fruitless
negotiation with the priest and the people of Gwytherin, the abbot of
Shrewsbury procured an order from Henry I. for the translation of the
sacred dust to his monastery. The Welshmen honoured their saint more
than their king, and turned a deaf ear alike to entreaties and menace.
The Salopian monks persevering in their purpose, held a chapter, in which
Robert Pennant, their prior, a Denbighshire man, who is supposed to have
fabricated the legend, was commissioned to make a pilgrimage to
Gwytherin, and to leave no expedients untried for obtaining possession of
the relics. Assisted by a priest in Wales, two clever monks of his
abbey, and the prior of Chester, he practised on the credulity of the
Welsh by pretended visions and divine warnings. The prize was given up,
and the delegates returned with it in triumph to Shrewsbury, where it was
enshrined with great pomp and solemnity, near the high altar of St. Peter
and St. Paul. The speculation of the monks was completely successful;
multitudes of pilgrims flocked with gifts to the shrine, and even nobles
contended who should offer the richest donations. In addition to these
treasured bones the monks in after times appear to have possessed a most
extensive and varied assortment of other relics, doubtless of equal value
and efficacy. In 1486 the abbot Thomas Mynde incorporated the devotees
of St. Wenefrede into a religions guild or fraternity, founded by him in
her honour. A great bell was also dedicated to her memory. One of the
most remarkable persons this house produced was Robert of Shrewsbury, a
monk, who was promoted to the see of Bangor, in the reign of Henry II.
His influence in Wales excited the jealously of King John, who imprisoned
him in his own cathedral, and for his ransom obliged him to pay three
hundred hawks. This eminent prelate, it is said by his will, ordered his
body to be buried, not in his cathedral church, but in the middle of the
market place of Shrewsbury. At the various visits with which the English
sovereigns honoured Shrewsbury, it is highly probable that they took up
their residence in the abbey, and there can be little doubt that the
parliament of Edward I., 1283, and that of Richard II., 1398, called the
Great Parliament, were held within the monastery. At the dissolution of
1513, when the property and possessions of this monastery fell to the
crown, the burgesses of Shrewsbury presented a petition that the abbey
might be converted into a college or free school, to which request Henry
refused to accede, alleging as a reason his intention of erecting
Shrewsbury into a bishopric, the diocese of which was to include the
counties of Salop and Staffordshire, and the endowments to consist of the
monastic revenues. Dr. Bouchier, the last abbot of Leicester, was
actually nominated Bishop of Shrewsbury, and hence it is said arose the
appellation “Proud Salopians,” founded on the tradition that the
inhabitants rejected the offer of having their borough converted into a
city. The bailiffs and principal inhabitants of the city in vain
petitioned their monarch to spare the buildings of the monastery. On the
22nd of July, 1546, Henry VIII. granted the site of the dissolved abbey
to Edward Watson and Henry Henderson, who the next day conveyed the same
to William Langley, a tailor, in whose family it continued for five
generations, until 1701, when Jonathan Langley, Esq., devised it to
Edward Baldwyn, Esq., and he in like manner in 1726 passed it to his
sister Bridget, wife of Thomas Powys, Esq. In 1810 the premises were
sold by the trustees of the wife of Thomas Jelf Powys, Esq., to Mr. Simon
Hiles, in whose devisees they are now vested. The property with which
the abbey had been endowed at various periods, comprised seventy manors,
twenty-four churches, and the tithes of thirty-seven parishes, besides
very extensive and valuable privileges and immunities of various kinds.
In 26 Henry VIII., their possessions were found of the yearly value of
£572. 15s. 5¾d., equal to £4700 in the present day. Pensions were
assigned to the late abbot, Thomas Boteler, and the seventeen monks.
The abbey presents few features of its ancient grandeur, the chapter
house, cloister, and refectory are entirely destroyed. In the stately
chapter house occurred the early authorised assembly of that popular
representation in the constitution of this kingdom, to which, under
Providence, Englishmen have been indebted for much of their subsequent
prosperity. From the important state affairs which were transacted here
in 1307–8 it was denominated the Great Parliament. The cross of
Canterbury was brought here, upon which the lords spiritual and temporal
were sworn to observe and keep all the statutes which were then made.
Here too, Richard II., attended by a numerous guard of Cheshire men,
entertained the members of his parliament with a sumptuous feast. The
site of the abbey embraced upwards of ten acres, but it is no longer
possible to trace the wide circuit of the ancient embattled walls. In
1836, on excavating near the site of the chapter house, a leaden seal was
found, which had once been appended to a bull from the pope, whose name
is thus inscribed on it:—INNOCENTUS. P.P. IIII. The most interesting
portions of the ruins is a little octagonal structure, six feet in
diameter, which is generally called the Stone Pulpit, the admiration of
every antiquary and person of taste. Some broken steps lead to the
interior through a narrow flat arched door on each side. The south part
stands upon a portion of a ruined wall, and originally looked into one of
the outer courts. The corresponding moiety projected considerably within
the hall, and rests upon a single corbel, terminating in a head. From
this point it gradually spreads, with a variety of delicately ribbed
mouldings, until it forms the basement under the floor. The whole is
crowned with a dome of stone work, at about eight feet from the base,
supported on six narrow pointed arches, rising from pillars similar to
the mullions of the windows. One of the remaining sides of the octagon
is a solid blank wall, and the other contains the door. The roof within
is vaulted on eight delicate ribs springing out of the wall, and adorned
at their intersection in the centre, by a boss representing an open
flower, on which is displayed a delicate sculpture of the crucifixion.
The spaces between the divisions of the three northern arches, are filled
up four feet above the base, with stone panels, over which they are
entirely open, and the light thus introduced is productive of a beautiful
effect. On the centre panel is a rich piece of sculpture designed to
represent the annunciation. The right hand panel bears the images of St.
Peter and St. Paul; that on the left St. Wenefrede and the abbot Beuno.
The architecture of this interesting structure is referred to the time of
Henry VIII. Much conjecture has arisen among antiquaries respecting its
probable use, but there can be little doubt that it originally projected
from the wall of the refectory, and was used as a pulpit, from which one
of the junior brethren of the monastery, in compliance with the rule of
the Benedictine order, daily read or recited aloud, during meal times, a
subject of divinity to the monks during dinner. Southward from the
pulpit is a range of red sand stone building, now incorporated with the
abbey house. To the south east is the abbot lodge, of which the only
remnant is a portion of the cloister, consisting of three pointed arches.
The dormitory was cut through on the formation of a new line of road in
1836.
SHREWSBURY CASTLE.—The events which belong to the Castle are intimately
connected with the history of the town, where they are more fully
noticed. Its founder, Roger de Montgomery, made it his residence soon
after the Conquest, and it became the chief seat of his baronial power.
As his new possessions had been acquired by the sword, Earl Roger
considered the inhabitants as his property; therefore, to afford an
eligible site for his new buildings, he is stated to have destroyed fifty
houses; a fifth part of the town at that period. After the fall of the
great house of Montgomery, in the reign of Henry I., on the forfeiture of
Earl Robert de Belesme, the Castle became a royal fortress. Its defence
was entrusted to a constable, usually the sheriff, who maintained the
prison of the county within its walls; and the vast possessions annexed
to it were parcelled out among various knights, on the condition of their
keeping castle-ward for a certain number of days during war. During the
turbulent reign of Henry III. the castle fell into great dilapidation;
but his son, Edward I., immediately on his accession, almost entirely
rebuilt the structure. The stronger portion of the castle now remaining
was probably erected by direction of that monarch, being in the style
generally adopted during his reign.
It was at this time considered rather as a place of great consequence in
protecting the country from the invasions of the Welsh, than as a royal
or baronial residence. By the union with Wales all apprehensions on this
ground vanished, and the importance of the castle as a fortress ceased.
In the time of Henry VIII. it seems to have been rapidly hastening to
decay. Leland, who then saw it, observes that it had been a “stronge
thynge, but now much in mine.” In the reign of Elizabeth, a grant was
made of its site and buildings to Richard Onslow, Esq., who subsequently
transferred his interest in it to the corporation.
During the civil war, in the reign of Charles I., the Castle resumed some
share of its former importance, and was garrisoned for the royal party.
The dilapidated walls were repaired, and its gates strongly fortified.
After its surrender to the parliamentary forces, in 1645, it escaped the
destruction that fell upon many other castles, owing to the circumstance
of its being entrusted by the House of Commons to the government of
Colonel Mitton, a native of the county, who, displeased with the virulent
persecution of the king, soon after resigned his commission. Colonel
Mackworth was then appointed governor, and he was succeeded by Colonel
Hunt. On the restoration of Charles II., the property of the Castle
returned to the burgesses, who in 1663 surrendered it to the king. That
monarch shortly afterwards presented it to Viscount Newport, afterwards
Earl of Bradford. The garrison at this time consisted of two companies
with their officers; the daily expenses of which, as given in an old
record, are stated at £8. 17s., or £3,230. 5s. per annum. The Castle
continued in a fortified state, and had a large magazine of arms, which
was not removed till the reign of James II. It is probable that the
out-works were in a great measure destroyed, and its ancient chapel
demolished, about this period. The part still remaining was leased by
the Earl of Bradford to Mr. Gosnell. About the year 1730, this gentleman
converted it into a gloomy habitation, in which state it remained until
Sir William Pulteney repaired and greatly improved it. The outer walls
of the Castle are now undergoing a complete reparation by the present
proprietor, the Duke of Cleveland.
The Castle stands boldly elevated on a considerable eminence on the
narrow isthmus formed by the windings of the Severn, which in every other
part, by surrounding Shrewsbury, formed a portion of its defence. It has
undergone so many changes, and has suffered so much from the
dilapidations of time, that it is not easy to form any correct notion of
its original state. Its appearance does not convey an adequate idea of
the size, stateliness, or the strength of a great baronial fortress,
placed in so important a position as Shrewsbury was once esteemed. The
present buildings are of red free stone, and consist of the keep, the
walls of the inner court, and the great arch of the interior gate. How
far the original fortifications extended cannot now be absolutely
determined. It is probable that the usual appendages of feudal castles,
the outer court or ballium, with its strong gate, portcullis, and towers,
once made part of the fortress, and extended, perhaps, beyond the Council
House. The keep is a square building of great strength, connected with
two round towers, embattled and pierced, and originally consisted of one
great apartment on each of the upper floors. The interior as well as the
exterior has been greatly altered. In the vestibule is a statue of the
founder, Roger de Montgomery. A handsome stone staircase, of modern
construction, leads from the vestibule to the principal apartments. The
drawing room, a spacious and handsome apartment, was used as a guard
chamber in the time of Charles I. A narrow stone staircase within the
wall, lighted by chinks, leads to an apartment in the western tower, in
which was a recess, with a strong groined ceiling, and small sharp
pointed windows. This building does not appear older than the time of
Henry III.; the beams are of an immense size, and the walls are ten feet
in thickness. The battlements of the walls are pierced with narrow
cruciform openings, called loops or oilets, which were intended for the
convenience of the cross-bowmen. The noble arch of the gateway is the
only existing part of the original Norman fortress of Roger de
Montgomery. It is eighteen feet high, semi-circular, and with plain
round facings; and its walls appear to have sustained a tower, from which
hung the portcullis. On the east side of the court is a postern, built
probably in the time of Charles I., when the fortress was restored; and
near it are the massive foundations of an ancient tower. The Castle
still retains one mark of its ancient dignity, for in the area of the
inner court the knights of the shire are nominated, and from time
immemorial have been girt with their swords by the sheriff.
On the south side of the court is a lofty mount, which rises abruptly
from the Severn, the summit of which is crowned with ruinous walls, and
an ancient watch tower for the purpose of descrying an enemy at a
distance. This was rebuilt about thirty years ago, and converted into a
beautiful summer room, commanding a fine panoramic view, and now called
Laura’s Tower. From the above mount there is also a view of uncommon
grandeur and beauty—the sides of the mount are richly clothed with
foliage, the Severn winds majestically below—the eye of the spectator
beholds in succession, the town, with its spires and turrets, its
beautiful suburbs, and a wide sweep of finely wooded and diversified
country, with the most extensive amphitheatre of mountains of which
perhaps the island can boast. The majestic Wrekin is connected by the
hills of Acton Burnell and Frodesley with the towering heights of the
Lawley and Caradoc, from whence the Long Mynd, Stiperstones, and Long
Mountain, form an uninterrupted chain, with the bold and precipitous
cliffs of Kefn-y-Castyr and Breddyn;—thence the horizon is bounded by the
stupendous Berwin range, losing its blue summit in the clouds,—while the
northern prospect is terminated by the humbler eminences of Grinshill,
Pymhill, Hawkstone, and Haughmond.
When the frontier situation of Shrewsbury is considered, and that for
four centuries it was, perhaps, the most important station on the marches
of Wales, it is extraordinary that, though it has several times fallen
into the enemies’ power by treachery and surprise, yet it never sustained
more than two sieges, and those in rather early periods of its history.
This circumstance may partly be attributed to the slender hopes an
adverse army must have entertained of reducing by regular approaches a
place so strongly fortified both by nature and art; for it was not only
defended by its castle, but by the river, and a wall which completely
surrounded it.
THE TOWN WALLS.—The following account of the ancient walls of Shrewsbury
is chiefly taken from Phillip’s history of the town:—The walls were built
across the isthmus, from the castle down to the river on each side, by
Robert de Belesme, son of Roger de Montgomery. The other part of the
walls surrounding the town was built in the reign of Henry III., who
earnestly pressed the inhabitants to fortify and strengthen their
borough, lest the enemy should surprise them unawares. This part of the
wall was thirty-two years in building; it was finished in 1252, to defray
the charge of which the king, at sundry times, granted the burgesses
leases of the tolls of the town, and other favours; among which, every
barge laded with merchandise upon the river had to pay the charge of
fourpence. That part from the north end of the above-mentioned wall to
the Welsh bridge, called Roushill, was built by Oliver Cromwell in the
year 1645, the stone of which was brought from Shrawardine Castle. The
more accessible parts of the town walls, particularly on the south and
south-western sides, were formerly strengthened by towers, which are now
demolished, excepting one, situated near the Murivance; it is square,
embattled, and of two stories high, lighted by narrow loop holes, the
entrance of the upper story being from the top wall. The only portions
of the ancient walls now left standing are those on the north side of the
town, extending from the Castle gates towards the Welsh bridge, and on
the south-west side, where they stretch to a considerable distance.
Although reduced in height, and stripped of the battlements, they form an
agreeable walk to the inhabitants of the town.
GATES AND POSTERNS.—In an exchequer manuscript, without date, several
gates or posterns are mentioned, to the keepers of which the coroners of
the town delivered bolts and locks for their security. Those at
Shepelache and at Kaymeplace no traces of the names remain. That called
Bulgerlode was under the place formerly called the Gulph, at the bottom
of the Wyle Cop, and Cleremont, on the top of Claremont Hill. There were
also gates in Milk Street, Barker Street, and Water Lane. The latter
only remains, and is memorable as the avenue through which the
parliamentary forces were treacherously admitted into the town, at the
siege of Shrewsbury, on February 22nd, 1644.
STREETS, &c. The following are some of the ancient names of the
principal streets given in Phillips’ History of Shrewsbury, many of which
have become obsolete.
_Mardol_, anciently written Marlesford, Mardefoie, and Mardvoll. It had
the name of Marlesford from the ford through the Severn at the bottom of
the street, near the welsh bridge.
_Chepynges-street_.—An ancient name probably of the street leading from
the Corn Market to Murivance.
_Stalles_.—The street leading from Mardol head to High-street.
_High-street_, formerly called Baxter’s-row, also Barker’s-row.
_Ickeslode_.—A lane that went from Dogpole to the Walls.
_The Sextry_ was the Shutt from the passage from Kiln-lane to
High-street.
_Frankwell_, anciently Frankvill; the Frank’s Vill, probably inhabited by
the Franks, for in Doomsday book it is recorded that a part of the town
containing 45 Burgase were inhabited by those people, who are there
called _Francigence_.—This place seems to have been regarded as
unconnected with the other part of the town; they had a strong work
erected there for their defence, which at the time Shrewsbury was taken
by the parliamentary forces surrendered upon bare quarter; and in the
year 1640, when the plague began there, the inhabitants made an attempt
to come into the town, but were beaten back by the bailiffs and townsmen.
_Cheddelode_.—A lane that went to the Severn, by Stury’s Close.
_Bulgerlode_.—A place at the bottom of the Wyle Cop, taken down in 1766.
_Murivance_.—A name of French extraction signifying before the walls, or
within the walls.
_Murivance-lane_, led from the town wall down to the river.
_Sheteplace_, in old records written Sotteplace, and Soetteplace, is now
called Shoplatch. _Behind the Walls_, from its situation behind the
walls, now the Quarry.
_Priest’s-lane_, led from the walls near the tower, to Murivance, now
inclosed.
_Romboldesham_, now called Barber-street.
_The Bailey_.—That part of the town which lies before the castle.
_Hound-street_.—A street leading from the playhouse to Barber-street.
_Grope-lane_.—A narrow “shutt” leading from High-street to Fish street.
_Corvisor’s-row_.—The same as that which is now called Pride-hill.
_Shoemakers’-row_.—In Speed’s map the lower part of Pride-hill.
_Hawmon-strete_.—Probably that now called Castle-street, or Raven-street.
_Merival_.—At the east end of the New bridge. Early in the 16th century,
Merival was separated from the jurisdiction of the corporation, and
considered a hamlet within the liberty of the town.
_Altus Vicus_.—The high pavement, near the Cross made in 1570.
ANCIENT MANSIONS.—THE COUNCIL HOUSE, was so called from having been the
residence of the Council of the Marches of Wales, during their occasional
visits to Shrewsbury. It is situated in the precincts of the Castle, on
a bold acclivity which rises abruptly from the Severn, and commands a
most delightful prospect of the surrounding country. The house has been
modernized, and divided into several tenements; that portion which
comprises the hall and the great chamber over it, includes nearly the
whole of the building which retains any resemblance of its original
features. It was built about the year 1501. The unhappy Charles I.
resided here for six weeks, upon the commencement of his troubles in
1642. James II. on his visit to the town 24th August, 1687, held his
court here. These once magnificent apartments have been subdivided and
despoiled of their rich furniture and beautiful stained glass. A fine
old porch, and the entrance hall with other relics have been carefully
preserved. The present proprietor, William James Clement, Esq., has
furnished several of the apartments with antique oak furniture,
elaborately carved. The gateway of the council house is an interesting
specimen of the style of architecture which prevailed in the early part
of the 15th century.
THE WHITE HALL, situated near the Abbey Foregate, is a stately mansion,
and exhibits a fine specimen of the Elizabethan style of architecture.
It is a lofty structure with numerous pointed gables; the roof is adorned
with ornamental chimnies, and crowned with a central octagonal turret.
At the back of the mansion is a magnificent walnut tree, probably coeval
with the house. It was formerly the manorial seat of Richard Prince,
Esq., by whom it was built in 1758.
ROWLEY’S, on HILL’S MANSION, said to have been the first brick building
erected in Shrewsbury, was built in 1618, by William Rowley, Esq. He
amassed great wealth by fortunate speculations in Barbadoes. His son,
Roger Rowley, Esq., was the first person in this town who kept his
carriage. The daughter and heiress of the latter married John Hill,
Esq., who lived in this mansion, from whom the street received the
appellation of _Hill’s-lane_, instead of Knuckin-street. The house has
been unoccupied some time, it now presents a dilapidated appearance.
IRELAND’S MANSION, situated in High-street, a noble timbered residence
four stories high, terminating in pointed gables, was formerly the town
residence of the ancient family of Ireland, long seated at Albrighton.
When entire it must have presented an imposing appearance; it is now
divided into three excellent tenements.
JONES’S MANSION, situate near St. Mary’s Church, was built by Thomas
Jones, Esq., who was appointed by Charles I. in 1638 the first mayor of
Shrewsbury. Subsequently the mansion became the residence of Chief
Justice Jones. The Duke of York was lodged here in 1624, during the stay
of Charles I. in Shrewsbury, and Prince Rupert made it his residence
after the battle of Worcester.
THE JUDGES’ LODGINGS, situated at Belmont, is a spacious residence
purchased by the county in 1821, for providing suitable accommodation for
the Judges during their attendance at the assizes.
In various parts of the town are seen many curious old timbered houses,
interesting as specimens of the domestic architecture of the honest
burghers of former days. Nearly opposite the Butter Cross stood the
mansion of the Prides, who gave their name to the street. This house has
been greatly modernized, and partly rebuilt. In the Butchers’-row, is
one of the largest, and supposed to be one of the oldest timber houses in
the town. History is silent as to the time or by whom it was erected.
It may have been the town mansion of the Abbot of Lilleshall, who had a
residence in this part of the parish, and to which monastery the
patronage of this church belonged.
ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF SHREWSBURY.
The following is a brief chronological sketch of the most remarkable
events which have at different periods taken place in the town of
Shrewsbury:—
A.D. 961—Land about Shrewsbury sold for one shilling per acre. The price
of an ox was 2s. 6d., a cow 2s., a sheep 1s., a pig 8d.
1110.—A great earthquake, and great mortality among men and cattle.
1225.—Three gallons of ale sold for one penny in the town, and four out
of town.
1315.—The price of provisions settled by the bailiffs.—A corn fed ox
24s., a grass fed ox 16s., a cow 12s., a fat sheep 1s. 8d., a fat hog 3s.
4d., a goose 2d., a hen 1d., a capon 2d., four pigeons 1d., twenty-four
eggs 1d.
1347.—A fine horse 6s. 8d., an ox 4s., a sheep 4d., a lamb 2d.
1349.—The sweating sickness desolated the town.
1421.—Rees-ap-Doe, a Welsh Esquire, was hanged, drawn, and quartered here
for treason.
1454.—Wheat sold for 14d. a quarter (eight strikes).
1490.—Wheat sold for one shilling and eightpence a bushel.
1509.—Provision made for building upon waste land and repairing decayed
houses, by an Act of Parliament.
1519.—A general Chapter of the Grey Friars held here.
1520.—Griffith Wickham drawn through the town and afterwards hanged.
1532.—George Goldsmith drawn through the town and afterwards hanged, for
coining money.
1537.—The plague raged frightfully during this year.
1542.—Rowland Lee, Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, burned before the
high altar of St. Chad’s church.
1563.—The bailiffs agree that no foreigner should be a freeman of the
town without paying £10 and the usual fees.
1570.—Two men killed by the falling of the clapper out of St. Wenefrede’s
bell, in the Abbey Church.
1571.—Humphrey Onslow built the chapel of our Lady in St. Chad’s church,
and paved the causeway from the Lord’s place, (the Council House) to the
cross, at his own cost.
1575.—That fearful malady, the plague, again visited Shrewsbury.
1581.—John Capper, clerk of the Abbey Church, was hanged at Kingsland for
treason.
1582.—John Prestige was hanged upon a gibbet near the abbey mill, for the
murder of his wife.
1588.—Richard Reynolds was put into the pillory and had both his ears cut
off, for setting fire to a sheep-cote.
1591.—After the assizes in September, eight men were hanged at the Old
Heath, one of whom was hung in chains there.
1596.—Wheat sold for 20s. a bushel, rye for 16s. a bushel.
1630.—Great numbers died of the plague. In 1632 and 1634—many fell
victims to the same malady.
1647.—December 23rd. A woman was burnt in the dingle of the quarry for
poisoning her husband.
1683.—An earthquake felt here, February 7; a dreadful fire in the Abbey
Foregate.
1708.—Wheat sold for 9s. a bushel, muncorn 8s., rye 7.
1715.—It being the time of the rebellion new gates were made to the walls
and the trained band called together.
1726.—Lamps were put up in several parts of the town, at the expense of
the several parishes.
1727.—An earthquake felt here. A great meeting of quakers from all parts
of England.
The judges of the assize were refused the usual compliments by the
mayor, on which account the next assize was held at Bridgnorth.
1756.—Thirty-seven colliers brought to gaol for rioting and committing
outrages in the county; four died in gaol, and two were executed.
1758.—The country butchers were again admitted to sell meat in the town,
and shambles were erected for them near St. Alkmund’s church.
1762.—A great fire happened in New-street, Frankwell, on the 23rd
February.
1766.—February 12th, 13th, and 14th, there fell a great snow in
Shrewsbury, which lay on the ground several days, eighteen inches deep.
1772.—A smart shock of an earthquake was felt, which occasioned much
terror and consternation.
1774.—On Good Friday, April 1st, a fire broke out in the Abbey Foregate,
by which forty-seven houses were burnt down, and several others much
damaged.
1775.—September 8th, the inhabitants were much alarmed with the shock of
an earthquake; in the midst of a calm a rumbling noise much like that of
a strong wind was heard; this was soon followed by two tremulous motions
of the earth, succeeding each other instantaneously.
1778.—The Shropshire militia marched from Shrewsbury on May 7 to
Bridgnorth, where they were reviewed; from thence they marched into Kent.
1780.—A stage coach began to run between Shrewsbury and Holyhead.
1782.—Baron Hotham laid a fine of £2000 upon the county, till they should
build a new Shire Hall; the new hall was built 1786.
1789.—July 23rd, T. Phipps, a lawer, and his son, just twenty years of
age, were executed at the old heath for forgery; Mr. Phipps had an income
of about £300 a year from landed property.
1793.—May 13th, the first stone of the new Welsh bridge was laid.
1794.—April 28th, John Pritchard died in Frankwell in the 101st year of
his age; he had ten children by the first wife, and twenty-two by the
second.
1795.—February 7th to 11th, one of the greatest floods ever remembered in
the Severn; Mr. Johnson and his man were both drowned in endeavouring to
recover a large barrel.
1802.—A sturgeon eight feet six inches long, three feet four inches in
girth, and weighing 192lbs. was caught near the wear below the castle.
1809.—February 7. The suburbs of the town deeply inundated by the
Severn.
1811.—May 27th. An extraordinary flood in the Meole Brook, which
inundated all the houses in Coleham, situated near the confluence of the
brook with the river Severn, and caused the latter river to rise four
feet in less than ten minutes; although the Meole Brook is an
inconsiderable stream, the rush of water actually turned the current of
the Severn at its confluence with that river.
1811.—August 24th. Four persons executed on the new drop for a burglary
at Betton, near Market Drayton.
1814.—June 30th. Lord Hill paid a visit to Shrewsbury after the peace of
Paris. The day was one of general festivity among the inhabitants;
thousands went out to meet him, and in the evening partook of tea in the
quarry. On the 17th of December the first stone was laid of the column
in honour of Lord Hill.
1827.—July 19th. First stone of the new infirmary laid by General Lord
Hill; opened for the reception of patients September, 1830.
1828.—August 4th. Three persons executed on the new drop of the county
gaol for murder. On the 24th of the same month Ann Harris was executed
for the same offence.
1831.—February 10th. In consequence of the sudden melting of the snow,
the suburbs of the town were deeply inundated.
Though the flood in 1831 was considered a very high one, according to
evidence of brass plates affixed to the inside of the window jambs of a
house in Frankwell, the Severn at that end of the town was 3½ inches
lower than the great flood in 1795. The lowest plate bears the following
inscription:—
“This is to let you know
The Severn up to me did flow.
December 21, anno 1672.”
A second plate two inches above the preceding, records—
“To this line flowed Severn.
November 8, 1770.”
On the third plate six inches higher than the second is inscribed—
“This plate is fixed to let you know
That Severn to this line did flow.
February 11, 1795.”
1832.—The cholera morbus in its destructive career through the kingdom
visited Shrewsbury, when about a hundred persons fell victims to that
direful malady.
1849.—The cholera again made its appearance in Shrewsbury; the fatal
cases were fewer than in 1832.
CHARITIES.
_Sir Thomas White_, in 1566, bequeathed certain monies for charitable
uses, in respect of which £100 is annually paid to twenty-four corporate
towns in rotation (Salop being one), to be lent out, without interest,
for a period of ten years, to poor young men of the said towns.
_Robert Allen_, by will 24th August, 1568, bequeathed £200 to be lent out
to the poor inhabitants of the town of Salop, in sums of £10, to be held
for three years; each recipient to find a bondsman for the repayment of
the same at the expiration of the term, and to pay 4d. per annum, to be
divided among the inmates of the almshouses of St. Mary and St. Chad.
_Paul Clarke_, April 15th, 1606, bequeathed £20 to be lent out, in sums
of £10, to persons of his name and kindred only for the space of two
years, and then to be returned to the bailiffs of the town, to be again
put forth by the said bailiffs, from time to time, on sufficient security
being given for the repayment of the same.
_Sir Samuel Jones_, by will, dated 10th March, 1670, gave to the town of
Shrewsbury £500, to be employed for the setting poor people on work
there, which sum he directed should he paid to the mayor and corporation
of the said town, and should be by them, from time to time, lent on good
security, without interest, to young tradesmen who should set up there.
_Rev. John Hilton_, in 1697, bequeathed £50 in trust to the mayor and
corporation, to be lent out to five young tradesmen of the town, £10 to
each, for the term of five years, interest free.
The foregoing abstracts are taken from the recitals in a decree of the
Court of Chancery, made in the year 1772, in a cause between the
attorney-general and the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses, of the town of
Shrewsbury. By this decree it was ordered that the sum of £2,404. 14s.
6d., found to be in the hands of the corporation, should be apportioned
to the preceding charities, in a ratio proportionate to their several
bequests. It appears that shortly after these proceedings in Chancery,
the whole of the funds of these charities were lost; that a sum exceeding
£3,000 was raised by subscription to replace the money so lost, which was
subsequently repaid to the subscribers by the corporation. In addition
to the above sum found to be in the hands of the corporation, two sums of
£100 each have been since received from Sir Thomas White’s charity,
leaving £2,596. 5s. 3d. in the hands of the corporation to be accounted
for. In lending out the different sums of money, particular attention is
paid to the directions of the several donors. No applications for loans
are refused, provided the parties are properly qualified, and sufficient
securities are proposed.
_David Lloyd ap Rogers_, by will, bearing date May 1st, 1623, devised
certain premises at Frankwell, in trust to the bailiffs and burgesses of
the town of Shrewsbury, and directed out of the yearly income thereof,
10s. to be paid to the minister of St. Chad, 10s. to be employed in
repairing the bridges in Shrewsbury, 10s. to be expended in repairing
Buttington bridge, in the county of Montgomery, and the residue thereof
to be distributed to the poor of the parish of St. Chad. The premises
now consist of two tenements, the estimated value of which is upwards of
£30 per annum.
_Henry Smith’s Charity_.—The corporation are in possession of an estate
in Chelmick, purchased with part of the personal property given by Henry
Smith for charitable uses. It consists of a farm house, outbuildings,
and 129A. 2R. 15P. of land. In 1805, upon the enclosure of the waste
lands, an allotment was set out to the corporation; but the situation was
remote from the remainder of the farm, and it was accordingly sold for
£201. 10s.; £100 of which was subsequently laid out in improving the
farm, and the residue put out at interest. The income arising from the
above sources amounts to £85. 1s. 6d., which is carried to the Burlton
estate account.
In an old book of accounts, belonging to the corporation of Shrewsbury,
there is an entry stating that gifts and legacies had been given to the
poor of the town of Shrewsbury previously to the year 1663, amounting in
the whole to £1,301. 11s. 11d. The principal legacy is one of £300, left
by William Spurstow. Six other donors left legacies of £100 each, and
the remainder is made up of smaller items. In the whole there are names
given of twenty-four several donors. The sum of £1,200 was laid out in
the purchase of an estate at Burlton. In 1796 a sum of £925, which arose
from the sale of timber on the estate, was laid out in the purchase of
the tithes of corn, grain, and hay, in the said parish. In 1829, the sum
of £264. 12s. was received for timber cut on the estate; and in the same
year £266. 9s. was expended in rebuilding and improving the farm
premises, £50 of which had been advanced by the tenant. The income
derived from the Burlton estate and the farm at Chelmick, belonging to
the charity of Henry Smith, amounts to £297. 7s. 6d. per annum. The
principal part of this income is applied in putting out apprentices, with
a premium of £10 each, and in distributing coals among the necessitous
poor.
_James Phillips_, _Esq._, of London, in 1661, devised certain tenements
in the borough of Southwark, in trust to the corporation of Shrewsbury,
out of the rents and profits thereof, to maintain a lecture on the
Thursday in every week in the year, in the parish churches of Ellesmere,
Oswestry, Whitchurch, and Shrewsbury; such lectures to be delivered by
able and orthodox divines. The residue of the said rents to be expended
in gowns or clothes for the poor people of the said parishes. In 1825,
the corporation sold two tenements, situated in the parish of St.
Saviour, left by the same donor, for the sum of £1,685, which was laid
out in the purchase of £2,146. 10s. three per cent. consols. Out of the
income, amounting to £232. 7s. 10d. per annum, there has been
appropriated for many years £10 per annum to the officiating ministers of
Ellesmere, Oswestry, Whitchurch, and Shrewsbury; and the residue is
expended in flannel, and distributed among the poor of the
above-mentioned parishes.
_Edward Donne_, in 1668, bequeathed £200, and directed his executors to
dispose of the same in the purchase of lands, and lay out the yearly
proceeds in apprentice fees, upon poor children born in the parishes of
St. Chad, St. Mary, St. Alkmund, and St. Julian. It appears the amount
was invested in a rent charge of £10 per annum, arising from certain
lands situated at Bulchey, Bryn-y-Koppall, and Wollaston. Dr. Gardiner
took possession of this property under the will of his father, in 1801,
and considerable arrears were allowed to accumulate in his hands. He,
however, in March, 1801, offered to discharge the arrears by paying £60
a-year till the whole were liquidated, and to pay the amount of the rent
charge in future to the corporation.
_William Jones_.—From an entry in one of the books of the Company of
Drapers, in the town of Shrewsbury, under the date of March, 1653, we
learn that William Jones conveyed the manor of Wigmore, in the parish of
Westbury, upon trust, that there should yearly be paid out of the said
premises £11. 6s. 8d. to the master warden and assistants; £10 thereof to
be yearly distributed among the most necessitous poor of the town of
Salop, more especially those dwelling in the parishes of St. Mary and St.
Alkmund. The residue, £1. 6s. 8d., to be paid to the Vicar of St.
Alkmund, for reading morning prayers.
_Widow Baugh_ bequeathed twenty marks per annum; one-third thereof for
the better maintenance of the minister of St. Chad, and the other two
parts to the relief of the poor of Shrewsbury. Certain lands in Preston
Montford are charged with the payment of the twenty marks, or £13. 6s.
8d., one-third of which has been paid to the minister of St. Chad, and
two-thirds thereof to the directors of the House of Industry for the
united parishes of the town of Shrewsbury. [We conceive that the
two-thirds of the annuity which has usually been paid to the directors of
the House of Industry, in aid of the parish rates, ought to be
discontinued; and the amount distributed among proper objects of charity
in the town of Shrewsbury, according to the intentions of the donor.]
_John Allatt_, by will, bearing date 7th April, 1792, after bequeathing
certain legacies directed all his personal estate, not specifically
disposed of, to be held in trust, to apply such sums as the trustees
should think proper in the erection of a school house and residences for
the teachers; and the residue to be invested in government stock, to be
applied in support of the school. By a codicil to his will, dated
October 31st, 1796, he directed £1,600 to be invested in the three per
cent. consols, the dividends thereof to be expended in the purchase of
gowns for poor widows, poor single women not less than the age of 40
years, and coats for poor men of the age of 50 years and upwards. The
testator died in 1796, and the school buildings were erected in 1800, at
an expense of upwards of £1,500. In addition to the sum laid out in
erecting the school premises, £4,497. 4s. was laid out in the purchase of
three per cent. consols, and also the sum of £1,600 left for the purpose
of providing clothing for the poor. With the former, £8,743 stock was
purchased; and with the latter, £3,257. Subsequent purchases have been
made with the surplus of the income; and a legacy of £45 left for the
same use, by the will of _Sarah Mason_, in 1809. There is, therefore,
now a capital of £14,000, of which the dividends of £10,800 are
appropriated as the educational fund, and £3,400 as the clothing fund.
_Sarah Darley_, by will, 29th January, 1821, bequeathed £100 upon trust,
and directed the yearly produce should be applied in the purchase of four
tons of coals, for the use and benefit of all the prisoners who might be
confined in the county gaol of Shrewsbury; and that the residue should be
applied in aid of the prison charity. And she further bequeathed £500,
to be placed out at interest by her executors, and the interest applied
in releasing one or more debtor or debtors who should be confined in the
gaol of Shrewsbury, but who, through misfortune, is forced into
confinement; and that particular regard should he paid to those whose
families should be suffering from their confinement.
_Esther Jones_, by will, dated 2nd July, 1823, bequeathed to the
treasurer for the time being of the county of Salop, £300 three per cent.
consols, upon trust, to apply the dividends towards the relief of the
industrious poor prisoners, who should, from time to time, be confined in
Salop gaol.
Upon a table, containing the benefactions to poor prisoners, it is stated
that _Isaac Hawkins_, _Esq._, bequeathed £100, in 1803; _Rowland Hunt_,
_Esq._, in 1810, gave £25; and that _Mrs. Knight_ gave £25. In respect
of Hawkins’ gift, there is a sum of £189. 11s. 6d. three per cent.
consols, the dividends of which amount to £5. 13s. 8d.; and in respect of
the two latter benefactions, the sum of £75. 3s. 9d., three per cent.
consols, producing £2. 5s. yearly. The amount of these subscriptions is
paid over to the treasurer of the prison charities, and is added to
subscriptions raised for the purpose of enabling debtors to gain a
livelihood while in confinement, to reward them for good behaviour, and
to furnish them with implements on quitting prison to support themselves
and their families; and also to encourage industry and good behaviour in
criminal prisoners, and to furnish them with the means of returning home.
The subscriptions usually amount to upwards of £70 per annum, and the
whole is applied under the direction of the visiting magistrates.
_Samuel Shuker_, by will, 18th June, 1821, gave to John Edwards, Esq.,
£1,200, upon trust, to purchase therewith a government annuity,
determinable on the death of Mary Watkins; and if she should marry, or
dispose of the said annuity, the proceeds should thenceforth be applied
for the benefit of the Infirmary of Shrewsbury. The testator also
devised to another person a copyhold messuage and premises in Twickenham
for her life. And upon her marrying, or disposing of her life interest,
he directed his trustees to sell the same, and stand possessed of the
monies arising from the sale thereof, for the benefit of the said
Infirmary.
PARISH OF ST. ALKMUND.
CHARITIES.—_Robert Owen_, by will, bearing date 14th March, 1603, gave
£40, and directed the interest to be distributed to the poor; _William
Williams_, and _Sarah Street_, each gave £5 for the same purpose; _George
Lyndon_, in 1706, bequeathed £50 for the benefit of the poor; _Esther
Hill_ gave £5; _Honour Dryden_, in 1715, gave £20; _Edward Donne_
directed the interest of £20 to be given among poor housekeepers
receiving no alms; _Elizabeth Hanmer_ gave £20, the yearly proceeds to be
expended in bread for the poor; _Lucy Minors_, in 1692, gave £10, the
interest to be distributed in bread among the poor of the parish, on St.
Luke’s day, yearly; _Thomas Jones_, _Esq._, gave to the parish of St.
Alkmund £50, out of the yearly proceeds the clerk of the parish to have
10s. yearly for his care in looking after the testator’s tomb in the
church, and the residue to be distributed among the poor parishioners;
_Thomas Lloyd_, in 1721, bequeathed £20 to the minister and churchwardens
of St. Alkmund, on trust, to place the same out at interest, and to pay
10s. yearly to the minister for preaching a sermon in the parish church
on the 1st of November, yearly; 9d. to the sexton and clerk for
officiating on that day, and the remainder to be distributed in twopenny
loaves immediately after the sermon on the 1st of November. Of the
several legacies above-mentioned amounting to £245, it appears that
certain lands were purchased in Meole Brace and Coton, with part of the
money, and the residue invested in the purchase of £175 three per cent.
consols. The stock was subsequently sold, and there is now a sum of £200
secured on bond, the interest of which £10 per annum, and the yearly sum
of £5. 5s., to which is added £2 10s., arising from the charity of Jane
Brooks; with these sums bread is purchased, and sixty-three penny loaves
are given away on the Sunday after St. Thomas’s day, and on every
succeeding Sunday till the whole is exhausted. The rents of the land
above-mentioned, amounting to £35 per annum, are given away every St.
Thomas’s day, among the most necessitous poor of the parish, in sums
varying from 3s. to 12s., a preference being given to those not receiving
parish relief.
_Sarah Brook_, in 1760, left a rent charge of £5 per annum, issuing out
of certain lands in Uffington, the amount to be paid to the churchwardens
and overseers of the parish of St. Alkmund, and St. Julian, in
Shrewsbury, to each parish 50s., to be by them respectively laid out in
twopenny loaves, and given among poor, old, and decayed people of honest
life.
_Ann Parry_ gave to the churchwardens and overseers of the parish of St.
Alkmund £20 to be placed out at interest, and the proceeds to be paid to
four widows of the said parish yearly at Christmas. _Francis Wingfield_,
in 1813 bequeathed £20, the interest to be distributed to poor persons of
the parish on St. Thomas’s day yearly. These two legacies are held by
the churchwardens, for which £2 yearly is paid as interest; the
churchwardens and overseers distribute the interest according to the
donors’ intentions.
_Josina Pemberton_, by a codicil to her will, bearing date 17th
September, 1817, desired that her sister would pay yearly, during her
life, the sum of two guineas, to the churchwardens for the time being of
each of the parishes of St. Mary, St. Julian, and St. Alkmund, to be by
them respectively laid out in coals, and distributed among the poor of
the respective parishes, and she requested that her nephew, Robert N.
Pemberton, would continue the annual payment during his life. The amount
is laid out in coal, and distributed among thirty poor housekeepers on
new year’s day.
PARISH OF ST. CHAD.
CHARITIES.—MILLINGTON’S HOSPITAL.—_James Millington_, by his will,
bearing date 8th February, 1734, devised the greater part of his ample
fortune for the erection and endowment of an hospital and free school.
The hospital is pleasantly situated upon elevated ground in Frankwell,
and consists of a handsome pedimented front with a stone portico; the
central portion comprises the chapel and school room, and the houses of
the master and mistress, and in the wings on each side are the apartments
of the hospitallers. The property purchased by the trustees in 1753 and
1794 is wholly situated in the parish of Llanvair Waterdine, in the
county of Salop, and in the parish of Beguildy, in the county of Radnor,
except an estate of 15A. 0R. 9P., situate in the parish of Kinnerley.
The entire property comprises 2,429A. 2R. 9P. of land, and produces a
yearly income of £1227. The hospital consists of twelve in-hospitallers
and ten out-hospitallers. These persons are appointed by the trustees as
vacancies occur. They are required to be parishioners of St. Chad, and
inhabitants of that part of the parish called Frankwell. No persons are
selected except poor decayed housekeepers, and the preference has usually
been given to females. Each of the in-hospitallers has a dwelling house
in the hospital, consisting of a room above and another below, with a
small garden, and other conveniences. The four senior of the
out-hospitallers are allowed to occupy four sets of apartments over the
schools, and they generally succeed as vacancies occur to the situation
of in-hospitallers. Each of the inmates receives £10 10s. a year by
quarterly payments, and three tons of coals, and a sixpenny loaf every
Wednesday and Saturday. They are also supplied with a certain quantity
of clothing. The out-hospitallers receive £4 per annum, and each has a
like allowance of bread and clothing. A clergyman of the church of
England is paid a salary of £50 a year as chaplain. He attends at the
hospital every school day and reads prayers to the scholars and
in-hospitallers, and the first Thursday in every month catechises the
children. The minister in addition to his yearly stipend receives one
guinea for preaching a sermon on the 12th of August. In the schools
twenty-five boys and twenty-five girls are instructed. The schoolmaster
receives £50 a year, and the mistress of the girls’ school £42 per annum,
and each of them has an allowance of coal. The scholars are the children
of parishioners of St. Chad’s, living in Frankwell, and are appointed by
the trustees. They are admitted between six and nine years of age, and
are allowed to remain till they are fourteen. During their stay in the
school they are completely clothed and supplied with books and
stationery; and when they are of sufficient age, the boys are bound out
to trades, and the girls placed out in service. A premium of £10 is
allowed with each apprentice, and £5 is paid to them when they have
completed their time. The girls are allowed £3 when going out to
service, and a like sum as a reward for good behaviour afterwards. There
is a good garden for the schoolmaster and mistress, and a plot of garden
ground for each of the twelve hospitallers, which they generally let for
their own benefit, being worth about £2 per annum.
_St. Chad’s Almshouses_, situated on the east side of old St. Chad’s
church yard, consist of eleven miserable tenements, containing one room
each. They are extremely dilapidated, there being no fund for keeping
them in repair. It is stated that they were founded in 1409, by one
Bennet Tupton, a common brewer, and that there were formerly thirteen
tenements, but that two fell down. They were endowed in 1640, by David
Ireland, with a rent charge of £4 per annum, issuing out of land in
Lythwood, and a further rent charge of £3. 18s., the gift of the widow of
Mr. Ireland, which is also payable out of land in the same place. There
is also a yearly sum of £1 6s., payable out of a piece of land in Sutton
Lane, left by Robert Owen, and a small payment of 2s. 2d. yearly, made by
the Mercers’ company. These several sums amounting in the whole to £9.
6s. 2d. are distributed in equal proportions among the inmates. The Rev.
Richard Scott, B.D., bequeathed £150 in 1848, and directed the interest
to be expended in coals for the poor of St. Chad’s almshouses.
_Richard Lleweylln_, who was bailiff of Shrewsbury in 1637, devised
certain lands in the township of Shelton, and directed the yearly income
to be employed in binding out poor children apprentices born in the
parish of St. Chad; the children of his kindred to be preferred. The
property left by the testator produces an income of about £12. 12s. per
annum.
_Thomas Owen_, one of the justices of the court of common pleas in 1598,
devised to the bailiffs and commonalty of the town of Salop the yearly
rent of his farm at Calcott, and directed that they should employ the
profits thereof in giving assistance to poor decayed householders of the
parish of St. Chad. This gift in after times merged into a rent charge
of £20 per annum. The amount is now received by the chamberlain of the
corporation, and distributed with the produce of the following charity.
_Edward Owen_, by will, dated 25th November, 1612, gave to the bailiff
and burgesses of the town of Salop a rent charge of £10 per annum,
issuing out of his lands in Kilgurgan, in the county of Montgomery, the
same to be distributed among 200 of the poorest holders in the parish of
St. Chad, wherein he was born. This sum of £10 is carried to one account
with that of £20 derived from Thomas Owen’s charity, and £1 10s. from the
gift of David Lloyd ap Rogers, and distributed on the first Thursday in
the year to poor persons in the parish of St. Chad.
_Thomas Edwards_, in 1641, charged certain lands in the parish of Middle,
with the payment of £12 per annum, 20s. thereof annually to be given to
poor maidens at their marriage, £10 to be distributed among the poor of
the town, and £2 to be paid to the curate of St. Chad.
_Richard Winne_, in 1679, gave £100 to the Haberdashery Company, London,
on their giving a covenant to pay £5 yearly to the minister and
churchwarden of the parish of St. Chad, for the benefit of the poor.
This gift is distributed by the churchwardens among twenty poor widows.
_Hester Farmer_, by will, 1691, devised a parcel of land in Castle
Foregate, and directed the rents to be paid successively to the several
parishes of St. Chad, Guilsfield, Kinnerley, and Great Ness. The land
produces £23 per annum, and once in four years the amount is distributed
in small sums among the poor of St. Chad’s parish.
_Elizabeth Williams_, in 1712, charged certain lands at Llansianfraid, in
the county of Montgomery, with the payment of 40s, yearly, to the
minister of St. Chad, upon trust, to dispose of 20s. thereof yearly, for
clothing two of the poorest boys in the parish of St. Chad, and the
remaining 20s. in buying coats or gowns for three poor women.
_Francis Swift_, in 1717, bequeathed £100 to the churchwardens and
overseers of the parish. This gift was laid out in the purchase of three
tenements, in Shrewsbury, for a workhouse; together with £100 arising
from the charity of Gabriel Rogers; £10 the charity of John Lloyd; £10
given for a distribution of bread, and £100 given to the parish officers
for the general benefit of the inhabitants. This workhouse was sold
about the year 1799, and out of the sale £220, the amount of the several
sums given for charitable uses, with the further sum of £40, the gift of
John Lloyd, was lent on the security of the Shrewsbury House of Industry,
bearing interest at five per cent. In respect of Swift’s gift, £5 is
given among poor persons in sums varying from 2s. 6d. to 5s. each.
_Martha and Mary Harwood’s Charities_.—There is an annual sum of upwards
of £80 arising from an estate, at Faxley, and a dwelling house situated
in Belmont, Shrewsbury, which is distributed among poor decayed
housekeepers and aged widows, chiefly parishioners of St. Chad, excepting
£5 per annum which is used as a clothing fund for poor widows. There
were two houses in Belmont, devised by Mary Harwood in 1734; but they
were subsequently converted into one.
_Josena Pemberton_, by a codicil to her will, dated 10th December, 1817,
desired that her sister would pay yearly during her life the sum of five
guineas, to be laid out in coals for the poor; and she further desired
that her nephew, Rev. Robert N. Pemberton, would, within one month of her
sister’s decease, lay out the sum of £100 in the names of the trustees,
or some other safe security, and apply the annual income in purchasing
coals for poor needy persons of the parish of St. Chad. When the Charity
Commissioners published their report, Miss Pemberton and her nephew were
both living, and the annual sum of £5. 5s. was paid to the churchwardens.
_Easter Jones_, in 1823, bequeathed to the minister and churchwardens of
the parish of St. Chad £400 three per cent consols, in trust, to
distribute the yearly dividends every Easter Monday, in proportions of
10s. each, to twenty-four poor women of the said parish.
_Mary Jukes_, by will, in 1700, devised certain premises on Claremont
Hill, and directed the yearly income to be appropriated to charitable
uses. The property consists of four houses, producing a yearly rental of
£46; out of which 10s. is paid to the vicar for an annual sermon, one
moiety paid in apprentice fees, and the residue distributed among the
poor.
_Edward Tomkis_, by will bearing date 24th January, 1771, bequeathed £400
upon trust, that the interest should be annually spent in buying twelve
blue coats for men, and twelve gowns and petticoats of the same colour
for an equal number of women. In respect of this Charity, there is a sum
of £717. 10s. three per cent. consols, the dividends of which amount to
£21. 10s. 6d. The amount is expended in coats and gowns, except a yearly
sum of £5 which has been given to the Vicar of Meole Brace for clothing
poor boys, belonging to St. Chad’s, but resident in Meole Brace.
_Hopton Estate Charity_.—The following legacies were noticed on a table
of benefactions put up in the Church in 1640, viz.:—Sarah Giles, £50;
John Hill, £50; Henry Swinnerton, £50; Stephen Rogers, £50; Thomas
Phillips, £10; John Cotton, £50; Hester Lloyd, £100; Thomas Cotton, £10;
John Hall, £20; Richard Lloyd, £10. These several sums may have formed
the purchase money of the Hopton estate, as it is stated it was purchased
with the proper money of the poor of the parish of St. Chad; but it does
not state the source from whence the money was obtained. The estate
consists of 83A. 1R. 37P. of land, with farm house and out-buildings, the
whole of which was let on lease in 1748, for 99 years, at a yearly rental
of £15. The farm is valued at upwards of £100 a-year. Of the rent one
moiety has been paid in aid of the National Schools, and the other to the
general fund of the poor.
_Astley Estate Charities_.—The estate at Astley consists of a farm house
with outbuildings and lands, containing together 120A. 3R. 27P., let at a
yearly rental of £100. The following legacies are mentioned in a book
containing an account of the Charities of the parish, as having been laid
out on the estate. Benjamin Muckleston gave £40, the interest to be
expended in coats for poor boys; Susanah Loxon £200, for a weekly
distribution of bread; Elias Evans, £20; William Peers, £20; and
Elizabeth Hamer, £20, also for a distribution of bread. Thomas Bright,
in 1730, gave £20 per annum, payable to the minister of Astley, for
preaching every Lord’s day throughout the year. There is a sum of £260,
the produce of the sale of timber cut on the Astley estate in 1804, which
is secured on the Shrewsbury House of Industry, and for which interest is
paid at the rate of five per cent. Out of the rents and interest above
mentioned, being £113 per annum, there is paid £20 to the chapelwardens
of Astley; £3 for the repairs of the chapel; £3. 9s. 5d. for land tax and
chief rent; £2 for purchasing four coats for poor boys, and the remainder
is carried to the general charity account for a distribution of bread.
_William Spurtson_ bequeathed £100 which was expended in the purchase of
a rent charge of £6 per annum, issuing out of certain messuages in
Burleton. The amount is carried to the general charity account hereafter
mentioned. Rowland Newett bequeathed £10; John Lloyd, £10; Richard
Mather, £20; John Dodd, £20, for a distribution of bread—and a further
sum of £10, given by an unknown donor, with the above is carried to the
general charity account. There is also a sum of £200 secured on the
Church of St. Chad, which was lent from an accumulation of charity money.
The surplus of the produce of the several charities before mentioned, not
specifically applied, is carried to one general account, and disposed of
chiefly in bread. There is also, occasionally, a sum of money
distributed by the churchwardens.
_Nathaniel Tench_, in 1674, conveyed the lands and tithes of the farm and
grange of Crow Meole, in trust, to pay the yearly proceeds to the
minister of St. Chad’s, on condition that he preached an anniversary
sermon on the 6th of June, yearly, being the birth-day of the said N.
Tench; and in case the minister should refuse or neglect to preach the
said sermon, or should not reside, or not personally officiate in the
said parish, then the rents and profits thereof should be distributed
among the poor of St. Chad’s parish. The value is about £160 per annum.
_Lost Charities_.—Eleanor Griffith gave £40; John Atkins, £20; Thomas
Clemson, £10; Elizabeth Forster, £30; Mary Bowdewin, £20; and Mrs.
Pigott, £20. Up to the year 1747, the interest of the several
benefactions above mentioned was paid out of the churchwardens’ account.
Subsequent to the year 1747, a considerable sum was for many years
disposed of annually in bread, but it does not appear from what
benefactions such bread was provided; and from this period there is no
distinct trace of the several gifts above mentioned. Mary Pelton left
£2. 10s., yearly, and Hester Lloyd bequeathed £100; it appears that
formerly apprentice fees were paid from the interest of this money, the
last was in the year 1755. There is now no evidence to shew how the
capital has been appropriated.
_John Evans_, in 1844, bequeathed £150, in trust, to the minister and
churchwardens of St. Chad’s, and directed the interest to be distributed
among poor persons, not receiving parochial relief.
_The Rev. Richard Scott_, _B.D._, in 1848, bequeathed £300, in trust, to
the minister of St. Chad’s, to apply the interest yearly, in purchasing
coals for the necessitous poor of the parish.
PARISH OF HOLY CROSS.
CHARITIES.—ST. GILES’ HOSPITAL, situated near St. Giles’ Church, was
originally established for the reception of persons afflicted with
leprosy. Henry II., for the support of the hospitallers, granted 30s.
yearly out of the rent of the county of Salop, and a handful of two hands
of every sack of corn, and a handful of one hand of every sack of flour
exposed for sale in Shrewsbury market. Henry III., in 1232, gave a horse
load of wood, daily, from his wood of Lythwood. The right of nominating
the inmates of the hospital is exercised by the Earl of Tankerville, and
the following payments are made to them by one of his lordship’s
agents:—To each of the four inmates, 1s. 6d. per week; 3s. at midsummer
for coals; and 12s. 6d. at Christmas for a garment
_Peter Langley_, in 1650, gave £200 for charitable uses, and _John_ and
_Jonathan Langley_ bequeathed £100 for the same purpose. These gifts
were laid out in the purchase of lands and premises in Castle Foregate,
which produced an income of £82 per annum at the time the Charity
Commissioners published their report. The amount is distributed in sums,
varying from 2s. to 10s., among the most aged and needy parishioners.
_Mathusalem Jones_ charged an estate at Underdale with the payment of so
much money, as should furnish five coats for men and five garments for
women, to be given to ten paupers every 5th of November.
_Elizabeth Prynce_, in 1711, bequeathed £100, and directed the same to be
laid out in lands or hereditaments, the yearly produce thereof to be
distributed among the poorest inhabitants of the parish. There are no
deeds in the parish relating to the laying out of this bequest; but the
property supposed to have been purchased therewith consists of four
cottages in the Abbey Foregate, producing a yearly rental of £4. 10s.
each.
_Thomas Doughty_ bequeathed £50, the interest thereof to be laid out in
bread. This bequest, and five others, amounting in the whole to £85,
were probably carried to the church account, as the interest, £3. 18s.,
has been considered as a charge upon the estate held by the parish. The
amount is expended in bread, which is given away every Sunday.
_Thomas Jenkins_, _Esq._, in 1730, directed that six poor people,
parishioners of Holy Cross, should be clothed once in every year. Three
poor men and three poor women are supplied with coats and gowns at the
expense of R. Jenkins, Esq., of Bicton.
_Thomas Talbot Gorsuch_, by a codicil to his will, bearing date 4th June,
1819, gave to the vicar and churchwardens of the parish of Holy Cross and
St. Giles, £300 three per cent. reduced annuities, upon trust, to
distribute the interest to such poor persons of the said parish as should
be most regular in attendance at divine service in the parish there, and
be the most deserving objects of charity. Not less than ten shillings to
be given to each poor person.
There is an entry in the old churchwardens’ book, under the date of 1634,
reciting that divers lands and messuages had been formerly given to the
repair of the churches of Holy Cross and St. Giles, and so decreed by
commission of charitable uses, James II. The amount of these rents,
£127. 4s. 10d., with such payments as are received for opening graves and
for pew rents, the two latter amounting to about £20 per annum, supply
the place of a church rate, and are sufficient for the repairs and
ornaments of the two churches in this parish.
ST. MARY’S PARISH.
CHARITIES.—ST. MARY’S ALMSHOUSES were founded by the Company of Drapers,
at a very early period, and are usually called the Drapers’ Almshouses.
They appear to have been remodelled in 1461, during the wardenship of
Degory Watur, a draper of Shrewsbury, who devoted a portion of his
substance towards their endowment. This beneficent man is said to have
“dwellyd in the almeshouse hall amongst the poor,” and when deprived of
sight, and bowed with the weight of ninety-six years, he daily
accompanied the participators of his bounty to the “church of our lady,”
where he “wold kneele amongst them in a fayre longe pewe made for them
and hym selfe.” In his will, dated 28th July, 1477, he devised certain
lands to the wardens of the Drapers’ Company, to “sufficientlie susteyne
poore people in St. Mary Allmeshouse.” Other charitable individuals have
made subsequent additions to the endowment, which are under the
management of the Drapers’ Company. The old almshouses stood on the west
side of St. Mary’s church-yard, and having become much dilapidated, were
taken down in 1825, when the stun of £476. 16s. was awarded to the
Company of Drapers, as a compensation for the site and materials for the
purpose of improving the town. The company then purchased a piece of
ground on the opposite side of the street, for £750, and they have since
built sixteen tenements, at an expense of about £2,000. The inmates
receive about £6 per annum, and are appointed by the Drapers’ Company
from amongst the poor parishioners of St. Mary’s.
_Elizabeth Lord_, in 1696, bequeathed £100, and directed the profits to
be employed in clothing ten poor persons. This sum is in the hands of
the corporation, and £5 annually is paid as the interest thereof, which
is laid out in warm clothing for poor women.
_Sarah Bolles_, in 1747, bequeathed £100, the yearly income to be given
to eight poor housekeepers. On account of this charity there is £132.
0s. 2d. new four per cents. standing in the names of certain trustees,
who receive the dividends, amounting to £5. 5s. 6d.
_Ann Parry_, in 1755, gave £60, being a benefaction intended by her
sister, Mary Tench, deceased, the interest to be given to eight poor
housekeepers, not burthensome to the parish; and in 1776 bequeathed £20,
the interest to be given annually to four poor widows. These two sums
were laid out in the year 1790 in pewing the church, and since that
period £4 has been annually paid out of the church rate.
_Elizabeth Price_, in 1780, bequeathed £50, the interest to be given in
bread to the poor of the parish. This money is lent to the guardians of
the house of industry.
_Edward Lloyd_, in 1789, left £190, the interest to be given to ten poor
housekeepers. This sum is secured by a bond given in pursuance of an act
of parliament passed for the rebuilding of the church of St. Chads, and
£4 10s. is paid annually as the interest thereof.
_Richard Lister_, in 1793, bequeathed £100, and directed the interest to
be laid out in bread and given to the poor after divine service every
Sunday morning. In respect of this gift there is the sum of £154 14s.
10d. three per cent consols, producing annually dividends to the amount
of £4. 12s. 8d.
_Pemberton’s Charity_. The particulars of this charity will be found
amongst those for the parish of St. Alkmund. The sum of £2. 2s. is
expended annually in coal, and distributed amongst poor housekeepers.
_Lost Charities_. In the parliamentary returns of 1786 there is
mentioned a legacy left by Madam Honor Dryden, and several others,
amounting in the whole to £180. This sum was in the hands of a person
who became insolvent, and only £19 9s. was received from his estate.
Nothing is now known even of this sum.
PARISH OF ST. JULIAN.
CHARITIES.—_Thomas Bowdler_, in 1733, bequeathed £100, to be placed out
at interest, the profit to be given away in twopenny loaves every Lord’s
day. He also gave his executors the sum of £1000 upon trust, to lay out
such part thereof as they should think fit, in purchasing or building a
school-house and residence for the teachers, and the residue to be
invested in land, the yearly profits thereof to be applied in maintaining
a master and mistress to teach poor children born in the parish of St.
Julian, and in clothing them and putting some of them out apprentices, or
such useful occupation as the trustees should think proper. The property
now vested in the trustees consists of an estate at Treffnant and
Llanercrockwell, in the parish of Guilsfield, consisting of 168A. 3R.
22P. of land, with suitable house and outbuildings, producing a rental of
£150 per annum. On the enclosure of commons in 1788 an allotment was
made to the trustees, which was conveyed to Thomas Loxdale, Esq., for a
term of 500 years, in consideration of which Mr. Loxdale paid the sum of
£200 to the trustees; this amount was subsequently employed in the
reparations of farm buildings, and other improvements on the school
estate. The school is situated in Beeche’s lane, and twenty-five boys
and an equal number of girls are clothed and educated from the funds of
the charity.
_Catherine Smith_, in 1621, left a rent charge of £4 per annum, to be
distributed among four poor widows of this parish. The amount is paid
from the property of the corporation, and they appoint the poor widows.
_Thomas Davies_, in 1668, directed his trustees to raise the sum of £300,
and dispose of the same in the purchase of a rent charge, to be disposed
of as follows:—40s. to the minister of the parish for preaching four
sermons, one on the 3rd September and the other three sermons quarterly;
20s. yearly among poor housekeepers; £4 to eight poor widows; £4 for
maintaining two scholars at the university, and £4 to be paid in
apprentice fees. In 1689 a rent charge of £12. 5s. was purchased with
£250, but it does not appear how the remaining £50 was disposed of. The
estate is situate at Sutton, from which the rent charge issues, and was
the property of the late John Hiles.
_Richard Williams_, in 1576, left £50, and directed the interest to be
distributed among poor householders of this parish on Christmas day. He
also bequeathed the residue of his personal estate, after payment of his
debts and legacies to the executors, to be held in trust, and to dispose
of the yearly income in clothing poor men or women or in putting out
apprentices. It appears that the produce of the testator’s residuary
estate amounted to £266. 18s., and that £6. 18s. was distributed to the
poor, and £260 was placed out at interest secured on bond given by the
mayor, aldermen, and burgesses.
GENERAL CHARITIES.—The sum of £308 17s. was expended in the purchase of
an estate at Ellesmere, in 1726, which consists of 19A. 3R. 22P.,
producing a yearly rental of £45. Of the said purchase money £200 was
the gift of Thomas Baker, in 1685; £30 the gift of Thomas Cotton, in
1683; £50 the bequest of Stephen Rogers; and £20 the gift of Richard
Presland. The rent is received by the churchwardens, and carried to one
account with the produce of several other charities, and disposed of in
bread, and small sums of money, to deserving objects of charity.
The sum of £1. 6s. is received every alternate year from a farm in
Willstone, which was bought subject to this payment, about forty years
ago. This is known by the name of _Diana Robert’s Charity_, the like
payment being made every alternate year to the parish of Cardington.
_Brook’s Charity_. The particulars of this charity will he found noticed
with those of St. Alkmund. The yearly sum of £2. 10s. is received on
account of this parish, and carried to the general charity account
noticed above.
_The Rev. Samuel Presland_, by will, in 1750, as appears from an entry in
the book of charities, gave £10 to be placed out by the overseers, and
the interest to be distributed to the poor. In the same book it is
stated that _Thomas Presland_ gave £20, and directed the interest to be
given among poor housekeepers. These two sums, with £50, the legacy of
Richard Williams, are placed out on the security of the house of
industry, and the interest carried to the general charity account.
_Mary Griffith_, in 1781, left £50 to the churchwardens and overseers,
the interest to be distributed every Sunday in twopenny loaves. This sum
is placed out on the security of the tolls of the Leighton turnpike road,
and £2. 10s. annually received as the interest thereof.
_The Rev. Philemon Hayes_ left to the minister of the parish 10s. for a
lecture on Candlemas day, and the same sum to be distributed to poor
people by the churchwardens. John Bryan by his will made an addition to
Mr. Hayes’s gift of 10s. for the said sermon and 10s. to the poor. In
respect of these charities the sum of £2 is charged upon land called the
Tenter Field, near the Quarry, Shrewsbury.
_Elizabeth Hanmer_, in 1755, left £20, the interest to be distributed in
bread; she also left a house on the stone bridge, the rent to be paid to
the clerk of the parish. The stone bridge above-mentioned with the house
thereon has since been taken down, and a sum of money was awarded to the
clerk as compensation for it, with which sum, and the £20 left to be
distributed in bread, another house was bought for him. The house is now
let by the clerk, and he receives the rent and pays thereout 20s. yearly,
as the interest of the legacy of £20.
_Richard Breathen_ gave to the churchwardens and overseers the sum of
£20, the interest to be given to the poor. This money was placed in the
hands of a person who died insolvent, and after a lapse of some years his
son repaid the principal, and in 1820 it was carried to the general
charity account.
_Josina Pemberton_. The particulars of this charity will be found
noticed with the charities of St. Alkmund parish. The yearly sum of £2.
2s. is divided among thirty poor housekeepers.
The average annual income of the Charities of Shrewsbury amounts to about
£2,000, exclusive of the Loan Charities, which produce no income, being
gifts of sums of money to be lent out for limited periods to young
tradesmen and others, free of interest. The Loan Charities amount to
£840. 8s. 4d. In 1837 the High Court of Chancery appointed certain
trustees to administer the charities of which the Corporations of
Shrewsbury were previously the trustees. The following is a list of the
trustees:—The Right Hon. Lord Berwick, Sir F. Brian Hill, John Bather,
Esq., Mr. R. Beacall, Peter Beck, Esq., Robert Burton, Esq., W. J.
Clement, Esq., T. G. Gwyn, Esq., J. Hazledine, Esq., Rev. C. Leicester,
Rev. W. G. Rowland, A. Spearman, Esq., W. R. Ward, Esq., R.N., John
Wingfield, Esq., Mr. John Woodward, William Butler Lloyd, Esq., John
Whitehurst, Esq., Mr. Thomas Woodward, Mr. Richard Jeffreys Muckleston,
and Mr. J. G. Brayne. Treasurer and Solicitor, William Cooper, Esq.
Clerk and Secretary, Mr. William Poole, Scoltock-offices, Guild-hall and
Corn-market Chambers.
The liberties of Shrewsbury were abolished by the municipal boundary act,
and now form part of the county of Salop. The several parishes which
they comprised are now returned in the Albrighton Division, in the Wem
Division of North Bradford Hundred in the Condover Division, Condover
Hundred, and in the Ford and Pontesbury Divisions, of Ford Hundred. The
following are places included within the liberties of the borough, the
residents of which are included in the Shrewsbury Directory:—
ALKMUND ST.—A parish partly returned in the Albrighton Division, and
partly in Ford Division of the Ford Hundred. The parish, in 1841,
contained 303 houses and 1641 inhabitants, of whom 1396 were included
within the parliamentary borough. The rateable value of the parish is
£9,041. 11s.
CHAD ST.—The parish of St. Chads is partly returned in the Albrighton
Division, partly in Condover Hundred, and partly in the Ford Division, of
the Ford Hundred. The entire parish, in 1841, contained 7625
inhabitants, of whom 4524 persons resided within the boundaries of the
borough, exclusive of those residing in Frankwell. There were also 912
inhabited houses, 80 uninhabited, and 4 houses building.
FRANKWELL is a populous township in St. Chad’s parish, forming a suburb
on the north-west side of Shrewsbury, from which it is approached by the
Welsh bridge. In 1841 it was returned as containing 413 inhabited
houses, 37 uninhabited and 2 building, with a population of 1895 souls,
of whom 902 were males and 993 females.
HOLY CROSS AND ST. GILES forms the eastern suburb to the town of
Shrewsbury, and contains the township of Abbey Foregate and part of
Coleham. Abbey Foregate stretches from the English bridge to Lord Hill’s
column, upwards of a mile in length; the street is wide and for some
distance planted on each side with trees; it contains many genteel
residences, and is by far the handsomest approach to the town. In 1841
the township was returned as containing 358 inhabited houses, 22
uninhabited, and 14 building, and 1638 inhabitants—of whom 701 were males
and 937 females. That part of Coleham, returned as in the parish of Holy
Cross and St. Giles, contained 30 houses and 104 souls.
ST. JULIAN’S parish is partly in the Condover Hundred and partly in the
Ford Division of the Ford Hundred. The entire parish, in 1841, contained
3252 inhabitants, of whom 2902 were in the limits of the borough of
Shrewsbury, of the latter number 986 persons were resident in Coleham.
In 1841 there were 387 inhabited houses and 22 uninhabited. Rateable
value of the parish £12,890.
COLEHAM is a township, partly in St. Julian’s parish and partly in that
of Holy Cross and St. Giles; in 1840 there were 332 houses and 1090
souls—of whom 986 were in the parish of St. Julian and 104 in the parish
of Holy Cross and St. Giles. Coleham lies on the south bank of the river
Severn and forms the southern suburb to the town of Shrewsbury. Here the
manufacture of cotton goods was formerly carried on to some extent; the
factories are now unoccupied. The houses are for the most part small,
and occupied as cottage residences. A neat church has been built here
which is noticed at a preceding page.
ST. MARY’S parish is partly in the Albrighton Division, and, in 1841,
contained a population of 6684 souls—of whom 6684 were returned as in the
borough of Shrewsbury. The return includes the Castle, extra-parochial,
containing 7 persons; 168 in the County Gaol, 186 in the County
Infirmary, 94 in the Shrewsbury Free Grammar School, and 35 persons in
boats. At the same period there were 1048 inhabited houses, 112
uninhabited, and 2 building.
MEOL BRACE parish is chiefly in the Condover Hundred, the entire parish
contained, in 1841, 1195 inhabitants—of whom 361 persons were returned as
in the liberty of the borough of Shrewsbury.
A LIST OF
STREETS, COURTS, GATES, ROWS, PLACES, SQUARES, &c., IN THE TOWN OF
SHREWSBURY.
Abbey foregate, English bdge
Abbey terrace, Abbey foregate
Ann’s hill, St. Michael’s st
Backlane, Belmont
Barker street, Shoplatch
Barrack passage, Wyle cop
Baschurch road, Coton hill
Beckbury terrace, London rd
Beeches lane, Wyle cop
Belmont, Milk-street
Belmont bank, Belmont
Bellevue, Meol road
Benbow terrace, Chester st
Benbow place, Benbow ter
Bridge court, Wyle cop
Bridge street, Barker street
Butter market, Pride hill
Butcher’s row, Pride hill
Cadogan row, The mount
Canal buildings, Spring fields
Canal wharf, Castle foregate
Cardan place, Castle fields
Castle fields, Castle foregate
Castle gates, Castle street
Castle gates lane, Castle gates
Castle street, Pride hill
Chester street, Castle gates
Church st., St. Alkmund sq
Circus yard, Bridge street
Claremont bank, The priory
Claremont blds, Claremont bk
Claremont ct., St. Austin’s
Claremont-hill, Barker-st
Claremont street, Mardol
Coffee house pas., Corn mar
Coleham, English bridge
Column ter., Abbey foregate
College hill ct., College hill
College hill, Swan hill
Copthorne crescent, Copthorne road
Corn market, Market square
Council house ct., Castle st
Coton hill, Chester street
Coton terrace, Coton hill
Crescent, Belmont
Crescent fields, Water lane
Cross hill, St. John’s hill
Cross street, Castle foregate
Dana, Castle gates
Derfold court, St. Michael st
Ditherington, Old heath
Dog pole st., St. Mary street
Double btchrs’ rw., Pride hill
English bridge, Foot of Wyle Cop
Fish street, High street
Frankwell, Welsh bridge
Gashouse ln., Castle foregate
Golden cross pas., High st
Gullett passage, Corn market
Hazledine’s blds., Coleham
High-street, Market square
Hill’s lane, Mardol
Holywell terrace, Abbey fore
Howard St., Castle foregate
Islington, Abbey foregate
John’s row, St. Michael’s st
Judith’s Butts, nr race course
London rd., Abbey foregate
Mardol head, High street
Mardol, Shoplatch
Marine terrace, Wyle cop
Market street, Corn market
Market square, High street
Meadow pl., Castle gates ln
Meol road, Coleham
Milk street, High street
Monk’s well ter., Abbey fore
Mount fields, Frankwell
Mount pleasant, Old heath
Nackin street, Bridge street
Old heath, St. Michael’s st
Pound close, Coleham
Pride hill, High street
Priory street, Austin’s friars
Princess street, Corn market
Quarry place, St. John’s hill
Quarry terrace, St. John’s hill
Quarry view buildings, New St. Frankwell
Railway station, Castle foregte
Raven road, Mardol
Reabrook place, Coleham
Reabrook view, Abbey foregte
Roushill bank, Pride hill
School court, Castle street
School lane, Coleham
Severn place, Mardol
Shoplatch, Mardol head
Smithfield market, Mardol
Spring gardens, Castle foregte
Spring terrace, Meol road
Stamp office, Market square
St. Alkmund’s sq., Dog pole
St. Alkmund’s place, St Alkmund’s square
St. Austin’s ct., St. Austin’s priory
St. Austin’s priory, St. Austin’s street
St. Austin’s st., Barker st
St. George’s place, Frankwell
St. John’s blds., Shoplatch
St. John’s court, Tower pl
St. John’s hill, Shoplatch
St. John’s row, St. John’s hill
St. Julian’s friars, Wyle cop
St. Mary’s court, Dogpole
St. Mary’s pl., St. Mary’s st
St. Michael’s gardens, St. Michael’s street
St. Michael’s st., Castle foregt
Sutton road, Coleham
Swan hill, Market street
Swan hill court, Swan hill
Theatre blds., Shoplatch
The mount, Frankwell
Tower place, Belmont
Trinity terrace, Meol road
Water lane, Windsor place
Welsh bridge, Mardol
Whitehall place, Abbey foregt
Whitehall st., Abbey foregate
Whitehall ter., Abbey foregte
Windsor place, Castle street
Wyle cop, High street
POST OFFICE, CORN MARKET.
MR. JOHN WILLIAM TOWERS, POST MASTER.
Letters from London, Birmingham, and the midland counties, Wolverhampton,
Shiffnal, Wellington, West Bromwich, Wednesbury, Bilston, Bristol, the
south and west of England, Liverpool, Manchester, and the north of
England, Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man, arrive at 3 a.m. and 4
p.m., and are despatched 6 a.m. and 9.51 p.m.
Letters from Aberystwith, Newtown, Welshpool, Llanidloes, Westbury Ford,
Alberbury, Chirbury, and Montgomery, arrive at 9.1 p.m., and are
despatched at 4.1 a.m.
Letters from Bishop’s Castle, Pontesbury, Minsterley, Whitchurch,
Ellesmere, Wem, &c., arrive at 8 30 p.m. and are despatched at 4 45 a.m.
Letters from Church Stretton, Dorrington, Ludlow, Munslow, and
Wistanston, arrive at 8 30 a.m. and are despatched at 4 30 p.m.
Letters from Oswestry, Nesscliff, West Felton, and Montford bridge,
arrive at 8 40 p.m. and are despatched at 4 35 a.m.
Letters from Acton Burnell, Ruyton, Baschurch, Shawbury, Middle,
Wroxeter, and the adjacent district, arrive by foot posts at 7 30 a.m.,
and are despatched at 5 30 p.m.
RECEIVING HOUSES at Frankwell, Castle Foregate, Abbey Foregate, and
Coleham, for the reception of stamped letters only.
MONEY ORDERS granted and paid from 10 a.m. until 4 30 p.m.
TOWN DELIVERY, by letter carriers, at 7 a.m. and 4 30 p.m.
SHREWSBURY ALPHABETICAL DIRECTORY
OF
NAMES, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, AND RESIDENCES.
Adams William Henry, professor of music, College hill
Alcock John, beerhouse keeper, Frankwell
Allcock Thos. & Sons, tailors, Claremont st.
Allart George, tailor, Frankwell
Allen and Benson, druggists, Wyle Cop
Allen Mary, vict. Bird in Hand, Coton hill
Allen Sarah, shopkeeper, Coton hill
Allnatt Charles Blake, Esq., barrister-at-law, the Crescent
Alltree Ann & Amelia, milliners, Windsor place
Alltree Jemima and Henry, ironmongers, bell hangers, gas fitters,
stovegrate manufacturers, and zinc and tin plate workers, Corn market
Ambler Misses Emma and Mary Castle st
Amphlett James, newspaper editor, Mardol
Andrew Jas, travelling tea dealer, Wyle cop
Andrew John, travelling tea dealer, Wyle cop
Andrew Robt., travelling tea dealer, Coleham
Andrew Wm., travelling tea dealer, Wyle cop
Antlett Jas., beerhouse keeper, Spring gardens
Arblaster Charles Jas., chemist and druggist, Castle street
Armstrong John, tailor, Coleham
Armstrong Wm., tailor & woln. draper, High st
Arrowsmith John Y., surgeon, Swan hill court
Arrowsmith Louisa Ann, boarding school, Belmont
Arrowsmith Mary Elizabeth, boarding school, College hill Court
Arrowsmith & Stephens, surgs., College hill
Arthur Richard, shopkeeper, Princess st.
Arthur Wm., travelling tea dealer, Wyle cop
Ash Mr. Richard, Whitehall place
Ashley Geo. beerhouse keeper, Barrck. passage
Asterly Samuel, grocer, tallow chandler, and seed and hop merchant,
Frankwell
Astley Rev. Richard (Presbyn.) Claremont hill
Atcherly John, gentleman, Summer house, the Mount.
Atcherly the Misses, College hill
Atkin Henry, agent to Allsop & Co., (Burton ales,) Golden cross passage
Atkin Joseph, accountant, Column villa
Atkinson William, supervisor of inland revenue, Sutton lane
Attfield George, clerk inland revenue office, Barker street
Badger John, shoemaker, Marine terrace
Badger Joseph, beerhouse keeper, Kingsland
Badger Samuel, beerhouse and shopkeeper, Coleham
Badger Thos. vestry clerk & assistant overseer of St. Alkmund’s, St.
Alkmund’s place
Bagley John, herbalist, Theatre buildings
Bagley Thomas, school master, St. John’s rd.
Bagnell John, grocer and tea dealer, Pride hill
Barker Mr. John, Monk’s well terrace
Baker Wm., silversmith, jeweller and cutler, Corn market
Ball Mrs. Mary Ann, Chester street
Ballham James, baker, Coleham
Ball William, brush manufacturer, Wyle Cop
Barcley Wm. Jas., grocer, tea dealer, hop merchant, and agent for
Guiness’s Dublin porter, 1, High street
Barnaby Isabel, milliner and bonnet maker, Market square
Barnaby Wm. W., law stationer, Market sq.
Barnett Emma, dress maker, Frankwell
Barnett George Shuttleworth, silversmith and jeweller, Market street
Barron Mrs. Ann, Swan hill court
Barron Anthony, linen draper and silk mercer, Pride hill
Barton Thos., tailor and beerhouse keeper, Bellevue
Bates Ann, shopkeeper, Castle Foregate
Bates Richard, butcher, Chester street
Bates Richard, jun., butcher, Shoplatch
Bather, Mrs. Elizabeth, The Abbey
Bather Wm., boot and shoemaker, Coton hill
Batho John, vict., Robin Hood, St. Michael st
Batho Thos., vict., Old Anchor, Frankwell
Baxter Mary, green grocer, Gullett passage
Bayley, Misses Ann and Mary, Quarry terrace
Bayley Edward, baker, Castle Foregate
Bayley Wm., gentleman, Claremont buildings
Baylis James, civil engineer, Claremont bank
Baylis James, nail maker, New street
Bazeley John, linen draper, silk mercer, and milliner, High street and
Pride hill
Beacall Ann and Eliza, booksellers and stationers, Mardol head
Beacall Henry, currier and leather cutter, Castle street
Beacall Misses Mary and Eliz., Castle street
Beacall Rd., ironmonger & nail manr., Mardol
Beacall Sarah, currier and leather cutter, Castle street
Beck, Mrs. Margaret Susannah, Benbow ter.
Beck, Peter and William, wine and spirit mer., Claremont st., residence
St. John’s h.
Beddoes Jn., skinner & wool stap., Frankwell
Beddow Richard, hair dresser, Barker street
Beetlestone Geo., boarding school, Hills lane
Bell Misses, mill, & dress makers, Wyle Cop
Bentley Thos. Amand, professor of languages, Castle street
Betton Nathaniel, Esq., Abbey Foregate
Betton William, shoe maker, Frankwell
Bevan Henry, accountant and law stationer, Abbey Foregate
Bickerton Richard, corn merch., Severn place
Bickley Thomas, hair dresser, Castle Forgate
Birch Benj., architect, surveyor, and builder, Castle gate, residence
Upper Green Fields
Birch James, blacksmith and victualler, Buck’s Head, Frankwell
Birch John, stone mason, Coleham
Birch Jh., arch., surveyor & builder, Castleg.
Birch Thomas, painter and glazier, Belmont
Bishop John, cabinet maker, Wyle Cop
Blake Lieut. Edward and John, Bellevue
Blair Wm. H., wheelwright, Welsh Bridge
Blair Chas., boot & shoe m., Abbey Foregate
Blakemore Robert Baugh, confectioner and baker, Mardol
Blakeway Richard and William, corn millers and dealers, Castle Foregate
Blanchard Joseph, cabinet maker, Frankwell
Blent Charles, chair maker, St. John’s build.
Blockley William, timber merchant, Longden Coleham
Blount Chas., actuary, Savings Bk., College h.
Blount Chas., shoe maker, Claremont hill
Blount Mary, dress maker, Princess street
Blount Walter, tailor, Princess street
Blower John, cabinet maker, upholsterer, and general furnishing
warehouse, Pride hill
Blower Tim., corn and cheese fac., Wyle Cop
Blower, Thos. Jh., prov. & corn deal., Coleham
Bloxham Henry, Esq., solicitor and high bailiff to County Court, St.
Mary’s place
Blunt Henry, chemist and druggist, Wyle Cop, residence Meol road
Blunt Thomas, chemist and druggist, Wyle Cop, residence Abbey Foregate
Blythe Mr., draper & silk mercer, Market sq.
Bodenham Thos., Esq., Column terrace
Bond John, bricklayer and beerhouse keeper, Claremont hill
Boodle John, brickmaker, Coleham
Boodle Mary, dress maker, Coleham
Botevyle Mr. Thomas, Hills lane
Bottwood, George, hair dresser, Castle street
Boucher Geo., musical repository, Castle st.
Boulton Samuel, shoe maker, Chester street
Bourlay Wm. V., dancing master, Castle st.
Bowen John, painter & glazier, St. Mary’s pl.
Bowen Mr. William, Judith’s Butts
Bowman Mrs. Catherine, Belmont Bank
Bowdler, Mrs. Ann, Dogpole
Bowdler and Barnett, silversmiths, jewellers and cutlers, market street
Bowdler Mrs. Jane, silversmith, Market st
Bowdler Thomas, hair dresser and perfumer, High street
Bowdler William, carpenter and victualler, Shrewsbury Arms, Church street
Boyce Thos., register for St. Chad’s district, Claremont street
Boycott Richard, baker, Spring gardens
Branscomb Fred. A., news agent, Church st.
Bratton James, surgeon, Claremont hill
Bratton Richard, cabinet maker, Wyle Cop
Bratton Richard, victualler, Dog and Partridge, St. Mary’s place
Brayne John Gregory, tanner and maltster, Abbey Foregate
Brayne William (executors of), braziers and tin plate workers, Mardol
head
Brazier John, agent to Cowley and Co., general carriers, Castle Fields
Breeze Charles, veter. surgeon, Coton Hill
Breeze Edward, tailor, Frankwell
Breeze Henry, painter and glazier, Castle st.
Breeze James, blacksmith, Abbey Foregate
Breeze Richard, victualler, Anchor, Hills lane
Breeze Richard, tailor and clothes dealer, High street
Breeze Sarah, baker, Coton Hill
Brereton James, cabinet maker, Castle street
Brightwell William, boarding school, Belmont bank
Brighty Margt., vict., Nag’s Head, Wyle Cop
Broadbent Miss Jane, The Abbey
Bromfield Jacob, Spring Cottage, Meol road
Bromley Elizabeth, shopkeeper, Frankwell
Bromley John, grocer and tallow chandler, Wyle Cop
Bromley Joseph, butcher, Castle Foregate
Bromley Marg., butcher, Double Butchers’ row
Bromley Sml., butcher, Double Butchers’ row
Bromley, Wm., butcher, Double Butchers’ row
Broughall Jno., Esq., solicitor, St. John’s hill
Brown Ann, beerhouse keeper, Coleham
Brown Mrs. Catherine, Benbow place
Brown Mr. David, Claremont bank
Brown Edwin, carver and gilder, Wyle Cop
Brown Edward, cabinet maker, Mardol
Brown Jacob, butcher, Pride hill
Brown John, shopkeeper, Castle Foregate
Brown Philip, artist, Castle street
Brown Sarah, butcher, Pride hill
Brown Captain Valentine, White Hall terrace
Brown William, confectioner, Castle street
Brown Wm., painter & glaz., Abbey Foregate
Broxton Rd., chemist and druggist, Mardol
Bryan Henry, haberdasher, Princess street
Bryan William, dyer, Coton hill
Bryant Wm., boot and shoe maker, Mardol
Budgett Wm., grocer & tea dealer, Pride hill
Burbury, Rev. Wm., M.A., second master of Grammar School
Bull John, butcher, Pride hill
Bullock Saml., carpentr. & builder, Frankwell
Burd Edward, physician, Corn market
Burd, Timotheus and Son, land and estate agents, Abbey Foregate
Burnett Ann and Harriet, Swan hill court
Burr Brothers, lead merchants and manufacturers of white, red, and sheet
lead, Wyle Cop
Burr Geo., lead mer, Wyle Cop r. Kingsland
Burr Thos. Wm., lead mer., &c., Wyle Cop, residence Kingsland
Burrey James, cabinet maker, upholsterer, auctioneer and appraiser,
College hill
Burrey and White, cabinet maters and upholsterers, College hill and Pride
hill
Burrows John, nail maker, Roushill bank
Burton Adam, victualler, Bear, Fish street
Burton Miss Anna, Abbey Foregate
Burton Miss Helen, Claremont buildings
Burton Rev. Rob. L., vicar of Holy Cross, Abbey Foregate
Butler Jane, hosier, Castle Foregate
Butler James, hairdresser & hosier, Coleham
Butler Thos., hosier & gen. dealer, Castle st.
Butler William, shoe maker, Castle Foregate
Buttriss Robt., maltster and victualler, Elephant and Castle, Mardol
Buttriss Richard, maltster, Frankwell
Bythell Thos., chemist & druggist, Pride hill
Cadwallader Ann, vict., Wagon and Horses, Pride Hill
Cadwallader John, bookseller, printer, and stationer, 3, High street
Cadwallader Wm., spirit vaults, Castle gates
Calcott John, boot and shoemak., 4, High st.
Canadine J., shopkeeper, Longden Coleham
Carden Robt., linen & woollen drap., Mardol
Carline John, architect and stone and marble mason, Abbey Foregate
Cartwright Ann, wine and spirit vaults, Theatre buildings
Cartwright Francis, market gardener, New street, Frankwell
Cartwright John, engineer and agricultural implt. maker, Castle Foreg.,
res. Castle st.
Caswell James, cheese factor, Mardol
Cavell Henry, shoe maker, School lane
Cawthron Wm., painter, plumber, glazier, and glass dealer, Frankwell
Charlton Charles W., solicitors’ clerk, Islington cottage
Chester George, tailor, Shoplatch
Chester Geo., boot & shoe mak., Shoplatch
Chidlow Wm., boot & shoemak., Castle Fds.
Chipp Mr. Samuel, Trinity terrace
Cholton Samuel, butcher, Coleham
Chune Geo. & Jph., timber mer., Chester st.
Clarke Chas. Thos. Hughes, surg., Chester st.
Clarke Gavin, sheriff’s officer, Crescent Fields
Clarke John, gentleman, Town Walls House
Clark Rd., registrar of marriages and agent to the Sun fire office, Swan
hill
Clarke William, maltster, Frankwell
Clay Joseph, veterinary surgeon, Wyle Cop
Clayton Geo., wool. drap. & tailor, Clement hill
Clayton John, farmer, Old Heath
Clayton Mr. Jas., St. Alkmund place
Claxton William Dickson, chemist & druggist, High street
Cleaver John, coffee house keeper, Castle gates
Clement Wm., gentleman, St. John’s row
Clement Wm. Jas., surgeon, Council house
Climie Daniel, civil engineer, Spring terrace
Clinton Henry, baker, Abbey Foregate
Clorley S., blacksmith, St. Austin’s street
Cock John, baker, Longden Coleham
Cock John, shoe maker, Abbey Foregate
Coggin Jabez, shoe maker, Chester street
Cohen Louis, clothes dealer, Mardol
Cole Thomas, painter and glazier, Wyle Cop
Colley Rev. James, M.A., incumbent Holy Trinity, Belmont
Collier, brazier & tin plate worker, Wyle Cop
Cooke Henry, painter, Cross hill
Cooke Jn., dyer & scourer, St. Alkmund’s pl.
Cooke Joseph, corn merchant, maltster, and corn miller, Abbey Foregate
Cooke Mary, schoolmistress, Swan hill
Cooke Wm. Hy., hatter & hosier, Pride hill
Cooper George, shopkeeper, Abbey Foregate
Cooper Richard, coach proprietor, Meol road
Cooper Wm., Esq., Claremont buildings
Cooper Wm. Henry, Esq., solicitor, St. John’s hill, residence Claremont
buildings
Cooper William, rope maker, Castle street
Cooper & Broughall, solicitors, St. John’s hill
Corbet Miss Josepha, St. Mary’s place
Corbet Philip, artist, Belmont
Corbet Walton, shopkeeper, Frankwell
Corfield, Mrs. Jane, White Hall place
Corfield Rd., engineer (water wks.), Chester st.
Corser George Sandforth, Esq., solicitor, Market street, residence Abbey
Foregate
Cottrell Mrs. Elizabeth, Belmont
Cotton Ann & Sarah, milliners, Princess st
County Constabulary office, Corn market
Cox John, shoemaker, Longden, Coleham
Craig Alex. Samuel, Esq., sol., The crescent
Craig Charles Dixon, Esq., solicitor, The crescent, residence Claremont
bank
Crane Mrs. Mary, White hall place
Craston Edward and Co., hat manufacturers, Pride hill
Crawford David, surgeon, St. John’s hill
Cripps Gordon H., wine & spirit merchant, Claremont street
Cripps Lewis G., wine & spirit mer., High st
Cross James, stone mason, Raven road
Cross Sarah and Ann, milliners, Mardol head
Cross W. Gowen, chemist & druggist, Mardol
Crowe Henry, veterinary surgeon, Castle st
Crowley Hicklin and Co., general carriers, Welsh bridge
Crump Vincent, confectioner, by special appointment to her Majesty, Wyle
cop
Crumpton James, baker, Frankwell
Crumpton Jonathan, brazier and tin plate worker, Wyle cop
Crumpton Joseph, bookseller, printer, stationer, and bookbinder, and
agent for the sale of poor law books, Mardol
Crwys William, dyer and scourer, Swan hill
Curtis, the Misses, Skelton road
Dakin John, cooper, Chester street
Dale Samuel, vict., Bell Inn, Princess street
Dales Rd., saddler & harness maker, Wyle cop
Dance Sarah, Raven hotel (posting house), Castle street
Daniel John, vict., Spread Eagle, Wyle cop
Darwin the Misses, The mount
Davenhall John, hair dresser, Shoplatch
Davis Mrs. Ann, St. Julian’s friars
Davis Edward, mathematical and optical instrument manufacturer, 43, High
street
Davies Brothers, cabinet makers, Wyle cop
Davies Charles, shoemaker, and grindery dealer, Barker street
Davies Mr. Daniel, White hall place
Davies Daniel, confectioner, baker, and British wine dealer, Castle gates
Davies Daniel, clock maker, Mardol
Davis David, news agent, Mardol
Davies Edward, shopkeeper and wheelwright, Coleham
Davies Edward, shopkeeper, Meol road
Davies Ellen, straw bonnet maker, Frankwell
Davies Emma, milliner, Pride hill
Davies Evan, carver and gilder, Pride hill
Davies Mrs. Harriett, Tower place
Davies Harriett, dress maker, Marine terrace
Davies Helen, dress maker, Dogpole
Davies Henry, boot and shoemaker, St. John’s hill
Davies James, millwright, Chester street
Davies James and Son, ironmongers, nail manufacturers, and saddlers’
ironmongers, Wyle cop
Davies John, bookseller, printer, stationer, and bookbinder, 15, High
street
Davies John, ale and porter brewer, Chester street; residence, Castle
gates
Davies John, supervisor of inland revenue, Frankwell
Davies, John, shopkeeper, Wyle cop
Davies John, agent to Black Park coal works, Castle foregate
Davies John, butcher, Fish street
Davies John, cooper, Mardol
Davies John, vict., White Hart, Mardol
Davies John and Charles, drapers and silk mercers, 26, High street
Davies Joseph, street inspector and collector of rates, Claremont hill
Davies Joseph, coal agent, Wyle cop
Davies Joseph, boot & shoemaker, Mardol
Davies Joseph, vict., Three Tuns, Longden Coleham
Davies and Hortins, eating house, Pride hill
Davies Margaret, vict., Swan, Frankwell
Davies Mrs. Mary, Abbey foregate
Davies Miss Mary Eleanor, Bellevue
Davies Mary, dressmaker, Barker street
Davies and Oldroyd, milliners, Pride hill
Davies Misses Sarah and Eliza, London rd
Davies Richard, bookseller, printer, and stationer, &c., 7, High-street
Davies Richard, tailor, St. John’s hill
Davies Richard, cow keeper, Frankwell
Davies Robert, bankers’ clerk, Princess street
Davies Robert, rope maker, Frankwell
Davies and Son, confectioners, Corn market
Davies Walton, baker, St. Mary’s place
Davies William, currier, Pride hill
Davies William, currier, Bridge street
Davies Wm., boot and shoe maker, Wyle cop
Davies William, book binder, Meol road
Davies Winefrede, dressmaker, Barker street
Day Wm., grocer and tea dealer, Pride hill
Deakin Edward, baker and beerhouse keeper, Frankwell
Deakin Thomas, confectioner and baker, Market street
Deaves James, clothes dealer, Princess street
Deaves George, bookseller (old), Shoplatch
Deaves Hannah, milliner, Shoplatch
Denston, Mrs. Elizabeth, Belmont
Deshormes Francis U. G., professor of languages, Crescent fields
Dibbin James, butcher, Double butcher’s row
Dickin John, surgeon, St. John’s hill
Dixon Miss Betsy, Abbey foregate
Dixon John, malster and vict., Dun Cow, Abbey foregate
Dodson Richard, builder and statuary, Abbey foregate
Done Robert and Co., wholesale tea and coffee merchants, Mardol head and
Castle foregate
Donnellan James, hatter, Barker street
Donnellan William, schoolmaster, Barker st
Downing Enoch and Elijah, glass, china, and earthenware dealer, Pride
hill
Downward Rev. George Richard, The castle
Drakewood William, shoemaker, Abbey fore
Drayton Edward, wheelwright, Welsh bdge
Drayton Geo., bookseller, printer, and stationer, Shoplatch
Drayton John, timber merchant, New street, Frankwell
Drinkwater Rd., woolstapler, St. Austin friars
Drury, Miss Eliza Ann, Claremont street
Drury John (executor of), grocer and tea dealer, Pride hill
Drury Thomas James, M.D., Quarry place
Dugard Mrs. Mary Ann, Column terrace
Dukes Mrs. Elizabeth, Windsor place
Durnford, Mrs. Ann, College hill court
Dyas Edward, shopkeeper, Castle street
Dyas Edward, butcher, Wyle cop
Dyas Jane, shopkeeper, Frankwell
Dyas William, shoemaker, Abbey foregate
Easthope William, cooking apparatus manufacturer, High street
Eaton, Misses Emily and Susannah, Claremont buildings
Ebrall Samuel, gun maker, Wyle cop
Eccleston John, grocer & tea dealer, Frankwell
Eccleston Thomas, stone mason, Frankwell
Eddowes George, linen and woollen draper, Mardol
Eddowes, Mrs. Martha, newspaper proprietor, Bellevue
Edgerley Henry, cheese factor and paper warehouse, Pride hill
Edisbury Thos., beerhouse keeper, Castle frgt
Edson John, saddler and harness maker, & brush & portmanteau manufac.,
Wyle cop
Edwards Ann, plumber, Claremont street
Edwards Ann, cow keeper, Coleham
Edwards Ann, vict., Hen & Chickens, Dogpole
Edwards Edward, bookseller, printer, and bookbinder, Dogpole, and vict.,
Bull Inn, Abbey foregate
Edwards Edward, hosier, Mardol
Edwards Edward, beerhouse keeper, Castle foregate
Edwards Emma, vict., Britannia Inn, Mardol
Edwards John, bookbinder, Coton hill
Edwards John, plumber, Mardol; residence, Hill’s lane
Edwards John, boot & shoemaker, Market sq
Edwards John Hawley, Esq., solicitor, Pride hill; residence, Belvedere
Edwards, Miss Mary, Abbey foregate
Edwards John Thomas S., Esq., Quarry place
Edwards, Mr. Robert, Holywell terrace
Edwards Rd., vict., Falcon & Castle, Mardol
Edward Richard, baker, St. Michael’s street
Edward Samuel, vict., Grapes, Castle foregate
Edward Thomas, auctioneer, appraiser, and accountant, Mardol head;
residence, Coton hill
Edward Thos. & Son, bricklyrs, St. John’s ct
Edward William, beerhouse, Chester street
Egan, Rev. Eugene, catholic priest, Beeches ln
Ehn Henry and Co., furriers and straw bonnet manufacturers, 38, High
street
Ehn Jane, milliner, 38, High street
Elias Hannah, bonnet maker, Barker street
Elkes Edward, confec. and baker, Pride hill
Elledge James, agent to Pickford and Co., general carriers, Castle
foregate
Elliott, Mrs. Charlotte, The Priory
Ellis Mary, stay maker, Coleham
Elsmere Edward, managing director to Shropshire & North Wales Fire
Office, High st
Elsmere Peter, grocer & tea dealer, Wyle cop
Elton James, register office, Dogpole
Embrey John, beerseller, Frankwell
Evans, Mrs. Ann, Whitehall terrace
Evans Ann, shopkeeper, Abbey foregate
Evans Arthur, clothes dealer, Princess street
Evans Benjamin, confec. and baker, High st
Evans David, stained glass manufacturer, Wyle cop
Evans Edward, cooper, Abbey foregate
Evans Edward, inspector of weights and measures for South Salop
Evans Edward, cow keeper, Coleham
Evans Edward, accountant, Claremont hill
Evans Edward, schoolmaster, Barker street
Evans Fred., butcher, Double butchers’ row
Evans George, shoemaker and beerhouse keeper, Barker street
Evans George, shoemaker, Abbey foregate
Evans James, tailor and tobacconist, Market street
Evans Jane, vict., Bell Inn, Mardol
Evans John, carpenter and joiner, Kingsland
Evans John, jun., carpenter, builder, brick & tile merchant, & boat
builder, Frankwell
Evans John, grocer & tea dealer, Abbey fore
Evans John, tailor, Gullett passage
Evans John, baker and shopkeeper, Double butchers’ row
Evans John, hair dresser and perfumer, and toy dealer, Market street
Evans Joseph, shopkeeper, Frankwell
Evans Margaret, vict., King’s Head, Mardol
Evans Margt., paint. & glaz., St. Julian’s friars
Evans Mary, watch & clock maker, Wyle cop
Evans and Marston, paint. & glaz., High st
Evans Oliver, vict., Bull and Pump, Meol rd
Evans Richard, bricklayer and builder, St. Austin’s priory
Evans Sophia, schoolmistress, St. Michael’s st
Evans, Mr. Thomas, Beckbury terrace
Evans Thomas, shopkeeper, Coleham
Evans Thomas, superintendent registrar, clerk to Atcham union and to
lunatic asylum, St. John’s hill
Evans William, vict., Butchers’ Arms, Double butchers’ row
Evans William, cow keeper, Abbey foregate
Fagg Ann, dress maker, Claremont hill
Fallows Richard, shopkeeper, Frankwell
Farlow Samuel, fruiterer & market gardener, Theatre buildings
Farlow Samuel, town marshal and superintendent police officer, Shoplatch
Farmer Edward, plumber, painter, and glazier, Old heath
Farmer, Mrs. Mary, The mount
Farnell Joseph Kirby, draper & silk mercer, Pride hill
Farr Henry, coach builder, High street
Fenna John, shopkeeper, Castle gates
Fenton Elizabeth, stay maker, Benbow pl
Fenton Henry, surgeon, High street
Ferrett Elizabeth, shopkeeper, Frankwell
Fesser Andrew, clock maker, Mardol
Field Francis and Mary, school teachers, St Alkmund’s place
Field Mr., Swan hill
Fletcher Francis, prov. dealer, Claremont st
Fletcher, Rev. Henry, curate of St. Chad’s Claremont bank
Fletcher John, vict., Moulders’ Arms, Castle gates lane
Fletcher, Mrs. Martha, Dogpole
Fletcher William, beerhouse keeper, Double butchers’ row
Flexton Priscilla, victualler, Bridge House, Frankwell
Forcham Thomas, shoemaker, Frankwell
Forcham Richard, Abbey foregate
Ford John, painter and glazier, Barker street
Ford Geo., malster & shopkeeper, Barker st
Forester Eliz., bonnet maker, Claremont st
Forester, Miss Matilda, St. John’s hill
Foulkes Edwin, surgeon, Castle street
Foulkes, Mr. Thomas, Abbey foregate
Forman, Captain George, Bellevue
Fox George, vict., George Hotel, Market st
Frail Mr. John, Claremont hill
France Henry, beerhouse keeper, Castle foregate
France James, whitesmith, Castle gates lane
France John, letter-press printer and general dealer, Mardol
Francis, Mr. James, Bellevue gardens
Franklin George Benjamin, agent to Mottram and Co., hop mer. and brewers,
Mardol
Franklin William, hair dresser, bird preserver, and dealer in fishing
tackle, Mardol
Fulcher George, schoolmaster (Shrewsbury union), Kingsland
Gabriel James, cabinet maker, Mardol
Gatacre, Mrs. Harriet, Severn bank house
Gates William, butcher, Butchers’ row
Geary, Mrs. Elizabeth, Holywell terrace
Geary Henry, tailor, Swan hill
George William, china warehouse, Wyle cop, agent to Rose and Co.,
manufacturers
Giles Jane, shopkeeper, St. Alkmund’s place
Giles Rd., watch & clock maker, Shoplatch
Gill George Phillip, surgeon, Milk street
Gill John, market gardener, Beckbury cottage
Girling George, inland rev. officer, Abbey pl
Gittins Ann, grocer & tea dealer, Theatre blds
Gittins Francis, dressmaker, Wyle cop
Gittins Henry, butcher, Mardol
Gittins John, chemist and drug., Wyle cop
Gittins Margt., vict., Swan Inn, Frankwell
Gittins Sarah, schoolmistress, Abbey fore
Gittins Thomas, butcher, Abbey foregate
Gittins William, ironmonger, whitesmith, and brazier, and tin plate
worker, Mardol
Gittings William, butcher, Frankwell
Glover Robt., sad. & harness maker, Castle st
Glover Samuel, surgeon, Coton hill
Goodby Hy., vict., Eagle, St. Michael’s st
Gordon George, Esq., solicitor; office, Dogpole; residence, College hill
Goucher George, boot and shoe maker and hosier, Shoplatch
Goucher William, carpenter, Mardol
Gough John, butcher, Pride hill
Gough, Miss Mary Ann, Islington
Gough William, currier and leather cutter, Theatre buildings
Grafton Samuel, cooper, Wyle cop
Grafton Thomas, butcher, Pride hill
Gray Harriet & Caroline, milliners, Cross hill
Gray Richard, hatter, Pride hill
Green Robert, tailor, St. John’s hill
Green Thomas, paviour and clerk to water works company, Old heath
Green Thomas, jun., printer, Old heath
Griffin William, corn merchant, Mardol quay
Griffith Elizabeth, eating house, Castle gates
Griffith Joseph, cabinet maker, Abbey foregt
Griffith William, surgeon, Claremont hill
Griffiths Benjamin, wheelwright, Frankwell
Griffiths Hugh, provision dealer, St. Austin st
Griffiths Jane, schoolmistress, Abbey foregt
Griffiths Mary, beerhouse keeper, Canal blds
Griffiths Samuel, blacksmith, Coton hill
Griffiths Thomas, shopkeeper, Castle gates
Griffiths Thomas, shoemaker, Frankwell
Grindley John, vict., Crown Inn, St. Mary’s st
Grindley Martha, cow keeper, Abbey foregt
Groves John, builder, The Priory; residence, Crescent cottage
Groves Joseph, shopkeeper, Castle gates
Groves Thomas, builder, The priory
Gwynn John, clerk, Chester street
Gwynn Richard, basket maker, Pride hill
Gwyn Thomas Girdler, Esq., The Elms
Hackney Jas., glass & china dealer, Pride hl
Halbrook Thomas, shoemaker, Hill’s lane
Hales Richard, skinner, Chester street
Halford Sarah, dyer, Barker street
Hall John, timber merchant, Abbey foregate
Hall Thomas, silk mercer & draper, High st
Hall William, auctioneer, appraiser, and house agent, Milk street
Hammond Fred., fishmonger, Castle foregate
Hammond Richard, beerhouse, Castle gates
Hammonds Henry, butcher, Frankwell
Hammonds Thomas, butcher, Abbey foregt
Hammonds William, butcher, Frankwell
Hams, Mr. William, Abbey foregate
Hand Anne, vict., Peacock, Islington
Hand Paul, cattle dealer, Quarry place
Hand Sarah, butcher, Butchers’ row
Hanley James, butcher, Castle foregate
Hanmer Chs. Js., boot & shoe mkr., Wyle cop
Hanny James, watch maker, Wyle cop
Hanny Thomas, tea dealer (travelling) St. Alkmund’s place
Harding, Rev. John, incumbent of St. George’s, Mount cottage
Harley, Miss Sarah, The Priory
Harley Mr., Tower place
Harper Wm., chief constable, Claremont st
Harries George, tobacco and snuff manufacturer, and paper dealer, Mardol
Harries George, horse breaker, Coleham
Harris James, boot and shoe maker, New st
Harris John, butcher, Coleham
Harris John Kent, shopkeeper, Hill’s lane
Harris Joseph, pork butcher, Wyle cop
Harris Samuel, agricultural implement maker, Barker street
Harris Thomas, hosier, and agent to Scotland Life Association, Pride hill
Harris Thomas, confec. and baker, Castle st
Harris Wm., draper & silk mercer, Pride hill
Harris Mr. William, Kingsland
Harrison John, saddler and harness maker, Shoplatch
Harrison Samuel, baker, Castle Foregate
Harrison and Kempster, saddler and harness makers, Shoplatch
Harrison, Mrs. Elizabeth, Monk’s well ter
Harker George, pump maker, Belvedere cottage
Hartshorn James, accountant, Dogpole
Harvey Thomas, patten and last maker, Barker street
Harvey Susanh., vict., Talbot Top, Swan hill
Harvey William, boot, shoe, and last manu., Pride hill
Harwood, Miss Ann, Frankwell
Harwood Thomas, vestry clerk, accountant, and house agent, Abbey foregate
Harwood, Mr. Thomas, St. George’s place
Hassall John, shopkeeper, St. Michael’s st
Hasswell James, furniture broker and copper plate printer, Hill’s lane
Hatton Charles, market gardener, Abbey fore
Hay George E., professor of music, Hill’s ln
Hay Thomas William, watch & clock maker, High street
Haycock Edward, Esq., architect and county surveyor, The Priory
Haycock Jas., vict., Golden Lion, Frankwell
Haycock Robert, coal, slate, & lime merchant Castle foregate; residence,
Dogpole
Haynes Francis Mason, baker and confec., Wyle cop
Haynes John Edward, tailor, Wyle cop
Hayward Samuel, vict., Raven and Bell, and posting house, Wyle cop
Harwood Thomas, shoemaker, Gullet passage
Hazledine John, Esq., coal merchant, Wyle cop; residence, Moreton villa,
Coleham
Hazleton Mr. John, St. Julian’s friars
Healing Robert M., grocer and tea dealer, Frankwell
Healing William, provision dealer, Frankwell
Heath John, tailor and Woollen draper, Pride hill
Heath Mrs. Margaret, Castle street
Heathcoate John Nigel, surgeon, Council house court
Heighway Mrs. Ann, Spring terrace
Heighway Martha and Son, grocers, tea dealers, and hop and seed
merchants, Castle street
Hemmings Henry, grazier, Dorsett’s barn
Henshall and Co., salt merchants, John Brown, agent, Castle Foregate
Henshaw Thomas Northage, writing master, Grammar school, Pride hill
Herbert Daniel, coachman, Abbey Foregate
Herbert Mr. Mark, Abbey foregate
Hewett James, accountant, St. Julian’s friars
Hewlett George, tailor & shopkeeper, St. Michael’s street
Hewlett Martha and Elizabeth, coffee and dining rooms, High street
Hewlett William and Son, cabinet makers, Milk street
Hicks Christopher, Esq., solicitor Wyle cop
Hicks Henry, Esq., solicitor, Trinity terrace
Hickman Mary, milliner, Wyle cop
Higgins Corbett, shoemaker, Chester street
Higgins Wm., Esq., solicitor, Claremont hill
Higley Samuel, boot & shoemaker, Coleham
Hilditch Miss, Bellevue
Hilditch Thomas, grocer and cheese factor, Pride hill
Hiles John, professor of music, Swan hill
Hill Rev. Edward, (Independent), Benbow terrace
Hill Mrs. Hannah, Monks’ well terrace
Hill John baker, Longden Coleham
Hill Hon. William Noel, Reabrook lodge
Hilton Rev. John, Wesley an new connexion, Claremont street
Hinmers Elizabeth, schoolmistress, Cross hill
Hinton Richard, patten maker, Mardol
Hitchcock Richard, shopkeeper, Mardol
Hitchins Joseph, corkcutter, High street
Hodges Thomas, tailor, Cross hill
Holbrook James, basket maker, Coleham
Holland Richard, locksmith and bellhanger, Shoplatch
Holmes Joshua, shopkeeper, Chester street
Holmes Wm., beerhouse keeper, Frankwell
Home Mr. Samuel, Cross hill
Homer Mr. William, Kingsland
Horton Ed., boot & shoemaker, Claremont st
Horton Rebecca, milliner, High street
Hotchkiss William, farmer, Meol road
How Misses Mary and Christiana, Monk’s well terrace
How William Wybergh, Esq., solicitor, Near well house, Abbey Foregate
How Rev. William, Near well house
Howell Henry, boot & shoemaker, Mardol
Howell Henry, tailor and draper, High street, residence Abbey Foregate
Howell Thomas, gentleman, High fields
Howell Thos., vict., Dolphin, Dolphin road
Howell Thos., beerhouse keeper, St. Mchl. st
Howells Thos., blacksmith, Castle Foregate
Howells Thos., whitesmith, Castle Foregate
Hudson Wm., brush manufacturer, Mardol
Hughes Edward, Esq., solicitor, Dogpole
Hughes Edward, wine and spirit merchant, Corn market, residence Belmont
Hughes Edward C., butcher, Fish street, residence Princess street
Hughes Henry, shoemaker and shopkeeper, Coleham
Hughes John, Esq., Dogpole house
Hughes John, maltster, corn miller, and seed & corn mercht., The Glen,
Frankwell
Hughes John, hair dresser, Frankwell
Hughes John, shoemaker, Bridge street
Hughes John, shoemaker, St. John’s row
Hughes Maria, bonnet maker, Peacock pas.
Hughes Richard, shoemaker, St. John’s hill
Hughes Robert, clothes dealer, Princess st
Hughes Robert, blacksmith, Abbey Foregate
Hughes & Son, boot & shoemakers, Shoplatch
Hughes Thomas, painter & glazier, Dogpole
Hughes Thomas, bricklayer, Frankwell
Hughes Thomas, boot and shoemaker, and beerhouse keeper, Frankwell
Hughes Thomas, shoemaker, Frankwell
Hughes Wm., grocer & tea dealer, Pride hill
Hughes Wm., maltster, St. Julian’s Friars
Hulett, victualler, Unicorn Inn and posting house, Wyle cop
Hulme Edward, hairdresser, Castle gates
Hulme Henry, painter, Castle foregate
Hulme Samuel, hair dresser and perfumer, High street
Hulme Mr. William Lang, Abbey Foregate
Humphreys Elizabeth, circulating library, St. Alkmund’s place
Humphreys John, wine and spirit merchant, St. Mary’s street
Humphreys John, tailor & draper, Shoplatch
Humphreys John R., house surgeon, Infirmy.
Humphreys Joseph, bookseller & stationer, &c., Pride hill
Humphreys Mary, grocer, tea dealer, chemist and druggist, hop and seed
merchant, and cheese factor, Mardol
Humphreys Wm., shopkeeper, Claremont st
Humphreys T., shopkeeper, St. Michael’s st
Hunt Miss, Council house court
Hunt Mary, coach builder, Wyle cop
Hunt William Morgan Clerk, St. Michael st
Icke James, grocer and tea dealer, Market st
Instone and Son, nurserymen, Sutton lane
Jackson John, carpenter, Abbey Foregate
Jackson Rebecca, dressmaker, Abbey Foregt
Jackson Wm. Simes, Esq., sol., College hill
James Benjamin, tailor, Hill’s lane
James David, cow keeper, Coleham
James Humphrey, farmer, Meol road
James John, baker & shopkeeper, Abbey Frgt.
James Joseph, shoemaker, Frankwell
James Richard, plasterer, Windsor place
Jeffreys Edward Alex., engineer, Coton hill
Jeffreys Dr. Thomas, Castle house
Jeffreys William Egerton, Esq., solicitor, clerk to magistrates and to
commissioners for the hundred of Ford, office Castle st., residence Coton
hill
Jeffreys Mr. William, Dog pole
Jenks George, ironmonger, Wyle cop
Jenks Sarah, dressmaker, Abbey Foregate
Jennings Mrs. Sarah, Castle street
Jennings Thomas, Esq., Column terrace
Jervis Charles, carpenter, Frankwell
Jervis Elizabeth, dressmaker, Bridge street
Jervis John, vict., White Horse, Frankwell
Jobson Joseph, corn mercht., St. John’s hill
Johnson Rev. Frederick P., Abbey Foregate
Johnson Henry, M.D., Dog pole
Johnson Henry, corn dealer, Wyle cop
Johnson Mrs. Mary, Tower place
Johnstone Rev. Vanden Bempde, M.A., assistant master Free Grammar school
Jones Andrew, farmer, Meol road
Jones Benjamin, shoemaker, Castle Foregt.
Jones Catherine, hosier, Shoplatch
Jones Charles, linen and woollen draper, Mardol
Jones Chas. Griffiths, conf. & baker, Mardol
Jones David, vict., Bull’s head, Castle gates
Jones David, tailor & drap., St. Mary’s st
Jones David, cheese factor and victualler Woodman inn, Coton hill
Jones David and Son, cheesefactrs, New market hall
Jones Edward, hatter, Pride hill
Jones Edward, veterinary surg., Claremont st
Jones Edward, cooper, Mardol
Jones Edward, blacksmith, Beeches lane
Jones Edw., shoemaker, Hazledine’s buildgs.
Jones Eliza, ironmonger and nail manufacturer, Mardol head
Jones Evan, provision dealer, Coleham
Jones Evan, shoemaker, Princess street
Jones Evan, shopkeeper, St. Michael’s st
Jones Frances, dressmaker, Frankwell
Jones Fredk. A., letter press printer, Wyle cop
Jones Griffith, boot & shoemaker, Hills lane
Jones Henry, boot & shoemaker, Coleham
Jones Henry Micholls, surgeon dentist, Mardol head
Jones Mrs. Hannah, Swan hill
Jones Horatio, surgeon dentist, St. John’s hill
Jones James, butcher, Pride hill
Jones James, grocer & tea dlr., Castle gates
Jones James, cooper, Wyle cop
Jones James, brick & tile maker, Kingsland
Jones John, schoolmaster, St. Julian’s Friars
Jones John, cheese factor, New market hall, residence Chester street
Jones John, shopkeeper, Castle Foregate
Jones John, blacksmith, Raven road
Jones John, carpenter, Swan hill
Jones John, coach builder, Circus yard, residence, Peacock passage
Jones John, victualler, Gullett inn, Hill’s lane
Jones Jos., vict., Barley Mow, Abbey Forgt.
Jones Joseph, vic., Red Lion, Castle Foregate
Jones Joseph, tailor, Frankwell
Jones Joseph, brickmaker, Coleham
Jones Lewis, farmer, Castle Foregate
Jones Louisa, victualler, Leopard, Pride hill
Jones Maurice, grocer, tea dealer, cheese factor, and seedsman, Mardol
Jones Margaret, clothes cleaner, Claremt. st
Jones Margaret, shopkeeper, Castle gates
Jones Margaret, dressmaker, Dog pole
Jones Mrs. Mary, Reabrook view
Jones Misses, bonnet makers, Pride hill
Jones Mrs. B., Abbey Foregate
Jones Mrs. Price, Bellevue
Jones Robert, grocer & cheese monger, Mardol
Jones Richard, schoolmaster (St. Michael’s), St. Michael’s street
Jones Richard, baker, Frankwell
Jones Richard, butcher, Pride hill
Jones Richard, boot & shoemaker, Pride hill
Jones Richard, blacksmith, Frankwell
Jones Richard, confectioner & baker, Milk st
Jones Richard, beerhouse keeper, Meadow pl
Jones Richard, shopkeeper, Chester street
Jones Richard, blacksmith, Bridge street
Jones Samuel, wire worker, Shoplatch
Jones Sarah, cow keeper, Abbey Foregate
Jones Thos., commercial, dining, and coffee rooms, Shoplatch
Jones Thomas, linen & woollen draper, tailor and clothier, Mardol head
Jones Thos., victualler, Nelson’s Arms, St. Austin’s street
Jones Thomas, carpenter & joiner, Pride hill
Jones Thomas, cooper, Mardol
Jones Thos., brazier & tin plate worker, Mardol
Jones Thomas, tailor, Frankwell
Jones Thomas, butcher, Fish street road, Frankwell
Jones Thomas, shoemaker, Claremont st
Jones Thos. Wm., shoemaker, Castle fields
Jones Wm., saddler and harness maker, and trunk and portmanteau
manufacturer, 5, High street
Jones William, victller., Sun tavern, Milk st
Jones William, provision dealer, Mardol
Jones William, carpenter, Castle Foregate
Joseph Ths., provn. dealr., Longden, Coleham
Juckes Samuel, ironmonger & nail manufacturer, Mardol
Juson Richard, gentleman, Spring terrace
Keate Henry, surgeon, Claremont hill
Keeling Henry, tailor and victualler, Odd Fellows’ Arms, Barker street
Keeling Joshua, beerhouse k., Castle gates
Kelvey Rebecca, watchmaker, Mardol
Kempster E., saddler & harness maker, Shoplatch
Kennedy Rev. Benjamin Hall, D.D., head master, Grammar school
Kent John, pawnbroker, Shoplatch
Kent Rev. Manoah (Baptist), Abbey Foregt.
Kerry Christina, hosier High st
Ketler John, rag & bone dealer, St. Austin’s st
Kindellon William N., governor of house of industry, Kingsland
Kirkham John, baker & shopk., Castle fore
Knight Mr. James, Holywell cottage
Kough Thomas Harley, Esq., solicitor, Swan hill
Lacy John, gas fitter and brass founder, Fire office court, High street
Lacy John William, printing and writing ink manufacturer, Castle fields
Lambert Henry, corn miller, Kingsland
Langford William Henry, vict., Golden Harp, Claremont st
Lawrence, Mrs. Mary, St. John’s row
Lawson Elizabeth, infant school teacher, New street
Lawson, Mrs. Mary, Wyle cop
Lawson Stewart, travelling draper, Abbey Foregate
Lawson William, wire worker, Frankwell
Leach Thomas, shopkeeper, Castle Foregate
Leake Charles W. and George E., painters and glaziers, Wyle cop
Leake John Hasleham, bookseller, printer, and stationer, &c., Corn market
Leake Thomas, beerhouse keeper, Castle st
Lee Edward, corn dealer, Mardol
Lee George, cabinet maker, Castle street
Lee George, shoemaker, Abbey Foregate
Legh Edward, agent to Shrewsbury and Shropshire coal company, Canal
wharf; residence, Abbey Foregate
Legh John, butcher, Pride hill
Leighton, Rev. William Alport, Luciefelde, Coleham
Le Mercier Nicholas Robert, teacher of dancing, St. Julian’s Friars
Lewin Samuel Lucas, registrar of marriages, Swan hill
Lewis David, printer and beerhouse keeper, Gullet passage
Lewis Edward, vict., Lion Hotel, and posting house, Wyle cop
Lewis Elizabeth, dressmaker, Frankwell
Lewis Francis B., beerhouse, Abbey Foregate
Lewis John, blacksmith, Frankwell
Lewis Rd., grocer & tea dealer, Shoplatch
Lewis Rd., grocer and tea dealer, High st
Lewis Richard, carpenter, Castle Foregate
Lewis William, professor of music, High st
Lewis and Ward, grocers & hop merchants, High street
Linell John, ironmonger, Wyle cop., residence Abbey Foregate
Linell and Jenks, ironmongers and cooking apparatus manufacturers, Wyle
cop
Linley Jas., green grocer, Castle Foregate
Lloyd Charles, malster and vict., Plough Inn, Market square
Lloyd Chas., beerhouse keeper, St. Michael’s street
Lloyd George, painter and glazier, Roushill
Lloyd Henry, plumber, Chester street
Lloyd John, silk mercer and draper, Market square; residence, Swan hill
court
Lloyd John, vict., Hill’s Arms, Hill’s lane
Lloyd John, vict., Old Trumpet, Mardol
Lloyd John, tailor, Abbey Foregate
Lloyd John, newspaper reporter, Monk’s well terrace
Lloyd John, shoemaker, Hill’s lane
Lloyd Lydia, hair dresser, Castle Foregate
Lloyd Richard, butcher, Fish street; residence, St. Alkmund’s place
Lloyd Thos., carpenter, New st., Frankwell
Lloyd Thomas, tailor, Frankwell
Lloyd Thomas, tailor, Frankwell
Lloyd Thomas, cow keeper, Meol road
Lloyd Wm. Butler, Esq., banker, White hall
Lloyd Wm., painter and glazier, Coleham
Locke Mr. Edward, Milk street
Lockley Mrs. Mary, St. Julian’s Friars
Lomax Mrs., Bellevue
Longmore Rebecca, fancy repository, High st
Lott John, vict., Crow Inn, Abbey Foregate
Louch Chas., soda water manu., Claremont st
Lowe Edward Henry, wharfinger, Severn pl
Loxdale John, Esq., clerk of the peace for the county of Salop, and clerk
to lieutenancy of county. Office Shire hall, residence College hill
Loxdale Richard, Esq., solicitor, clerk to magistrates, and clerk to
commissioners of assessed property and income taxes. Office Corn market,
residence Claremont
Lister Thomas, boot & shoemaker, Castle st
Littlehales, George, engraver & copperplate printer, Dogpole
Lucas Mrs. Martha, Roushill bank
Maddox Edward, vict., Swan Inn, Coleham
Maddox R., linen dra. & silk mercer, Castle st
Maddox Mrs. Theodosia, Quarry view cottage
Maddox Mrs., Green fields
Mallard Edward, paper hanger, Mardol
Manning John, boot & shoemaker, Wyle cop
Manning Josiah, tailor, Castle street
Mansell Mrs. Elizabeth, College hill
Mansell George, beerhouse, Castle Foregate
Mansell John, beerhouse keeper, and boot and shoemaker, Castle Foregate
Mansell Sophia, painter, Mardol
Mansell Wm., vict., Angel inn, Abbey Foregt.
Marsh Chas., agricultural implement maker, Castle fields
Marshall Ann, victualler, Woolpack, Longden, Coleham
Marshall Thomas, accountant, Judith’s Butts
Marston Richard, painter, glazier, and agent to Temperance Provident
Institution, Market street
Marston Samuel, gunsmith, Claremont hill
Marston Thos., chemist & druggist, Wyle cop
Martin James, butcher, Fish street
Martin Martha, butcher, Fish street
Martin Mary, farmer, Robertsford
Martin Samuel, butcher, Fish street, residence Belmont
Matthews Chas., beerhouse, Butchers’ row
Matthews John, beerhouse, Chester street
Matthews Joseph, beerhouse, Spring gardens
Mayfield John, inland revenue officer, Bellevue cottage
Mayne Captain D., Woodfield
Meara John Augustine, woollen draper, High street
Mc.Cann Charles, inland revenue officer, Abbey Foregate
Mc.Credie John, cabinet maker, St. Julian’s Friars
Medlicott Wm., vict., Royal Oak, Coton hill
Menlove, Mrs. Harriet, Coton hill
Meredith, Lewis, & Co., grocers, tallow chandlers, & hop & seed
merchants, Wyle Cop
Merick John, shoe maker, Grope lane
Merifield John, fly proprietor, Beeche’s lane
Middleton, Miss Anna Maria, Crescent
Miller John, butcher, Butchers’ row
Millward Edward, blacksmith, Meol road
Millward John, blacksmith, and parish clerk of Holy Cross, Coleham
Milnes Edward, assistant surveyor of taxes, White Hall place
Minn Rob., linen manufacturer, Castle Fields
Minshall Geo., vict., Old Wherry, Wyle Cop
Minshall Wm., fishmonger, Pride hill
Minton Thomas, maltster, Beeches lane
Mitton Geo., boot & shoe maker, Castle gates
Mitton John, cooper, Castle gates
Molinaux Jph. B., schoolmaster, Abbey Fore.
Molineux Jane, shopkeeper, Wyle Cop
Molineux Thos., painter & glazier, Wyle Cop
Moody Thomas B., inspector & collector tolls, New Smithfield
Moore James, Esq., solicitor, Dogpole
Moore Marius Salvator, professor of languages, Cross hill
Moore Wm., working jeweller, Mardol
Moreton Wm. inspector of Shrewsbury and Chester railway, Benbow terrace
Morgan Mrs. Elizabeth, St. John’s hill
Morgan Evan, shopkeeper, St. Michael st
Morgan Mr. Joseph, Barker street
Morgan Mrs., Claremont hill
Morgan Martha Ann, milliner, Barker street
Morgan Morgan, shopkeeper, Frankwell
Morgan Thomas, saddler and harness maker, and licensed to let post
horses, Mardol
Morgan Thomas, butcher and vict., Comet, Old Heath
Morgan Wm. Esq., solicitor, Pride hill
Morgan Wm. & Sons, tailors and clothes dealers, Princess street
Morley Hy., wine & spirit mer., Castle street
Morris Ann, vict., Dun Cow, Abbey Foregate
Morris Ann, shopkeeper, Bridge street
Morris Charles, beerhouse, Butchers’ row
Morris Mrs. Emily, St. John’s hill
Morris George, cashier, Old Bank, St. John’s hill
Morris Henry, bankers’ clerk, Corn market
Morris John, carpenter, St. Austin street
Morris Joseph, accountant, St. John’s hill
Morris Richard, hair dresser, Princess street
Morris Richard, shoe maker, School lane
Morris Richard, tailor, The Mount
Morris Stephen, plumber, Castle street
Mottram Geo. & Co., ale and porter brewers, Hills lane, residence St.
George’s place
Mottram Jn., hop & seed merchant, Mardol, residence Mount
Mottram Sarah, rope & brush manuf., Mardol
Mountford Thos., coach builder, Dogpole
Muckleston Captain Edward, Quarry place
Muckleston Jn., groc. & tea dealer, Wyle Cop
Muckleston Mrs. Margt., St. Alkmund’s sq.
Muckleston Rd. J., boot & shoe mk., Pride h.
Muckleston Wm., linen and woollen draper, Pride hill
Muir Robert, bank manager, Barker street
Mullinex William, leather cutter & grindery dealer, Milk street
Millinix William, gunsmith, Princess street
Mullins John, dyer, Frankwell
Munday Joseph, painter, Shoplatch
Munford Ed., vict., White Lion, St. John’s h.
Mytton Mrs. Mary, Bellevue gardens
National Provincial Bank of England, Barker street, Robert Muir, manager
Needham Mrs. Francis, Bellevue
Nevett Francis, boot & shoe wareh., High st.
Nevett John, butcher, Butchers’ row
Newcome Miss Elizabeth, Benbow place
Newham Henry, boarding school (diocesan), Swan hill
Newling Mrs. Elizabeth, Abbey Foregate
News Chas., vict., Three Fishes, Fish street
Newton Catherine, schoolmistress, Barker st.
Newton Hy., ale & porter brewer, Circus yard
Niccolls Wm. Owen, wine & spirit merchant, Mardol
Nicholls Charles, Esq., Heath Lodge
Nicholls Charles Barron, flannel merchant, Chester street, residence
Quarry Terrace
Nicholls Thomas, wood turner, Castle street
Nickson Miss Elizabeth, boarding school, Cadogan House, The Mount
Nightingale John Thomas, hair dresser & perfumer, High street
Nightingale Richard, linen draper and parish clerk of St. Julian’s, Wyle
Cop
North Thos., vict., Mermaid, Shoplatch
Norton Francis Collings, Esq., St. Mary’s ct
Norton Thomas, Esq., solicitor, Dogpole
Oakley Robert, maltster & hop dealer, Castle Foregate
Oare John, butcher, Mount pleasant
O’Hanlan Mrs. Ann, Claremont bank
O’Hara Henry Lewis, surgeon, Dogpole
Oldroyd Henry John, nuseryman & seedsman High street
Oldroyd Margaret, milliner, Pride hill
Oliver George, shoemaker, Abbey Foregate
Oliver John, shopkeeper, Longden Coleham
Onions Thomas, accountant and collector of taxes, Cross hill
Onions William, surgeon, Broom villa
Ousley Thos. John, editor and prop. of the _Shropshire Conservative_,
Head of Pride hill.
Owen Ebenezer, dyer, Swan hill
Owen Edward, carpenter, Abbey Foregate
Owen James, school master (Holy Trinity), Coleham
Owen James, shoe maker, Castle Foregate
Owen John Ingram, woollen draper, tailor, and hatter, Mardol Head
Owen John, shoemaker, Claremont hill
Owen Mr. Joseph, Bellevue
Owen Mary, din. & coffee rooms, High street
Owen Owen, baker, Castle Foregate
Owen Samuel, accountant, Claremont place, residence Mount Pleasant
Owen Sarah, vict., London Coffee House, Dog pole
Owen Thos., shoemaker, Longden Coleham
Owen Thos., baker and confec., Castle street
Owen Wm., vict., Bugle Horn, Nackin street
Owen Wm., vict., Compass Inn, Frankwell
Owen William, tin plate worker and brazier, Castle street
Paget Rev. Alfred T., Grammar school
Palin Richard, Esq., solicitor, Dogpole
Palmer Edward, baker, Frankwell
Palmer Edward and Son, butchers, Mardol
Palmer Joseph, gentleman, Abbey Foregate
Palmer Thomas Fras., gentleman, Abbey Foregate
Pardey Capt. John, Reabrook cottage
Pardon James, artist, College hill
Parker Edward, vict., Seven Stars, Coleham
Parker James, farmer, Weir hill
Parker John, shoemaker, Claremont street
Parker Thomas, butcher, Fish street, residence St. Alkmund’s place
Parker Wm., vict., Park Inn, Abbey Foregate
Parkes Z., mill maker, Frankwell
Parry David, shopkeeper, Abbey Foregate
Parry David, shopkeeper, Frankland
Parry Ed. (manager of Marshall’s factory), St. Michael’s street
Parry Hugh, vict., Bell Inn, Frankwell
Parry Robt., plasterer & modeller, Cross hill
Parry Scarlet LLoyd, Esq., solicitor, Swan hl
Parsons John, manager of goods department of Chester and Shrewsbury
rail., Coton hill
Parsons Mary, grocer and tea dealer, Market street
Patchett Wm., station master, Enon cottage
Peach John, grocer and tea dealer, High st
Pearce Ann, butcher, Butchers’ row
Pearson Benjamin, upholsterer and paper hanger, Princess street
Peele Joshua John, Esq., solicitor, treasurer, and deputy clerk of the
peace of the county; under sheriff of Shropshire; town clerk of
Shrewsbury; sub-division clerk and bailiff of the Royal Free Grammar
School, office Guildhall, residence Murivance
Perkins John, shoemaker, St. Austin street
Perrott John, shopkeeper, Claremont street
Perry Wm. Henry, Esq., Pride hill
Peplow Mary Ann & Co., hop, seed, corn and cheese mer., Claremont st, r.
Claremont h
Peplow Wm., tailor, Wyle Cop
Phayre John, provision dealer, Mardol
Phillips Chas., Esq., New hall, Abbey Foreg.
Phillips Edward, tailor, St. Alkmund square
Phillips Ed. Benj., wire worker, Shoplatch
Phillips Edwin, confec. and baker, Shoplatch
Phillips James, tailor & wool. drap., High st
Phillips & Jones, wire workers and fancy bird cage manufacturers,
Shoplatch
Phillips Mr. John, St. Julian’s Friars
Phillips Thomas, chemist, druggist, and ink manufacturer, Mardol
Phillips Thomas, bricklayer and beerhouse keeper, Frankwell
Phillips Wm., beerhouse keeper, Frankwell
Pickering Jas. Richard, vict., Old Thrashers, Castle Foregate
Pidduck Thomas, surgeon, Pride hill
Pidgeon Henry, chemist and druggist, 45, High street
Pierce John, painter & glaz., Castle Foregate
Pierce Richard, cowkeeper, Holywell Farm
Pigott Mrs. Frances, Castle street
Poole Benjamin, shoemaker, Castle gates
Poole James, boarding school, Rose Mount
Poole John & Son, grocers, tea dealers, and seedsmen, Castle street
Poole Thomas and Samuel, drapers and silk mercers, 9, High street
Poole Thos. Francis, grocer and tea dealer, Castle street
Pool Robert, currier, Mardol
Polehampton Rev. Henry Steadman, curate of St. Chads, Belmont
Powell Benjamin, malt and coffee mill maker, Frankwell
Powell, Mrs. Elizabeth, Benbow place
Powell, Mr. John, Coton hill
Powell Timothy, baker and confec., Mardol
Powell William, linen draper, Mardol
Price David, carpenter, Castle gates
Price Edward, butcher, Abbey Foregate
Price Emily, milliner, Castle street
Price George, pump maker, Frankwell
Price John, solicitor, Wyle cop, residence Coton terrace
Price, Mrs. Margaret, Coton terrace
Price Richard, registrar of births and deaths, & vestry clerk of St.
Mary’s, Castle street
Price Sarah, shopkeeper, Coton hill
Price Sylvanus, tobacco pipe manufacturer, Longden, Coleham
Price Thos., vict., The Glove, St. John’s blds
Price Thomas, provision dealer, Abbey Fore
Price Theodore, basket maker, Coleham
Price Watkin, baker, Abbey Foregate
Price William, blacksmith and beerhouse keeper, Abbey Foregate
Price William, wheelwright, Abbey Foregate
Price Mr. William, Mount Field
Prim John, hair dresser, Abbey Foregate
Prinn Richard, shoemaker, Cross hill
Pritchard Ann, baker, Meol road
Pritchard Ann, milliner, Princess street
Pritchard Ann, butcher, Butchers’ row
Pritchard Dan., grocer & tea dealer, Dogpole
Prosser Rev. William, curate of St. Alkmund’s, Belmont
Probert Henry, cabinet maker and upholsterer, Shoplatch
Prune John, tailor, Frankwell
Pugh Edward, carver and gilder, Frankwell
Pughe, Mrs. Elizabeth, Dogpole
Pugh Elizabeth, schoolmistress, Castle Fore
Pugh James, malster and vict., Plough and Harrow, Coleham
Pugh John, baker, Abbey Foregate
Pugh John, tailor, Frankwell
Pugh Robt., painter & glazier, Castle Foregt
Pugh Robert, beerhouse, Castle Foregate
Pugh Sarah, vict., Market Tavern, Pride hill
Pugh Thomas, vict., Fighting Cocks, Castle Foregate
Pugh Wm., painter & glazier, Abbey Foregate
Pursell, Mrs. Ann, Old heath
Purslow Edward, hair dresser and umbrella maker, St. Julian’s friars
Purslow Henry, clothier and furniture broker, Corn market
Purslow William, painter, Barker street
Pyefinch John, chemist & drug., Shoplatch
Randles John, maltster and vict., Cock Inn, Butchers’ row
Randles Robert, beerhouse keeper, Swan hill
Rawlins Gabriel, adjutant South Salopian yeomanry, School court
Rees David, fly proprietor, Coffee house pas
Rees Evan, shoemaker and green grocer, Gullett passage
Rees John, provision dealer, Coleham
Rees, Mrs. Mary, College hill
Rees William, grocer and maltster, Wyle cop
Renolds Thomas, cow keeper, Old heath
Revel Champ, clothes dealer, Princess st
Richard Evans, vet. surgeon, Abbey Fore
Richards Hy., hosier & stay dealer, Wyle cop
Richards, Rev. John, Crescent place
Richards Richard, butcher, Castle gates
Richards Thomas, shopkeeper, Abbey Foregt
Rigby Richard, butcher, Butchers’ row
Roberts Charles, boot & shoe maker, Pride hill
Roberts David & Co., clothes dealers, Pride hl
Roberts Edward, tailor and woollen draper, Butchers’ row
Roberts Edward, shoemaker, Castle Foregate
Roberts Edward, tailor, Abbey Foregate
Roberts Edwards, shopkeeper, Chester st
Roberts Frederick, superintendent of asylum, Kingsland
Roberts Henry, shopkeeper, Abbey Foregate
Roberts John shoemaker, Abbey Foregate
Roberts Joseph, furniture broker, Bridge st
Roberts Mary, baker, Castle Foregate
Roberts Sigismunda, school teacher, Barker st
Roberts Thos., victualler, Plough Inn, Castle Foregate
Roberts William, fishmonger, Shoplatch
Robinson Ann, pawnbroker, Roushill bank
Roden Samuel, brick and tile maker, John Wilson, agent, Raven road
Rogers Missses Ann & Eliz., Abbey Foregate
Rogers Mrs. Eleanor, Abbey Foregate
Rogers Eliz., provision dealer, St. Mary’s st
Rogers George, vict., Sun Inn, Milk street
Rogers George, gentleman, St. Julian’s friars
Rogers Joseph, grocer and temperance coffee house, Mardol
Rogers William, painter and glazier, St. Alkmund’s place
Rogers William, wharfinger, salt dealer and vict., Seven Stars Inn,
Frankwell
Rogerson, Rev. James Jardine, M.A., incumbent of St. Julian’s, Glansevern
lodge
Rogerson Robert, schoolmaster (Bowdler’s free school), Beeches lane
Rooke, Mr. Charles, Swan hill court
Rose and Co., china warehouse, William George, agent, Wyle cop
Rowe George, town crier, Roushill bank
Rowland James, whitesmith and beerhouse keeper, The mount
Rowland John L., solicitor, Monk’s well ter
Rowland Misses, milliners, St. Mary’s st
Rowland, Rev. William Gorsuch, incumbent of St. Mary’s, Abbey Foregate
Rowland William, tailor, Roushill
Rushton and Bowdler, joiners & carpenters, Pride hill
Rushton Julia, bonnet maker, Dogpole
Rushton Wm., carpenter, Pride hill, r Dogpole
Ryder Ed., malster and butcher, Old heath
Ryder Elizabeth, hair dresser, Wyle cop
Ryder George H., beerhouse keep., Old heath
Ryder Henry, victualler, Yorkshire House, St. Mary’s Place
Ryder Captain Wm., R. N., Benbow house
Salop Bank (Messrs. Burton, Lloyd, Salt, and How), Princess street
Salt George Moultrice, Esq., solicitor, Belmont; residence, Coton hill
Salt Thomas, Esq., solicitor, Belmont; residence, Quarry place
Salter and Rogers, provision dealers, St. Mary’s street
Salter Hannah, provision dealer, St. Mary’s street
Sandford Folliott, Esq., solicitor, Dogpole
Sandford Humphrey, Esq., councillor at law, Wyle cop
Sandford James Oakes, bookseller, printer, bookbinder, and stationer, 25,
High street
Sandys Captain Thomas, Claremont blds
Saunders Joseph Green, hatter, Market st
Savage Mrs., Reabrook view
Saxelby George, woollen draper and tailor, & agent for the Syrian
paletot, Castle st
Scammell Uphemia, bordng. school, Wyle cop
Scarth Jonathan, Esq., solicitor, College hill
Scarth Jonathan, gentleman, The Flash
Scoltock Mary, grocer and italian warehouse, Princess street
Scoltock William Poole, secretary and clerk to charity trustees, Offices
Guild hall, and Corn market chambers
Selley Matthew, malster, Frankwell
Shakeshaft Mr. John, White Hall place
Sharp Alexander, working jeweller, Milk st
Shaw Elijah, umbrella maker, Castle Foregate
Shaw Mrs. Elizabeth, Dogpole
Shaw Henry, fishing tackle manufacturer and ornithologist, Shoplatch
Shaw John, fishing tackle manufacturer and ornithologist, Wyle cop
Shaw Joseph, glass, china, and earthenware dealer, Wyle cop
Shepherd John, governor of county gaol, The gaol
Sheppard Joseph, tanner, St. Austin street
Sherry Thomas, shoemaker, Abbey Foregate
Shorland John, shopk., Longden Coleham
Shrewsbury & Ludlow Bank, Messrs. Roche, Eytons, Campbell, and Bayleys,
Market sq
Shrewsbury and Welsh Pool Bank, Messrs. Beck, Downward, Scarth, and
Bowen, High street
Shropshire and North Wales Fire Office, High street, Edward Elsmere,
managing director
Shuker Mr. Joseph, Monks’ well terrace
Simmonds John, vict., Old Wheat Sheaf, High street
Simons John, builder and china dealer, Pride hill
Simpson Deborah, wine and spirit merchant, Mardol
Simpson Hortensius Coates, wool merchant, Hill’s lane and St. John’s
hill; residence, College hill
Simpson Rev. Joseph, Abbey Foregate
Simpson Thomas, coach proprietor, Abbey Foregate
Skitt James, veterinary surgeon, Old heath
Small John, bricklayer and builder, Butchers’ row
Smart Mary, fruiterer and fish and game dealer, High street
Smith Andrew, rag and bone merchant, Howard street
Smith Edward, farmer, Fox bank
Smith Edward, registrar office, Barker street
Smith George, carpenter & joiner, Swan hill
Smith James, gentleman, Benbow terrace
Smith John P., manager of goods department for Shropshire union railway,
Portland house, Abbey Foregate
Smith Mr. Joseph, Coleham
Smith Rd., painter & glazier, St. John’s hill
Smith Richard, vict., Lion and Pheasant Inn, Wyle cop
Smith Samuel, Esq., Column terrace
Smith Samuel Pountney, architect and surveyor, Severn cottage
Smith Sarah, vict., Golden Cross, Golden cross passage
Smith Miss Sarah, Sutton lane
Smith and Preece, auctioneers, Corn market
Smith Thos., glass & china dealer, Wyle cop
Smith Thomas, stay manufacturer, Castle st
Smith Thos., blacksmith, New st., Frankwell
Smith William, auctioneer, Church street; residence, Trinity terrace,
Coleham
Smith Wm., draper (travelling), Cross hill
Smitheman Miss Caroline, Beauchamp
Smout Edward, seedsman and market gardener, Gullett passage
Snook Richard Seymour, road surveyor, Copthorne road
Southam Mr. Thomas, Spring terrace
Southam Thomas, jun., ale, porter, and spirit merchant, and agent to Bass
and Co., (Burton ales), Wyle cop
Speake John, shopkeeper, Coleham
Spence James George, ironmonger, &c., Canal wharf house
Stamp Office, Corn market, Edward B. Tipton, distributor
Stanley Mr. Samuel, White hall street
Stant Joseph, builder, timber merchant, stone and marble mason, and brick
and tile maker, St. Julian’s friars
Stanton James, hair dresser, Shoplatch
Stanway Mary, malster and vict., Old Bell, Abbey Foregate
St. Albans, Mr. Edwd. Francis, St. John’s hill
Stedman George, painter, Castle gates
Stedman, Mrs. Jane, White hall place
Stedman, Mrs. Jane, Belmont
Stedman Mary, bonnet maker, Castle gates
Stephens John, surgeon, College hill
Stephens Richard, boot and shoe manufacturer, Mardol head
Stevens George, wood turner, Barker st
Stevens William, wood turner, Mardol
Stewart Penelope, tobacconist, Wyle cop
Stinton Henry, baker, Frankwell
Stockdale William, blacksmith, Roushill
Stokes William, Esq., St. John’s row
Stone Richard, shoemaker, St. Austin’s st
Story Wm., solicitor’s clerk, Holy well terrace
Strange Alice, vict., Fox Inn, Princess street
Stuttle William, iron and brass founder, Longden Coleham
Sutton Mrs., Ellen, St. Mary’s court
Swain John, malster, Mardol, and farmer, Coton grange
Swain Richard, malster & shopkeeper, Mardol
Swain Wm., maltster & ironmonger, Mardol
Swallow Chas., beerhouse keeper, Castle Fields
Swinburne, Miss Charlotte Marie, Belmont
Swinnerton Elizabeth, baker, Castle Foregate
Symcock John, vict., Crown and Anchor, Castle Foregate
Taggart Walter, tea dealer (travelling), Wyle cop
Tanner John, saddler and harness maker, and trunk and portmanteau
manufacturer, High street
Tanswell James, painter and glazier, St. John’s hill
Tanswell John, carpenter, joiner, and flour dealer, Shoplatch
Tanswell Thos., painter & glazier, Castle st
Taylor George, shoemaker, Frankwell
Taylor George, sieve maker and rag and bone dealer, Chester street
Taylor Isaac, farmer, Monk moor
Taylor John, vict., Nag’s Head, Castle gates
Taylor Robert, shopkeeper, Spring gardens
Taylor Richard, malster and corn merchant, Abbey Foregate
Taylor Richard, jun., hop and seed merchant, Princess street, residence
Abbey Foregate
Taylor Richard, painter & glazier, Hills lane
Taylor Rich., maltster & butcher, Old Heath
Taylor Samuel, woolstapler, Hills lane
Taylor Wm., boot and shoe maker, Castle st.
Taylor Wm., tobacco pipe maker, Longden Coleham
Teckoe Ed., vict., Queen’s Head, Mardol
Teece Charles Bowen, Esq., solicitor, and superintendent registrar, Swan
Hill, residence St. Austin’s Priory
Teece Miss Jane, St. John’s hill
Tennant Henry, butcher, Fish street
Thacker Mary, vict., London Apprentice, Coton hill
Thacker Abraham, tailor, Frankwell
Thomas Ann, shopkeeper, Longden Coleham
Thomas Charles, linen and woollen draper, Mardol
Thomas David, beerhouse, New st., Frankwell
Thomas Rev. David (Independent Welsh chapel), Mardol
Thomas Edward, shopkeeper, The Mount
Thomas Edward, baker, Abbey Foregate
Thomas Elizabeth, vict., Ship Inn, Bridge st.
Thomas Henry, builder, St. Austin Friars
Thomas James, millwright, Cross street
Thomas John, shoemaker, Coton hill
Thomas John, shoemaker, Abbey Foregate
Thomas John, grocer and tea dealer, Mardol and Pride hill
Thomas John, carpenter, Barker street
Thomas John, superin. of police, Barker st.
Thomas Robert, shoemaker, Frankwell
Thomas Richard, beerhouse, Spring gardens
Thomas Samuel, beerhouse, Raven street
Thomas Wm., shoemaker, St. Michael’s st.
Thomas Mr. William, Islington
Thomas Wm., boot & shoe maker, Castle st.
Thomas William, shoemaker, New street
Thompson James, vict., Cross Guns, New street, Frankwell
Thornes Mrs. Charlotte, Holywell terrace
Thornton Mr. George, Abbey Foregate
Tibnam Wm., bookseller, printer, stationer, bookbinder, and religious
tract depository, Wyle cop
Tilston and Co., salt and slate merchants, Canal wharf
Tindall Rev. John (Wesleyan), Swan hill
Timbs Richard, victualler, Eagle and Tun, Castle Foregate
Tipton Miss Anna Catherine, Claremont hill
Tipton Edward Blakeway, stamp distributor and secretary to Salop Fire
Office, Corn market
Tisdale Eliz., shopkeeper, New street, Frankwell
Tisdale John, baker, Bridge street
Tisdale Thomas, auctioneer and land and estate agent, Quarry terrace
Tisdale Thomas, civil engineer and architect, and surveyor, office Mardol
head, residence Mount Field
Tisdale Wm., hardware dealer and market gardener, Castle Foregate
Tisdale William, cooper, Frankwell
Tittensor John and Richard, cabinet makers and upholsterers, St. Mary’s
street
Tombs, Susannah, hosier, Corn market
Tomkins Henry, farrier, Coleham
Tomlins John, basket maker, Castle Foregate
Towers Mr. John, gentleman, Swan hill
Towers Mr. John, postmaster, Sutton cottage
Townsend Mary Ann, schoolmistress, Castle Foregate
Tract Depository, at Mr. William Tibnam’s, Wyle Cop
Trail Dewar, farmer, Coton hill farm
Tregortha Thos., circulating library, Meol road
Troughton Mr. Thomas, Abbey Foregate
Trouncer and Son, ale and porter brewers, Old Brewery, Coleham
Trouncer Thomas William, brewer, Coleham, residence St. John’s hill
Trouncer Wm. Henry, maltster, Frankwell
Tudor Dinah, cooper, Shoplatch
Tudor Miss Elizabeth, Islington
Turner Anna Maria, maltster, Frankwell
Taylor James, shoemaker, Castle Fields
Urwick Miss Ann, The Mount
Urwick Elenor, librarian, St. John’s hill
Upton Mr. Edward, Abbey Foregate
Vane Mrs. Sarah, Benbow terrace
Vaughan Edward, vict., King’s Arms Inn, Claremont street, and proprietor
of billiard rooms, Corn market
Vaughan Hannah, shopkeeper, Shoplatch
Vaughan John, carpenter and builder, Claremont street
Vaughan John, vict., Cross Keys, High street
Vaughan Richard, beerhouse keeper, Castle Foregate
Vickers George, coach builder, College hill, residence Coton hill
Wace George George, Esq., solicitor, College hill, residence Bellevue
Wace Hy. Thos., Esq., solicitor, College hill
Wace Richard, Esq., College hill
Wade George, cabinet maker, Wyle Cop
Wade Mrs. Anna Maria, Kingsland villa
Wade Geo., beerhouse keeper, Chester street
Wade James, accountant, Market square, residence Castle gates
Wakefield Rev. John Mort, M.A., assistant master, Grammar School
Walker Geo., hair dresser, St. Mary’s street
Walker George, butcher, Butcher’s row
Walker Wm., hair dresser & toy dealer, Mardol
Walker William, watch and clock maker, Market square
Wall Benjamin, news agent, Mardol
Walmsley John, surgeon, Abbey terrace
Walmsley John, vict., Red Lion, Hadnal road
Walton John, gentleman, Claremont hill
Ward Rev. Anth., (Wesleyan), Benbow place
Ward Rob., confectioner and baker, Wyle Cop
Ward Thos. Cooke, gentleman, Quarry terrace
Ward Thos., grocer & tea dealer, High street
Ward Wm., vict., Wheat Sheaf, Wyle Cop
Ward William Robert, R.N., manager of gas works, Castle place
Wardle William, bookseller, printer, and stationer, Mardol
Warren John, vict., Boar’s Head, Meol road
Wastall Thomas, wood turner, Fire Office court, High street
Watkins, James, Esq., Mardol
Watkins John, baker, Barker street
Watkins John H., baker and shopkeeper, Coton hill
Watkins Matthew, tailor and hosier, Claremont street
Watkis Mrs. Elizabeth, St. John’s hill
Watkis James Buckley, Esq., solicitor, Belmont, residence Abbey Foregate
Watkis Richard, cabinet maker, Hills lane
Watson Joseph, vict., Buckley’s Arms, Abbey Foregate
Watton John, printer, bookseller, bookbinder, stationer, patent medicine
vender, and newspaper publisher, St. John’s hill
Weaver Mary Ann, boarding school, Belmont
Weaver Rev. Thos. (Independent), Swan hill
Weaver Wm., vict., Sun Inn, Roushill
Webster James, vestry clerk of St. Chads, Belmont
Westwood Henry, vict., Barge Inn, Wyle Cop
Werter Mr. Thomas, Abbey Foregate
White John, auctioneer, Corn market
White Joshua Pugh, cabinet maker and upholsterer, College hill and Pride
hill
White Sarah, tea dealer, Wyle Cop
White Timothy, inspector of weights and measures for borough, and
assistant overseer of St. Julian’s, Wyle Cop
Whitehurst John, gentleman, Mount house
Whitfield Christopher, market gardener, Castle Foregate
Whitmore John, refreshment rooms, railway station, residence Castle
street
Whitney George & Son, chemist and druggist, High street
Whitney James, bookseller, printer, and stationer, Pride hill
Whitaker Francis, inspector of weights and measures for North Bradford
Hundred
Whitwell Francis, surgeon, St. Mary’s street
Whitwell Francis, furrier, St. John’s hill
Whitwell Jas., commer. traveller, New park
Wicks Mary Ann, livery stables, Cross hill, residence St. John’s hill
Wigginton James, paviour, Coton hill
Wightman Rev. Charles Edward Leopold, vicar of St. Alkmund’s, St.
Alkmund’s sq.
Wigley Charles, accountant, St. John’s row
Wigley Joseph, banker’s clerk, Princess street
Wigley The Misses, Quarry place
Wilde Peter, bookseller, printer, stationer, and bookbinder, and agent to
Anchor Assurance Office, Pride hill
Wilde Thomas, glass & china dealer, Market street
Wildig Henry and Mary, glass, china, and earthenware dealer, Pride hill
Wilding Elizabeth, grocer and tea dealer, Corn market
Wilding James, butcher, Mardol
Wilding Richard, butcher, Pride hill
Wilding William, wool merchant, College hill
Wilkes Clement, grocer and tea dealer, and hosiery manufacturer, Princess
street
Wilkes James, shopkeeper, Castle Fields
Wilkes Rd., tailor & woollen draper, Wyle Cop
Wilkes Richard, butcher, Fish street
Wilkins Mary, fly proprietor, Milk street
Wilkinson Robert, flannel merchant, Claremont hill, residence The Mount
Wilkinson Thomas, ironmonger, High street
Williams Edward, surgeon, Mardol
Williams Fred. Ed., shopkeeper, Barker street
Williams John, grocer and tea dealer, and cheese factor, Mardol
Williams Johns, tailor, Castle Foregate
Williams John, tailor, Marine Terrace
Williams John, vict., Coopers’ Arms, New street, Frankwell
Williams John, tailor and woollen draper, Dogpole
Williams John, beerhouse, Barker street
Williams John, shoemaker, Frankwell
Williams Joseph, tripe dealer, Wyle cop
Williams, Mrs. Mary, Abbey Foregate
Williams Mary, clothes dealer, Princess st
Williams Richard, vict., Waterloo house, Abbey Foregate
Williams Richard, beerhouse, Hill’s lane
Williams Richard, beerhouse, Frankwell
Williams Thomas, corn dealer, The mount
Williams Thomas, pump maker, Coleham
Williams William, grocer, tea dealer, cheese and bacon factor, Mardol
Williams William, vict., Crow Inn, Frankwell
Williams William, carrier to Ironbridge and Broseley, Monday and Friday,
Wyle cop
Wills George, accountant, White hall place
Wilson Mrs. Harriet, Quarry place
Wilson John, timber merchant, Raven road
Wilson John, tailor, Abbey Foregate
Wilson The Misses, St. Julian’s friars
Wilson Samuel, beerhouse, Roushill
Winstone, Rev. David, chaplain to county gaol, Castle street
Withers Thomas, surveyor of taxes, office, Wyle cop; residence, Oakley
cottage
Witts, Miss Aphia, Claremont bank
Wollaston, Mrs. Beatrice, St. John’s hill
Wollaston Chas., gentleman, Claremont hill
Wood Miss Elizabeth, Tower place
Wood Mrs. Elizabeth, Abbey Foregate
Wood Francis, butcher, Frankwell
Wood Samuel, surgeon, The abbey
Wood William, physician, Castle street
Wood Wm. Henry, assistant clerk, County court office, Holywell terrace
Wood William Seward, Esq., Severn cottage
Woodall John, woollen draper and clothier, Mardol head
Woodruff Richard, shoemaker, St. Alkmund’s place
Woodward Chas., brazier & tin plate worker, Pride hill
Woodward Charles, butcher, Butchers’ row
Woodward Mr. Henry, St. Austin’s priory
Woodward John, hop and porter merchant, Bridge street
Woodward Robert, malster and beerhouse keeper, Frankwell
Woodward, Mr. Thomas, Green hill cottage, Frankwell
Worth Fred, Hy., coach builder, Bridge st
Worrall Mary, shopkeeper, Frankwell
Woosnam Elizabeth, milliner, Pride hill
Wycherley George, carpenter, St. Alkmund’s place
Wylie David, engineer, Coton hill
Wynne John, Esq., College hill court
Yardley Rev. Edward, Claremont bank
Yardley Rev. John M.A., incumbent of St. Chad’s Claremont house
Yates Mrs. Sophia, Column villa
Yeomans Thos. Roger, artist, Abbey Foregate
Yerbury Charles, coach builder, College hill
Yerbury and Vickers, coach builders, College hill
Young George, ironmonger and coal merchant, Canal wharf; residence, Abbey
Foregate
Young and Spence, ironmongers, brass founders, iron merchants, and
agricultural implement makers, Canal wharf
CLASSIFICATION
OF THE
PROFESSIONS, MANUFACTURES, AND TRADES
IN THE
TOWN OF SHREWSBURY.
Academies.
_Marked * Boarding Schools_.
_Allatt’s Free School_, St. John’s row, Thos. Bagley, master; Frances
Buttery, mistress
* Arrowsmith Louisa Ann, Belmont
* Arrowsmith Mary Elisabeth, College hill court
* Beetlestone George, Hill’s lane
_Blue Coat_ (Bowdler’s) Beeche’s lane, Robert Rogerson, master; & Mary
Ann Sharratt, mistress
* Brightwell William, Belmont bank
_British_, Castle Fields, Thos. Harris
Cooke Mary, Swan hill
* _Diocesan School_, Swan hill, Henry Newham
Field Francis and Mary, St. Alkmund’s place
Green Ann, Old Heath
Gittins Sarah, Abbey Foregt
Griffiths Jane, Abbey Foregt
Hinmers Elizabeth, Cross hill
_Holy Trinity Schools_, Coleham, Jas. Owen, master; Martha Clarke,
mistress
Hunt Mary Ann, Church st
_Infants_ (St. Chads), Barker street, Sigismunda Roberts
_Infants_ (Castle Foregate), Mary A. Townsend
_Infants_ (Frankwell), Elizth. Lawson
* Jones Jn., St. Julian’s Friars
Knight Clement, Cross hill
_National Shrewsbury_, Abbey Foregate, Joseph B. Molynaux, master; Mary
Ann Williamson, mistress
Newton Catherine, Barker st
_Millington School_ (Frankwell) Francis Cullis, master; Sarah Bishop,
mistress
Morris Mary, Swan hill
* Nickson Elizabeth, Cadogan House, The Mount
* Poole James, Rose Mount
Pugh Elizabeth, Castle Foregate
Roberts Ann, Castle Fields
_Royal Free Grammar School_, Castle gates, Rev. Ben. Hall Kennedy, D.D.,
head master; Rev. William Burbury, M.A., second master; Rev. John Mort
Wakefield, M.A., assistant master; Rev. Alfred Tolver Paget, M.A.,
teacher of mathematics; Rev. Vanden Bempde Johnstone, M.A. assistant
master; Mr. Thos. Amand Bentley, teacher of modern languages; Mr. Thos.
Northage Henshaw, writing master
* Scammell, Euphemia, Wyle Cop
_St. Alkmund’s_, William Donnellan and Martha Badger, St. Alkmund’s pl
_St. Chad’s School_, Barker street, Edward Evans, master; Jane E. Tanner,
mistress
_St. Michael’s School_, St. Michael’s street, Richard Jones, master;
Sophia Evans, mistress
* Weaver Mary Ann Belmont
Accountants.
Bevan Henry, Abbey Foregt
Edwards Thomas, Mardol head
Evans Edward, Claremont hl
Harwood Thomas, Abbey Foregate
Hartshorn James, Dogpole
Hewett James, St. Julian’s Friars
Marshall Thomas, Judith’s Butts
Morris Joseph, St. John’s hill
Onions Thomas, Cross hill
Owen Samuel, Claremont hill
Wade James, Market square
Wigley Charles, St. John’s road
Wills George, White Hall pl
Agents.
_See also Fire and Life Office Agents_.
Atkin Henry (to Allsop and Co’s. Burton ale), Golden cross passage
Barcley Wm. Jas. (Guiness’ Dublin porter), High st
Burd and Son (land & estate), Abbey Foregate
Davies John (coal), Castle Foregate
Franklin George Benjamin (Mottram & Co., brewers), Frankwell
Haycock Robert (Brymbo Company), Castle Foregate
Legh Edward (Shrewsbury and Shropshire coal company), Canal wharf
Southam Thomas, jun. (Bass and Co.’s Burton ale), Wyle Cop
Agricultural Implement Makers.
Cartwright John, Castle Foregate
Harris Samuel, Barker street
Marsh Charles, Castle Fields
Young and Spence, Canal wharf
Architects and Surveyors.
Birch Benjamin, Castle gates
Carline John, Abbey Foregate
Haycock Edward (county), The Priory
Smith Samuel Pountney, Severn cottage
Stant Joseph, St. Julian’s Friars
Tisdale Thos., Mardol head
Artists.
Brown Philip, Castle street
Corbel Philip, Belmont
Pardon James, College hill
Yeoman’s Thomas Roger, Abbey Foregate
Attorneys.
Badger Thomas Jeffreys, Swan hill
Bloxham Henry, St. Mary’s place
Cooper and Broughall, St John’s hill
Corser George Sandford, Market street
Craig C. & S., The Crescent
Edwards John Hawley, Pride hill
Gordon George, Dog pole
Hicks and Son, Wyle Cop
Higgins William, Claremont hill
How and Son, Swan hill
Hughes Edward, Dog pole
Jeffreys William Egerton, Castle street
Kough Thomas Harley, Swan hill
Loxdale John, Guild hall
Loxdale Richard, Corn markt
Moore James, Dog pole
Morgan William, Pride hill
Norton Thomas, Dog pole
Palin Richard, Dog pole
Parry Scarlet Lloyd, Swan hill
Peele Joshua John, Guild hall
Price John, Wyle cop
Rowland John Leeche, Monks’ well terrace
Salt and Son, Belmont
Sandford Folliott, Dogpole
Scarth and Jackson, College hill
Teece Charles Bowen, Swan hill
Wace Henry Thomas & George, College hill
Watkis James Buckley, Belmont
Auctioneers, Appraisers, and House and Estate Agents.
Burrey James, College hill
Edwards Thomas, Mardol head
Hall William, Milk street
Smith and Preece, corn market
Tisdale Thos., Quarry terrace, & Shoplatch
White John, Corn market
Bakers.
Ballham James, Coleham
Bayley Edward, Castle Foregate
Blakemore Robert B., Mardol
Boycott Rd., St. Michael’s st
Breeze Sarah, Coton hill
Clinton Henry, Abbey Foregt
Cock John, Coleham
Coggin Jabez, Chester street
Crumpton James, Frankwell
Deakin Edward, Frankwell
Deakin Thomas, Market st
Dean Thomas, Frankwell
Davies Daniel, Castle gates
Davies Walton, St. Mary’s place
Edwards Thomas, Abbey Foregate
Elkes Edward, Pride hill
Evans Benjamin, High st
Evans John, Butchers’ row
Harris Thomas, Castle street
Harrison Samuel, Castle Foregate
Haynes Francis M., Wyle cop
Hill John, Longden, Coleham
James John, Abbey Foregate
Jones Charles Griffiths, Mardol
Jones Richard, Frankwell
Jones Richard, Milk street
Kirkham John, Castle Foregate
Owen Owen, Castle Foregate
Owen Thomas, Castle street
Palmer Edward, Frankwell
Phillips Edwin, Shoplatch
Powell Timothy, Mardol
Price Watkins, Abbey Foregt
Pritchard Ann, Meol road
Pugh John, Abbey Foregate
Roberts Mary, Castle Foregt
Stinton Henry, Frankwell
Swinnerton Elizabeth, Castle Foregate
Tisdale John, Bridge street
Ward Robert, Wyle cop
Watkins John, Barker street
Watkins John H. Coton hill
Bankers.
_National Provincial Bank of England_, Barker street, Robert Muir,
manager
_Salop Bank_, Princess St., (Messrs. Burton, Lloyd, Salt, and How), draw
on Glyn, Halifax, and Co., London
_Savings’ Bank_, College hill, open on Monday and Saturday, from 11 30
a.m., to 1 30 p.m., Chas. Blount, actuary
_Shrewsbury and Ludlow Bank_, Market sq., (Messrs. Roche, Eytons,
Campbell, and Bayleys), draw on Roberts, Curtis, and Co., London
_Shrewsbury and Welshpool Bank_, High st., (Messrs. Beck, Downward,
Scarth, & Bowen), draw on Masterman, and Co., London
Barristers.
Allnatt Charles Blake, The crescent
Sandford Humphrey, Dogpole
Basket Makers.
Gwynn Richard, Pride hill
Halbrook James, Coleham
Price Theodore, Coleham
Tomlins John, Castle Foregt
Williams Richard, Abbey Foregate
Blacksmiths.
Birch James, Frankwell
Breeze James, Abbey Foregt
Clorley S., St. Austin’s street
Crome Henry, Castle st
Griffiths Samuel, Coton hill
Harris Samuel, Barker street
Howells Thomas, Castle Foregate
Hughes Robert, Abbey Foregate
Jones Edward, Beeche’s lane
Jones John, Raven road
Jones Richard, Circus place
Lewis John, Frankwell
Millward John and Edward, Coleham
Price William, Abbey Foregt
Smith and Jones, Frankwell
Stockdale William, Roushill
Booksellers, Printers, Bookbinders, and Stationers.
Beacall Ann & Eliza, Mardol head
Cadwallader John, 3, High st
Crumpton Joseph, (agent for the sale of poor law books), Mardol
Davies John, 15, High st
Davies Richard, 7, High st
Deaves George (old bookseller only), Shoplatch
Drayton George, Shoplatch
Eddowes and Leake, Corn market
Edwards Edward, Dogpole
Humphreys Joseph, Pride hill
Sandford James Oakes, 25, High street
Tibnam William, Wyle cop
Wardle William, Mardol
Walton John, St. John’s hill
Whitney James D., Pride hill
Wilde Peter, (wholesale), Pride hill
Boot and Shoemakers.
Badger John, Marine terrace
Bather William, Coton hill
Betton William, Frankwell
Blair Charles, Abbey Foregt
Blount Charles, Claremont hill
Boulton Samuel, Chester st
Bryant William, Mardol
Butler William, Castle Foregate
Calcott, John, 4, High street
Cavell Henry, School lane
Chester George, Shoplatch
Chidlow William, Castle fields
Cock John, Abbey Foregate
Cox John, School lane
Davies Charles, Barker st
Davies Henry, St. John’s hill
Davies Joseph, Mardol
Davies William, Wyle cop
Drakewood William, Abbey Foregate
Dyas William, Abbey Foregt
Evans George, Abbey Foregt
Evans George, Barker street
Evans John, Market square
Forcham Richard, Abbey Foregate
Forcham Thomas, Frankwell
Goucher George, Market st
Griffiths Thomas, Frankwell
Halbrook Thomas, Hill’s ln
Hanmer Charles James, Wyle cop
Harris James, New street
Harvey William, and last maker, Pride hill
Hayward Thomas, Gullet passage
Higgins Corbet, Chester st
Higley Samuel, Coleham
Higley Thomas, Ann’s hill
Horton Edward, Claremont street
Howell Henry, Mardol
Hughes Henry, Coleham
Hughes John, St. John’s hill
Hughes John, Bridge street
Hughes Richard, Claremont road
Hughes Richard, St. John’s hill
Hughes and Son, Shoplatch
Hughes Thomas, Mardol
Hughes Thomas, New street
James Joseph, Frankwell
Jones Benjamin, Castle Foregate
Jones Edward, Hazledine’s buildings
Jones Evan, Princess street
Jones Griffith, Hill’s lane
Jones Henry, Coleham
Jones Richard, Princess st
Jones Thomas, Castle fields
Jones Thomas, Claremont st
Lee George, Abbey Foregate
Lister Thomas, Castle street
Lloyd John, Hill’s lane
Manning John, Wyle cop
Mansell John, Castle Foregt
Medlicott William, Coton hill
Meric John, Grope lane
Mitton George, Castle gates
Morris Richard, School lane
Muckleston Rd. J., Pride hill
Nevett Francis, High street
Oliver Geo., Abbey Foregt
Owen James, Castle Foregt
Owen John, Claremont hill
Owen Thomas, Longden, Coleham
Parker John, Claremont st
Perkins John, St. Austin’s st
Poole Benjamin, Castle gates
Prinn Richard, Cross hill
Rees Evan, Gullet passage
Roberts Charles, Pride hill
Roberts Edward, Castle Foregate
Roberts John, Abbey Foregt
Sherry Henry, Abbey Foregt
Speake John, Coleham
Stephens Richard, (manufacturer), Mardol head
Stone Richard, St. Austin’s street
Taylor George, Frankwell
Taylor William, Castle street
Thomas John, Abbey Foregt
Thomas Robert, Frankwell
Thomas William, Castle st
Thomas Wm., St. Michael street
Thomas William, New street
Tyler James, Castle fields
Williams John, Frankwell
Woodruff Richard, St. Alkmund’s place
Braziers & Tin-plate Workers.
Brayne William, (Executors of), Mardol head
Collier William, Wyle cop
Crumpton Jonathan, Wyle cop
Gittins William, Mardol
Jones Thomas, Mardol
Owen William, Castle st
Linell and Jenks, Wyle cop
Woodward Charles, Pride hl
Brewers.
Davies John, Chester street
Mottram George and Co., Hill’s lane
Newton Henry, Circus yard
Trouncer and Son, Coleham
Bricklayers.
_See also Builders_.
Bond John, Claremont hill
Edwards Thomas and Son, St. John’s court
Evans Richard, St. Austin’s priory
Hughes Thomas, Frankwell
Phillips Thomas, Frankwell
Small John, Butchers’ row
Stant Joseph, St. Julian’s friars
Williams John, St. Austin’s street
Brick and Tile Makers.
Boodle and Jones, Belvedere lane
Birch Joseph, Castle gates
Evans John, jun., (dealer), Frankwell
Groves Thomas, White hall place
Jones James, Kingsland
Roden Samuel (John Wilson, agent), Raven road
Stanley Thomas, White hall place
Stant Joseph, St. Julian’s friars
Williams John, St. Austin’s street
Brush Manufacturers.
Ball William, Wyle cop
Hudson William, Mardol
Mottram Sarah, Mardol
Builders.
_See also Joiners & Carpenters_, _& Stone & Marble Masons_.
Birch Benjamin and Joseph, Castle gates
Carline John, Abbey Terrace
Dodson Richard, Abbey Foregate
Evans John, jun., Frankwell
Groves Thomas and John, The priory
Stant Joseph, St. Julian’s friars
Butchers.
_Those with_ †_ affixed are country butchers who attend on market days_.
Bates Richard, Shoplatch
Bates Richard, Chester street
Bromley Joseph, Castle Foregate
Bromley Margaret, Butchers’ row
Bromley Samuel, Butchers’ row
Bromley Samuel, Fish street
Bromley William, Butchers’ row
† Bromley William, Fish st
Brown Jacob, Pride hill
Brown Sarah, Pride hill
Bull John, Pride hill
† Burgess Thomas, Fish st
Cholton Samuel, Coleham
† Davies Charles, Fish street
† Davies George, Fish street
Davies John, Fish street
† Davies Richard, Fish street
† Davies Thomas, Fish street
† Davies William, Fish street
† Deakin James, Fish street
Dibbin James, Butchers’ row
† Dolphin Edward, Fish st
Dyas Edward, Wyle Cop
Evans Frederick, Butchers’ row
Gates William, Butchers’ row
Gittins Henry, Mardol
Gittins Thomas, Abbey Foregate
Gittins William, Frankwell
Gough John, Pride hill
Grafton Thomas, Pride hill
† Gregory Richard, Fish st
† Griffiths Thomas, Fish st
Hammonds Hy., Frankwell
Hammonds Thomas, Abbey Foregate
Hammonds Wm., Frankwell
Hand Sarah, Butchers’ row
Hanley James, Castle Foregt
Harris John, Coleham
Harris Joseph, (pork), Wyle cop
† Horton Robert, Fish street
Hughes Edward C., Fish st
† Jessop Francis, Fish street
Jones James, Fish street
† Jones John, Fish street
† Jones Joseph, Fish street
Jones Richard, Pride hill
Jones Richard, jun., Wyle cop
Jones Thomas, Fish street
† Lee Joseph, Fish street
Legh John, Pride hill
Lloyd Richard, Fish street
† Marsh John, Fish street
Martin James, Fish street
Martin Martha, Fish street
Martin Samuel, Fish street
Matthews Sarah, Fish street
Miller John, Butchers’ row
† Morgan Thomas, Fish st
† Moreton Ann, Fish street
† Moreton Thomas, Fish st
† Moreton Richard, Fish st
† Morris Thomas, Fish street
Nevitt John, Butchers’ row
† Nicholas Henry, Fish street
† Oare John, Fish street
† Owen Martha, Fish street
Palmer Edward and Son, Mardol
† Parks Edward, Fish street
Parker Thomas, Fish street
Pearce Ann, Butchers’ row
† Pigg John, Fish street
Powell John, Fish street
Price Edward, Abbey Foregt
† Price Thomas, Fish street
† Price William, Fish street
Pritchard Ann, Butchers’ row
Rigby Richard, Butchers’ row
Richards Richard, Castle gates
† Roberts Hannah, Fish st
† Ryder Edward, Fish street
† Ryder George, Fish street
† Taylor Richard, Fish street
Tennant Henry, Fish street
† Tudor John, Fish street
† Vaughan Edward, Fish st
† Vaughan John, Fish street
Walker George, Butcher’s row
Wilding James, Mardol
Wilding Richard, Pride hill
Wilkes Richard, Fish street
Wood Francis, Fish street
Woodward Charles, Butchers’ row
Cabinet Makers, Upholsterers, & Paper Hangers.
Bishop John, Wyle cop
Blanchard Joseph, Frankwell
Blower John, Pride hill
Bratton Richard, Wyle cop
Brereton James, Castle street
Brown Edward, Mardol
Burrey and White, College hill, and Pride hill
Davies Brothers, Wyle cop
Evans John, Frankwell
Gabriel James, Mardol
Griffiths Joseph, Abbey Foregate
Hewlett James, Abbey Foregate
Hewlett William and Son, Milk street
Lee George, Castle street
Mallard Edward, (paper hanger,) Mardol
M‘Crede John, St. Julian’s friars
Pearson Benjamin, Princess street
Probert Henry, Shoplatch
Tittensor John and Richard, St. Mary’s place
Wade George, Wyle cop
Watkis Richard, Hill’s lane
Carpenters.
_See Joiners and Builders_.
Carvers & Guilders.
Brown Edwin, Wyle cop
Davies Evan, Wyle cop
Pugh Edward, Milk street
Cheese Factors.
Blower Timothy, Wyle cop
Caswell James, Mardol
Edgerley Henry, Pride hill
Eccleston John, Frankwell
Hilditch John, Frankwell
Humphreys Mary, Mardol
Jones David and Son, New market house, Howard st
Jones Maurice, Mardol
Jones Robert D., Mardol
Peplow & Co., Claremont st
Rogers William, Castle st
Williams John, Mardol
Williams William, Mardol
Chemists & Druggists.
Allen and Benson, Wyle Cop
Arblaster Charles James, Castle street
Blunt Thomas and Henry, Wyle Cop
Broxton Richard, Mardol
Bythell Thomas, Pride hill
Claxton William Dixon, 13, High street
Cross Wm. Gowen, Mardol
Gittins John, Wyle Cop
Humphreys Mary, Mardol
Marston Thomas, Wyle Cop
Phillips Thomas, Mardol
Pidgeon Henry, High street
Pyefinch John, Shoplatch
Whitney George and Son, High street
Clog & Patten Makers.
Butler Wm., Castle Foregate
Griffiths Thomas, Frankwell
Harvey William, Pride hill
Hinton Jane, Mardol
Hudson William, Mardol
Clothes Dealers.
Breeze Richard, High street
Cohen Louis, Mardol
Deaves James, Princess street
Evans Arthur, Princess street
Evans John, Gullett passage
Hayward Thomas, Gullett passage
Hughes Robert, Princess st.
Jones Thomas, Mardol head
Morgan & Son, Princess st.
Purslow Henry, Corn market
Revell Champ, Princess st.
Roberts David & Co., Pride hill
Williams Mary, Princess st.
Woodall John, Mardol head
Coach Builders.
Farr Henry, High street
Hunt Mary, Beeches lane
Jones John, Circus yard
Mountford Thos., Dog pole
Worth Frederick Henry, Bridge street
Yerbury and Vickers, College hill
Coach & Car Proprietors.
Merifield John, Beeches lane
Morgan Thomas, Mardol
Mountford Thos., Dog pole
Rees David, Coffee house passage
Salmon Edward, Princess street
Taylor & Son (Stage Coach), Lion yard
Williams Mary, Milk street
Coal Agents.
Davies John (Black park coal), Castle Foregate
Haycock Robert (Brymbo company,) Castle Foregate
Legh Edward (Shrewsbury and Shropshire coal company), Canal wharf
Coal Merchants.
Hazledine & Co., Wyle Cop
Young George, Canal wharf
Coffee & Dining Rooms.
Evans Margaret, Mardol
Griffiths Elizabeth, Castle gates
Hewlett Martha and Eliza, High street
Jones Thomas (Commercial), Shoplatch
Owen Mary, High street
Rogers Joseph (Temperance), Mardol
White John, Corn market
Confectioners.
Blakemore Robert B., Mardol
Brown William, Castle street
Clinton Henry, Abbey Foregate
Crump Vincent, Wyle Cop
Davies Daniel, Castle gates
Davies & Son, Corn market
Deakin Thomas, Market st.
Elkes Edward, Pride hill
Evans Benjamin, High street
Fallowes Richard, Frankwell
Harris Thomas, Castle street
Haynes Francis M., Wyle Cop
Jones Charles Griffiths, Mardol
Jones Richard, Milk street
Owen Thomas, Castle street
Palmer Edward, Frankwell
Phillips Edwin, Shoplatch
Powell Timothy, Mardol
Ward Robert, Wyle Cop
Watkins John, Barker street
Cooking Apparatus Manufacturers.
Easthope William, High st.
Linell and Jenks, Wyle Cop
Coopers.
Davies John, Mardol
Deakin John, Chester street
Evans Edward, Abbey Foreg
Grafton Samuel, Wyle Cop
Jones Edward, Mardol
Jones James, Wyle Cop
Jones Thomas, Mardol
Mansell George, Mardol
Mitton John, Castle gates
Tisdale William, Frankwell
Tudor Dinah, Shoplatch
Copper Plate Printers.
Haswell James, Hill’s lane
Littlehales George, Dogpole
Cork Cutter.
Hitchins Joseph, High street
Corn Factors.
Bickerston Richard, Severn place
Blakeway Richard & William, Castle Foregate
Blower Timothy, Wyle Cop
Cooke Joseph, Abbey Foregt
Griffin William, Mardol quay
Hughes John, The Glen, Frankwell
Jobson Joseph, St. John’s hill
Johnson Henry, Wyle Cop
Lee Edward, Mardol
Peplow Mary Ann and Co., Claremont street
Taylor Richd., Abbey Foregt
Williams Thomas, Frankwell
Corn Millers.
Blakeway Richard & William, Castle Foregate
Cooke Joseph, Abbey Foregat
Hughes John, Abbey Foregt
Lambert Henry, Kingsland
Cow Keepers.
Davies Richard, Frankwell
Edwards Ann, Coleham
Evans Edward, Coleham
Evans William, Abbey Foregt
Grindley Martha, Abbey Foregate
James David, Coleham
Jones Sarah, Abbey Foregate
Lloyd Thomas, Meol road
Pierce Richd., Holywell farm
Reynolds Thos., Old Heath
Curriers & Leather Cutters.
Beacall Henry and Sarah, Castle street
Davies William, Bridge st.
Davies William, Pride hill
Gough William, Theatre buildings
Mullinex William, Milk street
Pool Robert, Mardol
Dyers & Scourers.
Bryan William, Coton hill
Cooke John, St. Alkmund’s place
Crwys William, Swan hill
Halford Sarah, Barker street
Jones Margaret, Claremont st.
Mullins John, Frankwell
Owen Ebenezer, Swan hill
Engineers.
Climie Daniel, Coleham
Jeffreys Edward Alexander, Coton hill
Tisdale Thos., Mardol head
Wylie David, Coton hill
Engraver & Copper Plate Printer.
Littlehales George, Dogpole
Farmers.
Clayton John, Old Heath
Hemming’s Henry (grazier), Dorsett’s barn
Hotchkiss William, Meol road
James Humphrey, Meol road
Jones Lewis, Castle Foregt
Martin Mary, Robertsford
Parker James, Wair hill
Smith Edward, Fox bank
Swain John, Coton grange
Taylor Isaac, Monk’s moor
Trail Dewar, Coton hill farm
Fellmongers.
_See Skinners_.
Fancy Repositories.
Longmore Rebecca, High st.
Nightingale John Thomas, High street
Fire & Life Office Agents.
Alliance, Joseph Stant, St. Julian’s Friars
Anchor, Peter Wilde, Pride hill
Argus, George Whitney and Son, High street
Atlas, John Walton, St. John’s hill
Clerical, Medical, and General, John Poole and Son, Castle street
Corporation of London, Thos. Tisdale, Quarry ter.
Crown, Richard Palin, Dogpole
Eagle, Thos. Tisdale, Quarry terrace
Globe, Richard Price, Castle street
Guardian, Henry Pidgeon, High street
Indisputable, James Oakes Sandford, High street
Law, John L. Rowland, Monk’s Well terrace
Legal and General, How and Son, Swan hill
Medical Invalid, Thos. Henry Wace, College hill
North of England, H. C. Simpson, College hill
Norwich Union, Thos. Birch, Belmont
Pelican, Charles B. Teece, Swan hill
Phœnix, John William Bythell, Guildhall
Railway, James Oakes Sandford, 25, High street
Rock, George S. Corser, Market street
Royal Exchange, William Henry Cooper, St. John’s hill
Salop Fire, head office, Corn market, Thos. B. Tipton, secretary
Scotland Life Association, Thomas Harris, Pride hill
Shropshire and North Wales, head office, High street, Edward Elsemere,
managing director
Sun, Richard Clarke, Swan hill
Temperance Providence Institution, Richd. Marston, Market street
Yorkshire, Henry Bevan, Abbey Foregate
Fishmongers, Game Dealers, & Fruiterers.
Hammond Frederick, Castle Foregate
Minshall William, Pride hill
Roberts William, Shoplatch
Smart Mary, High street
Fishing Tackle Manufacturers.
Franklin William, Mardol
Shaw Henry, Shoplatch
Shaw John, Wyle Cop
Flannel Merchants.
Nicholls Charles Barron, Chester street
Wilkinson Robt., Claremont hill
Flax Spinners and Linen Thread Manufacturers.
Marshall & Company—The Factory
Fruiterers & Green Grocers.
Baxter Mary, Gullett passage
Brown William, Castle street
Cartwright James, Frankwell
Farlow Samuel, Theatre buildings
Gill John, Beckbury cottage
Hatton Chas., Abbey Foregt
Instone Henry and Son, Sutton lane
Linley James, Castle Foregt
Munshall William, Pride hill
Rees Evan, Gullett passage
Roberts William, Shoplatch
Smart Mary, High street
Smout Edward, (and seedsman) Gullett passage
Tisdale Wm., Castle Foregat
Whitfield Christopher, Castle Foregate
Furniture Brokers.
_See also Cabinet Makers_.
Blower John, Pride hill
Bratton Richard, Wyle Cop
Hasswell James, Hill’s lane
Hotchkiss Robert, Wyle Cop
Purslow Henry, Corn market
Roberts Joseph, Bridge st.
Glass, China, & Earthenware Dealers.
Downing Enoch and Elijah, Pride hill
Hackney James, Pride hill
Harley Margaret, St. Mary’s street
Littlehales Wm., St. Mary’s street
Rose and Co., Wyle Cop, William George, agent
Shaw Joseph, Mardol
Simons John, Pride hill
Smith Thomas, Wyle Cop
Wild Thomas, Market street
Wildig Henry and Mary, Pride hill
Williams William, Wyle Cop
Grocers, & Tea Dealers.
Asterley Samuel, Frankwell
Barcley William James (and British wine dealer, &c.) High street
Bagnell John, Pride hill
Bromley John, Wyle Cop
Budgett William, Pride hill
Day William, Pride hill
Done Robert & Co. (wholesale tea and coffee merchants), Mardol head and
Castle Foregate
Drury John (executors of), Pride hill
Eccleston John, Frankwell
Elesmere and Co., Wyle Cop
Evans John, Abbey Foregate
Gittins Ann, Theatre buildings
Healing Robert M., Frankwell
Heighway & Son, Castle st.
Hilditch Thomas, Pride hill
Hughes William, Pride hill
Humphreys Mary, Mardol
Icke James, Market street
Jones James, Castle gates
Jones Maurice, Mardol
Jones Robert D., Mardol
Lewis Richard, Shoplatch
Lewis & Ward, 17, High st.
Meredith, Lewis and Co., Wyle Cop and Howard st.
Muckleston John, Wyle Cop
Parsons Mary, Market street
Peach John, 14, High street
Poole John and Son, Castle street
Rees William, Wyle Cop
Rogers Joseph, Mardol
Rushton Daniel, Dogpole
Scoltock Mary (and Italian warehouse), Princess st.
Thomas John, Mardol and Pride hill
White Sarah Ann (tea), Wyle Cop
Wilding Elizabeth, Corn market
Wilkes Clement, Princess st.
Williams John, Mardol
Williams William, Mardol
Gunsmiths.
Ebrall Samuel (maker), Wyle Cop
Marston Samuel, Claremont hill
Mullinix William, Princess street
Hair Dressers.
_Those with_ † _affixed are perfumers_.
Beddow Richard, Barker st.
Bickley Thos., Castle Foregt
Bottwood George, Castle st.
† Bowdler Thomas, High st.
Butler James, Coleham
Davenhall John, Shoplatch
† Evans John, Market street
Franklin William, Mardol
Hughes John, Frankwell
Hulme Edward, Castle gates
† Hulme Samuel, High street
Lloyd Lydia, Castle Foregate
Morris Richard, Princess st.
† Nightingale John Thomas, 41, High street
Prinn John, Abbey Foregate
Purslow Edward, St. Julian’s Friars
Ryder Elizabeth, Wyle Cop
Stanton James, Shoplatch
Walker Geo., St. Mary’s st.
Walker William, Mardol
Hardware & General Dealers.
France John, Mardol
Tisdale Wm., Castle Foregt
Hatters.
Cooke Wm. Henry, Pride hill
Craston Ed. & Co., Pride hill
Donellan James, Barker st.
Gray Richard, Pride hill
Jones Edward, Pride hill
Saunders Joseph Green, Market street
Hop and Seed Merchants.
Asterley Samuel, Frankwell
Barcley and Co., High street
Heighway and Son, Castle st.
Hughes John, Frankwell
Humphreys Mary, Mardol
Jones Maurice, Mardol
Lewis and Ward, High street
Meredith and Co., Wyle Cop
Mottram John, Mardol
Oakley Robert, Castle Foregt
Peplow and Co., Claremont street
Poole & Son, Castle street
Richards David, Roushill
Scoltock Mary, Princess st.
Taylor Richard, jun., Princess street
Woodward John, Bridge st.
Hosiers & Smallware Dealers.
Butler James, Coleham
Butler Jane, Castle Foregate
Butler Thomas, Castle street
Cooke Wm. Henry, Pride hill
Edwards Edward, Mardol
Goucher George, Market st.
Harris Thomas, Pride hill
Jones Catherine, Shoplatch
Kerry Christiana, High street
Richards Henry, Wyle Cop
Tombs Susannah, Corn mar.
Watkins Matthew, Claremont street
Wilkes Clement, Princess st.
Hotels, Inns, and Taverns.
Anchor, Richard Breeze, Hills lane
Angel, William Mansell, Abbey Foregate
Barge, Henry Westwood, Wyle Cop
Barley Mow, Joseph Jones, Abbey Foregate
Bear, Adam Burton, Fish st.
Bell, Hugh Parry, Frankwell
Bell, Jane Evans, Mardol
Bell, Samuel Dale, Princess street
Bird-in-Hand, Mary Allen, Coton hill
Boar’s Head, John Warren, Meol road
Bricklayer’s Arms, Joseph Watson, Abbey Foregate
Bridge House, Priscilla Flexton, Frankwell
Britannia, Emma Edwards, Mardol
Buck’s Head, James Birch, Frankwell
Bugle Horn, William Owen, Nackin street
Bull, Edward Edwards, Abbey Foregate
Bull’s Head, David Jones, Castle gates
Bull & Pump, Oliver Evans, Meol road
Butcher’s Arms, William Evan’s, Butcher’s row
Castle and Falcon, Richard Edwards, Mardol
Cock, John Randles, Butcher’s row
Comet, Thomas, Morgan, Old Heath
Compasses, Owen Williams, Frankwell
Coopers’ Arms, Jn. Williams, Frankwell
Cross Guns, James Thompson, New street, Frankwell
Cross Keys, John Vaughan, High street
Crow, John Lott, Abbey Foregate
Crow, William Edwards, Frankwell
Crown, John Grindley, St. Mary’s street
Crown and Anchor, John Symcock, Castle Foregate
Dog and Partridge, Richard Bratton, St. Mary’s place
Dolphin, Thomas Howell, Dolphin’s row
Dun Cow, Ann Morris, Abbey Foregate
Eagle, Henry Goodby, St. Michael’s street
Eagle and Tun, Richard Timbs, Castle Foregate
Elephant and Castle, Robert Buttriss, Mardol
Fighting Cocks, Thomas Pugh, Castle Foregate
Fox Inn, Alice Strange, Princess street
George Hotel, George Fox, Market street
Glove Thomas Price, St. John’s buildings
Golden Cross, Sarah Smith, Golden Cross passage
Golden Hart, William Henry Langford, Claremont st.
Golden Lion, Jas. Haycock, Frankwell
Grapes, Samuel Edwards, Castle Foregate
Gullett Inn, John Jones, Hills lane
Hen and Chickens, Ann Edwards, Dogpole
Hill’s Arms, John Lloyd, Hill’s lane
King’s Arms, Ed. Vaughan, Claremont street
King’s Head, Margt. Evans, Mardol
Leopard, Louisa Jones, Pride hill
Lion and Pheasant Inn, Richard Smith, Wyle Cop
London Apprentice, Mary Thacker, Coton hill
London Coffee House, Sarah Owen, Dogpole
Market Tavern, Sarah Pugh, Pride hill
Mason’s Arms, Geo. Wade, Chester street
Mermaid, Thomas North, Shoplatch
Moulders’ Arms, John Fletcher, Castle gates lane
Nag’s Head, John Taylor, Castle Gates
Nag’s Head, Margt. Brightey, Wyle Cop
Nelson Arms, Thomas Jones, St. Austin street
New Inn, Margaret Gittins, Frankwell
Oddfellows’ Arms, Henry Keeling, Barker street
Old Anchor, Thomas Batho, Frankwell
Old Bell, Mary Stanway, Abbey foregate
Old Bush, John Dixon, Abbey foregate
Old Post Office, Geo. Rogers, Milk street
Old Thrasher, Jas. Richard Pickering, Abbey foregt
Old Trumpet, John Lloyd Mardol
Old Wheat Sheaf, John Simmonds, High street
Old Wherry, Geo. Minshull Wyle cop
Park Inn, William Parker Abbey foregate
Peacock, Anne Hand, Islington
Plough, Chas. Lloyd, Market square
Plough, Thomas Roberts, Castle foregate
Plough and Harrow, John Pugh, Coleham
Queen’s Head, Edw. Teckoe, Mardol
Raven and Bell Hotel (and posting house), Samuel Hayward, Wyle cop
Raven Hotel (and posting house), Sarah Dance, Castle street
Red Lion, Joseph Jones, Castle foregate
Red Lion, John Walmsley Hadnal road
Refreshment Rooms, Railway Station, John Whitmore, Castle foregate
Robin Hood, John Batho, St. Michael’s street
Royal Oak, Wm. Medlicott, Coton hill
Seven Stars, William Rogers, Frankwell
Seven Stars, Edward Parker, Coleham
Shrewsbury Arms, William Bowdler, Church street
Ship, Elizabeth Thomas, Bridge street
Spread Eagle, John Daniel, Wyle cop
Sun, William Jones, Milk st
Sun, William Weaver, Roushill
Swan, Edward Maddox, Coleham
Swan, Margaret Davies, Frankwell
Talbot Tap, Susannah Harvey, Swan hill
Theatre Tavern, Ann Cartwright, Theatre buildings
Three Fishes, Charles News, Fish street
Three Tuns, Joseph Davis, Coleham
Unicorn, John Hulett, Wyle cop
Wagon and Horses, Ann Cadwallader, Pride hill
Waterloo House, Richard Williams, Abbey foregate
Wheat Sheaf, William Ward, Wyle cop
White Hart, John Davies, Mardol
White Horse, John Jervise, Frankwell
White Lion, Edward Munford, St. John’s hill
Woodman, David Jones, Coton hill
Wool Pack, Martha Marshall, Coleham
Yorkshire House, Henry Ryder, St. Mary’s place
Beerhouses.
Alcock John, Frankwell
Artlett James, Spring gardns
Ashley Geo., Barrack passage
Badger Joseph, Kingsland
Badger Samuel, Coleham
Barton Thomas, Bellevue
Bond John, Claremont hill
Brown Ann, Coleham
Deakin Edward, Frankwell
Edisbury Thomas, Castle foregate
Edwards Edward, Castle foregate
Edwards William, Chester st
Embrey John, Frankwell
Fletcher William, Butchers’ row
France Henry, Cattle foregt
Griffiths Mary, Canal buildings
Hammond Richard, Castle gates
Holmes William, Frankwell
Howell Thomas, St. Michl’s street
Hughes Thomas, Mardol
Jones Richard, Meadow place
Keeling Joshua, Castle gates
Leake Thomas, Castle street
Lloyd Charles, St. Michael’s street
Lewis David, Gullett passage
Lewis Francis B., Abbey foregate
Mansell George, Castle foregt
Mansell John, Castle foregt
Matthews Charles, Butchers’ row
Matthews John, Chester st
Matthews Joseph, Spring gardens
Morris Charles, Butchers’ row
Phillips Thomas, Frankwell
Phillips William, Frankwell
Price William, Abbey foregt
Pugh John, Castle foregate
Pugh Joseph, Wyle cop
Randles Robert, Swan hill
Rowlands James, The Mount
Ryder George H., Old heath
Swallow Charles, Castle fields
Thomas David, Frankwell
Thomas Richard, Spring gardens
Thomas Samuel, Raven road
Vaughan Richard, Castle foregate
Williams John, St. Austin’s street
Williams Richard, Hill’s lane
Williams Richard, Frankwell
Wilson Samuel, Roushill
Woodward Robert, Frankwell
Ink Manufacturers.
Lacy John William (printing and writing), Castle fields
Phillips Thomas, Mardol
Iron and Brass Founders.
Lacy John (brass), Fire office court, High street
Stuttle William, Longden, Coleham
Young and Spence, Canal wharf
Iron Merchants.
Young and Spence, Canal wharf
Ironmongers.
Alltree Jemima and Henry, Corn market
Beacall Richard, Mardol
Bullock Samuel, Frankwell
Davies James and Son, Wyle cop
Gittins William, Mardol
Jones Eliza, Mardol head
Juckes Samuel, Mardol
Linell and Jenks, Wyle cop
Swain William, Mardol
Wilkinson Thomas, High st
Young and Spence, Canal wharf
Joiners and Builders.
Birch Benjamin and Joseph, Castle gates
Evans John, Kingsland
Evans John, jun., Frankwell
Goucher, William, Mardol
Groves Thomas and John, St. Austin friars
Jackson John, Abbey foregt
Jarvis Charles, Frankwell
Jones John, Swan hill
Jones Thomas, Pride hill
Jones William, Castle foregt
Lewis Richard, Castle foregt
Lloyd Thomas, New street, Frankwell
Morris John, St. Austin st
Owen Edward, Abbey foregt
Price David, Castle gates lane
Rushton & Bowdler, Pride hill
Simons John, Pride hill
Smith John, Swan hill
Stant Joseph, St. Julian’s friars
Tanswell John, Shoplatch
Thomas Henry, St. Austin street
Thomas John, Barker street
Vaughan John, Claremont st
Wycherley George, St. Alkmund’s place
Lead Merchants.
Burr Brothers, and manufacturers of red, sheet, and pig lead, Wyle cop
Libraries [Circulating].
Davies John, High street
Humphreys, Elizabeth, St. Alkmund’s place
Leake, J. H. Market square
Subscription, St. John’s hill; Elinor Urwick, librarian
Linen Manufacturer.
Minn Robert, Castle fields
Linen and Woollen Drapers and Silk Mercers.
Barron Anthony, Pride hill
Bazeley John, High street and Pride hill
Carden Robert, Mardol
Davies John and Charles, 26, High street
Eddowes George, Mardol
Farnell and Company, Pride hill
Hall Thomas, High street
Harris William, Pride hill
Jones Charles, Mardol
Jones Thomas, Mardol head
Lloyd & Blythe, Market sqre
Maddox Richard, Castle st
Meara John Augustin (woollen), High street
Muckleston William, Pride hill
Nightingale Richard, Wyle cop
Poole Thomas and Samuel, Wyle cop
Powell William, Mardol
Thomas Charles, Mardol
Livery Stables.
Wicks Mary Ann, Cross hill
Maltsters.
Asterley Samuel, Frankwell
Brayne John Gregory, Abbey foregate
Buttriss Richard, Frankwell
Clarke William, Frankwell
Cooke Joseph, Abbey foregt
Davies John, Chester street
Dixon John, Abbey foregt
Ford George, Barker street
Hughes John, Frankwell
Hughes William, St. Julian’s friars
Lloyd Charles, Market square
Minton Thos., Beeches lane
Oakley Robert, Castle foregt
Pugh John, Coleham
Randles John, Butchers’ row
Rees John, Coleham
Rees William, Wyle cop
Ryder Edward, Old heath
Selley Matthew, Frankwell
Stanway Mary, Abbey foregt
Swain John, Mardol
Swain Richard, Mardol
Swain William, Mardol
Taylor Richard, Abbey foregt
Taylor Richard, Old heath
Trouncer and Son, Coleham
Trouncer William, Frankwell
Turner Anne Maria, Frankwell
Woodword Robert, Frankwell
Malt & Coffee Mill Makers.
Parkes Z., Frankwell
Powell Benjamin, Frankwell
Milliners & Dress Makers.
Alltree Ann and Amelia, Windsor place
Barnaby Isabel, Market sqre
Barnett Emma, Frankwell
Bazeley John (silk mercer), High street
Bell The Misses, Wyle cop
Blount Mary, Princess street
Boodle Mary, Reabrook place, Coleham
Burnett Ann and Harriet, Swan hill court
Cotton Ann and Sarah, Princess street
Cross Sarah & Ann, Mardol head
Davies Harriet, Marine terrce
Davies Helen, Dogpole
Davies Mary, Barker street
Davies and Oldroyd, Pride hill
Davies Winifred, Barker st
Deaves Hannah, Shoplatch
Ehn Jane, 38, High street
Gittins Frances, Wyle cop
Gray Harriet and Caroline, Cross hill
Hickman Mary, Wyle cop
Horton Rebecca, High street
Jackson Rebecca, Abbey foregate
Jenks Sarah, Abbey foregate
Jervis Elizabeth, Bridge st
Jones Frances, Frankwell
Jones Margaret, Dogpole
Lewis Elizabeth, Frankwell
Morgan Martha Ann, Barker street
Price Emily, Castle street
Pritchard Ann, Princess st
Rowlands Jane, St. Alkmund’s place
Rowland Misses, St. Mary’s street
Tagg Ann, Claremont hill
Woosnam Elizabeth, Pride hl
Millwrights.
Davies James, Chester street
Thomas James, Cross street
Musical Repository.
Boucher George, Castle st
Nail Makers.
Bayliss James, Frankwell
Beacall Richard, Mardol
Burrows John, Roushill bank
Davies James and Son, Wyle cop
Jones Eliza, Mardol head
Juckes Samuel, Mardol
Young & Spence, Canal wharf
News Agents.
_See also Booksellers and Stationers_.
Davies David, Mardol
Wall Benjamin, Mardol
Newspaper Publishers and Proprietors.
_Eddowes’ Journal_ (Wednesday), Martha Eddowes, Corn market
_Shrewsbury Chronicle_ (Friday), John Watton, St. John’s hill
_Shropshire Conservative_ (Saturday), Thomas John Ousley, head of Pride
hill
Nurserymen & Seedsmen.
Instone Henry and Son, Wyle cop
Oldroyd Henry John, High st
Optician.
Davies Edward, High street
Painters & Glaziers.
Birch Thomas, Belmont
Bower John, St. Mary’s place
Breeze Henry, Castle street
Brown William, Abbey foregt
Cawthorn Wm., Frankwell
Cole Thomas, Wyle cop
Cooke Henry, Cross hill
Evans and Marston, High st
Farmer Edward, Old heath
Ford, John, Barker street
Hughes Thomas, Dogpole
Hulme Henry, Castle foregt
Leake Charles W. and Geo. E., Wyle cop
Lloyd George, Roushill
Lloyd William, Coleham
Mansell Emma, Mardol
Molineux Thos., Bridge court
Munday Joseph, Shoplatch
Pierce John, Hill’s lane
Pugh Robert, Castle foregate
Pugh William, Abbey foregt
Purslow William, Barker st
Rogers Wm., St. Alkmund’s place
Smith Richard, St. John’s hill
Steadman George, Castle gts
Tanswell James, St. John’s hill
Tanswell Thos., Castle street
Taylor Richard, Hill’s lane
Paper Dealers.
Edgerley Henry, Pride hill
Harries George, Mardol
Pawnbrokers.
Kent John, Shoplatch
Robinson Ann, Roushill bank
Patten & Clog Makers.
Harvey Thomas, Barker st
Hinton Richard, Mardol
Perfumers.
Bowdler Thomas, High st
Evans John, Market street
Hulme Samuel, High street
Nightingale John Thomas, High street
Physicians.
Burd Edward, Belmont
Drury Thomas James, Quarry place
Jeffreys Thos., Castle house
Johnson Henry, Dogpole
Wood William, Castle street
Plasterers.
Hughes Thomas, Frankwell
James Richard, Windsor pl
Parry Robert, Cross hill
Small John, Butchers’ row
Plumbers.
Cawthron Wm., Frankwell
Edwards Ann, Claremont st
Edwards John, Mardol
Edwards Richard, Hill’s ln
Farmer Edwards, Old heath
Hartshorn Henry, St. John’s hill
Jones David, Castle Foregt
Lloyd Henry, Chester street
Morris Stephen, Castle st
Printers [Letter Press].
_See also Booksellers and Newspaper Publishers_
France John, Mardol
Jones Fred. A., Wyle cop
Lewis David, Gullett passage
Professors & Teachers.
_Those with_ * _affixed teach music_, _thus_ † _languages_, _and thus_ ‡
_dancing_.
* Adams William Hay, College hill
† Bentley Thomas Amand, Castle street
† Bourley William V., Castle street
* Brown Philip, Castle st
† Deshormes Francis, U.G., Crescent fields
* Hay George E., Hill’s lane
* Hiles John, Swan hill
‡ Le Mercier Nicholas Robt., St. Julian’s friars
* Lewis William, High street
‡ Mercerot Emma, Abbey Foregate
† Moore Marius Salvator, Cross hill
Pump Makers.
Harper George, Abbey Foregt
Price George, Frankwell
Williams Thomas & Robert, Coleham
Rag and Bone Dealers.
France John, Hill’s lane
Ketler John, St. Austin’s st
Smith Andrew, Canal wharf
Taylor George, and sieve maker, Chester street
Rope Makers.
Cooper William, Castle st
Davies Robert, Frankwell
Mottram Sarah, Mardol
Saddlers & Harness Makers.
Dales Richard, Wyle cop
Edson John, & trunk & portmanteau maker, Wyle cop
Glover Robert, Castle street
Harrison and Kempster, Shoplatch
Jones William, & trunk and portmanteau maker, 5, High street
Morgan Thomas, Mardol
Tanner John, & trunk and portmanteau maker, High street
Salt Merchants.
Henshall and Co., Castle Foregate
Rogers William, Frankwell
Tilston and Co., Canal wharf
Shopkeepers.
_Dealers in Provisions_, _Sundries_, _and Groceries_.
Allen Sarah, Coton hill
Arthur Richard, Princess st
Badger Samuel, Coleham
Bates Ann, Castle Foregate
Blower Thomas Joseph, Coleham
Bromley Elizth., Frankwell
Brown John, Castle Foregt
Cooper George, Abbey Foregate
Corbet Walton, Frankwell
Davies Edward, Bellevue
Davies Edward, Coleham
Davies John, Wyle cop
Dyas Edward, Castle street
Dyas Jane, Frankwell
Evans Ann, Abbey Foregate
Evans Joseph, Frankwell
Evans Thomas, Longden, Coleham
Fallowes Richard, Frankwell
Fenna John, Castle gates
Ferrett Elizabeth, Frankwell
Fletcher Francis, Claremont street
Ford Joseph, Barker street
Giles Jane, St. Alkmund’s pl
Griffiths Hugh, St. Austin st
Griffiths Thomas, Castle st
Groves Joseph, Castle gates
Harris John Kent, Hill’s lane
Hassall John, St. Michael’s street
Healing William, Frankwell
Hewlett George, St. Michael’s street
Hitchcock Richard, Mardol
Holmes Joshua, Chester st
Hughes Henry, Coleham
Humphries William, Claremont street
Humphreson Thomas, St Michael’s street
James John, Abbey Foregate
Jones Evan, St. Michael’s st
Jones Evan, Coleham
Jones John, Castle Foregate
Jones Margaret, Castle gates
Jones Richard, Chester street
Jones William, Mardol
Joseph Thomas, Longden, Coleham
Kirkham John, Castle Foregt
Leach Thomas, Castle Foregt
Molineux Jane, Wyle cop
Morgan Evan, St. Michael’s street
Morgan Morgan, Frankwell
Morris Ann, Bridge street
Oliver John, Longden, Coleham
Parry David, Abbey Foregt
Parry David, Frankwell
Perrott John, Claremont st
Phayre John, Mardol
Price George, Frankwell
Price Sarah, Coton hill
Price Thomas, Abbey Foregate
Rees John, Coleham
Richards Thomas, Abbey Foregate
Roberts Edward, Chester st
Roberts Henry, Abbey Foregt
Rogers William, Castle st
Salter & Rogers, St. Mary’s st
Shorland John, Longden, Coleham
Speake John, Coleham
Swain Richard, Mardol
Tanswell John, (flour), Shoplatch
Taylor Robert, Spring Gardens
Taylor Richard, Old heath
Thomas Ann, Longden, Coleham
Thomas Edward, The mount
Tisdale Elizabeth, Frankwell
Vaughan Hannah, Shoplatch
Watkins John H., Coton hill
Wilkes James, Castle fields
Williams Frederick Edward, Barker street
Worrall Mary, Frankwell
Skinners & Fellmongers.
Beddoes John, Frankwell
Hales Richard, Chester st
Soda Water Manufacturers.
Blunt Thomas and Henry, Wyle cop
Edwards Richard, Mardol
Louch Charles, Claremont st
Slate and Tile Merchants.
Chune George and Joseph, Chester street
Stant Joseph, St. Julian’s friars
Tilstone and Co., Canal wharf
Silversmiths, Jewellers, and Cutlers.
Baker William, Corn market
Bowdler & Barnett, Market st
Moore William, (working), Mardol
Sharp Alexander (working), Milk street
Stained Glass Manufacturer.
Evans David, Wyle cop
Stay Makers.
Driver Ann, St. Alkmund’s place
Ellis Mary, Coleham
Fenn James, Castle street
Fenton Elizabeth, Benbow place
Gordon Elizabeth, Coleham
Smith Thomas, Castle street
Stone and Marble Masons.
Birch John, Coleham
Carline John, Abbey Foregt
Cross James, Raven road
Dodson Rd., Abbey Foregate
Eccleston Thos., Frankwell
Groves Thomas and John, St. Austin’s priory
Jones Arthur, Abbey Foregt
Stant Joseph, St. Julian’s friars
Straw Bonnet Makers.
Barnaby Isabel, Market sq
Blount Mary, Princess st
Davies Ellen, Frankwell
Ehn and Co., 38, High st
Elias Hannah, Barker st
Forrester Elizabeth, Claremont street
Gwynn Mary Ann, Pride hill
Hickman Mary, Wyle cop
Hughes Maria, Peacock pas
Jones Misses, Pride hill
Muckleston Maria, Bellevue
Rushton Julia, Dogpole
Steadman Mary, Castle gates
Weatherby Harriet, Frankwell
Surgeons.
Arrowsmith and Stephens, College hill
Bratton James, Claremont st
Burd and Fenton, Belmont
Clarke Charles Thomas Hughes, Castle street
Clement William Jones, Council house
Crawford David, St. John’s hill
Dickin John, St. John’s hill
Fenton Henry, High street
Foulkes Edwin, Castle st
Gill George Philip, Milk st
Glover Samuel, Coton hill
Griffiths William, Claremont hill
Heathcote John Nigel, Council house court
Humphreys John Robert, Infirmary
Keate Henry, Claremont hill
O’Hara Henry Lewis, Dogpole
Onions William, Broom villa
Pidduck Thomas, Pride hill
Walmsley John, Abbey ter
Whitwell Francis, St. Mary’s street
Williams Edward, Mardol
Wood Samuel, The abbey
Surgeon Dentists.
Jones Henry Nicholls, Mardol head
Jones Horatio, St. John’s hill
Surveyors.
Burd & Son, Hatton house, Abbey Foregate
Chune George and Joseph (timber), Chester street
Groves Thomas and John, St. Austin’s priory
Haycock Edward, (county), St. Austin’s priory
Preece William Goodwin, Corn market
Tisdale Thos., Mardol head
Tailors.
_See also Tailors and Woollen Drapers_.
Allart George, Frankwell
Armstrong John, Coleham
Barton Thomas, Bellevue
Blair Wm. H., Welsh bridge
Blount Walter, Princess st
Breeze Edward, Frankwell
Chester George, Shoplatch
Davies Rd., St. John’s hill
Evans James, Market street
Evans John, Gullett passage
Geary Henry, Swan hill
Green Robert, St. John’s hill
Haynes John, Wyle cop
Hewlett George, St. Michael’s street
Hodges Thomas Cross hill
James Benjamin, Hill’s lane
Jones Andrew, Meol road
Jones David, St. Mary’s st
Jones Joseph, Frankwell
Jones Thomas, Frankwell
Keeling Henry, Barker st
Lloyd John, Abbey Foregate
Lloyd Thomas, New street
Manning John, St. Mary’s pl
Manning Josiah, Castle street
Morgan William and Son, Princess street
Morris Richard, The mount
Peplow William, Wyle cop
Phillips Edward, St. Alkmund’s place
Prune John, Frankwell
Pugh John, Frankwell
Roberts Edward, Abbey Foregate
Rowland William, Roushill
Thatcher Abraham, Frankwell
Watkins Mathew, Claremont street
Williams John, Marine ter
Williams John, Castle Foregt
Wilson John, Abbey Foregt
Tailors and Woollen Drapers.
Alcock Thomas and Sons, Claremont street
Armstrong William, High st
Breeze Richard, High street
Clayton George, Claremont hill
Heath John, Pride hill
Howell Henry, 42, High st
Humphreys John, Shoplatch
Jones David, St. Mary’s st
Jones Thomas, Mardol head
Owen John Ingram, Mardol head
Phillips James, High street
Roberts Edward, Butcher’s row
Saxelby Charles, and agent to Syrian paletot, Castle st
Wilkes Richard, Wyle cop
Williams John, Dogpole
Woodall John, Mardol head
Tallow Chandlers.
Asterley Samuel, Frankwell
Bromley John, Wyle cop
Jones Maurice, Mardol
Meredith Lewis & Co., Wyle cop
Tanners.
Brayne John Gregory, The priory
Sheppard Joseph, St. Austin street
Tea Dealers.
Done Robert & Co., Mardol head
White Sarah Ann, Wyle Cop
Tea Dealers and Drapers [Travelling].
Andrew James, Wyle Cop
Andrew John, Wyle Cop
Andrew Robert, Coleham
Andrew William, Wyle Cop
Fraser John, Coleham
Gordon Thomas, Coleham
Hanney Thomas, St. Alkmund’s place
Lawson Stewart, Abbey Foregate
Ross Peter, Coleham
Smith William, Cross hill
Taggart Walter, Wyle cop
Timber Merchants.
Blockley William, Longden, Coleham
Chune George and Joseph, Chester street
Drayton John, New street, Frankwell
Hall John, Abbey Foregate
Stant Joseph, St. Julian’s friars
Wilson John, Raven road
Tobacco and Snuff Manufacturer.
Harries George, Mardol
Tobacconists.
Evans James, Market street
Harries George, Mardol
Parsons Mary, Market street
Shaw John, Wyle cop
Stewart Penelope, Wyle cop
Tobacco Pipe Manufacturer.
Taylor William, Longden Coleham
Toy Dealers.
Evans John, Market street
France John, and general dealer, Mardol
Morris Richard, Princess st
Nightingale John Thomas, and fancy repository, High street
Richards Henry, Wyle cop
Walker William, Mardol
Trunk and Portmanteau Makers.
Edson John, Wyle cop
Jones William, High street
Tanner John, High street
Turners in Wood, &c.
Nichols Thomas, Castle st
Stevens George, Barker st
Stevens William, Mardol
Westall Thomas, Fire office court, High street
Veterinary Surgeons.
Breeze Charles, Coton hill
Clay Joseph, Wyle cop
Crowe Henry, Castle street
Jones Edward, Claremont st
Langley & Son, Dogpole
Richards Evan, Castle gates
Skitt James, Old heath
Tomkins Henry, Coleham
Watch and Clock Makers.
Davies Daniel, Mardol
Evans Mary, Wyle cop
Fesser Andrew, Mardol
Giles Richard, Shoplatch
Hay Thomas William, High street
Hanny James, Wyle cop
Kelvey Rebecca, Mardol
Walker William, Market sq
Wharfingers.
Crowley and Co., Canal wharf
Henshall & Co., Canal wharf
Lowe Edward Henry, Mardol quay
Rogers William, Frankwell
Shropshire Union Canal Company, Canal wharf
Wheelwrights.
Davies Edward, Coleham
Drayton Edward, Welsh bridge
Griffiths Benjamin, Frankwell
Jones Thomas, Frankwell
Jones William, Castle Foregt
Owen Thomas, Coton hill
Price William, Abbey Foregt
Whitesmiths and Bellhangers.
Alltree Jemima and Henry, Corn market
Easthope William, High st
France James, Castle gates lane
Gittins William, Mardol
Holland Richard, Shoplatch
Howells Thomas, Castle Foregate
Linell and Jenks, Wyle cop
Rowland James, The mount
Wine & Spirit Merchants, & Spirit Vaults.
Beck Peter and William, Claremont street
Cadwallader William, Castle gates
Cartwright Ann, Theatre buildings
Cripps Gordon H., Claremont street
Cripps Lewis G., High st
Drinkwater Richard, High st
Hughes Edward, Corn markt
Humphreys John, St. Mary’s street
Morley Henry, Castle street
Niccolls William Owen, Mardol
Simpson Deborah, Mardol
Southam Thomas, jun., (spirit), Wyle cop
Vaughan John, High street
Wire Workers.
Lawson William, Frankwell
Phillips & Jones, Shoplatch
Woollen Drapers.
_See also Linen and Woollen Drapers_, _& Tailors & Drapers_.
Meara John Augustin, High street
Wool Merchants.
Bains Thomas, David Smith, agent, Hill’s lane
Drinkwater Rchd., Frankwell
Simpson Hortensius Coates, Hill’s lane & St. John’s hill.
Taylor Samuel, Hill’s lane
Wilding William, Circus yd
COACHES.
To ABERYSTWITH—_The Royal Mail_, from the Lion Hotel, every morning, at
four o’clock.
To ABERYSTWITH—_The Greyhound_, from the Lion Hotel, every morning, at
ten o’clock (Sundays excepted); goes through Welshpool, Newtown, &c.
To ABERYSTWITH—_The Prince of Wales_, from the George Hotel, on Mondays,
Wednesdays, and Fridays, at ten o’clock in the morning; goes through
Welshpool, Newtown, &c.
To HEREFORD—_The Engineer_, from the Lion Hotel, at a quarter to two in
the afternoon daily (Sundays excepted); goes through Church Stretton,
Leominster, &c.
To LUDLOW—_The Royal Mail_, from the Lion Hotel, daily, at a quarter to
five o’clock in the morning.
To WHITMORE—_The Victoria_, to the Railway Station, daily (Sundays
excepted), from the George Hotel.
_Omnibuses_ from the Lion, the Raven, the George, and the Raven and Bell
Hotels, await the arrival and departure of the trains.
CONVEYANCE BY RAILWAY.
On the Shrewsbury & Chester, the Shrewsbury & Birmingham, and on the
Shrewsbury and Stafford Branch of the Shropshire Union Railways.
_Station_: Castle Gates; William Patchett, station master.
OMNIBUSES.
To IRONBRIDGE, from the Unicorn Inn, Benjamin Wright, on Saturday.
To LLANDISIO, from the Mermaid, John Williams, on Mondays, Wednesdays,
and Saturdays.
To MUCH WENLOCK, from the Unicorn Inn, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
CARRIERS BY RAILWAY.
To LONDON, BIRMINGHAM, and all parts of the kingdom, Pickford & Co.,
Canal Wharf; James Elledge, agent.
To LONDON, BIRMINGHAM, and WOLVERHAMPTON, &c., Crowley, Hicklin, & Co.,
from their Warehouse, Welsh Bridge; John Brazier, agent.
SHROPSHIRE UNION RAILWAY & CANAL CO., General Carriers to all parts of
the kingdom. Goods Depôt, Castle Foregate; James Smith, agent.
CONVEYANCES BY WATER.
To LONDON, DOVER, LIVERPOOL, HULL, &c., Pickford and Co., from the Canal
Wharf; James Elledge, agent.
To LONDON, BIRMINGHAM, &c., Crowley, Hicklin, & Co., Welsh Bridge; John
Brazier, agent.
To BRISTOL, and all the intermediate places, Henry Lowe, Mardol Quay.
To CHESTER, LIVERPOOL, MANCHESTER, and all intermediate places, the
Shropshire Union Railway and Canal Company, from Commercial Wharf; James
Smith, agent.
To LONDON, BIRMINGHAM, and WOLVERHAMPTON, and all intermediate places;
Wm. Rogers, wharfinger, Frankwell.
CARRIERS FROM THE INNS.
To ABERYSTWITH—Richard Morgan, from Rogers’ Warehouse, Frankwell,
Tuesdays and Fridays.
To ACTON BURNELL—Richard Onions, from the Barge Inn, on Saturday; and
Richard Pascall, from the Spread Eagle, on Wednesdays and Saturday.
To BASCHURCH—John Taylor, from the Mermaid, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and
Saturdays.
To BERRIEW—David Davies, from the Old Trumpet, on Wednesdays; and John
Pugh, from Rogers’ Wharf, Frankwell.
To BERRINGTON—William Mallett, from the Lion and Pheasant, on Wednesdays
and Saturdays.
To BILSTON—William Davey, from the Old Trumpet, on Wednesdays.
To BISHOPS CASTLE—John Nightingale, from the White Horse, on Fridays;
Richard Preese, from the Old Trumpet, Wednesdays and Saturdays; William
Hindley, from the Bell, Saturdays; John Bright, from the Red Lion,
Wednesdays and Fridays; and Thos. Black, from the Red Lion, on Tuesdays
and Thursdays.
To BROSELEY AND IRONBRIDGE—Richard Thomas, Abbey Foregate, Tuesdays and
Fridays; and William Williams, Wyle Cop, on Mondays and Fridays.
To BUDDINGTON—John Jones, from the Mermaid, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To CARDINGTON—John Perks and Ellen Corfield, from the Swan, on Saturdays.
To CHURCH STRETTON—Benjamin Jones, from the Old Trumpet, Saturdays;
William Harley, from the Barge Inn, Saturdays; and John Lea, from his
house, Coleham, on Tuesdays and Fridays.
To CONDOVER—Huffer, from the Spread Eagle, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To COUND—Geo. Taylor, from the Spread Eagle, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To DAWLEY GREEN—Thomas Mansell, from the Old Trumpet, on Wednesdays and
Saturdays.
To DORRINGTON—John Blaney, from the Barge Inn, Saturdays.
To ELLESMERE—Richard Williams, from the Prince of Wales, Tuesdays and
Fridays.
To GRINSHILL AND YORTON—Thomas Gregory, from the Bell Inn, Wednesdays and
Saturdays.
To HABBERLEY—Thomas Bromley, from the Mermaid, Saturdays; and Edw.
Houghton, from the Queen’s Head, Saturdays.
To HADNAL AND PRESTON BROCKHURST—William Eccleston, from the Bell,
Saturdays.
To HAWKESTONE—Edward Tudor, from the Bull’s Head, Saturdays.
To HEREFORD—By the carriers to Ludlow.
To HIGH ERCALL—John Bates, from the Bull’s Head, Wednesdays and
Saturdays.
To KERRY AND NEWTOWN—David Jones, from the Queen’s Head, Wednesdays.
To LEBOTWOOD—John Williams, from the Lion and Pheasant, Wednesdays and
Saturdays.
To LLANFAIR—Evan Reese, from Rogers’ Wharf, Frankwell, Wednesdays.
To LLANIDLOES—Richard Morgan, from Rogers’ Wharf, Frankwell, Tuesdays and
Fridays.
To LLANYMYNECH—William Morris, from the Elephant and Castle, Saturdays.
To LUDLOW—David Jones, from the Barge Inn, Wednesdays and Saturdays; and
John Lea, from his house, Coleham, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To LOPPINGTON—Charles Brown, from the London Apprentice, Wednesdays and
Saturdays.
To MINSTERLEY—S. Madox, from the White Hart, Mondays, Wednesdays, and
Saturdays; and Samuel Swan and Joseph Hill, from the Castle and Falcon,
Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To MONTGOMERY—Ann Jones, from the Britannia, Wednesdays; John Oliver,
from the Queen’s Head, Wednesdays and Saturdays; and R. Evans, on
Wednesdays, from Lowe’s Warehouse, Mardol.
To MUCH WENLOCK—Richard Thomas, from his house, Abbey Foregate, Mondays;
Richard Nicklin, from the Spread Eagle, on Wednesdays and Saturdays;
Jeremiah Aston, from the Sun Tavern, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To NEWTOWN, LLANIDLOES, & ABERYSTWITH—Evan Reece, on Wednesdays, and
Richard Morgan, on Thursday, from Rogers’ Warehouse, Frankwell.
To PICKLESCOTT—James Wild, from the Barge Inn, Wednesdays and Saturdays;
Wm. Griffith, from the Seven Stars, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To POOLE—R. Jones, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from Circus Yard.
To PONTESBURY & MINSTERLEY—Thos. Everall, from Rogers’ Warehouse,
Frankwell; Thomas Davies, from the Queen’s Head, Mondays, Wednesdays, and
Saturdays.
To PRESTON BROCHHURST—Trevor, from the Bull’s Head, Wednesdays and
Saturdays.
To PULVERBATCH—Richard Dovaston and Philip Morris, from the Spread Eagle,
on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To SHAWBURY—Thomas Richards, from the Mermaid, Saturdays; Thos.
Humphreys, from the Bell, on Saturdays.
To STRETFORD BRIDGE—Thos. Humphreys, from the Bell, on Saturday.
To TREWERNE AND WELSHPOOL—Thos. Williams, from the Queen’s Head,
Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To UFFINGTON—Elizabeth Davies, from the White Hart, Wednesdays and
Saturdays.
To WELLINGTON—Edward Thomas, from the Barge Inn, Mondays, Wednesdays, and
Saturdays; and Jackson, from the Lion and Pheasant, on Mondays,
Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
To WELSHPOOL, AND NEWTOWN—Robert Sackett, from Rogers’ and Crowley’s
Warehouses, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays; and Edward Harris,
from the Queen’s Head, on Wednesdays.
To WESTBURY—John Handley, from the Mermaid, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To WESTON & HAWKSTONE—John Phillips, from the Queen’s Head, Wednesdays
and Saturdays.
To WITHINGTON—Thomas Leary, from the Yorkshire House, on Wednesdays and
Saturdays.
To WOLVERHAMPTON—Frederick Worthington, from the White Hart, Saturdays.
To WORTHEN—William Downes, from the Elephant and Castle, on Wednesdays
and Saturdays.
THE ALBRIGHTON DIVISION.
The Albrighton division was formed into a separate jurisdiction for
magisterial purposes under the authority of an Act of parliament, passed
in the 4th of William IV. It comprises the following places:—The
parishes of Battlefield, Broughton, Fitz, Grinshill, Preston Gubballs,
and Uffington; the chapelries of Albrighton, Astley, Clive, and Hadnal;
and the township of Acton Reynold, Albrightlee, Harlscott, Hencott,
Longner, Berwick, Leaton, Merrington, Newton and Wollascot; and the
extra-parochial liberty of Haughmond. It may be necessary to observe,
that the arrangement of this work being by hundreds, the townships, or
chapelries, comprised in the several hundreds, will be found
alphabetically arranged, under the head of the respective town or
village, in which the parish church is situated.
ALBRIGHTLEE,
a small township in St. Mary’s parish three miles N.N.E. from Shrewsbury,
containing 742A. 2R. 21P. of land, is the property of Andrew William
Corbet, Esq. At the census of 1841 there were 8 houses and 45
inhabitants. The principal residence is an antique house of timber and
plaster, occupied by Mr. John Minton, who farms a considerable portion of
the land in the township, and is also a maltster.
HARLSCOTT
township, situated two and a half miles N.N.E. from Shrewsbury, is partly
in St. Alkmund, and partly in that of St. Mary’s. In 1841 there were 8
houses and 41 inhabitants returned as in the former parish, and 6 houses
and 28 inhabitants in the latter. The land owners are Andrew William
Corbet, Esq., and Scarlett LLoyd Parry, Esq.
The principal residents are Thomas Briscoe Barber, farmer; Scarlett LLoyd
Parry, Esq., solicitor; John Ralphs, carpenter; and William Hewlett,
shoemaker.
HENCOTT,
a small township with a scattered population, is about one and three
quarter miles N. from Shrewsbury. Colonel Wingfield is the only
proprietor in this township, which in 1841 had 14 scattered houses and a
population of 84 souls. The Shrewsbury and Chester railway intersects
this township. The soil for the most part is a fertile loam.
The following are the principal farmers, viz.:—Robert Legh, Cross Hall;
Ann Bromley, Hencott farm, Robert Parry, manager; Edward Randles, Old
Heath; and Joseph Yates, Old Heath.
BATTLEFIELD
is a small parish, pleasantly situated three and a quarter miles N.N.E.
from Shrewsbury, which contains 1,008A. 0R. 3P. of land, the whole of
which is the property of Andrew William Corbet, Esq., of Sundorne Castle.
In 1801 there was a population of 83 souls; in 1831, 70; and in 1841
there were 14 houses and 64 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,008. 6s. 8d.
The name is derived from the battle fought here on the 21st of July,
1403, between Henry IV. and the forces under Percy, Earl of
Northumberland, and generally denominated the battle of Shrewsbury, which
will be found noticed in a preceding page. The king afterwards built a
collegiate church for secular canons, upon the spot where the battle was
fought, and “endowed it with a piece of ground, with all the buildings on
it, within the lordship of Albrighton Husee, in the field called
Battlefield, which piece of ground was ditched in, and contained in
length and breadth two acres of land, together with two inlets and
outlets along the lands of Richard Husee, one twenty feet wide and the
other fifteen feet wide.” No doubt appropriate buildings for the
residence of the canons and servants of the establishment were erected on
the land inside this ditch: these probably were demolished at the period
of the dissolution of monasteries, but no remains of them are now to be
seen.
THE CHURCH, a venerable fabric dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, consists
of nave, chancel, and embattled tower ornamented with pinnacles; the
nave, however, has long been roofless, the windows are destroyed, and the
tower is in a dilapidated state. Divine worship is now performed in the
chancel, which has been neatly fitted up, and a new font recently added.
The fine east window was formerly richly adorned with stained glass. In
a recess on the south side of the altar is a mutilated carving of the
Virgin Mary, with a small figure of the dead Saviour on her lap. A
beautiful monument of the white Grinshill freestone, enriched with Gothic
tracery, remembers John Corbet, Esq., Emma Elizabeth, his wife, and John
Kynaston Corbet, their son. About half a century ago, when the vault was
made in which rest the remains of Mr. Corbet, the workmen discovered an
ancient stirrup and bridle bit, which had lain among the ashes of the
slain since the period of the battle which gave origin to the church.
Near the chancel wall, surrounded by pallisades, is the tomb of the Rev.
Edward Williams, incumbent of this parish and Uffington, who died on
January 3, 1833, aged 70 years. The living is a perpetual curacy,
returned at £233, in the patronage of A. W. Corbet, Esq.; incumbent, Rev.
J. O. Hopkins, who is also the perpetual curate of Uffington.
ALBRIGHT HUSSEY, an ancient moated residence, situated about half a mile
from Battlefield church, was formerly the seat of the Husseys, a family
of consequence in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The mansion, in the
reign of Charles I., became the seat of the Corbets, who resided there
for more than one hundred years. One of the rooms has a fine oak chimney
piece, most elaborately carved. Near to the mansion formerly stood a
chapel, the remains of which, and the old font, are still to be seen.
Roger Roe, rector of the chapel of St. John the Baptist, at Albrighton
Husee, by his will, dated 1444, ordered his body to be buried near the
high altar of Battlefield church, and bequeathed to the five chaplains in
the college three silver chalices, one paxbrede of silver gilt, two
silver cruets, three brass bells hanging in the belfry, two cases after
the manner of Sarum, otherwise called lyggers, three gilt copper crosses,
two new missals, two new graduals, three old missals covered with old
leather, one old case, one processional, one executor of the office, one
book of collects, four placebo and dirage, one pair of vestments of red
velvet, one red velvet cope, two velvet dalmatics, one pair of vestments
of white silk, one white silk cope, and four pair of other vestments.
Mrs. Margaret Jones, in 1773, left £50, and directed the interest to be
given to the poor of the parish on Easter Sunday.
DIRECTORY.—Henry Colley, farmer, Huffley; Edward Moreton, farmer,
Allbright Hussey; Martha Winnall, farmer, Battlefield farm
BROUGHTON,
a parish and township in the Albrighton division, also contains the
township of Yorton, which conjointly contain 878A. 2R. 1P. of land, and
in 1841 had 37 houses and 188 inhabitants. The soil is mostly a stiff
loam, and the meadow land is of good quality. There are 27A. of woods
and plantations in the parish. The principal land owners are Viscount
Hill, Spencer Roger Dickin, Esq., Mr. William Teece, and Cornelius
Maddocks, the former is lord of the manor. Rateable value of the parish,
£1836. 10s. THE CHURCH is a small ancient structure, dedicated to St.
Mary, and was formerly subordinate to that of St. Mary, Shrewsbury; it is
built of rubble stone, and rough cast, and has nave, chancel, porch, and
small turret. The living is a perpetual curacy returned in £67, in the
patronage of Viscount Hill, and incumbency of the Rev. Francis Parkes.
It is related on a late occasion the parish clerk of Broughton was
desired to acquaint the congregation during public worship that the then
officiating minister would perform divine service at that church and at
the Clive _alternately_, when, not exactly understanding the meaning of
the latter term, he very gravely gave notice the Rev. Mr. W. “will preach
here and at the Clive to _all eternity_.” The tithes are commuted for
£105, Henry Lister, Esq., is the impropriator. In the field where the
church stands an attempt has recently been made to open coal works; it
appears that coal was found and lime works were also established, but the
project was shortly after abandoned.
DIRECTORY.—Mr. William Clay, The farm; Mr. Alderton Clay, The hall;
Joseph Molynax, blacksmith; Mr. Samuel Sherratt, The villa, William
Sutton, wheelwright.
YORTON,
a small scattered township in the parish of Broughton, is situate about
one mile from the church. The population and acres are included in the
returns for Broughton. Viscount Hill is lord of the manor, Robert
Panting Gardener, Esq., Mrs. Sarah Bayley and others are land owners.
The greatest portion of the township is in the hands of R. P. Gardner,
Esq.
YORTON VILLA, the residence of the Rev. William Jaudwine, M.A., is a
square stuccoed house pleasantly situated, and beautified with pleasure
grounds, and shrubberies laid out with great taste. The following are
the principal residents in this township:—Those with † affixed reside at
Yorton Heath, Rev. William Jaudwine, M.A., The villa; † Thomas George,
shopkeeper; † George Lea, farmer; † Joseph Lea, farmer; Lucy Martin,
farmer; † Benjamin Shuker, farmer, Black Birch. Thomas Gregory carrier
to Shrewsbury on Wednesday and Saturday.
LONGNER
is an isolated portion of the parish of St. Chad, situated three miles
south east from Shrewsbury. Robert Burton, Esq., of Longner hall, is
owner of the whole township, which in 1841 is returned as containing four
houses and 13 inhabitants. The hall is a handsome and commodious
mansion, with projecting gables ornamented with turrets and pinnacles,
and fronted with the beautiful white Grinshill free stone; it stands on
an acclivity commanding a rich view of the surrounding country, and of
the Severn, which rolls immediately beneath it. The views up and down
the river and over the adjoining highly cultivated and well wooded
country are peculiarly picturesque and beautiful, affording a great
variety of landscape scenery. An extensive and finely timbered park
surrounds the hall, the immediate vicinity of which is tastefully
ornamented with pleasure grounds and shrubberies. The interior of the
mansion is elegantly furnished, and contains some beautiful paintings; a
fine portrait of Queen Elizabeth is supposed to have been presented by
her Majesty to the ancestors of the present proprietor. A magnificent
gothic window of stained glass ornamented with figures of different
members of the family, lights the entrance hall.
In the garden is a tomb placed over the body of Edward Burton, Esq., a
zealous protestant in Queen Mary’s days, and is by Fox, in his Acts and
Monuments, named among those who by various means escaped persecution.
He one day sitting in his parlour alone, meditating on the troubles of
the times, and the deliverances he and others had found; and whilst thus
reflecting heard a general ring of bells in Shrewsbury, which he
concluded must be for the accession of the Lady Elizabeth to the throne.
Anxious to know the truth, and not daring to send any of his servants to
inquire, he sent his eldest son—a youth about sixteen years of age,
ordering him if the bells rang for the Lady Elizabeth’s accession to
throw his hat up into the air on his arrival at a certain place where he
could he seen from the hall. The young man finding it as was expected,
threw up his hat, which his father seeing, was suddenly affected with a
transport of joy, that he with difficulty reached a chair, and
immediately expired. By his will he ordered that his body should be
buried in the parish church of St. Chad, in Shrewsbury, and that no mass
monger should be present at his interment. His friends designing to
execute his will in this respect, brought his corpse to the church, and
were there met by the curate, who said that “Mr. Burton was an heretic
and should not be buried in his church.” His friends were therefore
obliged to carry his body back again, and bury it in his own garden. A
monument was set over him, which, being injured and defaced with the
weather, Edward Burton, Esq., his grandson, in the year 1614, re-edified
the tomb. The following is the epitaph placed on the tomb, written by
Sir Andrew Corbet, Bart.:—
“Was’t for denying Christ, or some notorious fact,
That this man’s body Christian burial lack’d?
Oh no! his faithful true profession,
Was the chief cause, which was then held transgression;
When popery here did reign, the See of Rome,
Would not admit to any such a tomb,
Within their idol temple walls; but he
Truly professing Christianity,
Was like Christ Jesus in a garden laid,
Where he shall rest in peace till it be said—
Come faithful servant, come, receive with me,
A just reward for thy integrity.”—1614.
There is a free school at Longner, situated in the park, which is
supported by R. Burton, Esq.; 42 children are now taught in the school.
The principal residents at Longner are Robert Burton, Esq., Longner hall,
and Robert Weatherby, schoolmaster.
FITZ
is a parish and village delightfully situated on a gentle eminence 5¾
miles N.W. from Shrewsbury; the country around is fertile, and pleasingly
diversified with graceful undulations; the scenery is very beautiful, and
includes the picturesque windings of the river Severn. The parish
contains 1512A. 1R. 32P. of land; in 1801 there were 236 inhabitants; in
1831, 211, and in 1841 fifty houses and a population of 246 souls.
Rateable value, £2,774. 6s. The river Perry intersects the township, and
has its confluence with the Severn a little below Mytton. The soil is
rich, producing good wheat and barley, and there is some rich pasture
land. The Shrewsbury and Chester railway passes this township over
Leaton Heath, where there is a station, about a mile and a half from
Fitz.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Paul, is situated on an eminence, and
consists of nave and chancel, with a lofty square tower, in which is one
bell. It is a birch fabric with stone finishings, and contains a fine
toned organ; the pews are of oak, and there are some interesting
monuments within its sacred walls to the families of Wood, Powell, Lloyd,
Jones, Denstons, Hopkins, Pytons and others; it is also beautified with
two finely executed stained glass windows. Twenty-two free sittings were
added in 1842, at the expense of the Rev. William Hopkins, then rector of
this parish. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s books at £5.
5s. 8d., now returned at £272 in the patronage of the Lord Chancellor,
and incumbency of the Rev. Daniel Nihill, M.A., who resides at the
rectory, a pleasantly situated mansion near the church. There are 34A.
2R. 1P. of glebe land, and the tithes were commuted in 1839 for £266.
There is a neat school in the village, built in 1850, at the cost of near
£100, which was raised by subscriptions, and a collection in the church;
45 children are instructed. A residence has been provided for the master
near the school.
THE HALL, a handsome stuccoed mansion, pleasantly situated and beautified
with pleasure grounds, is the residence and property of Richard
Middleton, Esq. Among the land owners in the parish are John A. Lloyd,
Esq.; Robert A. Slaney, Esq., M.P.; Richard Middleton, Esq.; Mr. Joseph
Hignett, Mrs. Morris, Mr. Richard Vaughan, Rev. Edward H. Dymock, Mr.
Richard Lloyd, James Payne, Esq., Mr. James Davies, Devisees of late Sir
John Betton, and others. The Duke of Cleveland is the lord of the manor.
MYTTON
is a scattered village in the parish of Fitz, salubriously situated,
containing some good residences, and surrounded with picturesque scenery.
Mytton is celebrated as the birth place of Edward Waring, M.D., whose
mathematical publications prove the extent and profundity of his
knowledge. He was born in the year 1734, and after being educated at
Shrewsbury free school, was sent on one of Millington’s exhibitions to
Magdalen College, Cambridge, where he applied himself with such assiduity
to the study of Mathematics, that when he left the university he carried
with him the credit of being one of the most able mathematicians that
ever filled the professor’s chair. In 1776 he entered into a matrimonial
connection with Miss Oswell, and not many years after retired from the
university, first to a house in Shrewsbury, and at length to his own
estate at Plealey, near Pontesbury, where he died on the 15th of August,
1798, in the 64th year of his age.—GRAFTON is another small village in
the parish of Fitz. Here are several good farms, and Grafton Lodge, a
good house pleasantly situated, the residence of John Henry Denston, Esq.
FITZ DIRECTORY.—John Bather, Esq., Richard Middleton, Esq., The hall;
Rev. Daniel Nihill, M.A., The Rectory; _Farmers_, Joshua Burroughs,
Leaton Heath; Richard Middleton, Samuel Onions, Leaton Heath; Thomas
Vaughan, corn miller; John Walmsley, Leaton Heath; Alban Davies,
fisherman; Maria Davies, schoolmistress; William France, farm bailiff;
John Vaughan, butcher.—GRAFTON DIRECTORY: Mrs. Ann Denston, John Henry
Denston, Esq.; Edward Davies, farmer; John Davies shopkeeper; Richard
Davies, blacksmith; Richard Lloyd, wheelwright; John Pugh, farmer; and
Thomas Vaughan, farmer.—MYTTON DIRECTORY: William Davies, farmer; John
Evans, farm bailiff; Mrs. Jemima Hopkins; John Litttlehales, basket
maker; Mrs. Elizabeth Morris, farmer; William Rowland, farmer and corn
miller; Richard Wildig, farmer.
GRINSHILL
is a parish and township seven miles N. from Shrewsbury, which contains
872A. 0R. 34P. of land, the chief owners of which are Viscount Hill, Sir
Andrew Vincent Corbet, Bart., trustees of Shrewsbury School; Rev. John
Wood; Mr. Richard Kilvert; P. Gardner, Esq.; Mr. William Embrey Wood; Mr.
John Williams; and the devisees of the late John Kilvert. Viscount Hill
is Lord of the Manor. The beautiful and romantic village of Grinshill is
delightfully situated, and contains many good residences, occupied by
respectable families. In 1801 there was a population of 179 souls, and
in 1841 there were 56 houses and 255 inhabitants. Rateable value, £587.
5s. 6d.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to All Saints, has a neat, light, and beautiful
appearance, and exhibits the decorative style of English architecture; it
is built of the Grinshill free stone, and ornamented with a square tower.
The interior consists of nave, chancel, and side aisles: a neat mural
tablet remembers Robert Embrey, and other members of that family. The
living is a perpetual curacy, returned at £82, in the patronage and
incumbency of the Rev. John Wood. The parsonage, near the church, is
pleasantly situated, and the grounds neatly ornamented with shrubberies.
THE INDEPENDENT METHODISTS have a small stone chapel, built in 1843. The
Free School in connection with the church was built by, and is supported
by, Sir A. V. Corbet. There are 56 scholars attending the day school.
The spacious building occupied by Mr. Barkley as a classical and
commercial school, was built about half a century after the Shrewsbury
Free School, for the safety of the masters and scholars of that seminary,
in case any contagious disease should prevail in that town.
THE QUARRIES, where the beautiful white Grinshill freestone is got, are
very extensive, and give employment to a considerable number of hands.
Many of the churches and public buildings in the county are built of this
stone, which is of a fine close quality, and superior to most others for
carving and ornamental purposes.
CHARITIES.—_Major Richard Corbet_ bequeathed £20, and _Mrs. Judith
Corbet_ a like sum, and directed the interest to be expended in books and
the education of poor children; _Eleanor Allen_ and _Thomas_, her sons,
left £20 for the poor. _William Key_ left £50, the interest to be given
to the minister of this parish, if approved of by his trustees, if not to
the poor. _Thomas Embrey_ left £10. _John Kilvert_, £5; and an unknown
donor £9, for the benefit of the poor. _The Rev. Mr. Price_ left £12.
for the instruction of two children. The above moneys were laid out in
the purchase of 10A. 2R. 20P. of land, at Coton, which was let on lease
in 1757, for the term of 100 years, at the yearly rent of £4. 18s. The
premises are stated now to be worth £20 a year. Of the rent, £1. 10s. is
paid to the minister, £2. 2s. to the schoolmaster, and the residue is
distributed among the poor. _Sir Andrew Corbet_, in 1830, gave £15. 15s.
to the poor of this parish.
Barkley Richard, boarding school, The Grove
Blantarn Robert, farmer
Boora Charles, farmer
Carline John, quarry master and contractor
Cureton Edward, quarry master & stonemason
Downes Andrew, quarry master & stonemason
Downes Mrs. N., dress maker
Downes Nathaniel, tailor and draper
Griffiths William, parish clerk
Higgins John, farmer
Huffa William, blacksmith and vict., Barley Corn Inn
Jessop Francis, butcher and salesman
Jessop John, farmer, Hill farm
Killan John, butcher and horse breaker
Kilvert Mrs. Catherine
Matthews John, farmer
Naylor Miss, school teacher
Nelson Arthur, farmer
Onslow Mrs. M., boarding house and vict., Elephant and Castle
Onslow Margaret, farmer and maltster
Phillips William, shopkeeper & shoemaker
Smith Thomas, quarry master and mason
Williams Henry Parton, farmer
Williams Joseph, wheelwright
Wood Rev. John, M.A., the Parsonage
Wood William Embrey, Esq., the Vineyard
HAUGHMOND,
an Extra-parochial Liberty, three and a half miles N.E. from Shrewsbury,
contains 1,564A. 0R. 3P. of land, and at the census of 1841 had 27 houses
and 169 souls. This place forms a portion of the Sundorne demesne, which
comprises 8,634A. 1R. 26P., and is the property of Andrew William Corbet,
Esq. The stately pile of HAUGHMOND ABBEY is now fallen into almost total
decay, but the magnificent ruins have an imposing appearance; they stand
on rising ground, backed by woods, and command an extended view the plain
of Shrewsbury, its town, and castle, and the fine demesne of Sundorne.
From the extent of the ruins it must have been a place of great
magnitude. Of the Abbey Church few remains exist: the south door of the
nave, which opened into the cloister, exhibits an elegant specimen of
Anglo-Norman architecture. The outer walls of the chapter house are in a
perfect state of preservation. The entrance is by a finely ornamented
round arch, with a window on each side, divided into small lights.
Southward of the chapter house are the remains of the refectory, and
beyond it the shell of a noble hall, measuring eighty-one feet by
thirty-six feet. The windows were formerly filled with Gothic tracery.
The ruins of the cloister and abbots’ lodging may also still be traced.
The monastery was founded in the year 1110, by William Fitz Alan, for
canons of the order of St. Augustine. It was richly endowed with lands
by the founder, and other individuals, and had many valuable privileges
and immunities granted by the Popes Honorus III., Nicholas III., Boniface
IX., and Martin IV. The yearly revenues of the abbey at the dissolution
were £269. 13s. 7d., according to Dugdale, and £294. 13s. 9d. according
to Speed. Leland says, “There were an hermitage and chapel on this spot
before the abbey was built.” William Fitz Alan and other members of the
family were buried here.
SUNDORNE CASTLE, a spacious and splendid Gothic mansion, adorned with
battlements and turrets, is situated on a beautiful lawn, amidst the rich
verdure of the adjoining grounds, which are pleasingly diversified with
shrubberies and pleasant walks, and ornamented with a fine sheet of
water, covering upwards of sixty acres. The interior of the mansion is
superbly furnished. The chairs in the drawing room are of ebony, most
elaborately carved. It also contains a remarkably fine antique statue of
Venus. There are some exquisite paintings by Titian, Salvator Rosa,
Rembrandt, Guido, Raphael, Rubens, Wouvermans, and Van Huysum, among
which is the original design for the altar-piece at Antwerp, by Rubens,
and the Holy Family, exquisitely executed by Raphael. The library
contains a valuable and extensive collection of rare books, and the
windows are ornamented with stained glass. Amongst a collection of
antiquities is the chapter roll of Haughmond Abbey, and the seal of the
abbot: the latter was found about thirty years ago, near the ruins of the
abbey. A beautiful sequestered carriage drive, of five miles in length,
leads through the woods of the Sundorne demesne. The kitchen gardens and
vineries are situated at the back of the castle, and cover an extent of
about four acres. The Corbets of Lee removed to Albright Hussey in the
reign of Charles I., and to Sundorne Castle in the middle of the last
century.
DIRECTORY.—Andrew William Corbet, Esq., Sundorne Castle and Pimley House;
Henry Jarvis, butler; Martin King, gardener; John Metcalf, bailiff.
Richard Ford, farmer, Home barns; Elizabeth Latham, farmer; Samuel
Whitehouse, farmer, Haughmond hill.
ALBRIGHTON,
a township and chapelry in St. Mary’s parish, pleasantly situated on the
Shrewsbury and Whitchurch road, three miles N. from the former place,
contains 800 acres of land, of which 90 acres are in woods and
plantations; rateable value, £883. In 1801, there were 58 inhabitants;
and in 1841, 12 houses and 85 souls. Colonel Studd owns all the land in
this township, about two-thirds of which is arable. The soil is various:
in some places a rich loam prevails, in other parts it is not so fertile.
THE EPISCOPAL CHAPEL, a neat structure in the Elizabethan style, situated
on elevated ground, near the turnpike road, is built of red sand stone,
and has a neat porch on the south side, and a small belfry at the west
end. The living is a perpetual curacy, returned at £52 per annum. The
income arises from a farm in Wales, which, since the return was made, has
augmented in value. The Rev. George H. Moller is the incumbent, and the
Rev. John D. Letts, B.A., officiating curate. The magistrates hold a
petty session for the Albrighton division the second week in every month,
at the Fox Inn. The Hall, a spacious brick mansion, formerly the seat of
the Ireland family, is now unoccupied. The principal residents in this
township are:—Charles Smallman, farmer, Perrill farm; Richard Yates,
farmer; Ann Brown, victualler, Fox Inn; and Richard Gough, blacksmith.
ASTLEY,
a township, chapelry, and scattered village, five miles N.N.E. from
Shrewsbury. In 1801 had 141 inhabitants, and in 1841, a population of
264 souls, and 55 houses. The township contains 1181A. 3R. 3P. of land,
more than two-thirds of which is the property of John Bishton Minor,
Esq., of Astley House; besides whom, Mr. Richard Minton and Mrs. Wildig
are proprietors. There is also a farm belonging to the trustees of the
charities for St. Chad’s parish. Gross rental £1,936. 13s. 5d. Rateable
value, £1,763. 13s. THE EPISCOPAL CHAPEL, a neat stone fabric in the
Gothic style, was repaired and beautified in 1837, when a new tower was
added at the west end. The entrance, formerly on the south side,
exhibits the Saxon style of architecture. In the interior is a neat
marble tablet, in memory of the Minor family, of Astley House. A new
font was added at the time the tower was built. The living is a
perpetual curacy, returned at £56, in the patronage of the corporation of
Shrewsbury, and enjoyed by the Rev. William Vaughan. In the church yard
are the following lines, on a grave stone in memory of Rowland Deakin,
who died in 1751, aged 95 years:—
“Many years I’ve seen, and
Many things I’ve known:
Five kings, two queens,
And a usurper on the throne;
But now lie sleeping in the dust.
As you, the reader, shortly must.”
The governors of the Free Grammar School, in Shrewsbury, are the
impropriators of the tithes, which are commuted for £211. ASTLEY HOUSE,
a handsome mansion, beautified with pleasure grounds and shrubberies, and
pleasantly situated a short distance from the church, is the residence
and property of John Bishton Minor, Esq. THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a
chapel in this township, situated on the Hadnal road. The particulars of
the several charities, founded by the will of _Joseph Jones_, in 1729,
will be found noticed with the parish of Atcham. Out of the residuary
rents of the estates, held in trust for the purposes mentioned in the
testator’s will, £10 per annum is applied in educating poor children of
this chapelry, and £6 per annum paid to the minister of Astley chapel,
for reading prayers and preaching in the said chapel every first and last
Sunday in the month, and administering the sacrament four times during
the year. It appears when Mr. Jones made this bequest, that divine
service in Astley chapel was only held every third Sunday in the month.
Minor John Bishton, Esq., Astley House
Adams Edward, farmer
Adams James, farmer
Barker James, shoemaker
Birch William, farmer, Braidway House
Davies Charles, butcher
Dodd William, blacksmith
Hughes John, shoemaker
Minton John, farmer
Minton Richard, farmer
Minton Samuel, farmer
Minton Thomas, farmer
Moreton Ann, butcher
Morgan John, farmer
Oliver Rev. William, Astley Lodge
Powell John, farmer, New House
Stanley Thomas and Richard, brick and tile makers
Williams Richard, provision dealer and victualler, Dog Inn
BERWICK,
a township pleasantly situated two miles N.N.W. from Shrewsbury; at the
census of 1841 had 67 houses, and a population of 271 souls. Here the
country has an undulating surface, richly clothed with timber, and
presents many interesting views of picturesque beauty. The estate is now
the property of the Honourable Henry Wentworth Powys. Berwick House is a
handsome mansion, of considerable extent, composed of brick with stone
finishings. It is delightfully situated in a spacious and finely wooded
park; and the immediate vicinity of the house is richly beautified with
shrubberies and pleasure grounds. The iron gates, at the entrance of the
park, are of the most elaborate workmanship; they have a noble and
magnificent appearance, and are said to have cost £1,000. Berwick House
is now the temporary residence of Thomas Hope, Esq.; and Upper Berwick
House, a neat brick structure, is the occasional seat of the Hon. Henry
Wentworth Powys.
A short distance from the hall are the almshouses, erected and endowed in
1672 by _Sir Samuel Jones_. They consist of sixteen tenements, and a
small room for the use of the chaplain, with gardens attached thereto,
and are surrounded by a lofty wall. The yearly income amounts to about
£183. 7s. 6d. per annum, and arises from the following sources:—Nine
acres of land in Castle Foregate, let for £36 per annum; the several sums
of £20, £40, and £80 per annum charged on the Berwick estate; and the
dividends on £245. 18s. 3d. South Sea Annuities. From the sources above
mentioned, each inmate receives about £5. 8s. annually, besides clothing
and coal. The emoluments of the chaplain amount to about £54. 9s. per
annum. Between the almshouses and the hall is the chapel appropriated to
the use of the inmates of the adjacent almshouses. It is a small fabric,
of a primitive appearance, with a tower at the west end, and was built in
1762, on the site of a former edifice which had become ruinous. There is
a free school in the township, supported by the Hon. Henry W. Powys,
where forty scholars are educated. Leaton Knolls, the delightful
residence of John Arthur Lloyd, Esq., is just within the bounds of this
township, situated in a picturesque glen, and surrounded with beautiful
shrubberies and thriving plantations.
Powys Honourable Henry Wentworth, Upper Berwick House
Hope Thomas, Esq., Berwick House
Lloyd John Arthur, Esq., Leaton Knolls
Briscoe, Mrs. Mary
Davies John, blacksmith
Davies Samuel, farmer, Cross Green
Gough Edward, farmer
Jones John, wheelwright
Maddox Martha, schoolmistress
Morris Jeremiah, shoemaker
Oakley Thomas, farm bailiff
Roberts Mary, farmer
Roberts Thomas, farmer, Great Berwick
Slinn John, gamekeeper
Vaughan Richard, farmer, Almond Park
CLIVE
is a chapelry in the parish of St. Mary, Shrewsbury, 3½ miles south from
Wem, and eight miles north from Shrewsbury. In 1801 there was a
population of 289 souls, and in 1841 there were 61 houses and 273
inhabitants. The township contains 1370 acres of land, mostly highly
productive; the soil is a mixture of sand and loam, and considered good
turnip land. Rateable value, £2,546 10s. The Duke of Cleveland is the
principal owner and lord of the manor; Mr. Joshua Holmes, George Harding,
Esq., Mrs. Nickson, Mrs. Griffith, and others, are also freeholders. The
village is pleasantly situated on high ground, and commands some pleasing
views of the romantic and rural scenery by which it is surrounded.
THE CHURCH is a plain stone fabric, dedicated to All Saints, and consists
of nave and chancel, with a small turret containing two bells; it is
neatly pewed, and the roof is of groined timber. The pulpit is of white
free stone exquisitely carved, and a new front has recently been added.
The windows on the south side and at the west end were beautified, and
had new mullions introduced in 1849, when other alterations and
improvements were made by the incumbent. The living is a perpetual
curacy returned at £66 in the patronage of the corporation of Shrewsbury;
incumbent, Rev. William Jaudwine, M.A. THE INDEPENDENTS have a small
chapel built in 1844; the congregation is under the pastoral care of the
Rev. David Jones. CLIVE HALL, a plain substantial stone edifice in the
Elizabethan style, was built by Daniel Wycherley, father of the poet
William Wycherley; it is now the property of George Harding, Esq. SANSAW
HALL, the residence of Captain Martin, a handsome and commodious brick
residence, is delightfully situated in park-like grounds, and surrounded
by lawns and shrubberies laid out with great taste and beauty. SHOOTERS’
HILL, another good house delightfully situated, is the property and
residence of Mrs. Griffiths.
Clive is said to have been the birth place of the poet Wycherley, though
some affirm that he was born at Wem. Wycherley was one of the wits and
poets of Charles II., and was born about the year 1640. After receiving
an education at school, he was sent to France, where he embraced the
Roman Catholic religion. A little before the restoration he returned to
England, and entered as a gentleman commoner at Queen’s College, Oxford;
but, being never matriculated, he quitted the university without a
degree, and took chambers in the middle temple. He soon, however,
deserted the law, and following the taste of that dissipated age, devoted
himself to the composition of comedies. His first piece, “Love in a
wood, or St. James’ Park,” made its first appearance in 1672, and quickly
brought its author into notice. He was much esteemed by Villiers, the
witty Duke of Buckingham, and was honoured with the attentions of his
Majesty. His marriage with the Countess of Drogheda proved an unhappy
one. His lady was excessively jealous of him, and though on her death a
few years after, she settled her whole estate on her husband, the title
was disputed, and he became so involved in his circumstances by law
expenses and other incumbrances, that he was thrown into prison. He
remained in confinement about seven years, when James II., going to see
his comedy of “The Plain Dealer,” was so much delighted with it that he
gave orders for the payment of the author’s debts, and granted him a
pension of £200 a year. Wycherley died in 1675, at the age of 75. His
posthumous works in prose and verse were published in 1728.
Abbot James, carrier to Shrewsbury
Cartwright Margaret, schoolmistress
Done Richard, quarry master and bricklayer
Green Hannah, shopkeeper
Griffiths Mrs., Shooters Hill House
Groom William, farmer
Harding Miss Elizabeth, The Hall
Harding Geo., farmer, Hall Farm
Hill Ann, schoolmistress
Huffa George, blacksmith
Huffa Sarah, vict., Three Horse Shoes.
Jones John, grocer, builder, and quarry master
Lea George, farmer, Sansaw farm
Lee Francis, farmer, Hopes.
Martin Capt. Murrey, Sansaw Hall
Massey Thomas Harris, farmer, The Wood
Needham John, farmer
Northwood Richard, farmer
Parker Thomas, shopkeeper and cattle salesman
Parr Lawrence, farmer, Clive farm
Peters Edward, shoemaker
Peters George, tailor
Puliston Mrs. Charlotte
Puliston Francis, farmer
Smith Thomas, quarry master and stone mason
Williams William, wheelwright
Yeomans William, farmer, Holbrook
LEATON
township, four and a half miles N.W. by N. from Shrewsbury, in 1841
contained 60 houses and 245 inhabitants. John Arthur Lloyd, Esq., is the
proprietor of the whole township, and resides at LEATON KNOLLS, a
beautiful modern mansion, which has been erected about thirty years. The
house stands on the acclivity of a hill, overlooking a romantic glen,
planted with thriving plantations. The grounds are beautifully
diversified with shrubberies and pleasant walks; and in no place in the
county is there to be seen such a fine collection of rare shrubs and
choice forest trees as are to be met at Leaton Knolls. Among the more
remarkable objects is an extensive and valuable collection of the
conifera tribe, with their curious and varied foliage. A short distance
from the house a large plot of ground has been enclosed with a lofty
brick wall, for a kitchen garden, which is now in course of formation.
The house and a portion of the pleasure grounds stand within the bounds
of Berwick township. There is also a neat free school, at the cross of
roads, built in 1828, by John A. Lloyd, Esq., who also pays for the
education of the children, of whom 35 attend. Leaton Hall, now a good
farm residence, was built in 1683. The Shrewsbury and Chester railway
intersects the township, and has a station here. Bomere Heath is partly
in this township and partly in Preston Gobalds.
DIRECTORY.—John Arthur Lloyd, Esq., Leaton Knolls; Thomas Daighton, land
agent, Leaton Lodge; Charles Kynaston, carpenter and beerhouse keeper,
Bomere Heath; Richard Littlehales, shoemaker; John Morgan, schoolmaster;
William Nevett, farmer, Leaton Hall; Oliver Francis, farm bailiff; Sarah
Legh, farmer; John Wilson, gardener to J. H. Lloyd, Esq.; and William
Withers, carpenter.
NEWTON,
a small township, comprising two farms only, is the property of the Hon.
Henry Wentworth Powys, and Richard Betton, Esq., and is situated three
and a half miles N.N.W. from Shrewsbury. At the census of 1841 there
were 2 houses, and a population of 21 souls. The Shrewsbury and Chester
railway passes through the township. The farm premises of Samuel Davies,
at Cross Green, Berwick, are situated within the bounds of this parish.
The resident farmers are Samuel Davies and Charles Kent.
WOLLASCOTT,
another small township in the parish of St. Mary’s, is situated four
miles N.N.W. from Shrewsbury. In 1841 there were 4 houses and 23
inhabitants. John Arthur Lloyd, Esq., and Lady Tyrwhitt are the land
owners. The occupants of the farms are James Teece and Richard Tonkies.
HADNAL, OR HADNAL EASE,
is a township and chapelry in the parish of Middle, five miles N.N.E.
from Shrewsbury. The village is pleasantly situated on the turnpike road
from Shrewsbury to Chester, and contains some good farm houses and a
commodious and respectable inn. The township contains 814A. 2R. 19P. of
land. Viscount Hill is the principal land owner; besides whom Sir Andrew
V. Corbet, Mr. Charles Woodward, Mr. Joseph Morris, Mrs. Wildig, and
others, are also owners. The population in 1801 was 362; and in 1841
there were 92 houses and 429 souls in the chapelry, and 221 in the
township. Rateable value, £1,119. 16s. 8d. Rent charge, £107. 18s.
THE EPISCOPAL CHAPEL is a neat stone edifice, mantled with ivy; it has a
square castellated tower, ornamented with a clock, and the chapel is
surrounded with a spacious cemetery, the margin of which is fringed with
flourishing limes, yews, and fir trees, which give it a pleasing and
rural appearance. In the east window are several fragments of stained
glass, apparently of the date of the erection—the sixteenth century. The
living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the rector of Middle,
and enjoyed by the Rev. William Oliver, of Astley Lodge. In the Liber
Ecclesiasticus the living is returned at £55. The annual value, however,
now is upwards of £70, arising from the sum of £400, royal bounty, and
the moiety of the rent of a farm in the township of Criggion, which was
purchased with money belonging to the livings of Preston Gubbals,
Hanwood, and Hadnal, by the then incumbent, who, in consequence of
enjoying several benefices, was denominated “St. John of the Seven
Churches.” The chapelry contains the townships of Alderton, Hardwick,
Haston, Shotton, and Sneethcott. Rateable value of the chapelry, £5,614.
17s. 9d; acres, 2,418 0R. 20P. The Banasters, a family of considerable
note in former times, had an estate and seat at Hadnal as early as the
time of William the Conqueror. The hall was a spacious mansion of
chequered timber work, and occupied a site near the episcopal chapel.
The moat may still be traced, adjoining the turnpike road. Mr. Hulbert
is of opinion that Hadnal Hall was the place where the Duke of Buckingham
was betrayed by Humphrey Banaster, in 1483, from whence he was taken to
Shrewsbury, and, without trial, beheaded, by command of Richard III.
Thomas Banaster, of Hadnal, was sheriff of the county in 1403.
PROVIDENCE GROVE is a neat house, the residence and property of Mr.
Charles Hulbert, the author and publisher of an elaborate history of the
county, and numerous other publications. On the 7th of January, 1839, an
awfully destructive fire occurred at Providence Grove, and so rapid was
the progress of the devouring element, that all the valuable property,
consisting of a library of more than 3,000 volumes, manuscripts,
curiosities, paintings, furniture, a large stock of new books and
engravings, with the whole of the house, and a great portion of the
houses adjoining, were consumed. The loss to the proprietor was
irreparable, as only the premises were insured, and those at one half of
their value. Mr. Hulbert has now arrived at a good old age, and is
publishing an account of his own life, which he entitles “Seventy Years
of an eventful Life.”
THE INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, a neat stone fabric, was built in 1832. The
congregation is under the pastoral care of the Rev. David James.
THE FREE SCHOOL is endowed with £300, bequeathed by Dame Mary Hill, in
1787, who at the same time made the following bequests, viz., £30 towards
building a school-house in Hadnal, £100 to the treasurer of the Salop
Infirmary, the interest of £100 to be distributed among poor persons
residing in Hadnal, the same amount for the benefit of the poor of
Middle, and the residue of her personal estate for such charitable
purposes as she by a codicil to her will should direct. The residue of
the personal estate amounted to £1,305 2s. 5d., in respect of which £30
per annum is paid to a dissenting minister at Hadnal, £14 towards the
support of the school, and £10 to Prees school. These several sums
appear to be the interest of £1,200, at 4½ per cent.; it is stated the
balance, £105. 2s. 5d. was applied in building the school at Weston. In
respect of the £300 bequeathed to Hadnal school, £12 per annum as the
interest thereof is paid to the teacher. It does not appear that any new
trustees have been appointed for carrying into effect the trusts declared
in the will of Dame Mary Hill. The management has therefore continued in
that family.
It is stated in the parliamentary returns of 1786, that Mr. Watkins gave
£15 for the use of the poor of Hadnal. About thirty years ago Sir Andrew
Corbet gave £10, on the marriage of his son, for the same purpose. These
two sums are in the hands of Viscount Hill, and he pays 20s. annually as
the interest thereof.
Birch William, provision dealer
Brittain Mr. Thomas
Brookes Benjamin, farmer
Cooper the Misses, the Academy
Davies John, farmer
Dodd Samuel, blacksmith
Ellis William, farmer
Heath Thomas, provision dealer and boot and shoe maker
Hulbert Charles, author and publisher, Providence grove
James David, Independent minister
Lee William, farmer
Leech John, farmer
Leech Sarah, schoolmistress
Payne Stephen, farmer
Powell John, wheelwright
Preston John, farmer
Walton Ann, vict., Saracen’s head
ALDERTON,
a township and village in the chapelry of Hadnal, three miles N.N.W. from
the latter place, contains 239A. 3R. 37P. of land, the owners of which
are Mrs. Minor, Miss Corbett, and Mr. William Teece. Population in 1841,
twenty-five. Rateable value, £410. 6s. 8d. Rent charge, £54. 5s. The
resident farmers are John Clay, Cornelius Maddocks, and Richard Williams.
The following are resident in the village of Alderton, but situated
within the boundaries of the parish of Broughton, viz.: Joseph Mullinex,
blacksmith; William Sutton, wheelwright; and Richard Williams,
blacksmith.
HARDWICK,
is a small township about a mile north from Hadnal, which comprises 372A.
2R. 1P. of land, the rateable value of which is £551. 6s. 2d.
Inhabitants in 1841, thirteen. Rent charge, £23. HARDWICK HALL, a
handsome mansion delightfully situated in a well wooded park, was the
country seat of that distinguished warrior, the late General Lord Hill,
who greatly improved the hall and pleasure grounds, and erected a
handsome lodge of Grinshill free stone, at the entrance from the
Shrewsbury turnpike road. A more detailed account of this illustrious
commander, who spent his last years amidst the rural beauties of
Hardwick, has been given at a preceding page. The property is now vested
in Viscount Hill, and the Misses Hill reside at Hardwick Hall. Robert
Blantern, Hardwick Grange, is the only resident farmer in this township.
HASTON
township, situated one mile W.W. by N. from Hadnal, contains about 400
acres of good land, the owners of which are Viscount Hill, Wilbraham
Egerton, Esq., and Messrs. Richard and William Boodle Pickstock.
Rateable value of the township, £574. 18s. 6d. Population in 1841, 78,
Rent charge, £62. There are two respectable farm residences in this
place, one of which has recently been built by the Messrs. Pickstock.
The resident farmers are Mr. George Blantern and Messrs. Richard and
William Boodle Pickstock.
SHOTTON,
a small township pleasantly situated on elevated ground, two miles N.W.
from Hadnal, contains 230A. 2R. 13P. of land, the rateable value of which
is £417. 4s. 6d. Colonel Watkins owns the whole township. The number of
inhabitants at the census in 1841 were twenty-two, at which period the
land was divided into two farms. Within the last few years the two farms
have been united, and the whole township is now farmed by Mr. John
Groome. The tithes are commuted for £54. 5s.
SMETHCOTT
township, situated a mile and a half W. by N. from Hadnal, in 1841 had a
population of seventy souls. The houses are scattered, and the land is
well timbered, which gives the whole a pleasing and rural appearance.
The township contains 588A. 0R. 28P. of land, the owners of which are
Mrs. Sarah Bayley and the two Mr. Edward Groomes. Rent charge, £92. 3s.
6d. Rateable value, £767. 9s. 1d. The Black Birches is a handsome and
pleasantly situated house, the property and residence of Mrs. Sarah
Bayley; besides whom, Mr. Francis Lloyd Bayley, Mr. Edward Groome,
farmer, and Mr. Edward Groome, farmer, are residents in this township.
PRESTON GUBBALS OR GOBALDS
is a parish township, and small village 4½ miles N. from Shrewsbury, on
the turnpike road from that town to Chester. The township contains
1350A. 3R. 5P. of land, the principal owner of which is Lady Tyrwhitt; R.
R. Slaney, Esq., M.P., is a small proprietor, and there are also a few
small freeholders. The former is lady of the manor and impropriatoress.
Population in 1801, 313, and in 1841, 388. Rateable value, £1,386. This
place is said to have derived its name from one Godebalte, a clerk to
Roger de Montgomery, and was anciently called the priests town of
Godebalte, which eventually became corrupted to Preston Gubbals. THE
CHURCH, dedicated to St. Martin, is a small fabric of primitive
simplicity, with a porch on the south side, composed of massive oak
timber; the living is a perpetual curacy, annexed to the vicarage of
Prees, and is endowed with a farm at Criggion, in Montgomeryshire, of
58A. 3R., with a sheep walk of about 28 acres; the Rev. William Stephens
Burd, M.A., is the incumbent, and resides at a neat residence near the
church, which has been built with the intention of attaching it to the
living. There is a small library, of standard divinity, in the vestry of
the church, which was given by Charles Mather, Esq., for the use of the
officiating clergyman. The tithes are commuted for £170. This township
includes a portion of Bomere Heath, where there are a number of small
cottages, and a Wesleyan New Connexion chapel within the bounds of it.
In the parliamentary returns of 1786 it is stated that Richard Brethens
in 1777 bequeathed £100 for the benefit of the poor of Preston Gobalds;
the interest is usually laid out in coals, and distributed among the most
deserving poor of the parish. Besides the farmers given in the
directory, John B. Minor, Esq., holds the Lea Hall farm in the township.
There are 220 acres of wood land in the parish.
DIRECTORY.—Rev. William Stevens Burd, M.A.; _Farmers_, Edward Acton,
Robert Hales, and Richard Poole; William Littlehales, wheelwright;
William Thompson, wood bailiff to Lady Tyrwhitt.
MERRINGTON
township, 1¼ miles N.W. from Preston Gobalds, and 5½ N.N.W. from
Shrewsbury, contains 898A. 1R. 26P. of land, which is the property of
Lady Tyrwhitt, except one farm held by R. R. Slaney, Esq., M.P. The
population in 1841 was returned at 188 souls, at which time there were 46
houses. Rateable value, £1073 5s. 6d. This township comprises a
considerable portion of BOMERE HEATH, which was enclosed upwards of forty
years ago; it is now the most densely populated part of the township, and
consists chiefly of small detached cottages, with a few acres of land or
a garden plot attached to each cottage. Here is an Independent chapel, a
Wesleyan chapel, and a Wesleyan New Connexion chapel, not far from each
other, the two former are in this township, and the latter in Preston
Gobalds township. There is also a free school for all the children in
the parish, which is supported by R. R. Slaney. About two-thirds of the
land in Merrington is arable, a deep loamy soil prevails in some places,
and in other parts a cold clay.
DIRECTORY.—_Farmers_, John Jones, Joseph Kent, William Kent, John Shore,
and William Shore; William Dodd, blacksmith; the rest are at Bomere
Heath, Richard Ellis, shoemaker; James Holmes, contractor; Martha Owen,
butcher; John Price shopkeeper; and John Wright, schoolmaster.
UFFINGTON
is a parish and small village delightfully situated on the banks of the
Severn, three miles E.N.E. from Shrewsbury. The parish contains 1309A.
3R. 9P. of land, and forms a part of the Sundorne domain, which is the
property of Andrew William Corbett, Esq. At the census of 1801 the
population was returned at 120 souls and in 1841 there were 32 houses and
163 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1804. 19s. The picturesque beauty of
the village, surrounded by a lovely and fertile country, and its
contiguity to Haughmond Hill, which commands a most delightful view of
the surrounding district, causes this to be a place of much attraction in
the summer season for pleasure parties from Shrewsbury and other places.
There is a good inn, with a spacious bowling green, which is kept in
admirable order, where parties may recreate themselves and have every
attention and comfort at a moderate charge, from the worthy host of the
“Corbet Arms.” A spacious room which opens upon the bowling green will
accommodate nearly a hundred persons.
About half a mile east from Uffington is HAUGHMOND HILL, from the summit
of which is seen a most beautiful, panoramic view of the fertile plains
of Shropshire, the lofty steeples of its ancient capital, the windings of
the graceful Severn, and in the distance the blue mountains of Wales,
whilst in the foreground is seen the stately mansion of Sundorne Castle,
adorned with battlements and turrets, which forcibly reminds us of the
beautiful lines of Mrs. Hemans:—
The stately homes of England,
How beautiful they stand!
Amidst their tall ancestral trees,
O’er all the pleasant land.
Upon the summit of the hill has been built a castellated tower, which is
a conspicuous object for many miles around. Near the tower is a steep
crag, down which the Earl of Douglas leaped with his horse, on being
closely pursued, after his escape from the battle of Shrewsbury. He was
seriously injured by this daring act, and on his being taken prisoner,
the king set him at liberty, in admiration of his valour.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is a small fabric of venerable
appearance, with a porch on the south side, and a small belfry. The
interior harmonizes with the simplicity of the structure. The font is
large and circular. The living is a perpetual curacy, returned at £49,
in the patronage of Andrew William Corbett, Esq.; incumbent, Rev. John
Oliver Hopkins, M.A. In the churchyard are several fine old yew trees.
PIMLEY HOUSE is a handsome residence, pleasantly situated about a quarter
of a mile from the village. It stands on a gentle acclivity rising from
the Severn, and commands some fine prospects. The house was completed in
1849; it is of brick, with stone finishings, exhibiting the Elizabethan
style of architecture. Pimley House is the occasional residence of
Andrew William Corbet, Esq., of Sundorne Castle.
A NEAT SCHOOLHOUSE and residence for the teachers was built in 1849, on
the turnpike road leading to Shrewsbury, by A. W. Corbet, Esq., who also
munificently supports the institution, which is free to all the children
of the tenants upon the Sundorne estate. There is also a good Sunday
school nearly opposite the church. This parish is intersected by the
river Severn, and the Shropshire union canal.
Corbet Andrew William, Esq., Sundorne Castle, and Pimley House
Allen John, farmer, corn miller, and brick and tile makers
Bullock Richard, blacksmith
Davies John, farm bailiff, Pimley
Evans John, farmer
Evans Robert Lloyd, gentleman
Grice Thomas, vict., Corbet Arms
Hazledine John and Co., coal merchants; John Mabury, agent
Heath Thomas, shoemaker
Hopkins Rev. John Oliver, M.A., Parsonage
Jarratt Stephen, schoolmaster
Ralphs Samuel, carpenter and clerk
Sproston Edward, tailor
THE OSWESTRY HUNDRED.
The Oswestry hundred is bounded on the east by the hundred of Pimhill, on
the north and west by Denbighshire, and on the south-west by
Montgomeryshire. The river Ceiriog bounds the hundred at the northern
extremity, and the Vernieu and the Severn form the southern boundary.
The population of this hundred in 1821 was 17,189; and in 1841, 19,858,
of whom 3,956 were in the lower division of the hundred, and 15,902 in
the upper division. Of the total number of inhabitants at the latter
period, 9,805 were males, and 10,054 females.
The lower division of the hundred contains the following parishes and
townships, viz., Cotton, Dovaston, Eardiston, Edgerley, Felton West,
Haughton, Kinnerley, Knockin, Kynaston, Maesbrook Issa, Maesbrook Ucha,
Melverley, Osbaston, Rednal, Ruyton of the Eleven Towns, Sandford,
Shelvock, Shotatton, Sutton, Tedsmore, Twyford, Tyricoed, Woolston, and
Wykey.
The upper division contains Aston Abertanatt, Berghill, Blodwell, Bryn,
Cynynion, Crickheath, Daywell, Ebnall, Fernhill, Frankton, Halston,
Henlle, Hindford, Hisland, Ifton Rhyn, Llanvorda, Llanyblodwell,
Llanytidman, Llanymyneck, Lynclys, Maesburg, Marton Old, Martin St.,
Middleton, Morton, Oswestry, Pentregaer, Porkington, Selattyn, Sychtyn,
Sweeney, Treprenal, Trefarclawdd, Treflach, Trefonen, Weston Cotton,
Weston Rhyn, Whittington, and Wootton.
HALSTON,
an Extra-parochial Liberty, three-quarters of a mile east from
Whittington, and three and a quarter miles E.N.E. from Oswestry, contains
upwards of 500 acres of land, which is the property of Edmund Wright,
Esq., of Halston Hall. This place formerly belonged to the Knights
Templars, or Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. It is called in deeds
Halystone, or Holystone, and was formerly a sanctuary. Meyrick Lloyd,
lord of some part of Uwch Ales, in the reign of Richard I., would not
submit to the English government, to which the hundred of Dyffryn Clwydd,
and several others, were at that time subject; and having seized some
English officers, who came there to execute the laws, put several of them
to death. From this fact the lands were forfeited to the king, and Lloyd
fled and took sanctuary at Halston, where its possessor, John Fitz Alan,
Earl of Arundel, received him under his protection. It was given by this
family to the Knights Templars, and in the 26th of Henry VIII. we find
the commandary valued at £160. 14s. 10d. a-year. On the abolition of
this religious order, King Henry VIII. empowered John Sewster, Esq., to
dispose of this manor to Alan Horde, who made an exchange with Edward
Mytton, Esq., which alienation was confirmed by Queen Elizabeth. Halston
was the birth place of the celebrated General Mytton, who was born in
1608. By his courage and conduct many strongholds in North Wales and
Shropshire were subdued, and he greatly distinguished himself in several
battles. An ardent love of liberty, it seems, was the motive which
governed his conduct; for finding that Cromwell’s views were ambitious,
he resigned his command and retired. General Mytton died in London, in
1656: his remains were conveyed to Shrewsbury, and interred in St. Chad’s
church. The church or chapel is a small fabric, situated in the park,
about five hundred yards from the south front of the hall. The interior
is neatly fitted up, and contains an ancient font, of an octagonal shape,
rudely carved; an old stone coffin which has been dug up, lies near the
tower. The living is a donative, without any other revenue than what the
chaplain is allowed by the owner. The Halston estate, after being held
by the Myttons from the time of Henry VIII. to the present century was
sold in 1817 to Edmund Wright, Esq., the present proprietor. The hall, a
spacious and elegant mansion of brick with a stone portico, has been
greatly improved by the present owner. It is beautified with pleasure
grounds and shrubberies, and opens into a beautiful and finely-timbered
park of about 200 acres. Near the front of the hall is a fine sheet of
water, and the river Perry, a small stream, takes its course through the
park. The kitchen gardens are in a sheltered situation a little west
from the hall, and cover upwards of five acres. Pineries and greenhouses
are now in course of erection. At the census of 1841, Halston is
returned as containing three houses and thirty-four inhabitants.
DIRECTORY.—Edmund Wright, Esq., Halston Hall; Charles Galloway, gardener,
the Hall; Thomas Ward, farmer, Kinsall.
KINNERLEY
parish contains the townships of Kinnerley and Argoed, Dovaston,
Edgerley, Kynaston, Maesbrook Issa, Maesbrook Ucha, Osbaston, and
Tyrycoed, which together have an area of 5,891A. 2R. 28P. of land.
Rateable value, £7,761. 9s. 9d. Rent charge, £942. 1s., of which £170 is
apportioned to the vicar, and £772. 1s. to the impropriators. Population
in 1801, 1,110; in 1841, 1,286.
KINNERLEY AND ARGOED, a township and pleasantly situated village, seven
miles S.E. from Oswestry, and twelve miles N.W. by W. from Shrewsbury,
contains 848A. 0R. 9P. of land, mostly an undulating district, producing
good wheat and barley. The principal land owners are Edward Downes,
Esq.; John Morris, Esq.; Mr. John Doune; Rev. Thomas Frank; Mr. John
Hilton; Mr. William Parkes; Mr. John Lewis; Mr. Thomas Barlow; Mr. Henry
Bowman; Mr. Edward Baddow; Mr. John Pugh; Mr. Edward Evans; the vicar of
Kinnerley; Mr. Jones; Mr. Griffiths; and others. George Edwards, Esq.,
is lord of the manor, and holds a court, the jurisdiction of which
extends over Kinnerley Argoed and Edgerley. It is stated in ancient
records that Kinnerley Castle was plundered and destroyed by Llewellyn,
prince of Wales, during the early part of the reign of Henry III. We
afterwards find that he was compelled to promise to make satisfaction for
the injury he had done; but it appears the restoration of the castle
never took place.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, is built of red sandstone, and has a
square tower, with the date of 1600. The nave and chancel were enlarged
and beautified in 1755. There are several beautiful monuments in the
church, one of which remembers the Rev. John Bridgeman, D.D., bishop of
Chester, who died in 1719. In the tower are three fine-toned bells,
which were re-cast at Kinnerley. It is related that a farmer returning
from Shrewsbury fair, where he had sold two cows named Dobbin and Golden,
passing the furnace, was asked what he would give towards the new bells,
when he jocularly replied that he would give Dobbin and Golden, at the
same time emptying a large handkerchief of silver coin into the furnace.
From this circumstance the bells have ever since been called Dobbin and
Golden. The living is a vicarage, valued in the King’s book at £7. 6s.
8d.; now returned at £114; in the patronage of the Lord Chancellor, and
incumbency of the Rev. Edmund Wolryche Orlando Bridgeman. The vicarial
tithes of this township are commuted for £18. 12s. 2d.; and £103. 4s. 6d.
are paid to Mrs. Tayleur, and £2. 16s. 6d. to other impropriators. There
are 30A. 1R. of glebe land. The tithes formerly belonged to the Knights
of St. John of Jerusalem, in whom the patronage of the living was also
vested.
CHARITIES.—_John Payne_ left £6, _Edward Payne_ a yearly sum of 4s., and
_Richard Payne_ the sum of 10s. yearly, for the benefit of the poor.
These sums are secured upon a piece of land in Lwynygo. _Nicholas
Thornes_ bequeathed £10, _Roger Thornes_ a like sum, and _Thomas Thornes_
£5, which gifts are secured upon land in Edgerley township, called
Brokist. _Mr. Kynaston_ gave the interest of £10 to the poor; _Elizabeth
Morgan_ bequeathed £50. _Henry Morgan_ a rent charge of 10s. per annum.
The three last bequests are secured on land in Melverley. A yearly sum
of £2 is paid to the churchwardens from land which was formerly the
property of the Hanmer family. There are two pieces of land in Edgerley,
the rent of which, £2. 17s. 6d. per annum, is received by the
churchwardens, but from whom it was derived is not known. The amount of
these rents, with the produce of the several charities above mentioned,
being £11. 7s. 6d. per annum, are distributed in small sums on Good
Friday. _Roger Gethin_ left £40, which was laid out in the purchase of
two small crofts in Tyr-y-coed, for the benefit of the poor. The land
produces £3. 10s. yearly. _John Hickin_ left a rent charge of 10s.
yearly, and the poor have a like sum yearly from the bequest of _Margaret
Dyos_—noticed with Great Ness. _Hester Farmer_, in 1691, gave the rent
of a close every fourth year, to be distributed among the poor of
Kinnerley. The field is now let for £23 per annum:—See the charities of
St. Chad, Shrewsbury.
POST OFFICE—_At Mr. Jonathan Rodgers_. Letters arrive from Oswestry at
11.30, and are
despatched at 2 40 P.M.
Barrett Richard, grocer and provision dealer
Bather Thomas, grocer, druggist and seedsman, wholesale and retail
Beddow Thomas, carrier to Oswestry and Shrewsbury
Bevan Edward, thrashing machine and drill man
Bridgeman Rev. Edmund W. O., vicarage
Croft William, farmer
Davies Thomas, blacksmith
Davies William, shoemaker
Downes Edward, Esq., Argoed hall
Glover Timothy, carrier to Oswestry and Shrewsbury
Griffiths Edward, carpenter
Griffiths Joseph, wheelwright
Hanmer John, corn miller
Jones Richard, shoemaker, Argoed
Morgan John, farmer
Morris John, farmer
Morris Richard, shoemaker
Parkes William, grocer and vict., Cross Keys
Pugh John, maltster and farmer
Roberts Edward, cooper
Rodgers Elizabeth, boarding and day school
Rodgers Henry, painter and glazier
Rodgers Henry, farmer
Rodgers Jonathan, vestry and parish clerk and assistant overseer
Rodgers Jonathan, vict., Swan Inn
Thornes Mr. Henry, Argoed farm
DOVASTON
township is pleasantly situated one mile and a half N.E. from Kinnerley,
and seven and a half S.E. from Oswestry, and contains 353A. 2R. 10P. of
land. In 1841 there were 39 houses and 157 inhabitants. Rateable value,
£725. 8s. 6d. The soil is good pasture land, and, being a mixture of
peat and loam, produces good barley. The Earl of Bradford is the lord of
the manor; and the principal landowners are J. F. M. Dovaston, Esq., Mr.
Richard Candlin, Mr. John Frank, Mr. John Hilton, Mr. James Jones, Mr.
Joseph Lloyd, Mr. John Mansell, the Vicar of Kinnerley, Millington
Hospital, Mrs. Thornes, Mr. Thomas Pugh, and Mr. Henry Whitford. The
vicarial tithes are commuted for £6. 17s. 8d., and the rectorial for £36.
3s. 1d.
Bennion John and Edward, carpenters
Bevan John, farmer and carrier
Butler Samuel, farmer
Cambage George, farmer
Davies David, carpenter, The Heath
Davies Thomas, sawyer
Davis William, carrier
Edwards Richard, stone-mason
Griffiths Edward, sawyer, Knuckin Heath
Griffiths Samuel, carpenter
Grindley George, farmer
Jones Thomas, shoemaker
Jones Thomas, farmer
Lloyd John, wheelwright, The Heath
Mansell John, farmer
EDGERLEY,
a scattered village and township in the parish of Kinnerley, three miles
and a quarter S. from Kinnerley church, contains 1383A. 0R. 9P. of land,
and in 1841 had a population of 265 souls and 64 houses. Rateable value,
£1,694, 4s. 8d. The rectorial tithes are commuted for £120. 18s. 4d.,
and the vicarial for £44. 9s. 9d. The following are the chief
landowners:—The Earl of Bradford, Mr. Thomas Bather, Mr. James Candlin,
E. H. Dymock, Esq., Mr. John Comberbach, Sir B. Leighton, Bart., Thomas
Mansell, Esq., Mr. Owens, Mr. Parker, Messrs. Rogers, Rev. William
Thomas, and others. George Edwards, Esq., is lord of the manor. PENTRE
is a small scattered hamlet, in the township of Edgerley, where is a
venerable ash tree of immense girth, remarkable as standing upon a site
where the dioceses of Hereford, Lichfield and Coventry, and St. Asaph,
all unite. It also marks the division of the parishes of Great Ness and
Kinnerley.
Croxen Richard Jones, Esq.
Davies Mrs. Elizabeth, Edgerley Hall
Davies John, farmer
Davies Richard R., butcher
Edwards Richard, tailor
Evans Robert, mason
Heatley E., Brookhouse farm
Higginson Saml., victualler, Royal Hill Inn
Hopkins Richard, gardener
Jones John, farmer and butcher
Jones Thomas, farmer
Jones William, farmer
Lloyd John, wheelwright
Lloyd Samuel, farmer
Newall Thomas, farmer
Owens Robert, farmer
Price Jeremiah, farmer
Pritchard Thomas, horse breaker
Rigley Smith, beerhouse & shopkeeper
Rodgers William, farmer
Roberts William, farmer
Williams John, bricklayer
Williams William, farmer & grazier
KYNASTON
is a small township, mostly an undulating district, with a fertile soil,
one mile and a half S.E. by S. from Kinnerley, and nine miles from
Oswestry. In 1841 here were 32 houses and 135 inhabitants. The township
contains 517A. 1R. 39P. of land, of which 245 acres are arable, 240
meadow, 11 woodland, and the remainder in gardens and homesteads. The
landowners are the Earl of Bradford, Mrs. Eleanor Bather, Rev. S. S.
Burroughs, Mr. John Candlin, John Hilton, Esq., Mr. William Duckett, Mr.
Thomas N. Parker, and Mrs. Thornes. The tithes were commuted in 1836,
when £11 was apportioned to the vicar, and £61 to the impropriators. The
Independents and the Primitive Methodists have each a small chapel in
this township. DIRECTORY.—Farmers: John Candlin, John Mansell, William
Probert, William Rodgers, and William Rodgers, jun. William Davies,
tailor.
MAESBROOK ISSA,
a township situated two miles S.W. by S. from Kinnerley, and seven and a
quarter miles from Oswestry, contains 864A. 3R. 28P. of land, and in 1841
had 19 houses and a population of 101 souls. Rateable value, £1,226.
17s. 2d. Of the land, 254A. 1R. 27P. are arable, 584A. 0R. 33P. rich
meadow land, and the remainder 24A. 2R. 12P. are in homesteads. The land
has an undulating surface, and the soil is a stiff loam, producing good
wheat and barley. The land owners are the Earl of Bradford, Mr. Richard
Bennett, Mr. R. J. Croxon, Mr. John Edmunds, Mr. John Frank, The Earl of
Liverpool, Mr. James Payne, Mr. Richard Savage, Mr. Hugh Skelhorn, the
executors of William Shuker, and the Vicar of Kinnerley. The Earl of
Bradford is lord of the manor. The vicarial tithes were commuted in 1845
for £25, and the large tithes for £103. 2s. 6d. The freeholders are the
impropriators. PENTREHEYLIN HALL, a delightfully situated residence
commanding beautiful views of the country, is the property of Richard
Jones Croxen, Esq., and residence of Mr. John Edwards. The farm premises
are spacious and admirably arranged. The cattle are chiefly stall fed;
there are stalls for feeding 90 head of cattle, besides accommodation for
upwards of fifty milk cows. The cheese made is of a superior quality.
Bennett Catherine, farmer
Brown Mrs. Elizabeth, Pentre Parva House
Brown Joseph, farmer
Davies John, farmer and corn miller
Edwards John, farmer, Pentreheylin
Edwards John and Sons, cattle dealers
Howells Samuel, wheelwright
Jones Edward, grocer, draper, and general provision dealer
Lloyd John, farmer, The Grove
Pritchard Samuel, farmer
Skelhorn Hugh, farmer
MAESBROOK UCHA
is a pleasant village and township, containing some genteel residences,
two miles and a half W. from Kinnerley and seven miles S. from Oswestry.
The township contains 1060A. 3R. 36P. of superior land; the meadows
producing an abundance of vegetation, on which large flocks of sheep and
herds of cattle are grazed. The land stretches to the extreme western
verge of the county, and is separated from Montgomeryshire by the river
Vernieu. The up-land has a gravelly soil, and produces wheat, barley,
and oats. In 1841 here were 49 houses and 264 inhabitants. Rateable
value, £1,461. 4s. 1d. The land owners are the Earl of Bradford, Richard
Croxen, Esq., George Edwards, Esq., the Earl of Liverpool, James Payne,
Esq., Mr. Evan Arthur, Mr. William Shuker, William Taylor, Esq., John
William Thornes, Esq., Rev. Mr. Thomas, Samuel Ward, Esq., and others are
also proprietors. The Earl of Bradford is lord of the manor. The tithes
were commuted in 1847, when £37 was apportioned to the Vicar of
Kinnerley, £146. 19s. 9d. to Mrs. Tayleure, and £9. 2s. 6d. to Samuel
Ward, Esq. PENTRA UCHA HALL, the residence of Frederic Alexander Payne,
Esq., is a handsome stuccoed mansion, commanding beautiful views of the
surrounding country. DYFFRYD HOUSE is the property and residence of
William Taylor, Esq., celebrated as a breeder and feeder of superior
stock. The house is pleasantly situated near the banks of the Vernieu,
and the farm premises exhibit a pattern of completeness. The turnpike
road from Burlton to Llanymyneck crosses the township. The Baptists and
the Primitive Methodists have each a place of worship here.
Adams John, painter, plumber, and glazier
Breadley Richard, wheelwright
Davies Edmund, butcher
Davies John, gentleman, Greenfield House
Davies John, farmer
Davies Thomas, farmer
Davies Thomas, farmer and carrier
Dean Thomas, painter, plumber, and glazier
Grindley John, farmer
Hayes George, grocer and vict., Black Horse
Lawrence Samuel, farmer
Lewis John, farmer
Lloyd John, farmer
Payne Frederick Alexander, Esq., Pentra Ucha Hall
Perry Edward, farmer, The Wood
Ridge Mrs., farmer, The Field
Rodgers John, farmer
Taylor William, farmer and grazier, Dyffryd House
Tudor John, blacksmith
Ward Charlotte, farmer
Ward Samuel, gentleman, The Wood
OSBASTON
township, two miles N.W. by W. from Kennerley, and 5½ miles S. from
Oswestry, contains 558A. 3R. 11P. of land, and in 1841 had 23 houses and
125 inhabitants. Rateable value, £757 18s. 6d., of the land; 259A. are
meadows and pasture 267 areable, and 8 acres are in wood and homesteads.
The soil is a mixture of marl and sand; the farmhouses are well built and
provided with convenient out premises. The principal landowners are the
Earl of Bradford; Mr. Thomas Clemson; J. F. M. Doveston, Esq., Mrs. Ann
Williams; John Jones, Esq.; Mrs. Jones; Mr. James Knight; Rev. E. H.
Dymock; J. J. Thomas, Esq.; and Mr. Samuel Ward. The tithes were
commuted in 1848, when £120 was apportioned to John E. Pugh, Esq., the
impropriator, and £17 5s. to the vicar of Kennerley.
The following are the principal residents, viz.: Capt. Thomas Evans,
R.N., Osbaston Wood; _Farmers_, Thomas Griffiths, James Knight, Edward
Pugh, and George Peacock; George Bate, gardener; John Lloyd, blacksmith;
and John Rogers, tailor and clothier.
TIR-Y-COED,
a scattered township 1½ mile S.W. from Kennerley, and 8½ S.S. by W. from
Oswestry, in 1841 had 7 houses and 29 inhabitants, and has 305A. 0R. 3P.
of land, of which 105 are arable, and the remainder meadow and pasture.
The soil is chiefly a strong loam. Rateable value, £363 9s. 6d. The
tithes were commuted in 1847, when £9 was appropriated to the vicar and
£51. 9s. to the impropriators. The chief landowners are Sir Edward C.
Disbrowe Knt., Mr. David Adams, Mr. Richard Downes, Trustees of
Millington Hospital, Mr. William Downes, Mr. William Duckett, Rev. E.
Dymock, Mr. John Edmunds, Mr. John Jones, Mr. James Payne, Mrs. Thornes,
Mr. John Suckley and others. The residents are John Gittins, gentleman;
William Richards, farmer, The Field; Joseph Evans, bricklayer; and
William Rogers, basket maker.
KNOCKIN,
a parish and pleasant rural village, contains several genteel residences,
and is situated six miles S.S.E. from Oswestry, and twelve miles N.W. by
W. from Shrewsbury. It has 1389A. 3R. 16P. of land, and had in 1801 210
inhabitants, in 1831 311, and in 1841 54 houses and 271 souls. The soil
is a mixture of sand and loam. The returns of 1841 include Heath Farm an
extra parochial liberty, having two houses and seven persons. Rateable
value, £1,982. 1s. The principal land owners are the Earl of Bradford;
Joseph Lloyd, Esq.; Mrs. Sarah Jones; Richard Hilton, Esq.; John Hilton,
Esq.; Mrs. Ann Williams; Mr. Thomas Higginson; Mr. William Thomas; Edware
Downes, Esq.; Edward Parry, Esq.; and lady Tyrhwitt. There are also
several smaller freeholders. The Earl of Bradford is lord of the manor,
and holds a court at the Bradford Arms.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, a small handsome structure in the
early English style of architecture, was re-built in 1847 of red sand
stone. The interior has a very chaste and elegant appearance, and the
fabric exhibits some fine specimens of decorated workmanship. The living
is a rectory in the patronage of the Earl of Bradford, enjoyed by the
Rev. Robert Ridsdale, a non-resident. The Rev. F. B. Foulkes is the
officiating minister. The tithes are commuted for £325.
THE NATIONAL SCHOOL and residence for the teacher is a neat building,
erected by the Earl of Bradford. It is supported by subscriptions and a
small charge from each scholar. The income is about £60 per annum.
KNOCKIN HALL, situate on the east side of the village, a spacious mansion
of brick, is the seat of the Hon. Captain Charles Orlando Bridgeman. It
stands on a gentle eminence commanding delightful views into Wales. The
interior is finely adorned with antique carved furniture, and the walls
are ornamented with valuable and beautifully executed paintings. The
park is small, but pleasingly diversified with graceful undulations, and
enriched with fine timber. A beautiful avenue leads to the hall. THE
KNOCKIN HEATH FARM, situated about two miles S.E. from the church,
contains 350A., and is the residence of John Cooke, Esq. THE HALL FARM,
an extensive range of premises a short distance from the village, is the
residence of Richard Hilton, Esq.
Knockin is said to have given name to the ancient family of L’Estrange,
who built KNOCKIN CASTLE, and fixed their seat here. Guy L’Estrange had
three sons, Guy, Hamon, and John, all of whom held lands in Shropshire by
gift of Henry II. The younger, Guy, was sheriff of this county from the
2nd to the 11th of Henry II.; other branches of the family were
subsequently appointed knights of the shire. Ralph, son of the above
Guy, gave the chapel of Knockin to the canons of Haughmond. John
L’Estrange, in the 33rd of Henry III., procured a market for the town on
Tuesday, and a fair on the eve, day, and day after the anniversary of the
decollation of St. John Baptist. Madoc, who was at the head of an
insurrection against the king’s officers of North Wales, marched against
Lord L’Estrange and defeated him at Knockin. The male line of the family
failing in John L’Estrange in the 17th of Edward IV., who leaving an only
daughter Joan, she married George Stanley, who was created Earl of Derby
by Henry VIII. The title of Knockin is still kept up, though the family
is extinct; the eldest son of the Derby family being styled Lord Strange.
The castle was demolished during the civil wars in the time of King John.
At present there is scarcely a vestige remaining. Some of the stones
were used to build the churchyard walls, and a bridge over the brook, and
a large quantity of them were carried away to mend the roads. The fairs
and market have long been obsolete.
Bridgeman The Hon. Capt. Charles Orlando, R.N., Knockin Hall
Adams Mr., painter, plumber, and glazier
Barrett Thomas, farmer and vict., Bradford Arms
Barneby Alban M., schoolmaster
Burroughs John, vict., Cross Keys
Cooke John, farmer, Heath house
Davies Edward, farmer
Davies Edward, farmer, Heath Farm
Evans John, butler
Evans Mrs., shopkeeper and baker
Foulkes Rev. F. B., The Wain
Griffiths Alice, farmer
Griffiths Edward, farmer and land agent
Griffiths Edward, builder and contractor
Gwynne George, cooper
Haustin William, tailor
Hilton John, Esq., farmer, Knockin House
Hilton Richard, farmer, Hall Farm
Jones John, joiner and carpenter
Jones John, surveyor and collector
Lloyd Joseph, builder and contractor
Lloyd William, farmer
Maddox John, veterinary surgeon
Maddox William, blacksmith
Maddox William, assistant overseer and collector
Morris John, tailor
Morris Samuel, grazier and butcher
Price William, butcher
Price S. M., shopkeeper
Ratcliffe James, shopkeeper
Ratcliffe Richard, saddler and harness maker
Roberts Thomas, boot and shoemaker
Thomas William, farmer
* * * * *
LLANYBLODWELL is a parish on the western verge of Shropshire, adjoining
the county of Denbigh, comprising the townships of Abertannat, Blodwell,
Bryn, and Lynclys, which together, at the census of 1841, contained a
population of 961 souls and 200 houses. The parish is bounded on the
east by Offa’s-dyke, noticed at the preceding page.
ABERTANNAT,
a village and township one mile S.E. from Blodwell, contains 1073A. 3R.
17P. of land, 19 houses, and 102 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,135.
12s 5d. The land has mostly a strong soil, upon the limestone,
considered good for grazing purposes. The proprietors are Lord Godolphin
and John Hamor, Esq. Earl Powis is lord of the manor. The tithes have
been commuted for £90. 2s. 2d., of which £39. 7s. has been apportioned to
the Rev. R. Williams; £13. 9s. 10d. to the Rev. R. M. H. Hughes; and £37.
5s. 4d. to the Rev. John Parker. ABERTANNAT HALL is the pleasantly
situated mansion of John Edwards, Esq. The scenery in the vicinity is
most beautiful and picturesque. Upon the towering heights of some of the
hills are seen prospects of unbounded extent. The lands abound with
game, and the rippling stream of the Tanat meanders at the foot of the
hills, well stocked with trout and other fish.
DIRECTORY.—John Edwards, Esq., The hall; James Davies, farmer, Llan;
Robert Edwards, farmer, Cafn; Thomas Jones, shopkeeper; Charles Jones,
gamekeeper; John Jones, farmer, Garth-issa; William Jones, farmer,
Gath-ucha; Richard Jones, gamekeeper; William Lloyd, blacksmith and
vict., Horse Shoe Inn; Richard Lewis, farmer, Tynycoed; John Morgan,
huntsman; William Pritchard, farmer, Cafn; Matthew Roberts, schoolmaster.
BLODWELL
is a pleasant village in a hilly and romantic country, six miles S.S.W.
from Oswestry, having 87 houses and 384 inhabitants. The township
contains 1677A. 1R. 18P. of land. Rateable value, £1777, 1s. 9d. Gross
estimated rental, £1989 18s. 9d. The principal landowners are the Earl
of Powis, Earl of Bradford, Mrs. Aubrey, Rev. John Parker, John Bonner,
Esq.; John Edwards, Esq.; and John George Edwards, Esq.; the former is
lord of the manor. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, is a venerable
fabric, the exterior of which is now undergoing a complete reparation at
the expense of the present incumbent. The body of the church is divided
into two compartments, and has a pitched roof, supported by columns and
arches in the Norman style of architecture. The chancel is tastefully
decorated, and contains a splendid stained glass window; it is fitted up
with stalls, and separated from the body of the church by an antique oak
screen, richly carved. The church has had additions and alterations made
at several different periods; in 1835 the accommodation of the church was
increased by the addition of 47 sittings. The chancel contains several
handsome memorials, one of which remembers the Bridgemans, of Blodwell;
another very elegantly designed is commemorative of the late Sir John
Bridgeman, Bart.; there are also monuments to the Godolphins, Matthews,
and others. The living is a vicarage valued in the king’s books at £7.
12s. 6d., and now returned at £271 in the patronage of the bishop of St.
Asaph, and incumbency of the Rev. John Parker, M.A. Divine service is
performed alternately in the Welsh and English languages. The vicarage
is a modern and commodious erection of brick, in the decorative style,
with ornamental chimneys, and is situated a short distance from the
church; a considerable portion of the house has been built by the present
incumbent. The bishop of St. Asaph is the impropriator of the large
tithes, which are commuted for £211 9s. 6d., and the small tithes payable
to the vicar are commuted for £36. 9s. 3d.
BLODWELL HALL, a modern stuccoed mansion delightfully situated, is the
residence of William Lyons, Esq. The hills above the hall command a
scene of sublimity and beauty, perhaps unsurpassed in any part of Wales.
The summits of innumerable mountains are seen at once, rising in every
variety of ridge, the distant in softest azure, and the near clothed in
the richest verdure, with hanging woods, fertile meadows, and the bright
rivers, Vernieu and Tanat, meandering at the foot of the hills, on their
way to join the sunny waters of the magnificent Severn. Turning towards
England, a perfect contrast is presented, in the fertile and expansive
plains of Shropshire, richly wooded, and profuse in luxuriant vegetation,
terminated on the south by the noble Wrekin, and on the north and east by
the faint outline of the distant hills of Cheshire and Stafford. The
river Tanat is crossed by a stone bridge at the point of separation of
this township and that of Abertannat; at the Grove about a mile and a
half below Blodwell it has its confluence with the river Vernieu, which
here separates Shropshire and Denbighshire.
THE SCHOOL is endowed with £100 bequeathed by Ursula Bridgeman in 1713;
£100 the gift of Sir John Bridgeman in 1739; and £100 given by Judith
Bridgeman. In 1825 it was discovered that there was £300 stock in the
old south sea annuities standing in the names of trustees, but that no
dividends had been received thereon since the 6th April, 1801. In
September, 1825, £211. 10s. was received for the arrears of dividends,
out of which sum £57. 10s. 6d. was paid for the expense of recovering
them, of transferring the stock, and of the new trust deed, and £123. 7s.
2d. was expended in 1826 and 1827 in re-building the school. Out of the
dividends amounting to £9 per annum, £7 is paid to the schoolmaster, the
residue having hitherto been reserved for repairs. According to the deed
of 1753 the master is entitled to three-fourths of the dividends; 50
scholars attend the school, which is partly supported by the vicar.
_Edward ap Thomas_, by his will bearing date 13th October, 1657, gave a
rent charge of £2. 12s. yearly to the poor of Llanyblodwell and
Llansilin, in equal portions.
DIRECTORY.—William Lyons, Esq., The hall; Rev. John Parker, The vicarage;
_Farmers_, John Davies, Sarah Ellis, Richard Hughes, Edward Morris,
Thomas Owen, Mary Roberts, and Edward Wall, The hall farm; Matthew
Roberts, schoolmaster.
BRYNN,
a small village and township 1¼ mile N.W. from Blodwell, has 1118A. 0R.
35P. of land, 37 houses and 200 inhabitants. The country around Brynn is
bold and mountainous, and the uplands are cold and exposed. The farms
are in general small. Rateable value, £1063. 15s. The principal
landowners are John Wynn Eyton, Esq.; John Hamor, Esq.; Mrs. Owens; Rev.
John Parker; and the Earl of Powis; there are also several other
freeholders. The tithes are commuted for £176. 16s. 10d., of which £85.
8s. 5d. is apportioned to the vicar of Blodwell, £27 7s. 1d. to the Rev.
Maurice Jones, and £64. 1s. 4d. to the bishop of St. Asaph. GLANYRAFON
HOUSE, the seat of John Hamer, Esq., is situated on an eminence, on the
line of road leading into North Wales; it is surrounded with park-like
grounds finely timbered and studded with thriving plantations, and from
the elevated position of the mansion it has an imposing appearance. It
commands views of great diversity and picturesque beauty; the meanderings
of the Tanat giving an additional charm to the fairy scene. BRYNTANAT
HALL, the occasional residence or hunting box of William Henry Perry,
Esq., is picturesquely seated on the knoll of a hill, the foot of which
is washed by the rippling stream of the Tanat. Although the hall is
situate near to Bryan, it stands within the bounds of the county of
Denbigh.
DIRECTORY.—John Hamor, Esq., Glanyrafon Hall; William Henry Perry,
Bryntanat Hall; _Farmers_, Walter Davies, Edward Edwards, Richard
Edwards, Richard Griffiths, Robert Hughes, Edward Jones, William Jones,
Richard Kilner, Richard Phillips, and Richard Richards.
LLYNCLYS,
a village and small township, four miles S.W. by S. from Oswestry,
contains 608A. 0R. 3P. of land; and in 1841 there were 57 houses and 275
inhabitants. Rateable value, £917. 4s. 3d.; gross estimated rental,
£1,013. 11s. 10d. The Earl of Bradford; Earl Powis; Rowland Hunt, Esq.;
Philip Jennings, Esq.; Hon. Thomas Kenyon; Rev. John Parker; Mr.
Humphrey, and others, are land owners. The township is crossed at right
angles by the Oswestry and Welshpool and the Knockin and Llansilin
turnpike roads. There are extensive lime works in this township: a
considerable quantity of that commodity is used by the farmers on the
western borders of Shropshire and in Wales for agricultural purposes.
LLYNCK LYS POOL is a small but beautiful lake of great depth, of which
strange and superstitious tales prevailed in former times. It is stated
that the lake was formerly the site of a royal palace, which in fairy
times was sunken below the earth by a fairy spell. The late Mr.
Dovaston, of the Nursery, in a ballad entitled “Llynch Lys,” thus
beautifully introduces the tradition:—
“Still the villagers near, when the lake is clear,
Show the towers of the palace below,
And of _Croes Willin_ there, will the traveller hear,
And the cave called the grim _Ogo_.
And oft from our boat of a summer’s eve,
Sweet music is heard to flow,
As we push from the side of the blue lake’s tide,
Where the long green rushes grow.”
The rushes and reeds which grow on the margin are of extraordinary
length; some have been drawn upwards of eighteen feet in length. The
water lily here flourishes with the greatest luxuriance, and throws out a
profusion of blossoms upon the surface of the crystal waters.
PORTHY-WAEN is a populous hamlet in Llynclys township.
_Those with * affixed are at Llynclys_, _and the rest at Porthy-Waen_.
Davies Thos., vict., Red Lion
* Evans Thomas, farmer
* Griffiths Ann, farmer, Nut Tree Bank
Griffiths Francis, shopkeeper and baker
Griffiths Mary, farmer
Hughes Thos., toll collector
Hughes John, shopkeeper
Howell John, schoolmaster
Jones Edward, beerhouse
* Jones Mary, farmer
Jones David, shoemaker
* Lawrence Edward, farmer
Lewis Mary Ann, lime works
Lewis John, beerhouse
* Lloyd William, beerhouse keeper and lime works
Martin Maria, beerhouse
Newal Mrs., quarry owner
Pryce William, shopkeeper
Parkes Edward, blacksmith
Probert Edward, assistant overseer and collector
Roberts John, Dolgorth lime works
Savin Mary, lime works
Williams John, lime works
Williams John, jun., lime works
LLANYMYNECH
is a parish which contains the townships of Llanymynech-Llanytidman and
Treprenal, partly situated in this county, and partly in the counties of
Denbigh and Montgomery, in Wales. The entire parish in 1801 had 596
inhabitants; in 1831, 887; and in 1841, 954. Rateable value, £3,987.
The village of Llanymynech is pleasantly situated, six miles south from
Oswestry, and ten miles N.W. by S.S. from Shrewsbury. It has attained
its present importance from the extensive quarries of limestone with
which the vicinity abounds. Considerable quantities of the stone are
sent to the Staffordshire iron works, for fluxing the metals. It is also
burnt into lime. The Chester, Ellesmere, and Newtown canal affords
facilities for carrying the material to distant parts. Copper ore was
formerly found in considerable quantities, but the mines have not been
worked for some time. There are 1,281 acres of land, the principal
owners of which are the Earl of Bradford; Earl Powis; John Lloyd, Esq.;
Richard Nightingale Broughton, Esq.; Rev. William Evans; Rev. John
Luxmoore; Robert Wall, Esq.; Mr. Parker; Philip Jennings, Esq.; R. W.
Kynaston, Esq.; T. W. Thomas, Esq.; Robert Wall, Esq.; Rev. William
Thomas; Mrs. Evans; Hon. Francis West; Thomas West, Esq.; and Robert
West, Esq. Earl Powis is lord of the manor. The soil is various in this
parish. The meadow lands on the banks of the Vernieu are enriched by
that river frequently overflowing its banks. The river is here crossed
by a substantial stone bridge of three arches; and about a mile and a
half from the village a branch of the Ellesmere canal is conducted over
the river by an aqueduct of five arches, near which it is joined by the
Montgomeryshire canal.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Agatha, consists of nave, chancel, side
aisles, and a square tower with one bell. It was rebuilt in 1845, in the
decorative style of English architecture, and exhibits some fine
chiselling and ornamental workmanship. The interior is neatly pewed, and
has a very chaste appearance. The living is a rectory, valued in the
King’s book at £12. 13s. 4d., now returned at £394, in the patronage of
the Bishop of St. Asaph, and enjoyed by the Rev. John Luxmore, M.A. The
rectory, a neat stuccoed residence a short distance from the church, has
been much improved by the present incumbent. The tithes are commuted for
£380. The National School stands near the churchyard, and is supported
by subscriptions and a small charge from the scholars: about sixty
children are educated. There is a school for girls in the village.
Fairs are held on April 1st, May 29th, and September 23rd, and are
generally well attended. A coach leaves the Red Lion Inn for Shrewsbury
and Welshpool daily.
On Llanymynech hill is an artificial cave of considerable length, called
_Ogo_ (from the Welsh word _Ogof_, signifying a cave), supposed to have
been worked by the Romans as a copper mine. It contains many
sinuosities, and is generally about three yards wide, having many
turnings and passages connected with each other. Some years ago, all the
passages of this subterraneous labyrinth were explored by J. F. M.
Dovaston, Esq., when none of the paths were found to extend more than two
hundred yards from the entrance. The passages are cut through the rock,
which is of limestone, whereon frequently appear the marks of chisels,
and the various ramifications have no doubt been made in quest of the
rich veins of ore. Subsequent to the Romans, it probably became either a
place of refuge after battle, or a depository for the dead, for human
skeletons, culinary vessels, hatchets, and Roman coins have been found in
this cavern. A finger-bone was picked up with a ring on it. One of the
skeletons had a curious battle-axe beneath his arm, and not far from it
were the bones of a man, woman, a child, a dog, and a cat. Some time ago
several Roman coins, mostly of Constantine, were found in the earth which
was washed down the side of the hill. The water which drops in some
parts of the cave is of a petrifying quality, and forms stalactites; the
drops of water hanging on the points of each, catch the light of the
candle, and give the surrounding space a glittering illumination
extremely beautiful. It is probable that a battle has been fought here
in disputing for this mine, or that the large entrenchments, that run
parallel with the Clawdd Offa eastwardly, were made to defend it. Not
far from this cave is a Cromlech, called the GIANT’S GRAVE. At the
north-east end are four large stones, which formerly supported a fifth
flat stone on their points, in form of a Brandart, called in Welsh
_Trwbad_; but these are now thrown down. Towards the south-west proceed
two rows of flat stones, six feet asunder, and thirty-six in length. On
digging here a Druid’s celt was found, and several other things, with
human bones, the teeth very perfect.
There is a sum of £26 in the hands of the churchwardens, the origin of
which is not known. It was received from the executors of the late
incumbent, who died in 1829. The interest is distributed among poor
women of the parish at Christmas.
LLANYTIDMAN
is a township with a scattered population, five and a half miles south
from Oswestry, having in 1841, 113 houses and 545 inhabitants. Here are
extensive stone quarries and lime works, and the township is intersected
by the Ellesmere and Llanymynech canal, and the Oswestry and Llanymynech
turnpike road.
TREPRENAL
is a small township in Llanymynech parish, comprising three houses and 21
inhabitants. Here is LLWYNYGROES HALL, the residence of R. N. Broughton,
Esq., delightfully situated, commanding fine views of the surrounding
country.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. John Lloyd’s_. Letters arrive by gig mail from
Oswestry at 9.30 A.M., and are despatched 4 P.M.
_Those marked_ 1 _reside at Llanytidman_, 2 _at Treprenal_.
2 Asterley Thomas, farmer
Asterley William Lloyd, Esq.
Batterbee Charles, brazier, plumber, painter, and beerhouse keeper
Baugh Margaret, vict., Cross Keys
1 Bothell Mary, farmer
Bower William, wool agent
2 Broughton Richard Nightingale, woolstapler and maltster, Llwynygroes
hall
Broughton and Asterley, grocers, drapers, and general dealers
Davies Mrs., gentlewoman
1 Davies John, farmer and miller
Dovaston Edward Milward, surgeon
1 Dyke Isaac, farmer
Ellis Letia, tailor and draper
1 Evans John, farmer, gardener, and rate collector
Griffiths Richard, blacksmith
Griffiths Richard, draper and grocer
1 Griffiths Jn., quarry master
Gwynne George, cooper
Gwynne George, shoemaker
Hackett John, tallow chander
1 Harris Geo., quarry master
1 Harrison John, farmer
Hughes Edward, shoemaker
1 Humphreys James, vict., Cross Guns
Jeffreys John, weaver
Jones Edward., saddler and harness maker
1 Jones Thomas, farmer
Leak Francis, toll collector
Lloyd John, farmer, timber merchant, builder, and vict., Lion Inn
Lloyd Richard, vict., Dolphin
Luxmoore Rev. John, the Rectory
Morgan Edward, saddler and dealer
Morris John, shoemaker
Parkins Charles, shoemaker
Poole Mrs., gentlewoman
1 Price Elizabeth, farmer
Price Hugh, seedsman
1 Pryce William, gentleman, Holly Bush
Pugh Henry, seedsman and druggist
Pugh James Owen, grocer and draper
Ratcliffe Samuel, farmer
Richards Richard, farmer, maltster, and vict., Bradford Arms
1 Roberts William, gentleman, Prospect cottage
Rodgers Edward, farmer
1 Savage Elizabeth, farmer
2 Sheldon Wm., gentleman
Thomas Thomas, farmer
Thomas Robert, schoolmaster and parish clerk
Watson Miss, post office
Whitticose Mary, gentlewoman
Williams Sarah, schoolmistress
CARRIER.—Hugh Price, to Oswestry on Wednesdays and on Mondays, Saturdays,
and Welshpool on Mondays.
ST. MARTIN
is a parish, and small but pleasantly situated village, five miles N.E.
from Oswestry, and about the same distance W. from Ellesmere. The parish
comprises the townships of Bronygarth, Ifton Rhyn, and Weston Rhyn,
containing together 5,314A. 2R. 25P. of land, and had in 1801, 1,476
inhabitants; in 1831, 2,099; and in 1841, 2,200. The village of St.
Martin is included in IFTON RHYN township, which contains 2,813A. 2R.
33P. of land; and at the census of 1841 had 217 houses and 1,620 souls.
Rateable value, £4,570. The principal land owners are the Right Hon.
Arthur Trevor Viscount Dungannon, of Bryn-Kinalt Castle, the Hon. W. M.
B. Nugent, Dean and Chapter of Winchester, R. G. Jebb, Esq., J. Haslam,
Esq., Joshua Jones, Esq., Mrs. Fallows, and Edward H. Dymock, Esq. This
township lies on the N.W. confines of the county, and has some fine
grazing land. It is separated from Denbighshire by the Ceiriog river.
The Morlass brook here turns several corn mills, and has its confluence
with the Ceiriog about a mile from the Erewescob corn mill.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Martin, stands on an eminence, and is a
conspicuous object for many miles around. It consists of nave, north
aisle, chancel, and a massive square tower at the west end. The side
aisle is separated from the nave by five pointed arches rising from
octagonal pillars. The east end of the church and the east window have
recently been rebuilt; the lower part of the window is divided into three
compartments, and the upper part is foliated, and ornamented with stained
glass. The windows on the south side of the church are also richly
adorned with stained glass. The one near the pulpit has beautiful
representations of St. Peter and St. Paul; another has the armorial
bearings of the bishop of the diocese, the rural dean, and the vicar.
There are also the armorial bearings of Viscount Dungannon, by whose
munificence the church has been renovated; and these beautiful
decorations have been added within these last twenty years. The old
font, which is of stone, has been re-hewn and modernized. A beautiful
mural marble monument remembers Richard Phillips, Esq., of Thyn-y-rhos,
who died in 1824, and his second son, Richard, ensign of the 17th
regiment of the Hon. East India Company’s service, who died at sea, off
the Cape of Good Hope, on his return from India in 1832. There are also
several other neat tablets in the church. The living is a vicarage,
valued in the king’s book at £5. 2s. 3½d., now returned at £320, in the
patronage of the Bishop of St. Asaph, and enjoyed by the Rev. William
Hurst, M.A. The Vicarage is a neat residence, a little W. by S. from the
church. The vicarial tithes have been commuted for £261, and the
rectorial for £862. On the west side of the churchyard is a lofty and
finely proportioned elm tree, which is seen at a great distance; and
about a quarter of a mile west from the church, near the toll-gate,
stands a magnificent oak tree of considerable magnitude. IFTON HEATH is
a scattered district, chiefly of detached cottages, half a mile N.W. from
the church. Here the Primitive Methodists and the Wesleyan Association
have each a small chapel. The Primitive Methodists have also a chapel on
ST. MARTIN’S MOOR, a scattered district of houses near a mile, W. by S.
from the church.
CHARITIES.—BRYNGWYLA SCHOOL, situated about a mile W.W. by S. from the
church, was founded in 1705 by _Edward Phillips_, for the instruction of
twelve poor boys of the parish of St. Martin to read and write. Mr.
Phillips also endowed the school with the sum of £100, and directed £3.
12s. yearly to be paid to the schoolmaster, who was to occupy the
school-house rent free, on condition of his keeping the premises in
repair. The donor also directed 4d. to be given to each boy every
Ascension day for his encouragement; and 5s. to be expended by the vicar,
trustees, and schoolmaster, in remembrance of the benefactor. The master
now receives £4. 13s. 6d. per annum, from which 5s. is paid to the
trustees, but nothing is paid to the children. The master receives 25s.
yearly in respect of John Price’s charity hereafter mentioned.
ALMSHOUSES.—The almshouses are situated near the west side of the
churchyard. They consist of six tenements, mantled with ivy, and are
supported by _Lord Dungannon_. The inmates are clothed, receive 15s. a
quarter, a loaf of bread on Fridays, and two tons of coal yearly. There
is also a school, where twelve children are clothed and educated.
_Arthur Trevor_, of Kay Mark, left £2 a-year; one half to be given to the
poor on St. Thomas’s day, and the other half on Good Friday. The amount
is paid by the agent of Lord Dungannon.
_Thomas Abellis_ left 21s. per annum, payable out of a piece of land
called Cae-Rhoes. In 1812, Edward Birch, a mortgagee, and Edward Jones,
in consideration of £220. 10s., conveyed to the Ellesmere Canal Company a
parcel of land called Cae Rhoes, and the said Edward Jones covenanted
that he would indemnify the said company from a rent-charge of 20s.,
payable out of the said premises. The property is still in the
possession of the Ellesmere Canal Company, but nothing had been paid
thereout to the poor for a period of twelve years when the Charity
Commissioners published their report. Application had been made to Mr.
Price, of Felton Butler, who married the heiress of Mr. Jones, and he
promised to continue the payment of this rent-charge.
_Edward Phillips_ charged a piece of land with the payment of 4s. yearly
for the benefit of the poor.
_John Price_ bequeathed £100, and directed the interest of £25 to be
applied in the education of youth, and the interest of £75 to be bestowed
in clothing for some of the poorest parishioners. The amount is secured
on a piece of land in Weston Rhynn, from which £5 are paid yearly.
There are two cottages in the township of Soutley, in the parish of March
Weil, Denbighshire, adjoining premises purchased by the governors of
Queen Ann’s Bounty, for the augmentation of the vicarage of St. Martin’s.
These cottages have for a length of time been let for the benefit of the
poor; but it is not known when or how the rents became thus appropriated.
They were repaired some time ago at an expense of £30, which was borrowed
for this purpose, and they are now let for £6 a-year. Of the rent, £3 is
applied in paying off the debt, and the remaining £3 is given among the
poor on St. Thomas’s day.
_Hugh Lloyd_ left a rent-charge of 16s. per annum, issuing out of certain
lands, called Cae Dickin, in Weston Rhynn, and directed the amount to be
expended in sixteen dozen of bread, to be distributed on St. Thomas’s
day. It is stated on the table of benefactions, that “Richard Berkley,
for Hugh Lloyd, pays for ten dozen of bread on St. Thomas’s day for
ever.” The gift of _Edward Edwards_, of 20s. per annum to the poor of
St. Martin’s, is void under the statute of 9 George II. It is stated in
the parliamentary returns of 1786, that _David Hughes_ left £10 for the
benefit of the poor; and among the parish documents there is a bond,
dated in 1746, from Thomas Phillips, of Trehowell, for the payment of
this money. Nothing, however, has been paid on this account for many
years.
POST OFFICE—_At Esther Edwards_. Letters despatched at 2.30 P.M.
Beckitt Godfrey, butcher
Beckitt John, victualler, Cross Keys
Beckitt Roger, farmer, and land and timber valuer, Cadwagans Palace
Boodle William, shopkeeper
Dodd Richard, farmer, Pennybank
Dodd William, farmer and corn miller
Edwards David, tailor
Edwards Esther, farmer and shopkeeper
Edwards Mary, farmer, Peny-bryn
Edwards William, farmer
Griffiths Richard, schoolmaster
Harrison Francis, tailor
Hughes, Mrs. Jane
Hughes John, farmer, Erewescob
Hughes Robert, shopkeeper
Hughes Sarah, farmer and corn miller, Erewescob Mill
Hurst Rev. William, M.A., vicar
Isaac Jane, farmer, Rhosyllan
Jones Edward, wheelwright
Jones Elizabeth, farmer
Jones George, shoemaker
Jones Jane, shopkeeper
Jones Joshua, Esq., Wigginton Hall
Jones Richard, bricklayer, Glynmorlass
Jones Thomas, farmer, Wigginton
Jones William, provision dealer, St. Martin’s Moor
Jones William, shoemaker
Kynaston William, farmer, Wigginton
Lee Richard, farmer, Ifton Hall
Lee William, parish clerk
Lewis Thomas, grazier, Brook House
Matthews George, schoolmaster
Newnes Peter, shoemaker
Owen Richard, farmer, Glanywern
Parry Joseph, cooper
Powell Frances, schoolmistress
Powell Thomas, wheelwright
Powell William, wheelwright
Poynton John, farmer, Glenrid
Price John, farmer
Prynallt William, farmer
Randles Elizabeth, farmer
Roberts Edward, farmer, Wigginton
Roberts Joseph, tailor
Roberts Mary, farmer
Roberts Samuel, victualler, Crown Inn
Rogers Jane, schoolmistress
Rogers John, farmer and maltster, Ifton
Rogers Joseph, registrar & assistant overseer
Rogers Richard, shoemaker
Rogers Robert, stonemason
Rowland Elizabeth, farmer
Williams Daniel, farmer
Williams Jane, farmer
Williams John, farmer, Wigginton
Woodvill Thomas, farmer and maltster, Pine Bryn
Woollam Charles, farmer
Woollam John, farmer
WESTON RHYN
is a township and scattered village from two to three miles W. from St.
Martin’s Church, containing 1850A. 2R. 4P. of land, and in 1841 here were
195 houses and 856 inhabitants. Rateable value, £4,053. The principal
land owners are Frederick Richard West, Esq.; Rev. John C. Phillips; John
Richard Powell, Esq.; Mr. James Edwards; E. H. Dymoch, Esq.; T. E. Ward,
Esq.; Mr. John Pritchard, and Mrs. Dickin, Mr. Edward Heys, and others
are also proprietors. A neat and ornamental school, in the early English
style of architecture, was built in the year 1850 at the Lodge. The
structure is of stone got from the neighbouring quarries, with the Cafn
hewn stone for the windows and ornamental portions of the building; it
measures 20 feet by 40 feet, and has a pitched roof with a neat belfry.
The cost of the structure was £700, of which £40 was given by the
National Society and £130 by the Privy Council on Education, the rest was
raised by voluntary subscriptions. A residence for the teacher adjoins
the school. The Calvinistic Methodists have a chapel at the lodge, built
in 1811, the services of which are conducted in the Welsh language. Coal
of a good quality is found upon the estate of John R. Powell, Esq.; a
steam engine is now in course of erection to clear the mines of water.
THE QUINTA, a handsome castellated residence built of lime stone, stands
on a gentle acclivity, and commands some pleasing views to the south. It
is surrounded with shrubberies and park-like grounds, and is the
residence of Rowland Jones Venables, Esq., and the property of F. R.
West, Esq. On the knoll of a hill a short distance from the hall, the
owner of the estate about ten years ago caused immense blocks of stone to
be reared up in the exact form of the celebrated Druidical Temple at
Stonehenge. From this eminence a most beautiful panoramic view of the
surrounding country is seen. PREES-GWENE HOUSE, the residence and
property of John Richard Powell, Esq., stands in a sheltered situation
embosomed in foliage. The Shrewsbury and Chester railway intersects this
township, and has a station at Preesgwene, 1½ mile from Gabowen, and 22
miles from Chester. The large tithes of Weston Rhyn are commuted for
£270.
Calcott William, corn miller
Davies William, butcher
Duckett Mary, corn miller, New mill
Duckett Mrs. Tamar, Weston villa
Edwards Moses, maltster & vict., The Lodge Inn
Evans David, boot and shoe maker, The Lodge
Evans William, farmer, Berllan-deg
Griffiths Francis, wheelwrigt
Griffiths Thomas, colliery owner and shopkeeper
Hayes Mr. Ed., The Lodge
Hughes Hugh, farmer
Hughes John, inland revenue officer, The Lodge
Hughes John, carpenter
Hughes William, carpenter
Jackson Richard, butcher, The Lodge
Johnson William, maltster and vict., New Inn
Jones John, blacksmith
Jones Peter, saddler and shopkeeper
Jones Thomas, paper manufacturer, Morda
Jones Thomas, farmer
Lewis Richard, farmer
Lloyd Elizabeth, blacksmith
Peate Martha, farmer and maltster, Moreton hall
Phillips Rev. John Croxon, Tryn-y-rhos
Powell John Richard, Esq., Prees-gwene house
Poynton Thomas, farmer, Weston hall
Richards Thomas Anderson, station master, Prys-gwane
Roberts Daniel, provision dealer, The Lodge
Roberts Hugh, farmer
Roberts Thomas, farrier
Rogers John, farmer
Rogers Walter, farmer
Scudamore Mr. John, Moreton hall
Smith Frederick William, Esq., Green field lodge
Thomas David, farmer, The Vron
Turner Joseph, beerhouse & shopkeeper, The Lodge
Usher John, butcher
Vaughan William, tailor
Venables Rowland Jones, Esq., The Quinta
Williams Ann, farmer
Williams Edward, farmer
Williams John, farmer
Williams John, shoemaker and shopkeeper
Williams John, carpenter
Williams Thos., corn miller
BRONYGARTH,
a small township in St. Martin’s parish, with 645A. 1R. 28P. of land,
lies on the verge of the county, and is separated from Denbighshire by
the Ceireog river. It lies about four miles W.W. by N. from the parish
church, and in 1841 had 71 houses and 164 inhabitants. Frederick Richard
West, Esq., and the Rev. John Croxon Phillips, are the land owners and
impropriators; to the former was apportioned £36, and to the latter £56,
when the tithes were commuted. The rateable value of the township is
£1168. TYN-Y-RHOS is a good house pleasantly situated, the residence and
property of the Rev. John C. Phillips. The scenery in this township is
bold and romantic, and some of the land is cold and exposed. Lime works
have been established on the northern confines of the township, bordering
on Wales; lime is extensively used by the farmers as a fertilizer,
particularly in the north-west parts of the county.
DIRECTORY.—Rev. John Croxon Phillips, Tyn-y-rhos; Moses Edwards, lime
burner; John Hughes, carpenter; John Jones, blacksmith; William Lloyd,
blacksmith; William Mason, shoemaker; Richard Orford, vict., Britannia,
John Owen, farmer; Thomas Owen, farmer; Robert Roberts, butcher; Jane
Williams, shopkeeper.
MELVERLEY,
a parish and township with a scattered population, 12 miles W.W. by N.
from Shrewsbury, and 9 miles S.S. by E. from Oswestry, is situated on the
western verge of the county, and is separated from Montgomeryshire by the
river Vernieu and the Severn; the former having its confluence with the
Severn at the Cymmeran Ferry. The parish contains 1,445A. 2R. 22P. of
land, which from its low situation is frequently inundated by the
overflowing of the Severn, thus enriching the meadows and producing the
greatest luxuriance; large herds of cattle are usually fed upon the
meadows. In 1801 here was a population of 218 souls; in 1831, 216; and
in 1841, 229. Rateable value, £2,317 5s. The manor in the time of the
confessor was held by one Edric, in whose family it continued till the
9th of Elizabeth, when Henry Earl of Arundle sold it to Young, from whom
it subsequently passed to the Willastons. Lord Craven was afterwards
lord of the manor, and it is now vested in George Edwards, Esq. The
freeholders are Colonel Desbrow, Hon. Thomas Kenyon, Mrs. E. Bather, Mr.
Henry Adams, Mr. William Parkes, Mr. Edward Williams, Rev. Mr. Maddocks,
Mr. A. D. Benyon, Mr. James Jones, Mr. Stephen Matthews, Mr. William
Cooper, Mr. Thomas Bromley, Mr. James Payn, Rev. Mr. Dimmock, Mr. William
Downes, Mr. Oswell, Mr. Betta, Mr. John Edmunds, Thomas Justice Bather,
Esq., Mr. Owen Owens, Mr. Jones, Mr. Manford, Mr. Duckett, and others.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Peter, a large fabric of very primitive
appearance, built of wood, stands on an elevated piece of ground near the
banks of the Vernieu; part of it was swept away subsequent to the year
1478. Although the workmanship is of the rudest description, yet the
magnitude of the building and the fine old porch, give it an attractive
and venerable appearance. The windows are small and admit of very little
light. It contains several ancient memorials, and was fitted up with oak
pews in 1718, previous to which it was provided with massive benches.
The living is a rectory annexed to Llandrinio, in the patronage of the
bishop of St. Asaph, and enjoyed by the Rev. Henry Rogers. The tithes
were commuted in 1841 for £177. 11s., and there are five acres of glebe.
The parsonage is a neat residence of brick in the Elizabethan style of
architecture, built during the years 1846–7. THE INDEPENDENTS have a
small chapel with a residence annexed, built in the year 1842.
CHARITIES.—There is a field called the Poor’s Croft, in the upper
division of Melverley, containing 2R. 2P., and another piece of land
containing about an acre and a half, in the township of Tir-y-coed, in
respect of which W. B. Price has for many years paid a rent of 12s. a
year. The premises are stated to be worth £3 per annum, and notice has
been given to the parties holding the lands to give up possession to the
parish. There is also a small piece of ground in Melverley, about one
and a quarter acre, producing a yearly rent of £3. 3s., which for many
years has been carried to the account of the poor’s rate. Henry Morgen
gave a rent charge of 10s. yearly, which is given to the poor on Good
Friday. The poor have also a yearly sum of 5s., left by Mrs. Prees. The
charities of Richard Lloyd and Elizabeth Lloyd are lost; the former left
a rent charge of 20s. per annum in 1780, and the latter bequeathed the
sum of £20 for the benefit of the poor.
Bather Mrs. Eleanor, Cross lane house
Bill Edward, farmer
Brown Edward, farmer
Davies William, farmer, Melverley hall
Gittings Benjamin, farmer
Jones David, farmer
Jones Ed., grocer & beerhse
Jones Richard, blacksmith
Jones William, farmer
Lewis John, shoemaker and parish clerk
Lewis Thomas, farmer
Lloyd William, farmer
Manford Thomas, farmer, The green
Morgan William, farmer & cattle dealer
Morris Edward, farmer, Cross lane
Owens John, farmer
Pugh John, shopkeeper & beerhouse
Richards John, grocer and cattle salesman
Rodgers Rev. Henry, The parsonage
Rodgers John, assistant overseer and rate collector
Vaughan Richard, farmer
Vaughan Thomas, saddler
Wild John, butcher
Wild John, farmer
Wild Richard, vict., New Inn
Williams Edward, farmer, The green house
OSWESTRY
is a parish, borough, and considerable market town, locally situated in
the hundred to which it gives name, seventeen miles and a half N.W. from
Shrewsbury, and 179 miles N.W. from London. The name of Oswestry is
connected with some of our earliest historical recollections. On this
spot, on August 5th, 652, was fought the battle between the Christian
Oswald, king of the Northumbrians, and the Pagan Penda, king of the
Mercians. Oswald was defeated, and lost his life. The battle began
about four hundred yards west of the church. The assailant appears to
have driven Penda’s forces to a field near the town, called Cae Nef,
where Oswald fell, and Penda, with a savage barbarity, caused the
breathless body to be cut to pieces, and stuck on poles as so many
trophies of his victory. Oswald’s strict virtue, and zeal for the
religion he had embraced, gained him the esteem of his subjects, and his
character was so much revered by the monks, that a short time after his
death he was canonized. The importance of the situation, which rendered
it one of the keys to the principality of Wales, soon attracted the
attention of the political monarch, whose prowess annexed that territory
to his dominion. This place was called by the ancient Britons
Tre’r-cadeirian, literally the town of chairs or seats commanding an
extensive view. Notwithstanding the place was Welsh, and continued so
above a century after the death of King Oswald, yet it has since gone
under his name, and for some time was famed for the miracles wrought
there through his intercession. An ancient poet in noticing Oswald and
the fate of Penda says:
“Three gibbets raised, at Penda’s dire commands,
Bore Oswald’s royal head and mangled hands;
The tenor of the fact, and Oswald’s fate,
Were things of moment to the Mercian state.
Vain policy! for what the victor got
Proved to the vanquished king the happier lot;
For now the martyred saint in glory views,
How Oswy with success the war renews;
And Penda scarcely can maintain his own,
Whilst Oswald wears a never fading crown.”
Oswestry is one of the principal towns on the Welsh borders, and is now
the most flourishing and prosperous of any in the county. In 1801 there
were 2,672 inhabitants; in 1831, 4,478; and in 1841, 987 houses and 4,566
souls; of whom 2,121 were males, and 2,445 females. The entire parish of
Oswestry, including the town and liberties of Oswestry in 1841, contained
8,843 inhabitants. The town is situated on a gentle eminence, the
streets are in general spacious, and there are many good houses, and
retail shops in all the different branches of trade; yet vestiges of its
antiquity, timbered buildings with projecting gables, are still to be
seen in various parts of the town. The beautiful prospects from the high
ground above the town are perhaps not surpassed by any in the county.
The rich and luxuriant vale of Shropshire lies as it were a map beneath
the feet; while the Staffordshire hills, Nesscliff, the Wrekin, and the
Styperstones, are seen in the distance. Towards Wales, the alpine
heights and lovely vales are seen in rich profusion; and here the
beholder glances upon a country which was eminently distinguished as the
birth-place and residence of the children of freedom—a people, who, by
their independent spirit and martial prowess, for centuries chastised
rapacity and injustice, and made oppression and tyranny tremble upon the
throne. The parish of Oswestry contains the townships of Aston, Cynyion,
Crickheath, Hisland, Llanvorda, Maesbury, Middleton, Morton, Oswestry,
Pentregaer, Sweeney Trefraclawdd, Trevlock, Trefonen, Weston Cotton, and
Wootton.
The Britons were in the possession of Oswestry till the latter part of
the eighth century, when the warlike King Offa, passing the Severn with a
mighty force, expelled them from their fruitful seats on the plains, and
reduced the kingdom of Powis to the western side of the celebrated ditch
still known by his name. The princes of Powis were then constrained to
quit their ancient residence at Pengwern and remove to Mathrafel, in the
vale of Myfod, and the plains of Shropshire became a confirmed part of
the kingdom of Mercia. The Britons shortly after entered into an
alliance with the king of Sussex and Northumberland, and, having made a
breach in the rampart, passed the boundary at early dawn, attacked the
camp of Offa in an unprepared state, and put great numbers to the sword.
In the middle of the following century, we find Roderic, Prince of Wales,
added Powisland to his dominions. He, according to the custom of
gavel-kind, divided his principality among his children. To Anarawd he
gave North Wales; to Cadell, South Wales; to Mervyn, Powisland. Each
wore a talaith, or diamond of gold, set with precious stones; whence they
were styled Y Tri Tywysog Taleithiog, or the three crowned princes.
Bleddyn ap Cynoyn, who ruled Wales jointly with his brother, at the
Conquest re-united the kingdoms of North Wales and Powis. The latter,
however, eventually devolved to his eldest son, Meredydd, and Oswestry
was called Trefred, in honour of this prince. He made the division,
which finally destroyed the potent kingdom of Powis. To his eldest son,
Madog, he gave the part which bore afterwards the name of Powis Madog.
Madog’s chief residence was at Oswestry, where, according to Welsh
historians, he built the castle about the year 1140. He died at
Winchester, and his body was honourably conveyed to Powis, and buried at
Myfod. His widow married Fitzalan, Lord of Clun; who, in right of his
wife, obtained the town and castle of Oswestry. This William was a
descendant of Alan, who came into England with the Conqueror, and was the
first of the Fitzalans that was baron of Oswestry. This honourable
distinction was possessed by the Fitzalans, a powerful race, that existed
with fewer checks than common to dignity for more than five hundred
years. The title of Baron of “Oswaldestre” is now held by the Duke of
Norfolk. His ancestor, Thomas Duke of Norfolk, married Lady Mary,
daughter of Henry, the last Earl of Arundel, of the name of Fitzalan, in
the 13th of Elizabeth, when the lordship of Oswestry was conveyed to the
duke. The Powis family subsequently became possessed of the manor.
Powisland extended from the Broxton hills, in Cheshire, to Pengwerne
Powis, or Shrewsbury, including a large tract of land in both those
counties, and also comprehended a considerable portion of Wales. This
part of England, previous to the reign of Edward II., was termed the
Northern Marches, and was governed by a Lord President, who kept his
court at Ludlow Castle, and lived in a style little inferior to that of
royalty.
The town of Oswestry had various immunities and privileges granted by
different monarchs. In the 12th of Henry III. John Fitzalan obtained the
grant of a fair at his manor of Blancminster, upon the eve, the day, and
the day after the feast of St. Andrew, and for two days following.
Edward I. surrounded Oswestry with walls, that it might be less liable to
plundering excursions, and as a key to his intended conquest of Wales. A
murage or toll was imposed upon the whole county (except the burgesses of
Shrewsbury) for the building of the same for a period of six years. The
walls were about a mile in circumference, with an entrenchment on the
outside, which could be filled with water from the numerous springs in
the vicinity. The remains of this fortification may still be traced.
There were also four gates, the only inlets into the town. These gates,
in process of time, became exceedingly inconvenient for the passage of
carriages and merchandise, and the Blackgate was taken down in 1766, by
the consent of Earl Powis, the lord of the manor. In 1782, the
corporation entered into an agreement for the demolition of the three
remaining gates, and appropriating the materials to the erecting of a
prison. This was carried into effect, and pillars substituted in their
stead. The New Gate was built in the reign of Edward II. It was used as
a prison and guard-room for the soldiers. _Beatrice Gate_ is said to
have been named in compliment to Beatrice, wife of Henry IV., and was
probably erected in that king’s reign. _Willow Gate_ or _Wallia Gate_
took its name from being the thoroughfare into Wales.
The governing charter, previous to the date of the municipal act, was one
of 25th Charles II., styling the corporation the “Mayor, Aldermen, Common
Council, and Burgesses, of the Borough of Oswestry, in the County of
Salop,” and appointing a mayor, fifteen aldermen, fifteen common
councilmen, a steward of the lord of the manor, recorder, coroner, or old
mayor, town clerk, &c. The mayor, steward, coroner, and recorder, were
appointed to act as justices of peace for the borough. A court of
quarter sessions for the criminal jurisdiction within the borough was
appointed to be held by the mayor, as president, and one to three of the
magistrates. The boundaries were from the beginning restricted to a
certain district within the parish, and in the maps of the municipal
boundary commissioners they are still further restricted to the more
immediate vicinity of the town. Under the new municipal act, the borough
is divided into two wards, and appointed to be governed by six aldermen
and eighteen councillors, under the usual corporate style. It is
included in schedule A among the boroughs to have a commission of the
peace, which has accordingly been granted. The following is a list of
persons who have served the office of mayor since the new municipal act
came into operation:—1835, John Croxon, Esq.; 1836, Francis Campbell,
Esq.; 1837, Charles Thomas Jones, Esq.; 1838, George Dorsett Owen, Esq.;
1839, Griffith Evans, Esq.; 1840, Thomas Penson, Esq.; 1841, John
Hayward, Esq.; 1842–3, William Williams, Esq.; 1844, William Price, Esq.;
1845, Thomas Rogers, Esq.; 1846, John Miles Hales, Esq.; 1847, Thomas
Hill, Esq.; 1848, John Jones, Esq.; 1849–50, Edward Morris, Esq. The
magistrates who act in the Oswestry district are Joseph V. Lovett, Esq.,
Thomas Lovett, Esq., Richard H. Kinchant, Esq., W. W. E. Wynne, Esq., the
Hon. Thomas Kenyon, and Viscount Dungannon.
_Recorder_: John Robert Kenyon, Esq. _Coroner_: John Miles Hayes, Esq.
_Town Clerk and Clerk to Magistrates_: Richard Jones Croxon, Esq. _Clerk
of the Peace_: Robert Simon, Esq. _Surveyor_: Mr. Thomas Hughes.
_Treasurer_: Mr. George Cooper. _Superintendent of Police and Clerk and
Inspector of Markets_: Mr. Jacob Smith. The police force consists of a
superintendent and six constables. The income of the borough for the
year ending September, 1st, 1850, was £706. 8s. 5d. The principal items
of expenditure were for salaries, £180; police constables and watchmen,
£143; prosecutions, £65; gaol expenses, £144; conveyance of prisoners,
£29; and miscellaneous expenses, £152.
For upwards of two hundred years the Welsh webs were brought to Oswestry,
as the common market, and there bought by the Shrewsbury drapers. The
Welsh wished to draw the trade more into their own country, but the
English purchaser could not be persuaded to follow them, on account of
the unsettled state of the Principality; and thus Oswestry was
constituted an emporium of merchandise, in consequence of its contiguity
to Wales. The “Company of Drapers” in Shrewsbury made a weekly visit to
Oswestry to purchase the cloths. The peril attending these pilgrimages
must have been considerable, if we may judge from an order appearing in
the records of the Shrewsbury corporation, where, in the 25th of
Elizabeth, 1583, it was ordered, that “no draper set out for Oswestry on
Mondays before six o’clock, on forfeiture of 6s. 8d., and that they shall
wear their weapons all the way, and go in company.” The corporation paid
yearly the sum of £20 to the vicar of St. Alkmund for reading prayers;
6s. 8d. for the light; and 6s. 8d. to the clerk for ringing the bell on
Monday mornings, before the drapers set out for Oswestry market. In
1621, it was agreed by the drapers to buy no more cloths in Oswestry.
The then recorder of Oswestry regarded this withdrawment as inevitably
ruinous, and says, “Oswestry flourished and was happy indeed by reason of
the market of Welsh cottons. A thousand pounds in ready money was left
in the town every week, sometimes more; but now, since the staple of
cloth is removed to Shrewsbury, the town is much decayed and
impoverished, Shrewsbury having engrossed the said market.” For the
defence of the rights secured to the burgesses by the various municipal
charters, the members of each trade formed themselves into a guild or
company, whose duties it was to guard the monopolies of the brotherhood.
Thus we have notices of the company of hatters, glovers, butchers,
corvsers, bakers, hucksters, and ale sellers. The charter of Richard II.
directs “that the bailiff should treat as well the poor as the rich, and
that the burgesses within the town and liberty should be quit of tolls
and stallage. That none but burgesses should buy any fresh hides or new
cloth in the borough. That they should not be bound to keep any fugitive
coming to the church or churchyard, except only for one day and one night
next after such flight, within which time they should give notice to the
bailiff of the hundred, who should take such fugitive into custody. That
the burgesses should be discharged from all fees of the constable, usher,
and door-keeper of the castle, for any felonies committed within the
town, for which such burgesses might be imprisoned in the castle, except
that the constable at the feast of St. Stephen should receive from every
mansion of the burgesses one loaf, from every hall one penny, and from
every cottage one halfpenny. That the penalty of 6s. 8d. should be
imposed for selling Shrewsbury ale in the town, half of such fine to go
to the burgesses, and half to the lord. That no such ale should be sold
in the town of Chirkslound, Melverdeley, and Kinnardeley, except in the
town of Chirk, under the like penalty. That none of the inhabitants of
those lordships, or of Oswestry, Edgerley, and Ruyton, should take any
cattle, corn, victuals, or other articles to any foreign fair or market,
until the same had been exposed for sale in the town of Oswestry, under
the penalty of 6s. 8d.” Philip, Earl of Arundel, in the year 1581,
affected an uncommon concern for the well doing of the town, and in a
charter of that date he states “that by the misconstruction of certain
words of the charters theretofore given to the town, several acts which
ought to have been passed by the common council, had been done and
proceeded in by the general voice of all the co-burgesses, whereby
contentions and suits of law were occasioned by such popular governments.
Therefore for the quiet and better ordering of the said town,” he
arbitrarily appoints the mode of election, directs an oath to be taken by
all the burgesses to be loyal and faithful to the Queen’s Majesty, and to
be loving and dutiful to the said earl and his heirs, grants them a
number of privileges, which had been enjoyed, as he states, from time
immemorial, and, with true baronial modesty, not till the close does he
discover the secret of all this paternal affection, by the significant
clause,—“In consideration of all which agreements, and to the intent that
the said bailiffs and burgesses may show their loyalty and good will to
the said noble earl, they do undertake to pay him one bundled pounds.”
In the year 1400 Oswestry was burnt during an insurrection of the Welsh.
After a peaceable submission of upwards of a century, they made an
attempt to regain their ancient independence under the renowned Owain
Glyndwr. Lord Grey had unjustly seized upon some part of Glyndwr’s
estates, which lay between Llangolen and Corwen. Owain sought
satisfaction without having recourse to parliament, but he met with no
redress. He, therefore, animated by his descent from the ancient line of
British princes, caused himself to be proclaimed Prince of Wales on
September 20th, 1400, and commenced his warlike career by attacking his
enemy, Lord Grey, from whom he immediately recovered the lands which that
nobleman had deprived him of. Relying on the valour of his soldiers and
the inaccessible mountains of his country, he set at defiance the whole
power of England. He assembled his forces at Oswestry, in order to join
Lord Percy against the king. The Welsh chieftain sent off his first
division of 4,000 men (an account of which has been noticed in a
preceding page), and at the head of 12,000 men had the mortification of
being obliged to remain inactive at Oswestry. Gough observes, that about
two miles from Shrewsbury, where the Welshpool road diverges from that
which leads to Oswestry, there stands an ancient decayed oak tree, of
which there is a tradition, that Glyndwr ascended it to reconnoitre; but
finding that the king was in great force, and that the Earl of
Northumberland had not joined his son, Percy, he fell back to Oswestry,
and immediately after the battle retreated precipitately into Wales. In
1409 Glyndwr made great devastations in the Marches, and the estates of
Lord Powis suffered greatly. Several of the officers of the lords of the
Marches, for the sake of preserving their country from the fury of the
Welsh, by their own authority formed a truce with Glyndwr and his
partizans. King Henry, highly indignant at these agreements, immediately
issued writs to the lords of Knockin, Ellesmere, and other bordering
manors, to cause such illegal compacts to be rescinded, and Glyndwr and
his adherents to be pursued and attacked with the utmost vigour. Owain
appears after this to have secured himself in the mountainous districts
of Wales, and to have acted entirely upon the defensive. He died on the
20th of December, 1415.
That dreadful scourge the plague raged in Oswestry in 1559, and continued
throughout the principal part of the year, during which time upwards of
five hundred persons were swept away. About half a mile from the town,
on the Welshpool road, is CROES WYLAN, where a cross formerly stood, the
base of which still remains. During the time of the plague, the market
is said to have been held at this cross, lest the country people by
coming into the town should be infected. The plague again appeared in
Oswestry in 1585, which the parish register states began in March, and
continued until July, when three score and four persons died. The market
for the sale of the flannel webs was held at Knockin until the calamity
abated. In 1542 there was a fire in the town, by which two long streets,
with extensive property, were consumed. In 1567 a fire again broke out
and burnt two hundred houses. The houses were then principally built of
timber. Leland, who passed through Oswestry in the time of Henry VIII.,
says, “There be within the town X notable streates: the iii. most notable
streates be the Cross streate, the Bayly streate, and Newgate streate.
with barns for corn and hay to the number VII. score several barns.
There is a castelle set on a mont, be likelihood made by hand, and
ditched by south west, betwixt Beatrice streate and Willow gate, to which
the wall commith. The towne standeth most by sale of cloth made in
Wales. There goeth thro’ the towne by the Crosse a broke, comming from a
place caullid Simon’s well, a bow-shot without the waulle by N.W. This
broke commith in by the waulle betwixt Willow gate and New-gate, and so
renning through the towne, goith out under the Black-gate. There be no
towers on the waulles beside the gates. The towne is dicked about, and
brokettes ren ynto it. The chirch of St. Oswalde is a very fair leddid
church, with a great tourrid steple, and it standeth without the
New-gate; so that no church is there within the towne.”
THE CASTLE.—The remains of the cattle consist only of an artificial mount
on the north side of the town. It had a deep ditch extending to Beatrice
gate on the one side and Willow gate on the other. According to Caradoc,
the Welsh historian, the castle was founded in 1149, by Madoc, Prince of
Powis. Leland says a tower went by the name of Madoc’s tower, which
seems to confirm the account respecting the founder of the castle. The
English historians, however, assign to it a more ancient date, and inform
us that it was in being before the Norman conquest, and that Alan had the
town and castle bestowed upon him by William the Conqueror soon after his
accession. In the 15th of John, John, nephew of William Mareschall, Earl
of Pembroke, being guardian of the Marches of Wales, was at that time
constituted governor of the castles of Blancminster and Shrawarden, in
the county of Salop. Llewellin, son of Griffin, son of Madoc, made his
complaint to the archbishop of Canterbury against this constable of
Oswestry, for disturbing him in the possession of the third part of the
ville of Ledrot, and who had compelled him to send two young noblemen to
be put to death in an ignominious manner, in derogation of their birth
and extraction, which disgrace their parents would not have undergone for
£300 sterling; also that the constable had twice imprisoned sixty of his
men, for which they were forced to pay 10s. a man for their liberty; also
that when the Welsh came to Oswestry fair, the constable would seize
their cattle by driving them into the castle, and refusing to pay for the
same. The castle and manor continued in the possession of the Fitzalans,
with little interruption until the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The square
now called Bailey-head was the _ballium_ or yard of the castle. A mount
in the castle field outside the great ditch is the site of the Barbican,
or the outer gate at which the halt and blind were usually relieved, and
is still called the cripple gate. Within the precincts of the castle
there stood a chapel, dedicated to St. Nicholas, wherein during troublous
times religious services were performed. The castle was garrisoned for
Charles I. in the beginning of the civil wars; a Colonel Lloyd was
governor, Sir A. Shipman succeeded him, and continued in that post until
the town and castle surrendered to the parliamentary forces under the
Earl of Denbigh and General Mytton, the 22nd June, 1644. Gough, in his
manuscript history of Middle, relates, in his own quaint manner, the
assault and capture of Oswestry. “I will speak of some things that have
happened here in my time. The governor of this town, when it was a
garrison for the king, pulled down many houses that were without the
walls, lest they might shelter an enemy; the church also being without
the walls was pulled down, and the top of the steeple only leaving where
the bell frame stood; the bells were brought into the town and the organs
were embezzled after. The town was well fortified, and the castle, which
is but small, yet very strong, built by a Prince of Wales, A.D., 1149.
General Mitton, with parliament forces, came and besieged it; he planted
his cannon near that part of the steeple which was left; he battered the
gate, called Church gate in such sort, that the garrison of soldiers
could not stay at it. General Mitton supposing it was so, but not being
sure of it, sent George Cranage, a bold and daring young man, to see
whether it were so, who took a hatchet in his hand and went to the
drawbridge, and found that the soldiers were gone, and the gate was open,
for the cannon had broken the doors, and this Cranage broke the chains of
the draw bridge with the hatchet, and let it down, so that the soldiers
made haste to enter the town, but those who were within made like haste
to meet them, which Cranage perceiving, and seeing a box of drakes
standing within the gate ready charged, he turned the box of drakes
towards those in the town, and one of Cranage’s partners came with a fire
lock and gave fire to them, which made such slaughter amongst the
garrison that they retreated and fled to the castle. Cranage was well
rewarded, and being well filled with sack, was persuaded by the general
to hang a battau on the castle gate; now a battau is an iron shell as big
as an iron pot; it was filled with powder and wild fire balls, and had a
handle with a hole in it, by which it might be fastened with a nail to
any place. Cranage takes this battau, with a cart nail and a hammer, and
got from house to house into the house next the castle, and then stepping
to the castle gate he fixt his battau, and stepping nimbly back again
escaped without any hurt. The battau burst open the gate.” The inmates
were granted quarter, but the royalists failed notwithstanding several
attempts to regain the town. The castle was shortly afterwards
demolished, and nothing is now to be seen of it but a lofty circular
mount.
About half a mile N.W. from the town of Oswestry is an insulated eminence
of an oblong form, surrounded by two ramparts and fosses of great height
and depth, which in former days was known by the name of _Caer Ogyrfan_
and _Hen Dinas_, but now recognized by the title of OLD OSWESTRY. This
elevation bears the strongest marks of having been at some time a place
of defence; the top is an extensive area containing 15A. 3R. 0P., and the
fortifications which encompass it cannot be less than forty or fifty
acres. A gentleman who visited this spot in 1797 says that a well and
pavement had been discovered here. Some pieces of iron supposed to be
armour had been dug up. The original entrance to this fortification
appears to have been on the opposite side of the hill from the great
Holyhead road. There is strong ground for the belief that this eminence
was the original site of the town, which afterwards took and now bears
the name of Oswestry, and that it was planted there by the ancient
Britons at a very remote period. That it was known to the Britons will
appear evident from the fact of both the names we have mentioned as
having been applied to it being British or Welsh, Caer Ogyrfan signifying
“The Field of Ogyrfan,” who was contemporary with King Arthur, and Hen
Dinas signifying “The Old City.” It is evident that this magnificent
work was not a sudden operation like that of a camp, but that it was a
work of immense labour and ample security. The character of the
elevation answers to the description given of the position of ancient
British towns. They are said almost always to have been placed on a
hill, and Speed tells us that the Britons “gave the name of townes to
certain combersome woods which they had fortified with ramparts and
ditches, whither they resort and retreat, to eschue the invasion of their
enemies, which stand them in good stead, for when they have by felling
trees mounted and fenced therewith a spacious plot of ground, there they
build for themselves houses and cottages.” In 1767 as much timber was
cut down from the ramparts as sold for £17,000.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, is a fine old fabric of considerable
magnitude, ornamented with a massive square tower at the west end, in
which are eight musical bells. The structure was enlarged and beautified
in 1807, and since that period it has undergone great improvements. A
handsome organ was erected by subscription in 1812; it is stated that the
old organ, a fine toned instrument, is now in one of the churches in
London. The chancel, commonly called St. Mary’s, was destroyed in 1616,
and the tower and part of the body of the church were demolished in the
civil wars of 1644. The vicarage house, which stood on a piece of ground
adjoining the churchyard, with many other buildings, were burnt to the
ground at the same period, in consequence of the town being besieged.
The church contains many handsome tablets and monumental inscriptions,
among which is a beautiful canopy of elaborate workmanship, and
underneath it two figures in the attitude of prayer, in memory of Hugh
Yale, alderman of this town, and Dorothy, his wife, whose bodies were
interred within the chancel of this church, before its demolition in
1616. On the north side of the chancel is an elegant mural monument,
with a latin inscription, commemorative of Richard Maurice, who died in
1700, and other members of the family who died at a subsequent period. A
superb monument at the east end of the chancel remembers Robert Powell
Lloyd, who died in 1769, aged five years; Sarah Lloyd, mother of the
above, who died in 1790; and Robert Lloyd, Esq., the father, who died in
1793. A neat tablet at the same end records the death of the Rev. Thomas
Trevor, in 1784, vicar of this parish 50 years, and of Rhuabon 15 years,
chaplain to W. W. Wynne, Bart., and one of his Majesty’s justices of the
peace for the counties of Salop and Denbigh. There are various other
marble tablets, some of them beautifully executed, which our limits will
not allow us to notice. The living is a vicarage valued in the king’s
book at £23. 15s. 7½d., now returned at £507, in the patronage of the
Earl of Powis, and incumbency of the Rev. Thomas Salway. The iron gates
facing the town were put up in 1738 at the expense of the parish, at a
cost of £46 1s. 4d. The churchyard was enlarged in 1817. The elm trees
were planted between the years 1707 and 1713. The vicarial tithes upon
1,832A. 2R. 23P. of land in the town and liberties of Oswestry are
commuted for £70 1s. 6d., and the rectorial for £211. £13s. 6d. There
are 82A. 2R. 7P. of land tithe free. Earl Powis is the impropriator and
lord of the manor. The principal landowners are Earl Powis, W. W. Wynn,
Bart.; Earl of Bradford; Richard Jones Croxon, Esq.; William Ormsby Gore,
M.P.; Mrs. Lloyd, Thomas L. Longueville, Esq.; and Mr. Williams, besides
whom are several other proprietors.
TRINITY CHURCH, situate in the Salop road, a neat fabric built of free
stone in the decorative style of English architecture, was erected in
1837; it consists of nave and chancel, and the roof is of groined timber,
which gives it a very interesting appearance. There are 670 sittings, of
which 400 are declared free and unappropriated for ever, in consequence
of a grant from the Incorporated Society, for building and enlarging
churches. There are 28 pews in the body of the church, 29 in the
gallery, and the free sittings are open benches. The gallery contains a
small organ, which was presented to the church, on the condition that the
incumbent for the time being be allowed to receive the rent of the six
pews in front of the communion table, in lieu of the pews in the gallery,
partly taken up by the organ, and partly thrown open as free sittings.
The chancel exhibits some fine chiselling and decorative workmanship; the
east window is also richly adorned with stained glass. The living is a
perpetual curacy returned at £450, in the gift of the vicar of Oswestry,
and is enjoyed by the Rev. John Jones.
THE INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, situate in Arthur-street, is a commodious and
well built brick structure, with stone finishings, and a portico of the
Doric order, which gives it a chaste appearance. The pews are arranged
in a semicircular form, and there is a gallery; it will accommodate about
600 hearers. There is a flourishing society and a Sunday school in
connection with the chapel.
THE BAPTIST CHAPEL, situated in Smithfield, was built in 1805, and
enlarged in 1818; it is provided with galleries, and will hold 300
persons.
THE METHODIST CHAPEL is a good brick structure, erected in 1811, in the
Salop road, and will accommodate 400 worshippers.
THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL, built in 1801, and situated in Castle
Fields, is a brick building cemented; it is neatly pewed and calculated
to hold 600 hearers. There is a small burial ground annexed to the
chapel, and a house has been built for the resident minister.
THE WELSH INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, a small fabric, is situated in Castle
Fields. Divine service is performed in the Welsh language.
THE WELSH CALVINISTIC CHAPEL (ZION), a good building of brick with a
stuccoed front, is situated in Gateacre place, and was erected in 1836.
The interior arrangements have a neat appearance. The service of this
chapel is also in the Welsh language.
THE WELSH METHODISTS meet for worship in a room near the Welsh walls.
The society contemplate building a chapel in a short period.
THE PLYMOUTH BRETHREN assemble for worship in a large room on the
premises of Mrs. Macdongall, in Bailey street.
THE INDEPENDENT METHODISTS have a small chapel in Castle Terrace, built
in 1848, which will hold about 150 hearers.
THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, situate at Pentrepoeth, is a handsome building, in
the Elizabethan style of architecture, with a convenient residence for
the teacher. The centre of the building is occupied by the girls, and
the wings on each side are for the accommodation of the boys and the
infants. The school is pleasantly situated, has a play ground attached,
and the whole is enclosed by a wall. The institution is supported by
subscription, and a small charge from each scholar.
THE BRITISH SCHOOL, a substantial and commodious building in Arthur
Street, was built by subscription and a grant from the School Society.
The building is ornamented with stone quoins and cornices; the upper room
is occupied by the girls, and the lower room by the boys.
THE YOUNG MEN’S INSTITUTE was established in October, 1850, with the
object of extending the moral and intellectual culture of the young men
of the town of Oswestry. We are happy to observe that many of the young
men in the town have enrolled themselves as members, a library has been
established, and the news room is furnished with papers, and some of the
most popular periodicals of the day. The ordinary members pay 1s. 6d.
per quarter, honorary members pay an annual subscription of 10s. 6d., or
a donation of £10 or upwards. The corporation have kindly granted a room
in the Council Hall for the accommodation of the members.
THE SAVINGS BANK, in Bailey Square, was established in 1818. The capital
stock of the bank on November 20th, 1850, amounted to £50,973. 6s. 1d.,
at which time there were 1463 separate accounts; of which 23 were
charitable societies, having deposits amounting to £851. 8s. 10d., and 31
friendly societies, with deposits amounting to £5,884. 0s. 8d. Of the
individual depositors, there were 697 whose respective balances did not
exceed £20; 442 were above £20, and not exceeding £50; 180 were above
that sum, and not exceeding £100; 62 above £100, and less than £150; 26
did not exceed £200, and two accounts were above that sum. The bank is
open on Wednesdays, from twelve to two o’clock. Thomas L. Longueville,
Esq., is treasurer, and Mr. John Hughes, secretary.
THE HOUSE OF INDUSTRY is an extensive range of building, composed of
brick, pleasantly situated about a mile from the town. It was erected by
the joint subscription of the town and parish of Oswestry, the several
parishes of Whittington, West Felton, St. Martin’s, Chirk, Selattyn,
Knockin, Kinnerley, Ruyton, Llansilin, Llanyblodwell, and the township of
Llwytidman, in the parish of Llanymynech. The house will accommodate 600
inmates; the average number is about 190. It was built under Gilbert’s
Act. The respective parishes appoint the officers, who collect the
rates, and pay the out-poor. The board days are every Monday. Richard
Nightingale Broughton, Esq., is the chairman, Mr. John Hughes, clerk, Mr.
Thomas Morris, governor, Mr. Thomas Davies, relieving officer, and Edward
and Ann Jones, schoolteachers.
THE DISPENSARY, in Lower Brook Street, under the superintendence of Mr.
Hales, is supported by annual subscriptions and donations. It is worthy
of increased support from the charitable and humane; for since its
establishment hundreds have partaken of the healing benefits of this
Samaritan institution, the object of which is to check, and ameliorate
suffering humanity, in whatever form it is found.
THE TOWN HALL is situated near the site of the Castle, and forms one side
of the square called Bailey-head. It is a plain stone building,
comprising a large room (where the sessions and public affairs of the
town are transacted) and offices for the clerks, &c. The front is
enclosed by an iron palisade. Near the centre of the building is a
figure of King Oswald, carved in stone. At the back of the hall is the
police establishment, built in 1830, and residence of Mr. Jacob Smith,
clerk of the market and superintendent of police.
THE BOROUGH GAOL, in Castle Fields, is a brick structure, erected in
1826, which contains three cells and two airing yards. It is now used as
a lock-up, under the control of the borough and county magistrates.
THE COUNTY COURT OFFICE adjoins the Town Hall, at Bailey-head. The
jurisdiction of the court embraces the following parishes and places,
viz.:—Knockin, Ruyton of the Eleven Towns, West Felton, Kinnerley
Llanymynech, except Carreghova township, Llansilin, part of Soughton
township, part of Selattyn, Llanblodwell, Oswestry town and liberties,
St. Martin’s, Chirk, Ellesmere, except Penley, Welsh Hampton, and
Hordley. Judge: Edward Lewis Richards, Esq. Clerk: William Simons, Esq.
Assistant Clerk: Thomas Askew Davies. High Bailiff: Mr. Charles Scarlett
Andrews. Bailiff; Mr. Ellis Hughes. Broker: Mr. Edward Evans.
THE POWIS MARKET HALL forms one side of the spacious area of the Bailey
Square, and is a plain stone building, with a high clock turret. The
front part of the structure was formerly used as the Guild Hall, at the
back of which additional erections have been made of brick, chiefly
through the instrumentality of P. Cartwright, Esq., and a few other
resident gentlemen. It is a spacious structure, partly covered with
glass. Here the corn market is held on Wednesdays, and is very
numerously attended by the farmers in the surrounding district.
THE FAIRS at Oswestry are held on the first Wednesday in each month, for
the sale of butter, cheese, and other commodities, which take place in
the Powis Market Hall. The North Shropshire and North Wales yeomen are
justly proud of their fine dairies of cheese and butter, and the market
is unrivalled in Shropshire for the extent of business that is transacted
in these commodities. The day preceding the above is for the sale of
cattle, sheep, and pigs, which takes place in the Smithfield Market.
THE MARKET held on Wednesdays for butter, poultry, and butchers’ meat, is
very numerously attended. The meat and provisions brought to the market
are abundant in quantity and excellent in quality. Considerable
quantities of poultry (geese, ducks, as well as the small Welsh mutton)
are brought here weekly for sale. The shambles are in Willow Street and
Bailey Street; and the butter and poultry market is conveniently arranged
and covered in.
THE GAS WORKS, situated near Gallows Tree Gate, on the Salop road, were
established in 1842. The premises are conveniently arranged, and from
8s. to 10s. are charged per 1,000 cubic feet for the luminous vapour.
Mr. Robert Roberts is the proprietor.
THE THEATRE, a small building in Willow Street, is usually open for a few
weeks in the year by a company of comedians.
THE RACES are held at Cen-y-bwch, a beautiful piece of ground situated on
an eminence to the west of the town. The races of late years have not
commanded that attention and support which they formerly did, and they
were altogether discontinued last year. It is expected, however, they
will again take place during the present year about the usual time, in
the autumn of the year.
THE RAILWAY STATION is situated on the north-east side of the town.
There are ten trains arrive and depart during the day to Gabowen, where
the branch from Oswestry joins the trunk line of the Shrewsbury and
Chester railway. Mr. E. Jones is the station-master. THE ASSEMBLY ROOM
and BOWLING GREEN are at the Wynstay Arms. The STAMP OFFICE is in Willow
Street. THE EXCISE OFFICE is at the Cross Keys Inn. THE NEWS ROOM is at
the Court House, Bailey Square. THE CRICKET GROUND is in Lower Brook
Street. _The Oswestry Advertiser_, a small publication which makes its
appearance on the first Wednesday in each month, is extensively
patronised as an advertising medium, and is worthy of support for the
interesting local information which it furnishes. Mr. John A. Roberts is
the publisher and proprietor.
CHARITIES.—THE FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL is pleasantly situated on the west
side of the town. It was founded as early as the reign of Henry IV. by
David Hobech, who granted, for the maintenance of a schoolmaster, and the
reparation of the school-house there, certain lands in Sweeney, Treflach,
Maesbury, and Crickheath. By an inquisition, under a commission of
charitable uses, taken at Oswestry, and dated 10th April, 1634, it is
stated that although the bailiffs of Oswestry had the ordering and
disposing of the school and the school lands, they had done the same
without any just authority, and that if they had been trusted they had
manifestly abused the trust, in making leases at an under value and for
secret rewards for themselves. The said commissioners therefore decreed,
that the bailiffs of the said town should be for ever discharged and
excluded from any trust or intermeddling with the school lands, that the
schoolmaster for the time being should let the premises in possession,
and not in reversion, for the term of seven years, with the consent of
the bishop and chancellor of the diocese. The commissioners further
ordered that the schoolmaster should have an usher, to be allowed £10 a
year; and the master for the time being to keep the school premises in
repair.
The property now held by the master consists of 34A. 3R. 18P. of land at
Crickheath, let for £30 per annum; three closes of land in Treflach,
containing 23A. 1R. 7P., producing a yearly rental of £36; land in the
township of Sweeney, containing altogether 68A. 3R. 10P., let for £134
per annum. There was also a small piece of land in Sweeney, of about
half an acre, of which the master had lost possession. It was surrounded
by property belonging to Sir W. W. Wynne, and had in fact been sold by
him. The master having established his title thereto, a small piece of
land adjoining the school premises was given up to him in lieu thereof.
Four closes of land in Weston Cotton, containing 19A. 2R. 9P., producing
£40 per annum; and an allotment in the same township of 1A. 2R. 9P., let
for £3 yearly; land in the township of Maesbury consisting of 16A. 0R.
18P. producing an annual sum of £24; and the yearly sum of £1. 6s. 8d. as
a free farm rent, issuing out of a corn mill in Maesbury. The rents of
the above premises amount in the whole to £271. 10s. 2d., and are
received by the master of the school. In addition to the premises
already noticed, there is a school and school-house, and seven acres of
land in the town of Oswestry, held under lease from Sir W. W. Wynne,
bearing date 22nd September, 1815, for 10,000 years, at the clear yearly
rent of £12. The school now existing was built by Dr. Donne, the
expenses of which amounted to about £1,400. The school is open to all
boys born in the parish of Oswestry, for instruction in English, Latin,
and Greek; but it is expected that they should be able to read before
they are admitted. No payment is demanded of the scholars, except 7s.
6d. for entrance, and 2s. a-year for fire money. The course of
instruction in the school is chiefly classical; but algebra, geometry,
history, and writing are also taught. For the latter a separate charge
is made. In addition to the scholars on the foundation, the master takes
a limited number of boarders. We cannot but observe on the
inconveniences that have occurred, and are likely to occur, for want of
trustees. It is true that Dr. Donne recovered possession of a great part
of the school property, or an equivalent for it, at his own expense; but
few persons in his situation would have undertaken the same risk; and the
necessity for such proceedings was probably owing to the reluctance felt
by former masters to involving themselves in litigation with the tenants.
The Rev. Stephen Donne, M.A., is the head master.
_Thomas Owen_, in 1713, left £20 for the use of the charity school.
_Daniel Poole_, in 1716, left the interest of £20 for the same use. In
1737, £32 was laid out on the poor house in Church street, which sum was
paid out of the above legacies; and it was ordered at a vestry that a
yearly sum of 40s. should be paid towards the support of the charity
school. Nothing, however, has been paid in respect of these charities
for many years. The poor house in Church street has been sold, and the
produce applied to the general purposes of the town.
THE ALMSHOUSES.—_Dame Ellen_, widow of Sir Francis Eure, by will bearing
date 20th August, 1626, devised six tenements in William street, to the
bailiffs and burgesses of Oswestry, and their successors, to be used and
employed for the habitation of six poor men and six poor women, to be
appointed by the said bailiffs and their successors. _Jane Owen_, in
1732, bequeathed to the twelve poor persons, inmates of the almshouse
commonly called Porkington almshouses, the sum of 18s., to be paid to
them yearly for ever; and she ordered her executor to charge her real and
personal estate with the payment thereof. It does not appear that this
gift was ever in any way settled to the use of the almspeople, _Mrs. S.
Ormsby_, by her will in 1805, requested her daughter (now the wife of W.
Ormsby Gore, Esq.), and those who should succeed her in the Porkington
estate, would pay, “as she had done,” the poor people in the almshouse
for ever. _Mrs. Gore_ distributes £3 among the inmates on Christmas day,
that being the sum her mother had previously given. The almshouses are
kept in repair by Mrs. Gore, and she appoints the inmates.
_Margaret Godolphin_, in 1748, gave a messuage and shop, and other
premises to the use of the vicar of Oswestry for the time being, provided
he should live in the said house; and if the vicar should not reside in
the said dwelling, the same should be let yearly, and the rents paid to
the churchwardens, to be applied in placing out poor fatherless children
apprentices. The premises above were exchanged in the year 1823, for
other premises situate in Brook street. Before this exchange took place
the house originally devised was not occupied by the vicar, but was let
by the overseers, and the rent improperly carried to the general account
of the poor’s rate. _Owen Morgan_, in 1604, gave certain property to the
Haberdashers’ Company, London, subject to the payment of £20 yearly, for
the relief of the poor people of the parish of Oswestry, to be
distributed where most need should appear, by the parson, curate, and the
churchwardens of the said parish. The yearly sum of £20 is received from
the Haberdashers’ Company, through the Oswestry bank. This forms part of
a general fund, which is distributed as hereafter mentioned.
_Hugh Yale_, by his will bearing date 2nd January, 1605, gave a messuage
and garden adjoining the churchyard of Oswestry, with a croft near the
Chapel Fields, and the reversion of a house and garden adjoining the
school, in trust, to bestow the rents among the necessitous poor of the
town; and he directed that if any preacher, lawfully licensed, should
upon that day preach in the Welsh tongue in the parish church of
Oswestry, he should receive 6s. 8d. out of the rents. The property
belonging to Yale’s charity consists of a field called the Poor’s Croft,
let for £8 per annum; two small tenements in Upper Brook street,
producing a rental of £5 yearly; two plots of ground near the churchyard,
demised to Richard Price for a term of 99 years, from 1st May, 1809, at a
yearly rent of £2. 12s. 6d.; a piece of ground near the churchyard, let
on lease in 1808 for a term of 99 years, to Thomas Davies, Esq., for 20s.
per annum; two small cottages adjoining the churchyard, one let for £2 a
year, and the other for £3 a year. A garden, for which a yearly rent of
2s. 6d. from the year 1688 till 1825 was received, when the party holding
it disputed the right of the claim; the churchwardens, however, intended
to take proceedings for possession of the land. In 1782, 10s. is entered
as received of Thomas Griffith, for one year’s rent for a yard and a
saw-pit adjoining the Lawn House. The same rent was afterwards paid by
the Rev. Mr. Maurice, and, in 1804, by John Bonner, Esq., who succeeded
to Mr. Maurice’s property. Nothing, however, has been paid since 1806,
and the piece of ground could not be satisfactorily identified when the
charity commissioners published their report. The income of this charity
is added to the general fund, disposed of as hereafter mentioned. There
seems to have been great negligence in the management of this charity, in
admitting tenants who were unable to pay the rent; in not keeping up the
boundaries of the land; and in not preserving the counterparts of those
leases which appear to have been granted.
_John Morris_ gave an annual payment of £1. 10s., issuing out of lands at
Crickheath, for the use of the poor of the town of Oswestry. The amount
is paid by the agent of W. Eyton, Esq., as the owner of the land upon
which the payment is charged.
_Richard Witcherley_ gave a parcel of land in Beatrice street, and
directed 1s. per week to be expended in bread out of the rent thereof,
and the overplus to be applied in apprentice fees. The premises consist
of a croft, containing 1A. 2R., let at a yearly rent of £7.
_Mrs. Dorothy Southey’s Charity_.—A yearly sum of £2. 12s. is paid from a
field in the liberties of the town of Oswestry, as the gift of _Mrs.
Southey_, for a distribution of bread.
_William Gough_, in 1669, left a rent charge of £5. 6s. 8d., charged on
certain lands in Trevlach, and directed £5 per annum to be applied in
placing out poor children apprentice, born in the parish of Oswestry, and
the remaining 6s. 8d. to be paid to the minister for a sermon on St.
Stephen’s day.
A donor unknown gave a small plot of land for the use of the poor of
Oswestry. A yearly payment of 5s. is made by _William Ormsby Gore_,
_Esq._, out of a piece of land near Llwyn gate, in respect of this
charity. There is also a yearly payment of 5s. issuing out of a house
and premises in Cross street, the property of D. O. Cooper, which is
distributed in bread among the poor.
_Winifred Matthews_, in 1709, left a yearly sum of £2. 10s., payable out
of a piece of land in Trefonen, called Maes-y-Benglog, towards putting
apprentice one poor child of the town of Oswestry one year, and the next
year from Trefonon, Treflach, Sweeney, or Trever clawdd. The property
from which this payment is made belongs to Sir W. W. Wynne, and the
amount is paid by his agent.
_Mary Lloyd_, in 1727, bequeathed £100, and directed the yearly interest
thereof to be laid out in woollen cloth for the poor of the town of
Oswestry, and apprenticing a poor boy of the said town alternately.
_Mrs. Peacock_, in 1732 gave £5, the interest to be distributed among
poor decayed housekeepers. These two sums are laid out upon the security
of the tolls of the turnpike road leading from Oswestry to Selattyn,
called the Willow Gate Trust; and £5. 5s. is paid as the interest.
_Thomas Turner_, by his will, 1777, bequeathed £20, the interest thereof
to be distributed among the poor of the parish of Oswestry.
The produce of the eleven charities last mentioned, amounting to £55.
11s., are brought to one account, kept by the churchwardens appointed for
the town of Oswestry, and disposed of for the benefit of the poor of the
town, exclusive of the rest of the parish. Six shillings worth of bread
is given away in the church every alternate Sunday, and the residue is
given away at different times of the year, in bread, clothing, or shoes,
according to the discretion of the churchwardens for the time being. As
it appeared the churchwardens had frequently selected for distribution
such articles as they themselves dealt in, the charity commissioners
strongly recommended that some regular mode of distributing these
charities should be adopted, and that the directions of the respective
donors should be followed as far as they could be ascertained, and
circumstances would admit.
_Sir John Swinnerton_, by will 1616, charged his lands with the payment
of £5. 4s. for bread, which, by the sale of the lands, was increased to
£7. 4s. per annum. The money for which the land was sold was in the
hands of T. Kynaston, Esq., nearly fifty years, and subsequently of Mr.
Lloyd, for which interest was regularly paid till 1781, when this money
was called in, for the purpose of enabling the town to purchase and
repair certain premises near the churchyard, intended for a workhouse.
The money was probably applied accordingly; but in 1808 this workhouse
was sold for £280, by the directors of the Oswestry house of industry,
under the powers of an act of parliament, passed 31 George III. We are
informed, however, that the produce of this sale was not added to the
funds of the house of industry, but was applied in obtaining an act of
parliament for lighting and paving the town of Oswestry. It appears,
therefore, the inhabitants of the town of Oswestry have appropriated to
their own use a sum of £120 applicable to charitable uses, without making
the poor any compensation in lieu thereof.
_Richard Muckleston_, in 1638, gave 40s. per annum to be distributed in
bread to the poor of Oswestry, charged on premises in the parish of
Kilgurran, and at Llandrau. The amount is expended in bread and
distributed on Good Friday.
_Francis Shore_, in 1691, charged his mansion house in Oswestry, with the
payment of 20s. yearly, to be distributed among the poor. Mr. Jones, the
owner of the house, gives 20s. yearly among poor persons, according to
his own discretion, on St. Thomas’s day.
_Margaret Lloyd_, by will 1694, charged her house and croft in the parish
of Oswestry, with the annual payment of 20s., to be given among twenty
poor labourers or decayed tradesmen.
_Elizabeth Williams_, in 1703, left to poor housekeepers 40s. per annum,
to be distributed by the churchwardens on Palm Monday, for ever, which
money was to be paid out of the Mixen Hall estate.
_Rebecca Lloyd_, by will 1733, gave £20, which was afterwards secured on
premises in Cross street. The amount is paid by Mr. Penson, the owner of
a house and garden in Cross street, and distributed by the churchwardens
among forty poor persons on New Year’s day.
_Sir William Williams_, by his will, 7th September, 1734, bequeathed
£200, the annual produce thereof to be distributed among poor persons of
the town and parish of Oswestry. This money is in the hands of Sir
Watkin W. Wynne, whose agent pays the yearly sum of £10 as the interest
thereof. One half of this money is distributed by the churchwardens of
the town, in sums of 6d. and 1s. each. The other half is divided between
the upper and lower divisions of the parish.
_Sir Nathaniel Lloyd’s Charity_.—In the will of Sir Nathaniel Lloyd,
bearing date All Souls day, 1740, there is the following clause:—“I give
to some of the meaner inhabitants of Oswestry and Whittington a yearly
benefit, equally among them, as shall arise out of my South Sea Stock and
old annuities; the first putting in of such persons to be in the heir of
Aston, of the family of my grandfather, Andrew Lloyd, Esq., and the
nomination to any vacancy to be in the bishop of that diocese and the
heir of Aston alternately.” Soon after the death of the testator,
proceedings were instituted in the Court of Chancery, and by a decree
made 14th November, 1743, it was referred to the master to inquire of
what South Sea Stock and Old South Sea annuities the testator died
possessed; to appoint trustees, to whose names the same should be
transferred, and to approve of a scheme for the application of the
charity; and it was declared that the bequest to the meaner inhabitants
of Oswestry and Whittington was a perpetual charity, and ought to be
distributed among the meaner inhabitants, who should not receive alms.
The master, by his report, made 15th May 1745, certified that the
testator was possessed of £660. 16s. 9d. South Sea Stock, and £2,623.
16s. Old South Sea annuities; and he approved of a scheme, whereby it was
provided that the charity should be extended to the whole town and
liberty of Oswestry; and that three-fifths of the dividends should be
paid among the meaner inhabitants, not receiving alms, and two-fifths
among the like persons in Whittington; and that twelve persons of the
town and liberty of Oswestry, and eight persons of Whittington, be
nominated alternately by the heir of Aston, and the bishop of St. Asaph,
should be allowed £4 each yearly, by quarterly payments. That a power
should be vested in seven trustees thereinafter named, to make orders for
the better management of the charity; and that on the death of any of the
trustees, the survivors should within six weeks appoint another. The
master’s report was confirmed, and the stock and annuities duly
transferred into their names. The dividends, amounting to £97 19s. 8d.
per annum, are received by Messrs. Child, and £50 is transmitted every
Christmas, and £45 every Midsummer, to Mr. Lloyd, who pays to twenty poor
persons of the parishes of Oswestry and Whittington, £4. 10s. per annum,
by half-yearly payments. No persons are appointed unless at the time
they reside in one of the parishes above mentioned; but if they
afterwards cease to reside there, the allowance is not taken away from
them. The parties receiving the charity are generally such as have been
reduced from better circumstances.
OSWESTRY DIRECTORY
A LIST OF STREETS, COURTS, SQUARES, AND PLACES IN THE BOROUGH OF OSWESTRY
Albert place, Beatrice street
Albion hill, Bailey head
Arthur street, Bailey head
Bailey head, Bailey street
Bailey street, Cross street
Bailey square, Bailey head
Beatrice street, Legge street
Black gate, Legge street
Borough gaol, Bailey head
Brook st., Lower, Pool road
Brook st., Upper, Church st.
Butter market, Cross street
Butter and cheese mart, Powis hall
Castle buildings, Willow st.
Castle fields, Up. Bailey sq.
Castle street, Castle fields
Castle terrace, Beatrice street
Church street, Cross street
Church st., Upper, Pool road
Clawddu street, Willow street to Cross street
Coney green, Salop road
Corn market, Powis market hall
County court, Bailey square
County hall, Bailey square
Cross street, Church street
Croxon’s square, Smithfield road
Dispensary, Lower Brook st.
English Walls, Smithfield rd
Excise office, Legge street
Gatacre place, Welsh walls
Horse fair, Castle fields
Kent place, Salop road
Legge street, Salop road
Londonderry, Upper Willow street
Love lane, Church street
Middleton road, Salop road
Oswell’s place, Pool road
Paradise row, Salop road
Pentropoath, Pool road
Police office, Bailey head
Poultry and fruit market, Clawddu street
Pool road, Church street
Porkington terrace, Willow street
Post office, Willow street
Powis market hall, Castle fields
Quadrant place, Legge street
Race course, two miles W.W by N. of the borough
Railway station, Lower Beatrice street
Salop road, Legge street
Shambles, Willow street
Shoe and merchandise market, Bailey square
Smithfield road, Salop road
Smithfield beast, sheep, and pig market, English walls
Stamp office, Willow street
Theatre, Upper Willow street
Union place, Beatrice street
Victoria place, Smithfield rd
Warrington place, Upper Willow street
Welsh walls, from Brook street to Willow street
Willow street, Cross street
Willow street, Upper, Welsh walls
ALPHABETICAL DIRECTORY
OF
NAMES, PROFESSIONS, TRADES, AND RESIDENCES
OF THE
INHABITANTS OF OSWESTRY.
Allen Thomas, market gardener, Kent place
Andrews Charles Scarlett, Esq., high bailiff
Arthur Evan, provision dealer, Cross street
Asterley Catherine, seminary, Castle buildings
Aubrey Mrs., Broom hall
Barnett Henry, surgeon, Willow street
Barrett James, vict., Coach and Horses, Legge street
Basnett Miss, Salop road
Bassett Joseph, solicitors’ clerk, Salop road
Bate Mrs. Mary, Salop road
Batchelor and Grindley, maltsters, Beatrice street
Batten William, veterinary surgeon, Upper Brook street
Batterbee William, brazier and glazier, Legge street
Baverstock John, tailor, Salop road
Bayley Charles, glass and china dealer, Cross street
Beard Hannah Jemima, dress maker, Willow street
Beckett James, vict., Fighting Cocks, Beatrice street
Bentley John, parish clerk, Upper Church street
Bennion and Meredith, surgery, Welsh walls
Bickerton George Morrel, hardware dealer, Willow street
Bill Mrs. Jane, Bailey street
Blaikei Robert, surgeon, Church street
Bowen John, painter, Legge street
Bowyer Thomas, cooper, Beatrice street
Brayne Mrs. Elizabeth, maltster, Beatrice st.
Brayne Thomas, accountant, Beatrice street
Breese John, vict., Victoria, Willow street
Bridden Mary, confectioner, Albion hill
Brocklehurst Rev. T. H., Brook street
Buffey Mr. Samuel, Brook street
Bull Mrs. Elizabeth, Kent place
Bull William Isaac, solicitor, Church street
Cadwallader Thos., basket maker, Salop road
Carry Mrs. Mary Ann, Kent place
Cartwright Peploe, Esq., Church street
Cash Thomas, slater, Beatrice street
Churchill Benjamin, Esq., Lime house
Churton Joseph, provision dealer, Beatrice street
Clayton Thomas, boot and shoe maker, Upper Brook street
Collier Henry, teacher of dancing, Coney green cottage
Cooke Ann, dress maker, Pool road
Coombs Samuel, boot and shoe warehouse, Church street
Cooper George, bank manager, Willow st.
Corken Archibald, watch and clock dealer, Cross street
Corney William, confectioner, Cross street
Corney and Jones, wine merchants, Church street
Cowdell John, book stationer, Legge street
Cross Thomas, bird and animal preserver, Brook street
Croxon Mrs., Church street
Croxon Richard Jones, Esq., Church street
Davies Mrs. Catherine, Beatrice street
Davies David Christopher, tin plate worker, Legge street
Davies Edward, mail contractor, Coney green
Davies Edward, lets post horses, Salop road
Davies Edward, cheese factor, Church street
Davies Edward, confectioner, Cross street
Davies Elizabeth, straw bonnet maker, Cross street
Davies Ellen, confectioner, Cross street
Davies Francis, blacksmith, Willow street
Davies Henry, solicitor, Willow street
Davies James, beerhouse, Bailey street
Davies John, vict., Three Tuns, Bailey head
Davies John, mercer & draper, Cross street
Davies John, saddler and harness maker, Bailey street
Davies John, tailor, Cross street
Davies Mary, confectioner, Albion hill
Davies Richard and William, mercers and drapers, Cross street
Davies Robert, beerhouse, Upper Brook st.
Davies Sarah, straw bonnet maker, Church st.
Davies Susannah, shopkeeper, Willow street
Davies Thomas, vict., Red Lion, Bailey head
Davies Thomas, plumber and glazier, Albert place
Davies Thomas, glazier, Beatrice street
Davies Thomas, machine maker, Bailey sq.
Davies Thomas Askew, county court clerk, Cross street
Davies William Morris, mercer and draper, Cross street
Dempster Thomas, upholsterer, Legge street
Dicker Philip, surgeon, Arthur street
Dodd Edward, vict., The Eagles, Bailey sqre.
Donne Rev. Stephen, Brook street house
Doughty William, baker, &c., Willow street
Edmunds Griffith, tailor and draper, Albion hill
Edmunds John, Esq., Porkington terrace
Edmunds Mrs. Martha, Union place
Edwards Mr. David, Beatrice street
Edwards David, basket maker, Brook street
Edwards Edward, vict., Unicorn, Albion hill
Edwards Edward, butcher, Willow street
Edwards Edward, vict., Five Bells, Willow street
Edwards George, boot and shoe dealer, Cross street
Edwards John, boot and shoe maker, Croxon’s square
Edwards John, butcher, Bailey street
Edwards James, Esq., Upper Brook street
Edwards Luke, vict., Swan, Beatrice street
Edwards Richard, tailor, Salop road
Edwards Richard, lets post horses, Londonderry
Edwards Thomas, Esq., Porkington terrace
Edwards Thomas, tallow chandler, Cross st.
Edwards Thomas, bricklayer, Willow street
Edwards Thomas, currier, Beatrice street
Edwards Walter, chemist and druggist, Church street
Edwards William, spirit merchant, Legge st.
Edwards William, nurseryman, Welsh walls
Edwards William, vict., Star, Bailey street
Edwards William, hairdresser, Church street
Ellis Henry, attorney’s clerk, Smithfield cottage
Ellis Thomas, tallow chandler, Brick kilns
Ellis Thomas, glazier, Croxon’s square
Evans Edward, auctioneer, Legge street
Evans Edward, builder, Lower Brook street
Evans Evan, butcher, Poole road
Evans Francis, saddler and harness maker, Cross street
Evans George, boot and shoe maker, Upper Brook street
Evans John, provision store, Pool road
Evans John, cow keeper, Beatrice street
Evans Lydia, milliner, Quadrant
Evans Richard, chemist and druggist, Willow street
Evans Robert, tanner, Legge street
Evans Samuel, news agent
Evans Mrs. Selina Clementia, Salop road
Evans Thomas, shopkeeper, Pool road
Evans William, dyer, Pool road
Eyeley Charles, painter, Lower Brook street
Eyeley and Son, painter, Upper Brook street
Farmer Charles, saddler and harness maker, Willow street
Farr Thomas, coach builder, Salop road
Faulkes Edward, beerhouse, Legge street
Faulkes Robert, draper and mercer, Church street
Fisher John Edward, ironmonger, Cross street
Fitzgerald Samuel, attorney’s clerk
Fox John, accountant, Upper Brook street
Fox Ralph, shopkeeper, Upper Brook street
France George, commercial school, Beatrice street
Franklin Mrs. Elizabeth, Willow street
Fuller William, surgeon, Salop road
Gee Margaret, vict., Albion, Church street
Gerrard William, hairdresser, Legge road
Gilpin Mrs. Mary, Union place
Gittins Samuel, maltster, Beatrice street
Gough John, glazier, Beatrice street
Gough Mrs. Maria, Church street
Gregory Thomas, silversmith, Cross street
Griffith William, boot and shoemaker, Willow street
Griffith William, surgeon, Church street
Grindley and Co., maltsters, Beatrice street
Hales John Miles, gentleman, Lower Brook street
Hammons Edward, farrier, Church street
Hamor Mrs., The Cottage
Hardy Mary, baby linen repository, Church street
Hardy Thomas, slater, Church street
Haswell Charles, beerhouse, Legge street
Hawkins Henry George, agent, Union place
Hayward William, Esq., Willow street
Hayward and Davies, solicitors, Bailey head
Hill Thomas, auctioneer, Upper Brook street
Hilditch George, auctioneer; office, Church street
Hingham George, gunsmith, Cross street
Hodges Richard, corn factor, Willow street
Hodges William, seed factor, Bailey street
Holbrook Sarah, seminary, Salop road
Holden Richard, vict., Horse Shoe, Legge street
Holland Isaac, builder, Beatrice street
Hughes Edward, whitesmith, Beatrice street
Hughes Edward, wheelwright, Salop road
Hughes Elizabeth, bonnet maker, Willow st.
Hughes Ellis, county court bailiff
Hughes Hannah, straw bonnet maker, Beatrice street
Hughes John, bank manager, Bailey square
Hughes John, beerhouse, Salop road
Hughes John, shopkeeper, Beatrice street
Hughes Mary, shopkeeper, Salop road
Hughes Price, butcher, Willow street
Hughes Richard, butcher, Upper Brook street
Hughes Thomas, wine merchant, Church st.
Hughes Thomas, bricklayer, Upper Brook street
Hughes Thomas, beerhouse, Willow street
Hughes Thomas, tailor, Willow street
Hughes William, tanner, Willow street
Hurdman John, temperance house, Bailey sq.
Humphreys Clara, clothes dealer, Legge street
Jackson George, butcher, Bailey street
Jackson Joseph, beerhouse, Church street
Jackson Mary Ann, seminary, Willow street
Jackson Thomas, butcher, Willow street
Jameson David, provision store, Bailey street
Jarvis James, painter, Church street
Jarvis Ann M., bonnet maker, Bailey street
Jarvis Miss, milliner, Cross street
Jennings R. W., commercial traveller
Johnson James, grocer and dealer, Bailey st.
Johnson Joseph, butcher, Albion hill
Jones Charles, engraver, Pool road
Jones Charles, shopkeeper, Upper Brook st.
Jones and Corney, wine and spirit merchants, Church street
Jones David, baker, Willow street
Jones David, shopkeeper, Beatrice street
Jones David, boot and shoe warehouse, Church street
Jones Edward, tailor, Pool road
Jones Edward, shopkeeper, Beatrice street
Jones Edward, boot & shoemaker, Bailey st
Jones Edward, vict., George, Bailey head
Jones Edward, attorney’s clerk, Arthur street
Jones Edwin, station master, Beatrice street
Jones Elizabeth, dress maker, Welsh walls
Jones Evan, wheelwright, Pool road
Jones Evan, butcher, Upper Brook street
Jones Frederick, grocer & tea dealer, Legge st
Jones Gwen, glass & china dealer, Cross st.
Jones Miss Harriet, Salop road
Jones Henry, butcher, Willow street
Jones Hugh, shopkeeper, Willow street
Jones James Thomas, bank manager, Willow street
Jones John, gentleman, Lower Brook street
Jones Rev. John, the Cross
Jones John, vict., White Horse, Church street
Jones John, Esq., Plasffynnon
Jones John, gentleman, Willow street
Jones John, pawnbroker, Bailey street
Jones John, butcher, Bailey street
Jones John, cabinet maker, Church street
Jones John, butcher, Beatrice street
Jones John, lets post horses, Willow street
Jones John, shopkeeper, Brook street
Jones John, slater, Upper Brook street
Jones John, upholsterer, Church street
Jones John, hairdresser, Legge street
Jones John, hat manufacturer, Church street
Jones John, shopkeeper, Legge street
Jones John, shopkeeper, Church street
Jones John clothes dealer, Bailey head
Jones John blacksmith, Legge street
Jones John, blacksmith, Lower Brook street
Jones Jonathan, bricklayer, Corneabrun
Jones Leonard, beerhouse, Salop road
Jones the Misses, Willow street
Jones Miss Elizabeth, Lower Brook street
Jones Morris, blacksmith, Middleton road
Jones Richard, hat manufacturer, Bailey st
Jones Richard, shopkeeper, Cross street
Jones Richard, skinner, Willow street
Jones Robert, wheelwright, Willow street
Jones Robert, butcher, Church street
Jones Thos., vict., Plough, Beatrice street
Jones Thomas, wheelwright, Beatrice street
Jones Thomas, pipe manufacturer, Pentrapoath
Jones Thomas, grocer and dealer, Willow st.
Jones Thomas, gentleman, Church street
Jones Thomas, merchant, Low Willow street
Jones Watkin, grocer and dealer, Cross street
Jones William, blacksmith, Beatrice street
Jones William, shopkeeper, Willow street
Jones William, lets post horses, Beatrice st.
Jones William, plasterer, Beatrice street
Jones William, farmer & grazier, Hays farm
Jones Wynne the Rev., Upper Brook street
Kiffin Mrs. Elizabeth, Salop road
King Francis the Rev., Upper Brook street
King John Edward, vict., the Cross Keys Hotel, commercial and posting
house, Legge street
Killon John, tailor, Beatrice street
Lacon John, iron merchant, Legge street
Large Joseph, surgeon, Union place
Lawford William Robinson, Esq., Orley hall
Leeke Thomas, soda water manufacturer, Welsh walls
Leeke Thos., lets post horses, Willow street
Leigh Mrs. Mary, Willow street
Lewis George, stamp office, Willow street
Lewis John, hairdresser, Albion hill
Lewis Margaret, dressmaker, Beatrice street
Lewis Mary, dressmaker, Bailey street
Lewis Martin, butcher, Cross street
Lewis Thomas, vict., Bear Inn, Legge street
Lewis William, painter, Beatrice street
Lloyd David, vict., Wynnstay Arms Hotel, commercial and posting house,
Church st.
Lloyd Eleanor, hosier, Legge street
Lloyd John, beerhouse, Willow street
Lloyd Joseph, bricklayer, Willow street
Longueville Thomas Longueville, Esq. Mount Pleasant
Longueville & Williams, solicitors, Brook st
Lowe James, vict., Butchers’ Arms, Willow st
Lowther William, broker, Beatrice street
Lucas Francis, agent, Salop road
Lucas Miss, Salop road
Lucas Mr. Francis, Salop road
Macdougall Mary, victualler, Osbourn’s Hotel, Commercial and Posting
House, Legge st
Mackiernin Thomas, flax dresser, Bailey st
Mansell Richard, gentleman, Rod Meadows
Marriott Edward Birch, Esq., Willow street
Mathews Richard, watch and clock maker, Bailey street
Mellor William, glass & earthenware dealer, Bailey Head
Menlove Richard, Esq., Upper Brook street
Meredith John, surgeon, Willow street
Minshill & Dale, ironmongers, Bailey street
Minshill John, gentleman, Salop road
Minshill Rebecca, Castle fields
Minshill Sarah, Porkington terrace
Minshill Thomas and Charles, solicitors, Arthur street
Milnes Richard, gentleman, Pool road
Milnes Richard, stone mason and builder, Pool road
Mine John, maltster, Pool road
Minett Sarah, Pickton house
Mitton George, boot & shoe dealer, Willow st
Mitton Sarah, milliner, Willow street
Moreaton Ann, vict., Boar’s head, Willow st
Moreaton Wm., butcher, Willow street
Morgan Abraham, hair dresser, Cross street
Morris Edward, Esq., Salop road
Morris Edward, maltster, Willow street
Morris Edward, commission agent: office, Albion Inn
Morris Edward, beerhouse, Warrington place
Morris Griffith, timber merchant, Salop road
Morris Mrs. Mary, Pool road
Morris James, plasterer, Oswall’s place
Morris John, cooper, Legge street
Morris Mrs. Price, Willow street
Morris Richard Esq., Salop road
Morris Richard, glazier, Willow street
Morris Robert, bricklayer, Upper Brook st
Morris and Savin, mercers and drapers, Legge street
Morris Thomas, butcher, Bailey street
Moses Edward, lime burner, Bronygarth
Oliver John, cooper, Legge street
Oswell Edward, Esq., Derwen house
Oswell Edward, solicitor, Church street
Owen Arthur, butcher, Bailey street
Owen Edward, tailor, Bailey street
Owen Mrs. Jane Emma, wine & spirit dealer Legge street
Owen Mrs. and Miss, Brook street
Owen Wm., watch & clock maker, Cross st
Painter Mary, shopkeeper, Beatrice street
Parry James, currier, Legge street
Parry Mary, skinner, Willow street
Parry Thomas, woolstapler, Londonderry
Parry Thomas, skinner, Willow street
Payne John, cooper, Willow street
Peat the Misses, Union place
Peate & Teece, mercers & drapers, Cross st
Penson Richard Kyrke, architect, Willow st
Penson Thomas, general architect, Willow st
Phillips Elias, whitesmith, Pool road
Phillips John, mercer and draper, Cross st
Pickstock Ann, dressmaker, Pool road
Pierce Edward, shopkeeper, Church street
Pierce Robert, maltster, Beatrice street
Pierce Robert, shopkeeper, Castle terrace
Pierce Richard, maltster, Beatrice street
Poole Emma, straw bonnet maker, Cross st
Poole Edward, tailor, Salop road
Poole Richard, maltster, Cross street
Poole William, painter, Upper Brook street
Pope Ann, shopkeeper, Church street
Porter Isaac, surveyor, Salop road
Powell Richard, hosier, &c., Church street
Price Ann, confectioner, Bailey street
Price David, nurseryman, Pool road
Price Jane, stay maker, Willow street
Price Mary, spirit vaults, Cross street
Price Richard, soot dealer, Upper Brook st
Price William, printer & stationer, Cross st
Price Mrs. William, The Cross
Price William, gentleman, Cross street
Pritchard Margaret, victualler, King’s Head, Church street
Probett Ann, dressmaker, Kynaston lane
Pryce Thomas, ironmonger, Church street
Prynailt Rchrd., vict., Feathers, Albion hill
Pugh Mrs. Elizabeth, Pool road
Pugh Thomas, boot & shoemaker, Willow st
Ralphs Samuel, governor of borough gaol
Redrobe James, slater, Upper Brook street
Rees John, butcher, Beatrice street
Rees John, Temp. Coffee House, Bailey st
Rees John, vict., Victoria Bailey sheet
Richards Elizabeth shopkeeper Willow st
Richards James, saddler, &c., Bailey street
Richards Martha Paynter, milliner & dressmaker, Willow street
Richards Rchd., commercial school, Brook st
Richards Richard, assistant overseer and collector of poors’ rates,
Victoria place
Richards William, land surveyor, Beatrice st
Ridge Mary, shopkeeper, Beatrice street
Roberts Ann, dressmaker, Salop road
Roberts David, shopkeeper, Legge street
Roberts Edward, provision store, Bailey st
Roberts Edward, shoemaker, Legge street
Roberts Edward, butcher, Willow street
Roberts Eleanor, vict., Grapes, Willow st
Roberts Elizabeth, Upper Brook street
Roberts Frank, bank manager, Willow street
Roberts Hugh, vict., White Lion, Willow st
Roberts John, shopkeeper, Londonderry
Roberts John, fruiterer, Willow street
Roberts John Askew, bookseller, printer, stationer, &c., _Advertiser_
office, Bailey Head
Roberts John, gentleman, Cross street
Roberts John, beerhouse, Warrington place
Roberts John, saddler, Bailey street
Roberts Margaret, bonnet maker, Beatrice st
Roberts Miss, seminary, Castle fields
Roberts Miss, dressmaker, Beatrice street
Roberts Mrs. Mary, Lower Brook street
Roberts Richard, butcher, Bailey street
Roberts Robert, maltster, Salop road
Roberts Robert, hydraulic engineer, plumber, glazier, and gas-fitter,
Brook street
Roberts Sarah, baker, Church street
Roberts Thomas, bookkeeper, Canal Compy.
Roberts William, joiner, Beatrice street
Roberts Thomas, shopkeeper, Middleton rd
Roberts William, solicitor, Brook street
Robley Isaac, maltster, Salop road
Rodgers Edward, fish-tackle maker, Cross st
Rodgers Edward, beerhouse, Willow street
Rogers Jones Raura, draper, Cross street
Rogers John, tanner, Lower Brook street
Rogers John, solicitor, Willow street
Rogers Mary, confectioner, Church street
Rogers Sarah, dressmaker, Willow street
Rogers Thomas, wine, spirit, and porter merchant, Stone House, Cross
street
Rowland Thomas, flour dealer, Bailey street
Russell Frederick, mercer & draper, Bailey st
Sabine Charles, Esq., Salop road
Salter Jackson, printer & stationer, Church st
Salter Richard, toy and fancy repository, Bailey Head
Salter Richard, glass & china dealer, Bailey st
Salter Thomas, gentleman, Salop road
Salwey the Rev. Thomas, M.A., The Vicarage, Brook street
Saunders George James, chemist & druggist, Cross street
Sheaf Samuel, bank clerk, Victoria place
Shone Lazarus, provision store, Cross street
Sides Mary, staysmaker, Upper Brook street
Simon Robert, Esq., clerk of the peace, Church street
Simons William, Esq., chief clerk county crt.
Smale William, chemist & druggist, Cross st
Smith Jacob, clerk of the markets, Bailey Head
Smith Mr., inland revenue officer, Willow st
Southall John, fishmonger, Legge street
Stanton Robert and John, gun makers Bailey street
Stennett Eliza, berlin repository, Church st
Stevens Mary, vict., Royal Oak, Church st
Teece & Peate, mercers and drapers, Cross st
Thaxter Chas., vict., Railway Inn, Beatrice st
Thomas Charles, beerhouse, Upper Brook st
Thomas David, gentleman, Willow street
Thomas David, bricklayer, Legge street
Thomas Edward, woolstapler, Castle street
Thomas Edward Wynne, draper and mercer, Cross street
Thomas Henry, plumber, &c., Salop road
Thomas John, builder, Legge street
Thomas John, gentleman, Cross street
Thomas John, beerhouse, Bailey street
Thomas John, maltster, Beatrice street
Thomas John, woolstapler, Willow street
Thomas John and Peter, grocers and tea dealers, Cross street
Thomas Jeremiah, solicitor, Salop road
Thomas Mary, vict., Coach & Dogs, Church st
Thomas Mary, dressmaker, Upper Willow st
Thomas Richard, carrier, Church street
Thomas Samuel, shopkeeper, Pool road
Thomas Mr. Stephen, Salop road
Tomkies John, shoemaker & dealer, Bailey st
Thompson John, dyer, Legge street
Titley Charles, seedsman, Willow street
Turner John, shopkeeper, Salop road
Tyley Thomas, vict., Sun, Church street
Varty William N., gentleman, Salop road
Vaughan Edward, painter, Beatrice street
Vaughan John, butcher, Bailey street
Vaughan James, timber merchant, builder and joiner, Beatrice street
Vaughan James, upholsterer, Beatrice street
Vaughan Jas., tailor & draper, The Quadrant
Vaughan Richard, boot & shoemaker, Pool rd
Vaughan Samuel, slater, Bailey street
Vaughan William, whitesmith, Welsh walls
Walker Charles, shopkeeper, Church street
Warren John, Esq., Porkington Terrace
Watson Miss Elizabeth, Church street
Weaver James, chemist & druggist, Bailey st
Weston Geo., chemist & druggist, Church st
Whitaker Mary, lets post horses, Legge st
Whitridge Miss, Arthur street
Wildblood Hugh, bank clerk, Victoria place
Williams Edward, solicitor, Upper Brook st
Williams David, shoemaker, Willow street
Williams Edward, Esq., Lawrea House
Williams Edw., surveyor of stamps, Willow st
Williams Evan, grocer & dealer, Bailey street
Williams Harvey, surgeon, Church street
Williams John, tailor, Pool road
Williams John, bricklayer, Upper Church st
Williams John, vict., Golden Lion, Pool road
Williams John, beerhouse, Pool road
Williams Margaret, shopkeeper, Up. Brook st
Williams Mary, milliner, &c., Willow street
Williams Richard, tailor, Upper Brook street
Williams Robert, mercer & draper, Church st
Williams Thomas, butcher, Willow street
Williams William, Esq., Willow street
Williams William, Esq., Castle buildings
Williams William, vict., Bell, Church street
Windsor John, agricultural implement maker, wire worker, and dealer,
Beatrice street
Wood Jane, upholsteress, Upper Brook street
Wood Richard, victualler, Britannia, Brook st
Worton Harriet, stay maker, Willow street
Worton Richard, staymaker, Upper Brook st
Wright Mrs., Willow street
Wright Edward, tailor, Victoria place
Wynn John, surgeon, Willow street
CLASSIFICATION
OF THE
PROFESSIONS, MANUFACTURES, AND TRADES
IN THE
BOROUGH OF OSWESTRY.
Academies.
_Marked * are Boarding Schools_.
* Asterley Catherine, Castle buildings
Bentley John, Church street
_British School_, Arthur street, Richard Orton, master; Mary Jones,
mistress
France George, Lower Brook street
* _Grammar School or College_, Brook street, Rev. Stephen Donne, M.A.,
head master
* Holbrook Sarah, Salop rd
_Infant School_, Welsh walls, Ann Pearce, mistress
* Jackson Mary Ann, Willow street
Jones Elizabeth, Beatrice st
_National School_, Welsh walls, Edward Wynne, master; Fanny Whitfield,
mistress
Richards Richard, Willow st
Roberts Ann, Castle fields
Wynne Edward, Black gates
Accountants.
Brayne Thomas, Beatrice st
Fox John, Upper Brook st
Agricultural Implement Makers.
Davies Thomas, Bailey head
Windsor John, Beatrice st
Architects.
Penson Thomas, Willow st
Penson Richard Kyrke, Willow street
Porter Isaac, Salop road
Attorneys.
Bull Wm. Isaac, Church st
Croxton Richard Jones, and town clerk, Church street
Hayward & Davies, Arthur st
Longueville and Williams, Upper Brook street
Minshall Thos. and Charles, Arthur street
Oswell Edward, Church st
Roberts William, Cross st
Rogers John, Willow street
Sabine Charles, Salop road
Thomas Jeremiah Jones, Cross street
Auctioneers & Valuers.
Evans Edward, Legge street
Hilditch George, office, Wynnstay Hotel
Hill Thomas, Upper Brook street
Bakers & Flour Dealers.
Arthur Evan, Cross street
Clurton Joseph, Beatrice st
Corney William, Cross street
Davies Edward, Cross street
Jones David, Willow street
Roberts Sarah, Church street
Rowland Thomas, Bailey st
Bankers.
_The Old Bank_, Willow street, Croxton, Longueville, & Co.; draw on
Masterman and Co., London; Geo. Cooper, Esq., manager
_North and South Wales Banking Company_, Willow street; draw on London
and Westminster Bank; Frank Roberts, manager.
_Savings’ Bank_, Bailey head, open on Wednesday from ten to four; John
Hughes, secretary
Basket Makers.
Cadwallader Thomas, Salop road
Edwards David, Upper Brook street
Blacksmiths.
Davies Francis, Willow st
Jones John, Lower Brook st
Jones Morris, Middleton rd
Jones William, Legge street
Jones William, Beatrice st
Phillips Elias, Pentrapoath
Booksellers, Printers, Stationers & Bookbinders.
Bayley Chas. George, Cross street
Cowdell John, Legge street
Jarvis James, Cross street
Price William, Cross street
Roberts John Askew, Bailey street
Roberts Samuel, _Advertiser Office_, Bailey head
Salter Jackson, Church st
Boot & Shoemakers.
Clayton Thomas, Upper Brook street
Combs Samuel Howard, Church street
Edge Wm., Upper Church st
Edwards George, Cross st
Edwards John, Croxon’s sq
Evans George, Upper Brook street
Griffith’s Wm., Willow st
Jones David, Church street
Jones Edward, Bailey street
Mitton George, Willow st
Pugh Thomas, Willow st
Roberts Edward, Legge st
Taylor John, Cross street
Tomkins John, Bailey st
Turner Richard, Beatrice st
Vaughan Richard, Pool road
Williams David, Willow st
Braziers & Tin Plate Workers.
Batterbee John, Legge street
Bickerton George Morrell, Willow street
Davies David Christopher, Legge street
Minshall and Dale, Bailey street
Price Thomas, Cross street
Bricklayers.
Edwards Thomas, Willow st
Hughes Thomas, Upper Brook street
Jones Jonathan, Corneabrun
Lloyd Joseph, Willow street
Morris Robert, Lower Brook street
Thomas David, Legge street
Williams John, Upper Church street
Brick & Tile Makers.
Holland Isaac, Beatrice st
Jones John, Salop road
Morris Griffith, Salop road
Rogers Thomas, Cross st
Thackster Charles, Beatrice street, agent to W. O. Gore, Esq.
Vaughan James, Beatrice st
Builders.
Evans Edward, Lower Brook street
Holland Isaac, Beatrice st
Morris Griffith, Salop road
Thomas John, Legge street
Vaughan James, Beatrice st
Butchers.
_Marked * only attend the weekly market_.
* Davies Edward, Market
Davies James, Bailey street
Edwards Edward, Willow st
Edwards John, Bailey street
Evans Evan, Pool road
* Finsley David, Market
Hughes Price, Willow street
Hughes Richard, Upper Brook street
Jackson George, Bailey st
* Jacks John, Market
Jackson Thomas, Willow st
* Jackson William, Market
Johnson Joseph, Albion hill
* Jones Edward, Market
Jones Evan, Upper Brook street
Jones Henry, Willow street
Jones John, Bailey street
Jones John, Beatrice street
* Jones Robert, Market
Jones Robert, Church street
* Jones William, Market
Lewis Margaret, Cross street
* Lloyd Charles, Market
* Llewellyan Charles, Market
* Morris Thomas, Market
Morris Thomas, Bailey st
Moreton William, Willow st
Owen Arthur, Bailey street
Poole Richard, Cross street
* Pratt Charles, Market
Reese John, Beatrice street
* Reese John, Market
Roberts Edward, Willow st
Roberts Richard, Bailey st
* Simpson Charles, Mardol
Vaughan John, Bailey street
Williams Thomas, Willow st
* Williams William, Market
Cabinet Makers.
Holland Isaac, Beatrice st
Jones John, Church street
Vaughan James, Beatrice st
Cheese & Butter Factors.
Arthur Evan, Cross street
Davies Edward, Church st
Thomas Edward, Castle st
Chemists & Druggists.
Edwards Walter, Church st
Evans Richard, Willow st
Roderick Wm., Legge st
Saunders George James, Cross street
Smales William, Cross street
Weaver James, Bailey st
Weston George, Church st
China & Glass Dealers.
_Marked * are only glass dealers_.
* Bailey Charles George, Cross street
Gregory Thomas, Church st
Jones Gwen, Cross street
Mellor William, Bailey st
* Salter Richard, Bailey street
Coach Builders.
Farr Thomas and Brother, Salop road
Coal, Slate, & Lime Agents.
Evans Edward, Legge street
Hawkins Henry George, Plasmadoc coal
Jones Thomas, Blackpark coal
Lucas Francis, South Sea coal
Roberts Frank, Ruabon and Cefn coal; offices at the Railway wharf
Confectioners.
Bridden Mary, Albion hill
Corney William, Cross st
Davies Edward, Cross street
Davies E. and Mary, Bailey street
Davies Mary, Albion hill
Price Mary, Cross street
Rogers Mary, Church street
Walker Charles, Church st
Coopers.
Bowyer Thomas, Beatrice st
Morris John, Legge street
Oliver John, Legge street
Payne John, Willow street
Corn Dealers.
Arthur Evan, Cross street
Hodges Richard, (merchant) Bailey street
Jameson David, Bailey st
Roberts Edward, Bailey st
Curriers and Leather Cutters.
Edwards David, Beatrice st
Evans Robert, Legge street
Hughes William, Willow st
Thomas Richard, Church st
Dyers.
Evans William, Pool road
France George, Brook street, agent to Mr. Booth, of Chester
Thompson John, Legge st
Eating Houses.
Hardman John, Bayley st
Lloyd John, Willow street
Rees John, Bailey street
Richards Elizth., Willow st
Engineers.
Penson Thomas, Willow st
Penson Rd. Kyrke, Willow street
Roberts Robert, (hydraulic) Brook street
Engraver.
Jones Charles, Pool road
Farmers.
Edwards William, Legge st
Jackson Thomas, Willow st
Jones William, Hays farm
King John Edward, Legge st
Lloyd David, Church street
Poole Richard, Cross street
Fire and Life Office Agents.
_Birmingham_, Thomas Hill, Upper Brook street
_Clerical_, _Medical_, _& General_, George Cooper, Salop road
_Crown_, William Hayward, Willow street
_Eagle_, Samuel Roberts, Bailey head
_English & Scottish_, William Hayward, Arthur street
_European_, George Lewis, Willow street
_General_, James Vaughan, Beatrice street
_Guardian_, Mr. John Bentley
_Hand-in-hand_, Mr. Hayward, Arthur street
_Law_, Mr. Haywood, Arthur street
_Norwich Union_, William Roberts, Cross street
_Phœnix_, Mr. George Cooper, The Bank
_Royal Exchange_, Thomas Hughes, Church street
_Salop Union_, William Price, Cross street
_Scottish Equitable_, John Minshall, Bailey street
_Scottish Union_, Wm. Isaac Bull, Church street
_Shropshire & North Wales_, John Lacon, Legge street
_Temperance Provident_, John Windsor, Bailey street
Fishmonger.
Southall John, Legge street
Fishing Tackle Maker.
Rogers Edward, Cross street
Fruiterers.
Jones Thomas, Willow street
Roberts John, Willow street
Furniture Brokers.
Holland Isaac, Beatrice st
Jones John, Bailey head
Lowther William, Beatrice st
Game Dealer.
Poole Richard, Cross street
Grocers & Tea Dealers.
Davies John, Cross street
Davies Richard and William, Cross street
Foulkes Robert, Church st
Fisher John Edward, Cross street
Jameson David, Bailey street
Johnson James, Beatrice st
Jones Edward David, Legge street
Jones David, Beatrice street
Jones Frederick, Willow st
Jones Mary, Cross street
Jones Thomas, Willow st
Jones Mary Watkin, Cross st
Lacon John, Legge street
Morris & Savin, Legge street
Phillips John, Cross street
Roberts Edward, Bailey st
Shone Lazarus, Cross street
Teece & Peate, Cross street
Thomas John and Peter, Cross street
Williams Evan, Bailey street
Wynne Thomas Edward, Cross street
Gun Makers and Cutlers.
Higham George, Cross street
Staunton Robert & Son, Bailey street
Gutta Percha Dealer.
Roberts John Asknew, Bailey head
Hair Dressers.
Edwards William, Church st
Gerrard William, Legge st
Jones John, Legge street
Lewis John, Albion hill
Morgan Abraham, Cross st
Hatters.
Hardy Thomas, Church st
Jones John, Church street
Jones Richard (and furrier), Bailey street
Hop Dealers.
Fisher John Ed., Cross st
Hodges William, Bailey st
Jameson David, Bailey st
Jones Thomas, Willow st
Minshall John, Smithfield rd
Saunders George, Cross st
Weaver James, Bailey street
Hosiers.
Lloyd Eleanor, Legge street
Powell Richard, Church st
Hotels, Inns, and Taverns.
Albion, Margt. Gee, Church street
Bear, Thos. Lewis, Legge st
Bell, William Williams, Church street
Boar’s Head, Ann Moreaton, Willow street
Britannia, Richard Wood, Brook street
Butchers’ Arms, Jas. Lowe, Willow street
Coach and Dogs, Mary Thomas, Church st
Coach and Horses, James Barratt, Legge street
Commercial Hotel and Posting House, Mary Macdougall, Legge street and
Bailey street
Cross Keys Commercial and Posting House, John Edward King, Legge st
Duke of York, Geo. M. Bickerton, Willow street
Eagles, Edward Dodd, Bailey square
Feathers, Richard Prynallt
Fighting Cocks, James Beckett, Beatrice street
Five Bells, Edward Edwards, Willow street
George Edward Jones, Bailey head
Golden Lion, John Williams, Pool road
Grapes, Eleanor Roberts, Willow street
Horse Shoe, Richard Holden, Legge street
King’s Head, Margaret Pritchard, Church street
Plough, Thomas Jones, Beatrice street
Queen’s Head Commercial and Posting House, Wm. Edwards, Legge street
Railway Inn, Charles Thaxter, Lower Beatrice st
Red Lion, Thomas Davies, Bailey head
Royal Oak, Mary Stephens, Church street
Star, William Edwards, Bailey street
Sun, Thos. Tyley, Church st
Swan, Luke Edwards, Beatrice street
Three Tuns, John Davies, Bailey street
Unicorn, Edward Edwards, Albion hill
Victoria, John Reece, Bailey street
White Horse, John Jones, Church street
White Lion, Hugh Roberts, Willow street
Woolpack, John Preese, Willow street
Wynnstay Arms Hotel, Commercial and Posting House, David Lloyd, Church
street
Beerhouses.
Davies James, Bailey street
Davies Robert, Upper Brook street
Foulkes Edward, Legge st
Haswell Charles, Legge st
Hughes John, Salop road
Hughes Thomas, Willow st
Jackson George, Bailey st
Jackson Joseph, Church st
Jones Leonard, Salop road
Jones Thomas, Beatrice st
Lloyd John, Willow street
Morris Ed., Warrington pl
Pierce Edward, Church st
Roberts John, Londonderry
Rogers Edward, Willow st
Thomas Charles, Upper Brook street
Thomas John, Bailey street
Williams John, Pool road
Iron Merchants.
Lacon John, Legge street
Minshall and Dale, Smithfield road
Ironmongers.
Bickerton George Morral, Willow street
Brown Robert, Bailey street
Fisher John Edward, Cross street
Lacon John, Legge street
Minshall & Dale, Bailey st
Price Thomas, Church street
Joiners and Builders.
Evans Edward, Low Brook st
Holland Isaac, Beatrice st
Jones Evan, Pool road
Morris Griffith, Salop road
Roberts William, Beatrice st
Thomas John, Legge street
Vaughan James, Beatrice st
Libraries [Circulating.]
Price William, Cross street
Salter Jackson, Church street
Roberts John Askew, Bailey Head
Linen and Woollen Drapers.
Davies John, Cross street
Davies Rchd. & Wm., Cross st
Davies Wm. Morris, Cross st
Faulkes Robert, Church st
Morris & Savin, Legge street
Phillips John, Cross street
Powell Richard, Cross street
Rogers Jones L., Cross street
Russell Frederick, Bailey st
Teece and Peate, Cross st
Thomas Edw. Wynne, Cross st
Williams Robert, Church st
Livery Stable Keepers.
_Those marked * are Licensed to Let Post Horses_.
* Davies Edward, Salop road
* Edwards Richard, Londonderry
Edwards Wm., Queen’s Head Hotel
* Jones John, Bailey street
* Jones William, Beatrice st
King John Edward, Cross Keys Hotel
* Leeke Thomas, Willow st
Lloyd David, Wynnstay Arms Hotel
Macdougall Mary, Osbourn’s Hotel
* Whitaker Mary, Legge st
Maltsters [Licensed].
Brayne Elizabeth, Beatrice street
Edwards Edward, Albion hill
Gittins Samuel, Beatrice st
Grindley & Co., Beatrice st
Hughes John, Salop road
Jameson David, Bailey street
Jones John, Bailey street
Jones William, Welsh walls
Mine John, Pool road
Morris Edward, Willow street
Pierce Robert & Son, Beatrice street
Poole Richard, Cross street
Roberts Robert, Salop road
Robley Isaac, Salop road
Rogers Thomas, Church st.
Thomas John, Beatrice street
Tyley Thomas, Upper Brook street
Milliners and Dress Makers.
Beard Hannah Jemima, Willow street
Cooke Ann, Pool road
Evans Lydia, Quadrant
Hughes Elizabeth, Willow st
Jarvis Miss, Cross street
Jones Elizabeth, Welsh walls
Lewis Margaret, Beatrice st.
Lewis Mary, Bailey street
Mitton Sarah, Willow street
Pickstock Ann, Pool road
Probert Ann, Kynastone lane
Richards Martha, Willow st.
Roberts Ann, Salop road
Rogers Sarah, Willow street
Stanton Margaret, Bailey st.
Taylor Mary, Pool road
Thomas Mary, Willow street
Williams Mary, Willow street
Nursery and Seedsmen.
(_See also Seedsmen_.)
Edwards Wm., Welsh walls
Price David, Pool road
Titley Charles, Willow street
Painters.
Batterbee John, Beatrice st
Brown John, Legge street
Eyeley Charles, Lower Brook street
Eyeley and Son, Upper Brook street
Lewis William, Beatrice st.
Poole William, Upper Brook street
Vaughan Edward, Beatrice st.
Vaughan James, Beatrice st.
Pawnbroker.
Jones John, Bailey street
Plumbers and Glaziers.
Batterbee John, Legge street
Davies Thomas, Beatrice st.
Davies Thomas, Albert place
Ellis Thomas, Croxon square
Gough John, Beatrice street
Morris Richard, Willow st.
Roberts Robert, Brook street
Thomas Henry, Salop road
Porter Dealers.
Corney & Jones, Church st.
Edwards Wm., Legge street
Hawkins Henry George, Union place
Rogers Thomas, Stone house
Rope Maker & Flax Dresser.
Mac Kiernin Thomas, Bailey street
Saddlers & Harness Makers.
Davies John, Bailey street
Evans Francis, Cross street
Farmer Charles, Willow st.
Richards James, Bailey street
Roberts John, Bailey street
Throstle Mr., Cross street
Salt Dealers.
Hawkins Henry George, Low Beatrice street
Roberts Edward, Bailey st.
Seedsmen.
Allen Thomas, Kent place
Edwards Wm., Welsh walls
Evans Richard, Cross street
Hodges William, Bailey st.
Jameson David, Bailey street
Jones Thomas, Willow street
Roberts John, Willow street
Salter Richard, Bailey street
Saunders George, Cross st.
Weaver James, Bailey street
Weston George, Church st.
Shopkeepers and Dealers in Provisions and Sundries.
Arthur Evan, Legge street
Churton Joseph, Beatrice st.
Davies Susannah, Willow st.
Davies Thomas, Beatrice st.
Doughty William, Willow st.
Evans John, Pool road
Evans Thomas, Pool road
Fox Ralph, Upper Brook st.
Hughes John, Beatrice street
Hughes Mary, Salop road
Hughes Price, Willow street
Jones Charles, Upper Brook street
Jones Edward, Beatrice st.
Jones Hugh, Willow street
Jones John, Upper Brook st
Jones John, Church street
Jones John, Legge street
Jones Richard, Salop road
Jones William, Willow street
Painter Mary, Beatrice street
Pierce Edward, Church street
Pierce Robert, Beatrice street
Pope Ann, Church street
Richards Elizabeth and Ann, Willow street
Ridge Mary, Beatrice street
Roberts David, Legge street
Roberts Edward, Bailey st.
Roberts John, Londonderry
Roberts Thomas, Middleton road
Shone Lazarus, Cross street
Southall John, Legge street
Thomas Samuel, Pool road
Turner John, Salop road
Walker Charles, Church st.
Williams Margaret, Upper Brook street
Worton Richard, Upper Brook street
Silversmith and Cutler.
Gregory Thomas, Cross st.
Skinners & Leather Dressers.
Jones Richard, Willow street
Parry Thomas, Willow street
Slaters and Plasterers.
Cash Thomas, Beatrice street
Jones John, Lower Brook street
Jones Wm., Beatrice street
Morris James, Oswell’s place
Redrobe James, Upper Brook street
Vaughan Samuel, Bailey st.
Soda Water Manufacturers.
Edwards Walter, St. Oswald’s well
Leek Thomas, Welsh walls
Staymakers.
Price Ann Jane, Willow st.
Sides Mary, Upper Brook st.
Worton Harriet, Willow street
Worton Richard, Upper Brook street
Stone Mason and Builder.
Milnes Richard, Pool road
Straw Bonnet Makers.
Davies Elizabeth, Cross st.
Davies Sarah, Church street
Davies William Morris, Cross street
Hughes Hannah, Beatrice street
Jarvis Ann Margaret, Bailey street
Poole Hannah, Cross street
Roberts Margaret, Beatrice street
Surgeons.
Barnett Henry, Willow street
Blaikei Robert, Church street
Bennion and Meredith, Welsh walls
Cartwright Peploe, Church street
Dicker Philip, Arthur street, Bailey head
Fuller William, Salop road
Griffith Wm., Church street
Large Joseph, Union place
Roderick William, Legge st.
Williams Harvey, Church st.
Wynne John, Willow street
Surveyors.
Jones Joseph, Church street
Penson Richard Kyrke, Willow street
Penson Thomas, Willow st.
Porter Isaac, Salop road
Richards Richard, Upper Brook street
Richards William, Beatrice street
Tailors.
Baverstock John, Salop road
Davies John, Cross street
Edmunds Griffith, Bailey head
Edwards Richard, Salop road
Hughes Thomas, Willow st.
Jones Edward, Pool road
Killon John, Beatrice street
Owen Edward (and clothier), Bailey street
Poole Edward, Salop road
Vaughan James (& clothier), Quadrant
Williams John, Pool road
Williams Richards, Upper Brook street
Wright Ed., Victoria place
Tallow Chandlers.
Ellis John, Brick hills
Edwards Thomas, Cross st.
Fisher John Edward, Cross street
Tanners.
Evans Robert, Legge street
Hughes William, Willow st.
Rogers John, Lower Brook street
Timber Merchants.
Evans Edward, Smithfield road
Holland Isaac, Beatrice st.
Morris Griffith, Salop road
Porter Isaac, Salop road
Thomas John, Salop road
Vaughan James, Beatrice st.
Tobacco Pipe Maker.
Jones Thomas, Pentrapoath, Pool road
Veterinary Surgeons.
Batten William, Upper Brook street
Hales John Miles, Lower Brook street
Upholsterers.
Dempster Thomas, Legge st.
Holland Isaac, Beatrice street
Jones John, Church street
Vaughan James, Beatrice st.
Watch and Clock Makers.
Corken Archibald, Cross st.
Matthews Richard, Bailey street
Owen William, Cross street
Wheelwrights.
Hughes Edward, Salop road
Jones David, Beatrice street
Jones Edward, Beatrice street
Jones Evan, Pool road
Jones Robert, Willow street
Jones Thomas, Beatrice st.
Whitesmiths and Bell Hangers.
Hughes Edward, Beatrice st.
Phillips Elias, Pentrapoath
Vaughan Wm., Welsh walls
Wine and Spirit Merchants.
_Marked * are retail dealers only_.
Edwards William, Legge st.
* Hughes Thomas, Cross st.
Jones and Corney, Cross st.
Owen Jane Emma, Legge st.
* Price Mary, Cross street
Rogers Thomas, Cross street
Wire Workers.
Davies Thos., Bailey square
Windsor John, Beatrice st.
Woolstaplers.
Parry Thomas, Londonderry
Thomas Edward, Castle st.
Thomas John, Willow street
CARRIERS FROM THE INNS.
To BALA—J. Jones, from the King’s Head, Tuesdays.
To CEFN—Jones, from the Swan; and Edwards, from the Crown, Mondays,
Wednesdays, and Fridays.
To ELLESMERE—Pearce, from the George, Wednesdays.
To FELTON—Fox, from the Horse Shoe, and Jones, from the Barley Mow,
Wednesdays.
To KNOCKIN AND KINNERLEY—Beddoes, from the King’s Head, and Glover, from
the Three Tuns, Wednesday.
To LLANDRINIO—Williams, the Albion; Lewis, the Grapes; Richards, Coach
and Dogs; Bagley, Green Dragon, Wednesdays.
To LLANFYLLIN—Davies, Coney Green, daily; Lloyd, Macdougall Hotel;
Davies, Bell, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
To LLANGOLLEN—Thomas, the Boar’s Head; and Evans, the Horse Shoe,
Wednesdays.
To LLANGEDWIN—Davies, George Inn, Wednesdays.
To LLANRHAIADR—Hughes and Davies, Boar’s Head; Evans, Three Tuns,
Wednesdays.
To LLANSAINTFFRAID—Edwards, the Fox, Wednesdays.
To LLANSILIN—Evans, the Boar’s Head; and Ellis, the Five Bells,
Wednesdays.
To LLANYBLODWEL—Mason, the Star, on Wednesdays.
To LLANYMYNECH—Price, King’s Head, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To MAESBROOK—Briggs, White Horse, Wednesdays.
To MAESBURY—Kenthric, Barley Mow, Wednesdays and Fridays.
To MERFORD—Roberts, the Sun, Wednesdays.
To NESSCLIFF—Benyon, White Horse, Wednesdays.
To RHOSYMEDRE—Jones, the Swan; Edwards, the Crown, Mondays, Wednesdays,
and Fridays.
ASTON
is a small township in the parish of Oswestry, comprising 860A. 2R. 17P.
of land, which is the property of Mrs. Louisa Lloyd, who is also lady of
the manor. The township is two miles S.E. from Oswestry, and in 1841 had
12 houses and 68 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £197. 19s., of
which £138. 12s. 1d. is apportioned to Mrs. Lloyd, £42. 8s. 11d. to Lady
Tyrwhitt, and £16. 8s. to the Vicar of Oswestry. ASTON HALL, the seat of
Mrs. Lloyd, is a handsome mansion of brick, with stone finishings. It is
surrounded with a park of upwards of 100 acres, with a fine undulating
surface, and richly timbered. Some of the beech trees are of immense
size; and opposite the front of the hall is a large sheet of water. A
little south from the hall is the _Domestic Chapel_, a neat structure of
brick, with a square tower. It is stated, on the table of benefactions
of 1792, in Oswestry church, that Mr. Thomas gave by will an annual
payment of £2. 12s., to be distributed every Sunday at Aston chapel. A
quantity of bread was formerly supplied by he owners of the Aston estate,
now belonging to Mrs. Lloyd, and given after divine service in Aston
chapel among the poor of the township. Divine service having been
discontinued in this chapel, Mrs. Lloyd usually distributes a quantity of
beef and bread on St. Thomas’s day.
DIRECTORY.—Mrs. Louisa Lloyd, Aston Hall; Edward Harvey Lloyd, Esq.,
Aston Hall; Ann Evans, farmer, Bromwich Park; Sarah Hughes, farmer;
Richard Legh, farmer, Fox Hall; Zachariah Larkin, farm bailiff and
gardener, The Hall; John Roberts, agent to Black Park Coal Works, Queen’s
Head Wharf.
CRICKHEATH,
a village and township four miles S. from Oswestry, has 1,286A. 2R. of
land, and at the census of 1841, 89 houses and 370 inhabitants. The
landowners are the Earl of Bradford, Earl Powis, W. Eaton, Esq., Mr.
Thomas, Miss Wheeler, and Mr. Thomas Jones. The tithes are commuted for
£246. 1s. 6d., of which £225 are paid to Earl Powis, and £21. 1s. 6d. to
the Vicar of Oswestry. The soil is various. The meadow land is subject
to be flooded by the Morda overflowing its banks. It is the opinion of
many that minerals abound in this township. A party of gentlemen have
commenced works in search of copper ore, but none had been found when our
agent visited the township.
PANT is a hamlet in this township, in a mountainous district, where there
are several immense quarries of limestone. A number of persons are
employed in working the quarries and burning lime.
DIRECTORY.—_Those with_ * _affixed reside at the Pant_.—* John Griffiths,
blacksmith; Thomas Jones, farmer; * Robert Llwyd, wheelwright; John
Murray, blacksmith; Hugh Pugh, farmer; * Samuel Pugh, shopkeeper and coal
dealer; John Rogers, farmer, The Hall; * Robert Roberts, victualler,
Powis Arms; * Robert Roberts, jun., farmer and quarry master; William
Rowland, blacksmith; Edward Sockett, farmer; Thomas Ward, farmer; John
Williams, farmer.
CYNYNION
is a township and scattered village, three miles and a half S.W. by W.
from Oswestry, which contains 760A. 1R. 6P. of land, mostly a bleak,
mountainous district. The village is situate at the verge of the range
of limestone rock, near the borders of Denbighshire, and had in 1841, 27
houses and 68 inhabitants. Sir Watkin W. Wynne, Bart., is lord of the
manor, owner of the whole township, and impropriator of the large tithes,
which are commuted for £14. 15s. 6d. The vicarial tithes are commuted
for £13. 13s. 5d. THE CHURCH, situated at the Lawnt, is a small fabric
of stone, with a square tower. Divine service is performed both in
English and Welsh. The Rev. Robert Williams is the incumbent, and
resides at the Parsonage, a good residence a short distance from the
church. Mr. Williams receives a limited number of scholars as hoarders.
A school was built in the village in 1850. The lime works in this
township are extensively worked by Messrs. Croxon and Co. LAWNT is a
small hamlet in this township.
Croxon & Jones, lime works & quarry masters
Edwards John, farmer
Evans Robert, farmer, Pandy
Evans Wm., farmer & quarry master, Lawnt
Evans William, victualler, Cross Foxes Inn
Evans William, blacksmith
Jones Humphrey, shoemaker
Jones Thomas, farmer and lime agent
Jones William, farmer
Lloyd John, farmer
Owens Edward, farmer, Cafn-byrlallt
Thomas Thos., gentleman, Cynynion House
Williams David, farmer
Williams Rev. Robert, M.A., incumbent, and boarding school proprietor,
Parsonage House. Lawnt
HISLAND,
a small township, with 571A. 1R. 36P. of land, two miles and a quarter
S.E. from Oswestry; had in 1841, 14 houses and 66 inhabitants. Mrs.
Lloyd is owner of the whole township. The tithes have been commuted for
£165. 18s. 8d., of which £113. 6s. 8d. is paid to Mrs. Lloyd, £41. 1s.
10d. to Lady Tyrwhitt, and £11. 10s. 11d. to the Vicar of Oswestry. The
residents in this township are Henry Legh, farmer, Buckley; Edward Parry,
farmer; Thos. Briscoe, blacksmith; and Mary Williams, schoolmistress.
LLANFORDA, OR LLANVORDA,
a pleasantly situated village, one mile and a half W. by S. from
Oswestry, at the census of 1841 had 61 houses and 304 inhabitants. The
township contains 1,278 acres of lands, mostly elevated, from which are
seen some fine views over the fertile plains of Shropshire, and into the
mountainous district of Wales. Sir Watkin William Wynne, Bart., is the
landowner, lord of the manor, and impropriator of the large tithes, which
are commuted for £87. 19s. 6d.; the vicarial tithes are commuted for £23.
11s. LLANVORDA HALL is a handsome mansion, delight fully situated on a
gentle acclivity, commanding picturesque views over a luxuriant country
of great beauty. The park is spacious, and studded with thriving
plantations. There are several genteel residences in this township,
which our limits will not allow us to notice in detail. A MSS. of John
Davies, Esq., of 1635, says, “Rynerus, bishop of St. Asaph, suppreesed
the old church of the Mercians, called Llanvorda.” _Elizabeth Williams_
gave, by will, an annual payment of 30s., issuing out of a croft in Croes
Willyn, to buy clothes for poor people of this township. The amount is
paid out of a plot of land, about two-thirds of an acre, called The
Poor’s Croft, and expended in suitable clothes for the poor.
Andrews Chas. Scarlett, Esq., Bryn Haford
Aubrey Mrs. Llanforda House
Bennion Edwd. David, Esq., Summer-hill House
Croxon Captain John, Llanforda Issa
Davies Hugh, slater and farmer
Davies Mary, farmer
Ellis Robert, Bwlch farm
Evans Joseph, farmer
Francis Thomas, farmer
Hayward Peter, Esq., Llanforda Hall
Jones William, Hayes farm
Kilbrook John, gamekeeper
Knox William, gardener
Lawfoot William R., Esq., land and estate agent, Ordley Hall
Leeke Thos., tailor & farmer
Lloyd David, Llywn-y-maan farm
Llongueville Mrs., Penylan Hall
Morris Elizabeth, farmer
Parker John, farmer and wood ranger
Price Edward, Tynycoed farm
Thomas Sarah, farmer
Thomas Thomas, farmer
MAESBURY
is a pleasant village, in a bold undulating country, three miles S.E.
from Oswestry, having in 1841, 107 houses and 414 inhabitants. This
township and that of Sweeney contain together 3,164A. 3R. 35P. of land,
chiefly a productive soil. The meadow lands on the banks of the Morda
Dyke are occasionally flooded by those waters overflowing their banks.
The principal landowners are Mrs. Lloyd, Mrs. Parker, George W. Edwards,
Esq., John Pickstock, Esq., Mr. John Davies, Mr. John Furmston, Mr.
Thomas Jones, Mr. Edward Peat, J. F. M. Doveston, Esq., Mrs. Wildblood,
Mrs. Hughes, Mr. John Frances, Mrs. Edwards, and the executors of Thomas
Basnitt, Esq. The township is intersected by the Oswestry and
Llanymyneck turnpike road and the Shropshire Union Canal. The latter has
a wharf at Maesbury Marsh, which affords every facility for forwarding
merchandise to the inland counties. The tithes of the above land are
commuted for the sum of £674, of which £80. 3s. are apportioned to the
vicar, £30 to J. A. Lloyd, Esq., £11 to L. J. Venables, Esq., £3. 15s. to
Rowland Hunt, Esq., £520 to T. N. Barker, Esq., £16 to Mr. J. Davies, and
£13 to L. Bentley, Esq.
Davies John, farmer, The Fields
Duncon John, farmer
Edwards Mrs., farmer
Evans Edward, farmer
Evans Mrs., jun., farmer
Fardoe William, shoemaker
Frances John, maltster and farmer
Frank Edward, farmer, The Dairy
Hughes John, farmer, Pentrecoed
Humphreys Joseph, farmer
Jones Thomas, corn miller
Lea John, miller & corn factor
Leeke Catherine, beerhouse keeper
Minett William, farmer
Peat Edward, miller and corn factor
Pickstock John, Esq.
Price Morris, victualler, Navigation Inn
Wildblood Mrs.
Williams John, beerhouse keeper
MIDDLETON,
a small township, one mile and a half S.E. by E. from Oswestry, contains
650A. 1R. 16P. of land, the owners of which are William Ormsby Gore,
Esq., Mrs. Lloyd, Mr. Thomas Humphreys, Mr. John Tomley, John Jones,
Esq., Mrs. Webster, and Shrewsbury Free Grammar School. Earl Powis is
the impropriator of the large tithes, which are commuted for £110. 5s.,
and the small tithes, £13, are paid to the Vicar of Oswestry. In 1841,
here were 41 houses and 98 inhabitants. This township has generally a
level surface, the soil is various, some of it highly productive.
_The Farmers_ are Thomas Humphreys, Margaret Jones, Nathaniel Jones, John
Manford, John Tomley, and Samuel Williams. Mrs. Jane Humphreys,
Middleton Cottage, is also a resident here.
MORTON,
a chapelry and township pleasantly situated 3½ miles S. from Oswestry,
and at the census of 1841 had 28 houses and 147 inhabitants; the township
contains 685A. 1R. 18P. of land; the Earl of Bradford is lord of the
manor. Morton chapel is situated within the bounds of Llanyblodwell
parish; it was built by Mrs. Bridgman in 1774, who endowed it with funds
to the annual value of £47; with this property, and a grant of £200
obtained from Queen Anne’s bounty, certain lands were purchased in
Staffordshire. Some time after the lands so purchased were found to
contain a valuable bed of coal, and they were ultimately sold for the sum
of £19,000, when the amount was invested for the benefit of the
incumbent. The living was formerly presented to by the Earl of Bradford,
who neglecting to appoint, it became vested in the bishop of the diocese,
who is now patron; incumbent, Rev. John Henry M. Luxmore; officiating
minister, Rev. David Lewis. The church is a plain brick fabric, with
nave and transepts; the parsonage house is a neat modern erection, a
short distance from the church. The tithes have been commuted for £211,
of which £190 are apportioned to the Earl of Bradford, and £21 to the
vicar of Oswestry. The living of the church is returned at £669. The
Primitive Methodists have a small chapel at Morton Common, built in 1838.
The poor of Morton, Maesbury, and Crickheath, are entitled to one-third
of the rent of an estate at Osbaston, left by Mr. Jeffreys, and now
amounting to £4. 8s. per annum. The donor directed that out of every
10s. of the rent, 4s. should be distributed in Morton, 3s. in Maesbury,
and 3s. in Crickheath.
DIRECTORY.—Croxon Jones and Co., Coal and Mine Wharf; Samuel Davies,
shoemaker; Edward Edwards, farmer, Ley; John Jones, farmer, Lower Farm;
Thomas Jones, tailor and draper; Rev. Mr. Lewis, curate; Richard Lloyd,
dealer in coal, fire bricks, and flagstones, &c.; Redwith, Old Wharf;
John Peirce, beerhouse; William Thomas, farmer.
PENTREGAER
township has 512A. 2R. 28P. of land, and is situated 5 miles W.W. by S.
from Oswestry; in 1841 here were 17 houses and 98 inhabitants; the
township lies on the borders of Denbigh; the scenery is varied and
romantic, and the whole district mountainous; a strong soil prevails,
which is mostly upon the limestone; upon the hills the land is cold and
bleak, but in the valleys there is some fine grazing and arable land.
Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., is the impropriator of the large tithes, which are
commuted for £24. 1s. 11d., and the small tithes which are commuted for
£10. 16s. 6d. are paid to the vicar of Oswestry. COAD-Y-GAER TOWER, the
occasional summer residence of Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., is a square lofty
structure, situated on a bold eminence, commanding most extensive and
delightful views into the counties of Denbigh and Montgomery, the western
borders of Shropshire and the lovely vale of Llansilin. Near the tower
is a large pool of water covering several acres, which is well stocked
with fish. TAN-COED-Y-GAER, a hamlet returned as a separate township on
the commutation map, but of which there is no return for 1841, contains
357 acres of land, the principal owner of which is Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart.,
who is also lord of the manor; when the tithes were apportioned £12 was
awarded to Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., to the vicar of Oswestry £1. 7s. 6d.,
to the vicar of Llansilin £14. 15s., and to the parish clerk of Llansilin
5s.
Edwards John, farmer
Ellis Robert, Tan-y-coad-y-gaer farm
Evans T., Nant-y-gollan farm
Hughes Allen, farmer
Hughes John, Tan-y-coad-y-gaer farm
James John, farmer and wheelwright
Jones John, farmer
Jones Richard, Tan-y-coad-y-gaer farm
Lewis David, Warnydeuon farm
Lewis Thomas, farmer
Morris Hugh, Tan-y-coad-gaer farm
Morris Robert, farmer
Thomas John, Pennybrin farm
SWEENEY
is a village and township 2½ miles S. from Oswestry, having conjointly
with Maesbury 3,164 acres of land, and in 1841 had 105 houses and 513
inhabitants. The Earl of Powis is lord of the manor, the chief
freeholders are Mrs. Parker, Mrs. Haines, Mrs. Jennings, Thomas Jones,
Esq., Mr. Thomas Evans, Miss Oldnall, Miss Dymoch, the Vicar of Oswestry,
Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Owen, Charles Clay, Esq., Mr. James O. Pugh, William
Roberts, Esq., Colonel Wynn, and others. In this township are immense
heights and rocks called the Sweeney Mountains: here coal is found in
considerable quantities, which is conveyed to distant parts by the Hordly
Aston Moor and Llanymynech canal. There is a wharf here where Messrs.
Croxon Jones and Co. have on sale coal and lime, Edward Jones, manager;
coal, slate, and fire bricks are also sold by Richard Lloyd, at the Old
Wharf. SWEENEY HALL, the seat of Mrs. Parker, is a handsome mansion of
free stone, delightfully situated in a well timbered park near the
Welshpool turnpike road; the pleasure grounds and shrubberies are laid
out with great taste; the interior of the mansion is elegantly furnished,
and contains some fine paintings and statuary. In the grounds near the
hall are the vestiges of a burial ground, adopted as such in the
turbulent period of the Commonwealth. Thomas Barker, Esq., who died in
1675, was buried here; he served the office of high sheriff for the
county, A.D. 1649, the first year of Oliver Cromwell’s usurpation, and in
the parliament of 1653 he was summoned by Cromwell, with John Brown, of
Little Ness, as a knight of the shire. Mr. Pierce gave one moiety of the
rent of land called Cae Mark to the poor of Sweeney. The amount is paid
out of certain land in Llanyblodwell, the property of Mrs. Oliver, and
she distributes 10s. in money and 10s. worth of bread yearly among the
poor. The same property is considered as charged with 6s. 8d. yearly for
a sermon in the Welsh language, but the payment has not been made of late
years, no sermon having been preached at Sweeney in Welsh.
British Coal Company, Croxon, Jones, and Company, coal and lime masters,
Drilth, Sweeney, and Coed-y-goe Collieries
Davies Thomas, farmer
Edwards Thomas, farmer
Evans Thomas, farmer
Evans Thomas, jun., farmer
Haines Elizabeth, vict., The Drill Inn
Jennings Mrs., farmer
Jones and Co., coal masters
Jones David, farmer
Jones Edward, Esq., Llwynymapsis House
Lloyd William, blacksmith
Owens John, blacksmith
Parker Mrs., gentlewoman, The Hall
Pugh Thomas, farmer and miller
Rogers George, bookkeeper, Colliery
Rogers Mary, beerhouse
Rogers Richard, grocer and collector
Savin John, farmer and lime master
Savin Mary, farmer
Wainwright Richard, farmer
Wall William, farmer
Watkin Edward, wheelwright
Williams John, tailor
Yorke Thomas, farmer, and lets thrashing machine.
TREFARCLAWDD,
a village and township, lies about 2¼ miles W.W. by S. from Oswestry; the
township comprises 934 acres of land, the owners of which are Sir Watkin
Williams Wynn, Bart., and John Croxon, Esq.; the Earl of Powis is lord of
the manor; here were 94 houses and 435 inhabitants when the census was
taken in 1841. There are extensive collieries in this township, which
are worked by Messrs. Jones and Co.; fire bricks and ornamental tiles are
also manufactured here by Mr. John Howell, of Trefonen Cottage. The
tithes were commuted in 1837, for £49. 3s. 2d., of which £33. 3s. 1d.
were appropriated to Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., and £16. 0s. 1d. to the vicar
of Oswestry. TREFARCLAWDD HOUSE, the residence of John Croxon, Esq., is
a handsome stuccoed mansion, embosomed in foliage, and beautified with
pleasure grounds and shrubberies. PENTRE SHANNEL HOUSE is a good
residence with extensive premises attached, now in the occupation of Mr.
William Hughes, farmer.
DIRECTORY.—British Coal Company’s Coal Works, Coed-y-Goe; Croxon John,
Esq., Trefarclawdd House; Thomas Davies, farmer; John Howell, fire brick
and fancy tile manufacturer; Mr. William Hughes, Pentre Shannel House;
Jane Hughes, farmer, Ty-tan-y-myn-ydd; Edward Price, blacksmith; Godfrey
Roberts, farmer and corn miller; John Thomas, farmer; John Williams,
farmer, Vron.
TREFLACH OR TREVLACH,
a scattered village three and a half miles S.W. by S. from Oswestry, in
1841 had 103 houses and 396 inhabitants; the township contains 1,098A.
0R. 31P. of land, mostly a poor soil, in a bleak and mountainous
district. The Earl of Powis is lord of the manor, L. J. Venables, Esq.,
and Rowland Hunt, Esq., are land owners and impropriators: to the former
5s. were apportioned, and to the latter £13. 10s.; the tithes payable to
the vicar are commuted for £13. 10s. THE WOOD HILL HALL, the property
and residence of Lazarus Jones Venables. Esq., is a pleasantly situated
house in park-like grounds, which are studded with thriving plantations.
THE HALL is an ancient residence, in the occupancy of George Hilditch,
estate agent. At Treflach Wood are several extensive quarries of stone,
which is used for building purposes, blocks of immense size are
frequently raised; there is also a small stone got here which is burnt
into lime. The Independents have a small chapel at Treflach Wood.
David Jones, relieving officer
Edwards Jane, quarry owner
Edwards John, quarry mastr
Hilditch George, auctioneer & estate agent, The Hall
Jones David, beerhouse and shopkeeper
Jones David, lime burner
Jones John, higgler
Jones Thomas, blacksmith
Jones John & Owen, farmers
Jones Richard, shopkeeper
Lloyd William, farmer
Moreton Edward, farmer
Roberts John, quarry master
Stoakes Walter, beerhouse and shopkeeper
Tudor Thomas, farmer
Venables Lazarus Jones, Esq., Wood hill Hall
Williams Edward, higgler
Williams Walter, shoemaker
TREFONEN,
a township and village with a scattered population, four miles S.W. from
Oswestry, in 1841 contained 146 houses and 632 souls; there are 953A. 3R.
9P. of land, with a strong soil lying upon the limestone; the land rises
into bold swelling hills. The tithes are commuted for £82. 15s. 8d., of
which £74. 5s. 8d. are apportioned to the bishop and dean of St. Asaph,
£5. 13s. 4d. to the vicar of Llansilin, and £2. 16s. 8d. to the vicar of
Oswestry. The Earl of Powis is lord of the manor, Sir Watkin Williams
Wynn, Bart., is the principal land owner. The church, a plain structure
of stone, was built in 1821, and enlarged in the year 1828, when 95
additional sittings were obtained. The service is performed alternately
in the Welsh and English languages. The living is a perpetual curacy
returned at £85 in the patronage of Earl Powis and incumbency of the Rev.
David Lloyd, M.A. In the last thirty years 836 burials have been
registered here. The parochial school has an attendance of 65 children.
It is supported by subscriptions, charity sermons, and a small charge
from each scholar attending the school. THE INDEPENDENTS have a neat
chapel here built in 1832. THE WELSH CALVINISTIC METHODISTS have also a
chapel built of stone called “Carmel.” There are Sunday schools
connected with the several places of worship, which are numerously
attended.
Davies Edward, farmer, lime master, and maltster
Davies Morris, shopkeeper
Dolbey Mrs., gentlewoman
Ginder John, Esq.
Gittins Edward, farmer
Howel John, brick and tile maker, The Cottage
Hughes Evan, vict., The Eel Inn and charter master, Coal Works
Hughes John, schoolmaster and parish clerk
Lloyd Rev. David, M.A., incumbent
Probert John, farmer and lime master
Smout Jane, farmer
Stoakes Edward, farmer and maltster
Thomas Mary, farmer
Thomas John, farmer
Thomas William, farmer
Tudor Samuel, farmer
Watkins Thomas, shoemaker
Williams John, farmer and lime master
WESTON COTTON,
situated one and a half mile S.S. by E. from Oswestry, is a small
township, having in 1841 49 houses and 361 inhabitants. The turnpike
road from Oswestry to Welshpool, and the Morda Stream intersects the
township; the latter is here crossed by a stone bridge. The land owners
are Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart.; Mrs. Lloyd; John Croxon, Esq.; Mrs. Parker;
Henry Warren, Esq.; Mr. Edward Peat, and Mr. John Warren. Earl Powis
claims the manorial rights. Belle View, the residence of William
Banning, Esq., is a neat and pleasantly situated mansion in this
township. The House of Industry will be found noticed at a preceding
page.
Banning William, Esq., Belle View
Davies Francis, shopkeeper
Griffiths, Jones and Co., corn millers and factors, Morda
Hayward Joseph, farmer
Hayward Joseph, jun., farmr
Hughes John, Paper Mills, agent, Morda
Jones Thomas, paper manufacturer, Morda
Minnitt Mr. Thomas, bookkeeper, Morda
Morris Edward, corn factor and commission agent
Morris Mr. Thomas, Morda House
Morris Thomas, wheelwright
Lea Job, Weston corn mills
Peate Ed., miller & farmer
Phillips Griffiths, shopkeepr
Poole Richard, farmer and butcher
Price William, schoolmaster
Roberts Benjamin, Morda corn mills
WOOTON
is a small village and township, three and a quarter miles S.E. from
Oswestry, bounded on the east by the Shropshire union canal; there is a
wharf near the Queen’s Head Inn, not far from which the townships of
Ashton, Wooton, and Twyford converge. At the census of 1841 here were 29
houses and 162 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £167. 2s. 4d.,
the impropriators Mrs. Lloyd receives £136. 1s. 3d., and Lady Tyrwhitt
£19. To the vicar of Oswestry was also apportioned £12. 1s. 1d.
DIRECTORY.—_Farmers_: John Jones, Thomas Roberts, Thomas Williams, and
Wm. Windsor; Francis Dodd, beerhouse; John Evans, blacksmith; John James,
vict., Queen’s Head; John Jones, provision and coal dealer; Richard
Jones, shoemaker; Thomas Lacon, shoemaker; Edward Kynaston, wheelwright;
Richard Thomas, gamekeeper to Mrs. Lloyd.
* * * * *
RUYTON OF THE ELEVEN TOWNS is a parish, containing the six townships of
Cotton, Eardiston, Ruyton of the Eleven Towns, Shelvock, Shotatton, and
Wikey, all situated in the lower division of the hundred of Oswestry, and
altogether comprising an area of 3,991 acres of land. In 1801, the
number of inhabitants was 720; in 1831, 933; and in 1841, 1,083, and 216
houses. George Edwards, Esq. is lord of the manor. The soil is a
mixture of loam and sand, producing good wheat and barley. There is also
some fertile grazing land. The farms are in some instances of
considerable extent, and are provided with good houses and commodious
outbuildings.
RUYTON OF THE ELEVEN TOWNS
is a place of great antiquity, and though now considered as a village
only, it was formerly a borough of honourable account. “Edmund, Earl of
Arundel, in the 5th of Edward II., obtained a grant of a market on a
Wednesday at his manor of Ruiton, in the Marches of Wales, and a fair to
be kept yearly, on the eve of the day of St. John the Baptist, and for
three days following.” The charter is confirmed by Richard II. and Henry
VI., and grants that the burgesses may have certain customs and laws as
freely as the burgesses of Shrewsbury. Fairs are held the second Monday
in April, July 5th, and second Monday in November. The market has long
been obsolete. Ruyton is pleasantly situated two and a half miles west
from the Baschurch railway station, ten miles N.W. from Shrewsbury, and
nine miles S.E. from Oswestry. The township contains 1,717A. 3R. 22P. of
land, and in 1841 there were 142 houses and 658 souls. Rateable value,
£1,865. 4s. 5d. The land rises into bold swelling hills, thickly studded
with plantations, and watered by the river Perry. The following are the
freeholders in this township:—Samuel Bickerton, Esq.; Robert Broughton,
Esq.; Robert S. Comberbach; John Comberbach; George Davies; Edward
Davies; Mrs. Edwards; Rev. George Evans; Richard Griffiths; Thomas
Griffiths; David Hiles; Thomas Hall; the Hon. Ths. Kenyon; John Kough,
Esq.; Henry Kent; Edward Leeke; Miss Middleton; Saml. Minton; Richard
Minton; Robert Peel; John Price; William Rodgers; John Thomas; and John
Walford, Esq.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, has been built at
different periods. The chancel is very ancient, and the tower is massive
and lofty. The south side of the fabric was built about the year 1696,
and the north side was re-built and enlarged in 1845, when 96 additional
sittings were obtained, which, in consequence of a grant from the
Incorporated Society for building and enlarging churches, the whole are
declared free and unappropriated for ever. Previous to the alterations
there were 294 sittings, of which 30 were free. The body of the church
has a double pitched roof, supported by lofty pointed arches, and the
ceiling is of dark oak, which gives the interior of the edifice a very
interesting appearance. There are several neat mural monuments to the
families of Kinaston, Hunt, Evans, and others. The Kinastons were
formerly numerous in the parish. In the churchyard are some fine tombs,
beautifully chiselled, remembering some of the principal families who
were formerly residents in the parish. The living is a vicarage, valued
in the King’s book at £5. 18s., now returned at £313. The patronage is
vested in the Lord Chancellor. Rev. George Evans, M.A., is the
incumbent, and resides at the vicarage, which is pleasantly situated on
an eminence. The tithes were commuted in 1839, when £94 was apportioned
to the vicar, and £105 to the impropriators. There are 44A. 1R. 11P. of
glebe land. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, a good building, with a residence for
the teacher, was built in 1819, by subscription, and a grant of £60 from
the National Society. It is endowed with £438. 11s. 10d., of which £200
is secured on the Oswestry House of Industry, and £238. 11s. 10d. are
invested in government securities, Mrs. Margaret and Mrs. Anne Kinaston
gave the site, and left £20 towards the repairs of the school. THE
INDEPENDENTS have a neat chapel and a residence for the minister, built
in 1833. The congregation is under the pastoral care of the Rev. David
Harris. THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have also a chapel here. There is a
small Lock-up in the village. The following are the principal houses in
the township:—RUYTON PARK, the residence of the Hon. Charles Nowell Hill;
the VILLA, a modern erection of brick, the residence of Robert Broughton,
Esq.; west from the church is the residence of R. S. Comberbach, Esq.;
the HALL, a pleasantly situated house with projecting gables, is occupied
by the Rev. L. Slater, the officiating minister; the residence and
boarding school of the Rev. David Harris, lies nearly a mile north-west
from the church; the residence of Samuel Harmon, Esq., is also a good
house.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mary Cooper’s_. Letters arrive from Shrewsbury at 9.45
A.M., and are despatched at 4 P.M.
Alexander Elizabeth, farmer
Benbow Joseph, vict., Admiral Benbow Inn
Bickerton Samuel, farmer, Park
Bickley Miss, dress maker
Broughton Robert, surgeon, The Villa
Bullock Richard, corn miller and baker
Brown John, farmer
Comberbach Charles, farmer
Comberbach John, corn miller, New Mills
Comberbach Robert Suker, Esq.
Comberbach Thomas R., grocer and draper
Cooper James and Mrs., National School teachers
Cooper Mary, postmistress
Cooper Sarah, farmer
Cooper William, saddler and harness maker
Cooper William, bailiff
Corden Thomas, farmer, The Lawn
Croft John M., surgeon, The Cottage
Davies George, shoemaker
Davies Robert, butcher
Evans Rev. George, M.A., The Vicarage
Evans Mrs., gentlewoman
Fisher Charles, inland revenue officer
Foulkes Joseph, joiner and cabinet maker
Foulkes Joseph, farrier and horse breaker
Griffiths David, blacksmith
Griffiths Richard, farmer
Griffiths Richard, maltster and shopkeeper
Harmon Samuel, Esq.
Harris Rev. David, boarding school
Harris John, farmer, The Hill
Hiles Richard, maltster
Hill Hon. Charles Nowell, Ruyton Park
Jones George, farmer
Jones John, wheelwright
Jones Mrs., dressmaker
Jones Robert, saddler and harness maker
Jones Robert, quarry master, Queen’s court
Leek Edward, shoemaker
Llawalling Mary, vict., Talbot Inn
Lloyd John and Son, blacksmiths
Maddocks Thomas, farmer
Minton Mr., assistant overseer
Minton Thomas Rowland, butcher
Minton William Rowland, machine manufacturer
Morris Edward, shoemaker
Morris John, shoemaker
Morris Thomas, farmer
Parry William, mason
Pickering Miss
Price John, brazier and painter
Price Mary, draper and bonnet maker
Price William, tailor and draper
Roberts John, farmer
Slater Rev. Leonard, M.A., The Hall
Stant Thomas, builder and contractor
Thomas John, bricklayer
Stokes Joseph, cooper and undertaker
Tanswell Henry, hairdresser
Taylor John, carrier to Shrewsbury
Tomlinson Edward, wheelwright
Tomlinson Edward, farmer
Tomlinson Miss, dress maker
Timmis Lydia, vict., Commercial Inn
Timmis Thomas, farmer and maltster
Timmis Thomas, jun., farmer, The Hill
Vaughan William, farmer, The Lodge
Wace Charles R., solicitor, office, Powis Arms
Wilde Robert M., tailor, Blackbow hill
COTTON
(usually called COTON), a small township, salubriously situated, one and
a quarter mile S.W. from Ruyton, contains 233A. 2R. 9P. of land, and at
the census of 1841 had one house and 14 inhabitants. Rateable value,
£181. 15s. 9d. The tithes were commuted in 1847, when £10. 15s. was
apportioned to the vicar, and £40 to the impropriator, George Edwards,
Esq. Mr. Thomas Thomas is the principal landowner, and occupies all the
land in the township.
EARDISTON,
a village pleasantly situated two and a half miles west from Ruyton,
contains some good residences. The township is bounded by the London and
Holyhead turnpike road, and has 705A. 0R. 25P. of land, the soil of which
is mostly a stiff loam, with a portion of sand. In 1841 here were 26
houses and 160 inhabitants. Rateable value, £977. 4s. 6d. The
landowners are the Hon. Thomas Kenyon; Thomas Basnett Oswell, Esq.; Mr.
Thomas Wilkinson; Mr. John Wilkinson; Mrs. Cureton; Mr. Menlove; and a
few smaller proprietors. The vicarial tithes were commuted for £61 in
1847, when £120 was apportioned to the impropriators. There is a school
here, where about thirty children attend. The Hon. Thomas Kenyon gives a
yearly sum of £15 towards the support of the school, in consideration of
which twenty children are taught free.
DIRECTORY.—The Hon. Thomas Kenyon, The Pradoe; William Dovaston, tailor;
John Edwards, farmer; Joseph Edwards, grocer and vict., Barley Mow;
Joseph Evans, jun., mole catcher; William Gydvill, butcher; John Jones,
farmer; Thomas Basnett Oswell, Esq., Eardiston House; John Pearce,
blacksmith; Thomas Williams, maltster and farmer; Thomas Wilkinson,
farmer.
SHELVOCK
township contains 324A. 3R. 30P. of land, and is situated two miles and a
quarter S.W. by W. from Ruyton. Buckley Owen, Esq., is the land owner
and impropriator. In 1841 here were two houses and sixteen inhabitants.
Rateable value, £341. 7s. 9d. The principal residents here are Buckley
Owen, Esq., John Morris, farmer, and John Hughes, farm bailiff and
woodranger to B. Owen, Esq.
SHOTATTON,
a scattered village in the parish of Ruyton, two miles and a quarter S.W.
by W. from the church, in 1841 had 14 houses and 84 inhabitants. The
township has 850A. 3R. 1P. of land, of which 730A. 1R. 37P. are arable,
101A. 1R. 6P. meadow, and 26A. 3R. 38P. are in woods and plantations.
The soil is of a light sandy nature. Rateable value, £748. 15s. 5d.
John Arthur Lloyd, Esq., owns the whole township. The tithes were
commuted in 1838, when £30. 18s. were apportioned to the Vicar of Great
Ness, £15. 9s. to the Vicar of Ruyton, £93 to the late Countess of
Bridgewater, £11. 17s. 6d. to R. A. Slaney, Esq., M.P., £33. 10s. to J.
A. Lloyd, Esq., and £1. 17s. 6d. to several smaller impropriators.
The principal residents are Samuel Bickerton, Esq.; Joseph Humphreys,
farmer, Handley Hall; Robert Lee, farmer; Robert Wall, farmer; Samuel and
Joseph Briscoe, blacksmiths and agricultural implement makers; Samuel
Briscoe, registrar for the Knockin district; and John Lloyd, wheelwright.
WIKEY, OR WYKEY,
a township, two miles west from Ruyton, has 869A. 1R. 38P. of land, 31
scattered houses, and 151 inhabitants. The soil is a mixture of peat and
loamy sand. Rateable value, £800. 4s. 3d. The landowners are John
Basnett, Esq.; Richard Oswell, Esq.; T. B. Oswell, Esq.; Mrs. Richards;
Mrs. Cureton; William Price, Esq.; and the devisees of the late Mr.
Humphreys. The tithes were commuted in 1847, when £50. 8s. were awarded
to the Vicar of Ruyton, £20 to John Basnett, £3. 10s. to Thomas B.
Oswell, Esq., £25 to William B. Oswell, Esq., and £25 to Richard B.
Oswell, Esq. The Chester and Shrewsbury railway intersects the township.
The residents are John Basnett, Esq., The Hall; John Humphreys, farmer;
Richard B. Oswell, Esq.; Thomas B. Oswell, Esq.; Edward Jones,
blacksmith; and William Morgan, shoemaker.
SELATTYN
is a parish on the N.W. verge of the county, bordering on Shropshire,
comprising the townships of Upper and Lower Porkington, and containing
5,437 acres of land. In 1801 the parish embraced a population of 701
souls; in 1831, 1,143; and in 1841 there were 241 houses and 1,128
inhabitants, of whom 556 were males, and 572 females. The village of
Selattyn lies on an acclivity, three miles N.N.W. from Oswestry, and
consists of a few detached houses near to the church. The rest of the
population reside in dwellings which are scattered throughout the parish.
To the north and west of the village, a bleak and mountainous district
stretches to the extremity of the county. The principal landowners are
William Ormsby Gore, Esq., M.P.; Thos. George Warrington Carew, Esq.;
John Wynn Eyton, Esq.; John Povey, Esq.; Richard Henry Kinchant, Esq.;
Mrs. Lloyd; Richard Lewis, Esq.; Thos. Jones, Esq.; Thomas Lovett, Esq.;
Mr. John Williams; Mr. John Edwards; Mr. Richard Jones; Messrs. Gilpin
and Owen; and the trustees of Shrewsbury Grammar School; besides whom are
several other proprietors.
THE CHURCH is a plain cruciform structure, with a square tower, and is
dedicated to St. Mary. A small organ was added in 1847, at a cost of
£70. The Rev. Thomas Edwards, who died in the year 1800, is remembered
on a neat tablet. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at
£12. 9s. 7d., in the patronage of Mrs. Lloyd, and enjoyed by the Rev.
Albany Rosendale Lloyd, M.A. The tithes were commuted in 1840 for £813.
James Wildig, one of the assembly of divines, and the Rev. Henry
Sacheverall, D.D., remarkable for their different principles, were
rectors of Selattyn. A CHAPEL OF EASE, dedicated to St. Barnabas, was
opened for divine service on June 11th, 1850, at Hengoed. It is a small
edifice, in the early English style, with nave and chancel, and has a
chaste and neat appearance. The cost of the structure was about £500,
which was raised by subscription, to which the rector was a liberal
contributor. The Rev. Thomas Lewis Lewis is the officiating minister.
Previous to the erection of this chapel there was a small place of
worship here, which has since been converted into a school, where about
fifty children are educated. THE FREE or PAROCHIAL SCHOOL is situated a
short distance from the parish church, where about 100 boys are educated.
There is also a girls’ school, where 40 children are instructed. Mr.
William Cullis, the teacher, is writing master to the juvenile branches
of the royal family, and has published a small school book, which has had
a large circulation. (For the endowment, see “_Charities_.”) The
village is supplied with an abundance of excellent water, by means of a
_Water Ram Fountain_, which was placed on the road side, at the sole
expense of the rector, in the year 1847. The water is brought from a
distance of about 1,000 feet, and rises 100 feet in perpendicular height.
There are lime works on the western verge of the parish. About half a
mile W. by N. from the church is a tower, upon the lofty summit of a
hill, which is a conspicuous object for many miles. It was built by the
Rev. Gerald Carew, and has the following inscription:—
GORSEDD ORWYNION.
It is recorded in the poems of the aged Prince and Bard,
Llywarch-hen,
that in the 7th century, from
this spot he saw his son Gwen slain in a battle
between the Britons and Saxons, on the brook Morlas below.
Oedd gwr-vy-mâb oedd ddysgywen hawl
Ar ryd Vorlâs-y-llass Gwen.
A sepulchral urn, containing bones, was found underneath this tower, A.D.
1847.
From the tower a most beautiful panoramic view of the fertile plains of
Shropshire is seen towards the south-east, and in the opposite direction
the bold and picturesque scenery of the counties of Denbigh and
Montgomery open to view. PORKINGTON, the seat of William Ormsby Gore,
Esq., M.P., lies about a mile N.W. from Oswestry. This plane takes its
name from _Brogyntyn_, an old castle of the Welsh princes, which stood in
the neighbouring grounds, and was surrounded by a deep fosse, which may
still be traced. Porkington is a Grecian edifice, with an elegant
portico. The park is extensive, and has a fine undulating surface,
richly adorned with timber, and the prospects are extensive, varied, and
beautiful. PENTRE-PANT HALL is a handsome residence, in a sequestered
situation about two miles south from Selattyn; the hall is elegantly
furnished, and the grounds beautifully wooded. It is the property of
Thomas George Warrington Carew, Esq., and residence of the Rev. Gerald
Carew. THE DERWEN is a neat house, S.E. from Selattyn, the residence and
property of John Povey, Esq. THE RECTORY is a pleasantly situated house,
a little south from the church.
CHARITIES.—_John Hanmer_, D.D., bishop of St. Asaph, by will, 1628, gave
the inheritance and fee-simple of his tenement in Selattyn to the use of
the poor of the parish.
_Charles Morris_, in 1721, bequeathed £500 in trust, and directed the
amount to be laid out in the purchase of lands, and out of the yearly
proceeds thereof 20s. to be paid yearly for a sermon on Candlemas-day,
and the residue to be employed for the maintenance of the poor charity
children and other poor persons of this parish. The legacy was laid out
in the purchase of land soon after the death of the testator, but there
are no title deeds now to be found in the parish relating thereto, and
that it is so intermixed with the property devised by Bishop Hanmer that
it would now be difficult to distinguish them. The whole estate consists
of 53A. 3R., including 18 acres of allotment, and about one rood of
ground, obtained by exchange with Mr. John Edwards. The estate produces
£60. 5s. per annum, to which is added 4s. yearly, the moiety of rent due
to this parish from certain land left by J. R. Powell. There is a school
and school-house on the premises, devised by Bishop Hanmer, the former of
which was built in 1812. The Rev. G. N. K. Lloyd, the rector,
contributed £100 towards this building, on condition that he, and the
successors to his property in this parish, should have the privilege of
sending to the school six poor children resident in, though not belonging
to, the parish, to be taught free. The school at Hengoed was built upon
land given by G. H. Carew, Esq., principally at the expense of the
rector, who gave £200, expressly upon the condition that the children of
all poor residents in the parish should be admitted to both the schools.
_Colonel Owen_ charged certain lands, which now form part of the
Porkington estate, with the payment of £6 yearly to the poor of this
parish. A yearly sum of £10 is now paid by Mrs. Gore to the rector, who
distributes the amount in sums varying from 5s. to 10s.
_Mrs. Margaret Ormsby_, by her will, dated 25th February, 1805, requested
those who should succeed her in the Porkington estate, to distribute £20
annually among poor persons in the neighbourhood. In compliance with
this request, the daughter of the testatrix gives £20 yearly among the
most deserving poor.
Carew Rev. Gerald, Pentre-pant Hall
Cullis William, schoolmaster
Drury Richard, farmer, Mardon
Edwards Mr. John, Tower hill
Edwards John, farmer, Fron
Edwards Richard, farmer, Pentre
David Edwards Richard, farmer, Underhill
Edwards Richard, corn miller, Oak Mill
Evans John, farmer, Paradwys
Evans John, farmer, Ty-cock
Fenna Richard, farmer, Gyrn
Gore William Ormsby, Esq., M.P., Porkington Hall
Hales Sarah, farmer, Cerny-bwch
Harding Mr. Frederick, Fron Lodge
Holland James, carpenter, builder & farmer, Peny-bont
Hughes Edward, farmer, Park Farm
Jackson George, farmer and butcher, Pentre-clawdd
Jones Isaac, blacksmith, Pant-glass
Jones John, farmer, Birch House
Jones John, farmer, Forrest
Jones John, farmer, Five Cross Lanes
Jones John, blacksmith, Pentrewerne
Jones John, wheelwright
Jones Thomas, farmer, White House
Kenrick Elizabeth, vict., Hart and Trumpet
Lewis Mrs. Letitia
Lewis Margaret, shopkeeper
Lewis Richard, farmer, Pentrewerne Cottage
Lewis Rev. Thomas Lewis, curate, Hengoed
Lloyd Mrs. Ann, Nant Issa
Lloyd Rev. Albany Rosendale, M.A., Rectory
M’Kie W. H., agent to W. O. Gore, Esq., Scybar Issa
Meredith Humphrey, farmer, Pentre David
Morgan George, farmer, Springs
Morgan Joseph, farmer, Tyng-drain
Newstead Mary, school teacher, Hengoed
Nicholas Thomas, parish clerk, assistant overseer, and collector of
assessed taxes
Peate Robert, farmer, Pentre clawdd
Povey John, Esq., The Derwen
Roberts Edward, farmer
Roberts John, maltster & vict., Cross Keys
Roberts Robert, shopkeeper
Sands Hugh, farmer, Cross lanes
Sands Thomas, farmer, Craignant
Thomas David, farmer, Llawry-pant, Ucha
Thomas John, corn miller
Thomas John, farmer, Penrhos
Thompson Thomas, farmer, Crown house
Vaughan Edward, farmer, Nantucha
Williams David, farmer, Pentrewerne
Williams Edmund & Thos., corn millers
Williams Richard, farmer, New Barn
Williams Samuel, farmer, Fron
Williams George, farmer, Grouse Lodge
Williams Peter, farmer, Selattyn Lodge
Williams Richard, blacksmith & beerhouse
Whitehurst John, Esq., Marddu
Wynn William Williams Edward, Esq., Sion House
SYCHTYN
is a township in the parish of Llansilin, with a scattered population, in
a bleak and mountainous district, five miles S.S. by W. from Oswestry.
The rest of this parish is included in the county of Denbigh. The
township contains 1,414 acres of land, and in 1841 had 55 houses and 251
inhabitants. Rateable value, £907. 1s. 6d. The principal landowners are
Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart.; John Wynn Eyton, Esq.; the Earl of Liverpool;
Thomas Fitzhough, Esq.; Richard Morris, Esq.; and Messrs. Poole and
Haslam. The Earl of Powis is lord of the manor. The tithes have been
commuted, and £96. 15s. awarded to the Bishop of St. Asaph, to whom
Robert Owen Tudor, Esq., is the lessee; £2 to the vicar of Llansilin, and
£1. 7s. to the parish clerk of Llansilin. There are extensive limestone
quarries in this township, and large quantities are annually burnt into
lime, and used for agricultural purposes. The Independents and Welsh
Methodists have each a small chapel in this township.
Davies Edward, farmer
Davies Edward, collector of rates
Davies Evan, farmer
Davies Richard, farmer
Edwards Edward, farmer
Griffiths John, farmer
Hughes Margaret, farmer
Jones Edward, lime burner and victualler, New Inn
Jones John, farmer and lime burner
Morris Richard, Esq., Pentre-cefn
Rees John, butcher
Richards Hugh, farmer and lime burner
Roberts Thomas, blacksmith
Roberts William, farmer
Rodenhurst John, farmer
Tudor Thomas, farmer
Williams John, farmer
* * * * *
WEST FELTON
parish includes the townships of West Felton, Haughton, Rednall,
Sandford, Sutton, Tedsmore, Twyford, and Woolston, together comprising
5,989A. 2R. 9P. of land, the soil of which is a mixture of sand and loam.
The meadows produce a fine herbage, and being intersected by the river
Perry, which, frequently overflowing its banks, and covering hundreds of
acres, produces the greatest fertility and luxuriance. In 1801 the
parish contained 926 inhabitants; in 1831, 1,093; and in 1841, 1,087.
Rateable value, £8,314. 14s. George Edwards, Esq., is lord of the manor.
The tithes were commuted in 1838 for the sum of £1,008.
WEST FELTON
is a well built village and township, intersected by the Holyhead and
London turnpike road, five miles S.E. from Oswestry and thirteen N.W.
from Shrewsbury. In the village are some good houses, and the immediate
vicinity is a rich farming district, in which are scattered several neat
villa residences. The township contains 800A. 3R. 15P. of productive
arable and pasture land, having a loamy soil with a mixture of sand. In
1841 here were 43 houses and 214 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,285.
10s. The principal landowners are John Freeman Dovaston, Esq.; Rev.
Peter George Bentley; Edward Frank, Esq.; Thomas Frank, Esq.; Rev. Thomas
Hunt; executors of the late R. L. Murray, Esq.; Mrs. Duckett; Mr. Richard
Fardoe; Mr. John Brookfield; George Withers Edwards, Esq.; Mr. John
Hopkin; Mr. Edward Rodgers; and Messrs. Sides.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, a handsome structure in the
decorative style of English architecture, consists of nave, chancel, and
side aisle, the latter being separated from the nave by lofty Norman
arches, rising from circular pillars; the floor of the nave and chancel
are ornamented with encaustic tiles of beautiful design, and the
communion table and two chairs are of oak, elaborately carved. In 1842
the structure was enlarged and renovated at a cost of upwards of £600,
which was raised by subscriptions and grants from the diocesan and
incorporated societies, in consequence of which 202 additional sittings
were added, and 58 were declared free and unappropriated for ever. The
east end of the sacred building is beautified by two stained glass
windows, one the gift of the Hon. Thomas Kenyon, and the other the gift
of the Hon. Mrs. Kenyon and the junior members of the family. They
exhibit a masterly display of workmanship, and were executed by Evans, of
Shrewsbury. The stone work was the gift of the Rev. Mr. Hunt. The
window on the north side, over the entrance door, has fine
representations of Moses and Aaron, and was the gift of Viscount
Dungannon. The roof of the church is of dark oak, beautifully designed;
and the whole has a chaste and elegant appearance. It is ornamented with
a square tower, in which are three bells. The living is a rectory,
valued in the King’s book at £20. 12s. 6d., now returned at £1,032. The
patronage is vested in the Earl of Craven. The Rev. Thomas Hunt, M.A.,
is the incumbent. The tithes of this township are commuted for £127. 5s.
3d. The Rectory, a commodious brick edifice near the east end of the
church, beautified with pleasure grounds and shrubberies, has been much
improved by the present incumbent. There is a free school near the
church.
WEST FELTON HOUSE, the residence of the Rev. P. G. Bentley, M.A., is a
delightful mansion, pleasantly situated and ornamented with pleasure
grounds tastefully laid out. THE MANOR HOUSE is a commodious mansion of
great antiquity, the property and residence of Mr. Thomas Frank. Near
the house is a mound, surrounded by a deep moat; tradition says a
building formerly stood on the summit. The Shropshire union canal
intersects the township, and there is a railway station at Rednal, about
two miles from West Felton. The county constabulary have a station here:
Mr. Robert Jones is the superintendent, and there are eight constables
stationed in the adjacent district.
CHARITIES.—_George Iveson_, in 1616, bequeathed a rent charge of 40s. per
annum for the use of the poor. _John Edwards_ gave 20s. per annum for
the same object in 1686. These two gifts are paid from land at Osbaston,
belonging to Mr. Price. _Joseph Withers_, in 1731, directed a yearly sum
of £2 to be paid out of the rent of his tenement in Moreton, to the poor
of this parish. A sum of £125, derived from different benefactors, is
secured upon the tolls of the Holyhead road, by an instrument bearing
date 18th January, 1762. The interest, £6. 5s. per annum, with 5s.
yearly paid by a farmer at Llan Rhaiadyr for an encroachment, are carried
to one account with the produce of the preceding charities, making in the
whole £11. 7s. 10d. The amount is given one year to the poor residing in
the township, and the next year to the poor residing out of it. _Mary
Jones_, in 1758, charged certain lands in Tedsmere with the payment of £5
per annum for the benefit of the poor, and a further sum of 10s. 6d.
yearly to the minister, provided he preach a sermon in the parish church
of Felton on the 12th of September. _Sarah Owen_, by will 1764, gave to
the minister and churchwardens £200 in trust, to distribute the interest
(with the approbation of the owner of Woodhouse for the time being) among
poor and indigent persons. This legacy is secured on the Oswestry house
of industry.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. Thomas Roberts’s_. Letters arrive at 6.30 A.M., and
are despatched at 6.40 P.M.
Bentley Rev. Peter George, Felton house
Davies George, farmer and butcher
Davies John, saddler and harness maker
Duckett Mrs., The Villa
Edwards William, farmer
Evans John, farmer
Evans Mrs. Margaret, Hall farm
Evans Thomas, farmer
Fardoe Richard, farmer
Fox Thomas, farmer and carrier
Frank Thomas, farmer, Manor house
Hampton William, farmer
Hollis Edward, farmer
Hopkin John, shopkeeper
Howell William, farmer and road surveyor
Hunt Rev. Thomas, M.A., The Rectory
Jones Edward, farmer and maltster
Jones John, farmer, The Cross
Lloyd Edward, vict., Fox and Hounds
Lloyd Edward, blacksmith
Murray Miss Lathrop, Felton hall
Pugh John, shoemaker
Roberts Thomas, overseer and vict., the Lion
Roberts Thomas, farmer & assistant overseer
Rogers Edward, farmer and tailor
Vaughan William, builder and stone mason
HAUGHTON,
a township two miles N.E. from West Felton, contains 1,010A. 3R. 22P. of
land, chiefly low fertile meadows, frequently flooded by the river Perry
overflowing its banks. In 1841 here were 38 houses and 212 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £1,482. 3s. The principle landowners are Mr. Thomas
Austin, Mr. Thomas Briscoe, Mr. William Prue, Mr. John Roberts, Mr. John
Vaughan, and Mr. Thomas Vaughan; besides whom are several other
freeholders. The tithes are commuted for £163. 16s. 4d. The Chester and
Shrewsbury railway intersects the township. A superior freestone for
building purposes is got here. The Primitive Methodists have a small
chapel in the village.
The _Farmers_ in Haughton are William Humphreys, Robert Large, Thomas
Minshall, Charles Peacock, William Prue, and Joseph Vaughan. There is
also a farm held by the family of the late Robert Rogers. The other
residents are Thomas Austin, tailor; John Kynaston, wheelwright; and John
Vaughan, blacksmith.
REDNAL, OR REDNALL,
a township two and a quarter miles from West Felton, with a scattered
population, contains 1,566A. 1R. 23P. of land, and in 1841 had 24 houses
and 140 inhabitants. The soil is chiefly a strong fertile loam, with a
mixture of clay, producing good wheat and barley. On the low lands, near
the banks of the river Perry, which forms the boundary of the township,
is some good grazing land, some parts of which are occasionally flooded.
William Mostyn Owen, Esq., owns the land. The tithes are commuted for
£233. 4s. The Ellesmere and Queenshead turnpike road crosses the
township, and the Shrewsbury and Chester railway has a station here,
which is two miles distant from West Felton. WOODHOUSE is a beautiful
mansion of white freestone, the seat of William Mostyn Owen, Esq.,
delightfully situated on a gentle eminence, commanding fine views, and
surrounded by park-like grounds beautifully wooded. The mansion is
approached by a noble portico, supported by four circular columns; and
there is a fine avenue of beech and other trees on the south side of the
park.
DIRECTORY.—William Mostyn Owen, Esq., Woodhouse. _Farmers_: Thomas
Cartwright, the Buildings; Edward Humphreys, the Old Mill; Edward
Meredith; William Meredith; John Thomas, the Leys; and Robert Williams,
Lower Lees. James Adams, station master; Paul Briscoe, blacksmith;
Robert Brookfield, slater; Moses Tomlinson, shopkeeper.
SANDFORD,
a small township comprising 719A. 0R. 34P., of land, situate one and a
half mile from West Felton, in 1841 had 18 houses and 92 inhabitants; the
soil is of a light nature, producing good wheat, barley, and turnips.
The chief landowners are Samuel Bickerton, Esq., Mr. Thomas Beamand, and
Mr. Abraham Hancox. Rateable value of the township, £876. 15s. The
tithes are commuted for the sum of £132. 15s. SANDFORD HALL is a well
built modern erection of brick, the present occupier of which is highly
respected as a spirited farmer and grazier, and noted for his zeal in
advocating the cause of protection to native industry. Near to the hall
is a large pool of water. There is a fox cover in the township. The
principal residents are Thomas Beamand, gentleman; Samuel Bickerton,
Esq., The Hall; Edward Goff, farmer; Abraham Hancox, farmer; Edward Kent,
farmer; Richard Clarke, wheelwright; Edward Evans, corn miller.
SUTTON
township lies four and a half miles S.E. from Oswestry, and one and a
half mile from Weston Felton, near the Rednal railway station. In 1841
here were 31 houses and 135 inhabitants; the township comprises 664A. 3R.
22P. of land, the owners of which are Mr. Edward Edwards, Mr. John
Edwards, Messrs. Sides, Mr. John Manford, Mr. William Duckett, and the
executors of late Mr. Croxon. The tithes were commuted in 1838 for £116.
7s. 9d. Rateable value of the township, £810. 17s. SUTTON HALL, an
ancient edifice pleasantly situated on an eminence, has had additions
from time to time made, and of late years has been much modernized.
GRIMPO is a hamlet consisting of well built houses, and being near the
parish of Weston Felton, a commodious school has been erected, with a
residence for the teacher; it was built by subscriptions, and the site
was given by William Mostyn Owen, Esq.; it is supported by a few
benevolent individuals, and a small charge from each of the scholars; the
average attendance is about eighty scholars. The Independents have a
chapel at Grimpo, built in 1831.
SUTTON AND GRIMPO DIRECTORY.—George Dawes Brittain, The Hall; James
Hargreaves, Esq., The Hall; Edward Furmston, farmer, Grimpo; William
Manford, farmer, Sutton farm; Thomas Morgan, farmer; John Morgan, farmer
and parish clerk; William Walton, farmer; John Morgan, schoolmaster;
Edward Parkes, butcher; Edward Vaughan, builder and farmer.
TEDSMERE,
one mile east from West Felton, is a township with 383A. 3R. 39P. of
land, having in 1841 17 houses and 87 inhabitants; the chief part of the
land is grass, and in large enclosures. Rateable value, £551. 18s. The
tithes are commuted for £63. 10s. 6d. T. B. B. Owen, Esq., and Joseph
Pemberton, are the landowners. TEDSMERE HALL, the seat of Thomas
Bulkeley Bulkeley Owen, Esq., is a handsome stone structure, on a
considerable elevation, commanding a fine view of the vale beneath, and
of the bold mountainous district of North Wales. The front and portico
of the hall are now being rebuilt of white free stone. A superior
quality of free stone found in this township is much used for ornamental
building, the quarries are extensively worked, and blocks of immense size
are frequently raised. The principal residents here are Thomas Bulkeley
Bulkeley Owen, Esq., The Hall; John Cureton, farmer; John Thrumpston,
farmer; John Williams, farmer, Bentley marsh; and John Smith, butcher.
TWYFORD,
a small township adjoining West Felton, and four and a half miles south
from Oswestry, intersected by the Holyhead turnpike road, and the
Shropshire union canal, contains 341A. 3R. 9P. of land, and in 1841 had
29 houses and 110 inhabitants. The freeholders are J. F. M. Dovaston,
Esq.; Mr. Edward Downes, Mr. John Brookfield, Mr. Richard Lloyd, Mr.
William Manford, and Mr. Isaac Ratcliff. The land is of good quality, an
undulating district, and well wooded. Rateable value, £598. 3s. Rent
charge, £56. 16s. 7d.
THE NURSERY is the elegant seat of John Freeman Milward Dovaston, Esq.,
barrister, a gentleman of classical learning, high genius, ardent
benevolence, and indeed possessed of every estimable quality which adorns
the mind. It is deeply to be regretted that Mr. Dovaston has not been
able to leave his bed for several years. It may be said that he has
inherited the virtues of his father, John Dovaston, Esq., a gentleman of
learning, science, and ingenuity, who died March 31st, 1808. He was born
of humble parents, who lived on their small estate at West Felton. “He
was taught to read by an old woman in the village, and that was the whole
of his education; every other acquirement which he afterwards possessed
in so eminent a degree was entirely his own. He was the eldest son of
seven, all of whom he brought up to respectable professions. From his
father he received his little estate, swallowed up by mortgages, which he
redeemed at a very early period of life, by two voyages to the West
Indies, and afterwards considerably increased by prudence and industry.
Though he left scarcely any science untouched, his turn of mind was
principally directed to antiquities, natural philosophy, music,
mechanics, and planting; of the first he left a large collection of
manuscripts, historical observations relating to Shropshire and the Welsh
borders; on druidical relics, tracing traditional vulgar errors from the
remote times of superstition. In mechanics he left a set of
philosophical and musical instruments made by his own hands, and just
before his death he projected an orrery to show the satellites on a new
method. In planting he has clothed the country around him with forest
and fruit trees, all raised and grafted with his own hands; and his villa
(which from his fondness for planting he called “The Nursery”), is laid
out with much taste and rural elegance. He was well versed in the
Hebrew, Anglo-Saxon, and Latin tongues, and had some knowledge of Greek.
His reading was very extensive, his mind vigorous, and his application
intense. He was remarked for the plainness of his dress, yet his person
always appeared dignified, and his manners were courteous and
gentlemanly. He was fond of a cheerful glass, remarkably communicative
and sociable, full of facetious anecdote, which he had a singularly
agreeable manner of imparting. To the very last day of his life he rose
at five, it being one of his maxims always to get start of the sun.
Though he lived to the age of 68 years, it was the opinion of his medical
friends that his excessive and laborious application of mind and body
brought a somewhat premature decay. In his youth he was the close friend
of Shenstone, to whose memory he was always much attached. On his death
bed he spoke to his son these remarkable words:—‘Jack, I believe in my
soul it has pleased God to prosper all my undertakings; my lad, be
honest, and you will be independent; be liberal, and you will be
esteemed; deserve God’s blessing, and you will be happy.’”
Dovaston John Freeman Milward, Esq., The Nursery
Brookfield John, painter, plumber, & glazier
Davies John, farmer
Downes Edward, Esq., Twyford House
Duckett William, Esq., The Cottage
Edwards Edward, farmer
Edwards John, farmer
Foulkes William, shoemaker
Howell William, grocer and draper
Jones Robert, superintendent of police
Lloyd Richard, vict., Punch Bowl
Morris Rev. John (Independent)
Phillips Ann, shopkeeper
Savin William, farmer, Ford’s & Hey’s farm
WOOLSTON,
a small village and township two miles and a half S.W. from Felton, has
501A. 2R. 14P. of undulating land, and in 1841 had 15 houses and 77
inhabitants. Rateable value, £748. 13s. Rent charge, £106. 4s. The
landowners are Lady Tyrwhitt; Edward Beamand, Esq.; George W. Edwards,
Esq.; and Mr. Samuel H. Burrows. There are several well built and
pleasantly situated farm residences in this township. Coal is found
here; and several years ago a party of miners opened coal works, but
finding the seams of small thickness, and the water breaking in upon
them, the works were abandoned. There is a well here called ST.
WINEFRED’S WELL, which was formerly in great repute for its medicinal
properties. The baths are walled in, and the water filters through a red
grit stone rock; they are now in a delapidated and neglected state.
WOOLSTON HOUSE, a modern erection of brick, pleasantly situated, is the
residence of George W. Edwards, Esq.
DIRECTORY.—Edward Beamand, gentleman; George Withers Edwards, Esq.,
Woolston House; Richard Clarke, farmer; Richard Drury, farmer; John
Sides, farmer; Richard Williams, farmer.
WHITTINGTON
is a parish and village, pleasantly situated on the turnpike road from
Oswestry to Ellesmere, two miles and a half E.E. by N. from the former
town, and sixteen miles N.N. by W. by railway from Shrewsbury. The
parish comprises the townships of Berghill, Daywell, Ebnall, Fernhill,
Frankton, Henlle, Hindford, Old Marton, and Whittington, which, together,
in 1801 contained a population of 1,398 souls; 1831, 1,788; and in 1841,
1,919. The tithes of the whole parish are commuted for £1,000. The
township of Whittington, in 1841, contained 164 houses and 808
inhabitants. The principal landowners are Edmund Wright, Esq.; Mrs.
Lloyd; Richard Henry Kinchant, Esq.; William Ormsby Gore, Esq., M.P.;
Thomas Lovett, Esq.; Thomas Broughall, Esq.; Rev. John Davies; and Mr.
Hugh Davies. Extent of parish, 3157A. 3R. 23P. Rateable value, £2,736.
THE CHURCH is a plain brick fabric, rebuilt in 1806, at a cost of £1,500.
The exterior is partially covered with inscriptions from the Holy Bible.
The original fabric was of stone, and is said to have been built by the
first Fulk Fitz Warine, out of the refuse of the materials when the
castle was built. A commission was directed from the council in the
Marches of Wales, A.D. 1630, to John Trevor and Richard Lloyd, gentlemen,
to make a terrier of the glebe land of this church, as also to return an
inventory of the utensils belonging to the same, amongst which there were
three pairs of armour, furnished with two pikes and two head pieces.
These are supposed to have been employed by the rector for the defence of
the castle against the Welsh. The living is a rectory, valued in the
king’s book at £25. 4s. 2d., now returned at £1,224, in the patronage of
Mrs. Lloyd, who is also lady of the manor. Incumbent, Rev. Charles
Arthur Albany Lloyd, M.A. There are 58A. 1R. 3P. of glebe land in this
township.
The chief object of attraction at Whittington are the ruins of THE
CASTLE. It is supposed to have been built in the year 843, by a British
nobleman, who was succeeded by his son, Tudor Trevor, who, though
possessed of many houses with rich and extensive domains, made this his
chief residence. The descendants of Tudor continued possessed of the
castle for several generations, and many families in this neighbourhood
and North Wales boast their origin from him. At the Domesday survey this
place is called _Wititone_, and consisted at that time of eight corn
farms, twelve ox-stalls, and a very extensive wood; the cows yielding
five shillings per annum, and all Welsh residents were obliged to pay
twenty shillings among them. The Castle of Whittington next passed into
the hands of Hugh, and afterwards of his brother Robert, sons of the Earl
of Shrewsbury. Upon the defeat of Robert by Henry I. it was restored to
the Peverels. William de Peverel had two daughters, the younger of whom
was named Mellet, and being a valiant knight himself resolved to marry
his daughter Mellet to none but a knight of consummate valour. Her
father promised the Castle of Whittington as her dower. Several
distinguished combatants assembled at Peverel’s Castle, in the Peak of
Derbyshire, to contend for the fair prize. When Guarine de Metz, then
Lord of Aldberbury, went there, and fighting with a son of the king of
Scotland, and a Baron of Burgoine, overthrew his rivals, and obtained the
beautiful Mellet. The posterity of this great man, for nine generations,
assumed the Christian name of Fulk. They continued possessed of the
castle from the end of the reign of Henry I. till the time of Henry
VIII., a period of nearly four hundred years. On the rebellion of the
barons against King John, Fulk joined with them, for we find his name
among the number that were excommunicated by the Pope for extorting from
John that firm basis of English liberty called MAGNA CHARTA. In the
reign of Henry III., Fitz Guarine procured a grant of his estates to him
and his heirs for ever; for which he gave the king two coursers and two
hundred and sixty-two pounds,—an enormous sum in that age, and gives some
idea of the wealth of Fitz Guarine. The same monarch granted him the
liberty of a fair on St. Luke’s day, and a market on Wednesday, at
Whittington; but on account of its proximity to Ellesmere and Oswestry,
both market and fair have long been obsolete. Subsequently fairs were
held on the last Thursday in April, July and November, but these have
also been discontinued. After the castle passed into the hands of Henry
VIII. we hear nothing further respecting it till the following reign,
when the king presented it to Henry Grey, Duke of Suffolk, who forfeited
it in consequence of being convicted of high treason. Shortly after,
Queen Mary granted the castle to Fitz Alan, the last Earl of Arundel. He
mortgaged it to several persons, who obtained the place in default of
payment from him. William Albany, a chief man among the number, was, by
the joint consent and approbation of the rest, put into sole possession
of it. By the marriage of his great granddaughter with Thomas Lloyd,
Esq., of Aston, Whittington passed into the hands of that family, and is
now the property of Mrs. Lloyd. The castle was fortified with five round
towers, each forty feet in diameter, and a hundred feet in height, and
the walls were twelve feet in thickness. It was surrounded by a moat,
part of which still remains, and the fosses and intrenchments may yet be
traced to a considerable distance. About the year 1760, the eastern
tower fell into the moat; and some years afterwards one of the northern
towers and the western wall were taken down to repair the roads leading
from Whittington to Halston-bridge. The towers of the gate-house are
still entire; and some portions of the ancient building have been
modernised, and converted into a dwelling, which is inhabited by Thomas
Broughall, Esq.
THE FREE SCHOOL is endowed with a farm and two cottages, producing about
£47 per annum. The school is taught in the Old Tithe Barn, a long brick
building of considerable antiquity; about 90 children attend. There is
also a girls’ school, where about 60 scholars attend. The rector is a
liberal contributor towards the support of the schools. THE INDEPENDENTS
have a small chapel here, built in 1844. BRABINS WOOD consists of a
number of cottages and a Primitive Methodist chapel, about a mile S.E.
from the church. The Shrewsbury and Chester Railway Company have a
station about a quarter of a mile west from the church. PARK HALL, an
ancient mansion with projecting gables, chiefly composed of timber, and
situated near the Oswestry road, about one mile and a quarter W. from
Whittington, is the residence and property of Richard Henry Kinchant,
Esq. The entrance hall is wainscotted, ornamented with paintings,
banners, &c., and contains a massive oak table, cut from one plank,
measuring 23 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 2½ inches thick. Several of the
apartments contain antique oak furniture elaborately carved, and the
ceilings are of curious workmanship. There are also some fine paintings,
chiefly family portraits. On the west side of the hall is the domestic
chapel, which was probably erected in the time of Henry VIII.
CHARITIES.—_Robert Jones_, in 1679, devised all his lands and houses in
Whittington, for the support of an “honest ingenious schoolmaster.” The
premises consist of 5A. 2R. 28P. of land, and two dwelling houses built
thereon. The land is stated to be worth about £11 per annum.
_Griffith Hughes_, in 1706, devised certain lands and a dwelling house,
at Rhuabon, and directed out of the yearly proceeds 20s. to be paid for
teaching poor children to read, in Aston township, and the residue of the
rents and profits to be appropriated for educational purposes in
Whittington and Rhuabon. The estate islet for £28 per annum. In 1813, a
sum of £142, the produce of some timber cut and sold from the estate, was
laid out in the purchase of a piece of land in Whittington, containing
2A. 1R. 15P., which produces a yearly sum of £5.
_Elizabeth ap Robert_, in 1675, devised two pieces of land in
Pentrewerne, containing 7A. 1R. 18P., for the benefit of the poor of this
parish. The rents were formerly applied in apprenticing children, but
for some time they have been paid to the mistress of the girls’ school in
Whittington. In the year 1822, a sum of £146 was laid out in the
purchase of 1A. 3R. 16P. of land, in the township of Whittington. Of
this sum, £5 was a legacy left to the poor by Richard Evans; £15 was the
produce of timber cut and sold from the lands belonging to Trustan’s
charity; £31. 16s. was money which had been paid for the property tax for
several of the charity estates, but which was returned, and the residue
was made up by the rector. The land is let for £5 per annum, which is
paid to the schoolmistress.
_John Trustan_, in 1659, gave certain lands, and directed the yearly
proceeds to be expended in bread, and distributed every Sabbath day for
ever. The land devised, in eluding an allotment awarded in 1781,
consists of 11A. 0R. 36P., and is let at a yearly rent of £12.
_Walter Rogers_, in 1685, left a rent charge of 40s. per annum, issuing
out of land called Bryn Rhig. The amount is expended in flannel, and
given away on St. Thomas’s day.
_Elizabeth Lloyd_, by will, 1696, bequeathed £200 to be laid out in the
purchase of land, the yearly rent to be divided among twelve of the
poorest families of the township of Whittington. It appears this sum was
placed out at interest, and the principal and interest in 1837 amounted
to £350, which sum was laid out in the purchasing of a rent charge of £14
per annum, issuing out of a farm in Whittington.
_Robert Conway_, in 1727, charged his lands in the parish of St. Martin
with the payment of 20s. yearly, for the benefit of the poor of
Whittington parish. The particulars of Sir Nathaniel Lloyd’s charity
will be found noticed with Oswestry.
_Mrs. Frances_ has recently left £200, the interest to be divided among
six poor widows of Whittington and Dudleston in equal proportions. The
amount is invested in the three per cent. stock.
Broughall Mrs. Elizabeth
Broughall Mrs. Sarah, Penny-bryn
Broughall Thomas, Esq., The Castle
Hargreaves Mr. James, horse trainer
Jones John, station master
Kinchant Richard Henry, Esq., Park Hall
Lloyd Rev. Charles Arthur Albany, M.A., The Rectory
Lunt Mrs.
Peate Mr. Richard
Perkins Francis, post office
Thomas Mrs., Rose hill
Woods Rev. Robert M‘Clure, curate
Yates Richard, valuer and land surveyor, The Mount
Academies.
Jones Eliza
Roberts William Henry
Spencer John
Blacksmiths.
Briscoe John
Tudor John
Boot & Shoemakers.
Bickley Joseph
Grinley Joseph
Lea Richard, & rate collector
Butchers.
Haycock Thomas
Llewelyn John
Carpenters, &c.
Bowyer William
Griffiths John (wheelwright)
Mansell Edward
Marsh John
Nicholas Samuel
Farmers.
Davies David
Davies Robert
Holland George
Hughes Edward Foulkes, Park Farm
Jervis George
Jones Edward, Perry Moor
Jones Rd., Tinkers’ Green
Jones Thos., Brabins’ Wood
Munslow Rd., & maltster
Ward John, Donnet Farm
Inns & Taverns.
Boot Inn, George Jervis
Lion, Ann Venables
Beerhouses.
Davies David
Evans Nathaniel
Shopkeepers.
Davies John, and saddler and harness maker
French Ann
Parry Elizabeth
Venables Elizabeth
Watkin Henry
Tailors.
Price Richard
Williams Richard
BERGHILL
is a small township two and a half miles east from Whittington,
comprising 688 acres of land, and had in 1841 six houses and 46
inhabitants. Rateable value, £592. 8s. 6d. Edmund Wright, Esq., of
Halston, is the owner of the land in this township, which is intersected
by the river Perry and the Shropshire union canal.
_The Farmers_ are Jonathan Grindley, Thomas Jones, Thomas Lee, John
Morris, and Thomas Evans Thomas; Charles Sykes, gamekeeper to E. Wright,
Esq.
DAYWELL
is a village and township two and a half miles north from Oswestry, and
two and a half miles N.N.W. from Whittington, having in 1841 71 houses
and 328 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,212. 4s. 6d. There are 1,134A.
2R. 18P. of land in the township, of which Joseph Venables Lovett, Esq.,
is a considerable owner; the other principal owners are John Wynn Eyton,
Esq., Rev. E. Edwards, Mr. Joseph Bickerton, Mr. John Gardener, and Mr.
Robins. The celebrated Watts Dyke makes its appearance at Gabowen in
this township, and may be traced from thence into the parish of St.
Martin. The extent between this dyke and Dyke Offa’s, which crosses the
hills above Selattyn, is about four miles. The intervening space between
these dykes is said to have been a common mart, where the English and
Welsh met to carry on commercial intercourse with each other; but if
either party transgressed these bounds, they were exposed to the
severities of war. Upon Watts Dyke at a place called Bryna Castle, near
to Gabowen, is the site of an old _Watchfort_, and another a little
further on towards St. Martin’s. BRYNA CASTLE consists of a few cottages
a quarter of a mile N.E. from Gabowen; here the Independents built a
small chapel in the year 1831. BELMONT is a delightfully situated
mansion in a fine park, the seat and property of J. V. Lovett, Esq. At
GABOWEN there is a railway station on the Shrewsbury and Chester line of
rails, which is 18 miles N.N.W. from Shrewsbury, and 24 miles S.E. from
Chester. There is also a branch railway from here to Oswestry. UPPER
HENGOED is a scattered district of houses at the north extremity of the
township. The Primitive Methodists have a chapel here, built in 1839.
_Those with * affixed reside at Upper Hengoed_.
Bickerton Joseph, farmer, Rose Cottage
Cartwright Eli, shopkeeper
* Cound Thomas, shoemaker
Edwards David, farmer, Preese Henlle
Evans Thomas, farmer
Figg Francis Fowler, station master, Gabowen
Furmstone Mrs. Amelia, Rose Cottage
Gardener John, farmer, Bark House
Haycock Thomas, farmer
Howell Thomas, farmer
Jones Thomas, farmer
Jones Thomas, shopkeeper
Lovett Joseph Venables, Esq., Belmont
Morgan Richard, shoemaker
* Morris Thomas, maltster
* Phillips Mrs. Mary, Stone Cottage
Philips Philip, tailor
Price John, maltster and vict., Cross Foxes, Gabowen
Roberts Edward, farmer, Pentre Kenrick
Stewart Mrs. Alexander
Taylor Mr. Peter Poole, Green Bank Cottage
* Weston Edward, beerhouse keeper
Weston Owen, farmer
Williams Edward, farmer
EBNALL
township contains 1,033A. 2R. 32P. of land, and is situated four miles
N.N.E. from Oswestry, and twenty-three and a quarter miles north from
Whittington; in 1841 here were 51 scattered houses and 240 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £1,000. 2s. The principal landowners are John Venables
Lovett, Esq.; Thomas Broughall, Esq.; Thomas George Warrington Carew,
Esq.; Mr. Robins, Mrs. Ann Owen, Mr. Edward Griffiths, and others, are
also proprietors.
_The Farmers_ are James Boodle, William Croft, Prees Henlle; Josiah
Holland, Ann Owen, Elizabeth Owen, John Owen, Mary Price, and William
Woollam; Thomas Davies, carpenter and wheelwright; John Eaton,
blacksmith; Mr. Edward Griffith, Moor Wharf Cottage; John Jones,
shoemaker.
FERNHILL,
a small township one and a quarter mile north from Whittington, contains
274A. 3R. 4P. of land, and in 1841 had nine houses and 65 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £265. 18s. Thomas Lovett, Esq., is sole proprietor in
this township, and resides at FERNHILL HALL, a neat mansion of free
stone, which stands on the knoll of a hill, and commands some beautiful
views of the surrounding country; the hall is surrounded with pleasure
grounds and shrubberries, and the park is beautifully wooded with
thriving plantations. The river Perry flows through this township; it is
formed of several small streams which have their rise in the high grounds
of Selattyn, and have their confluence in this township.
The principal residents are Thomas Lovett, Esq., Fern Hill Hall; Edmund
Edmunds, farmer; William Broughall, farmer; and Richard Edwards, corn
miller, Oak Mill.
FRANKTON,
commonly called WELSH FRANKTON, is situated three miles east from
Whittington; the township contains 931A. 1R. 14P. of land, and in 1841
here were 54 houses and 275 persons. Rateable value, £85. 14s. 6d. The
chief land owners are Edmund Wright, Esq., Thomas Broughall, Esq.; Joseph
Dutton, Esq.; William Francis Oswell, Esq.; Mr. Landford and Mr. Thomas
Danily. The high grounds in this township command a most extensive and
delightful view of the fertile plains of Shropshire. A small chapel of
ease stands on the road side leading from Oswestry to Ellesmere; there is
a school adjoining, and a little higher up the road near the summit of
the hill is a neat Independent chapel. The Shropshire union canal takes
its course on the eastern verge of this township, where there are four
locks, and a fall of about forty feet.
DIRECTORY.—_Farmers_, Thomas Danily, William Drury, John Nicholas,
Stephen Walley; William Edwards, beerhouse and shopkeeper; Elizabeth
Hodnet, schoolmistress; William Jenks, boat builder; William Francis
Oswell, Esq.; Edward Teggin, blacksmith; Thomas Teggin, beerhouse keeper;
Thomas Williams, provision dealer.
HENLLE,
usually called HENTLEY, is situated one mile and a half north from
Whittington, and four and a half miles N.E. from Oswestry. The township
is returned as having nine houses, 43 inhabitants, and 396A. 1R. 13P. of
land. Rateable value, £340. 9s. 6d. The land owners are Thomas Lovett,
Esq.; Mr. John Duckett, Mr. John Jones, and Mr. Thomas Hughes.
_Farmers_, Thomas Brookfield, John Danily, and maltster, Edward Davies,
and Walter Munslow; Mr. John Duckett is also a resident here.
HINDFORD,
a small township with 196A. 2R. 10P. of land, lies a little more than a
mile north from Whittington, and has 20 houses and 91 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £241. 1s. 6d. Edmund Wright, Esq., and Mr. Broughall are
the principal proprietors. The Chester and Shrewsbury railway intersects
the township, and is crossed by a bridge on the road leading to Old
Marton.
The resident farmers are Edward Edwards, William Jackson, and Thomas
Parry; William Jackson, butcher.
OLD MARTON
township, three miles N.E. from Whittington, has four houses, 23
inhabitants, and 496A. 2R. 3P. of land, which is the property of Richard
James Griffiths, Esq., Rev. George Salt, and Mr. Jones. Mr. John
Pridden, who was born at Old Marton Hall, was one of the many instances
in which integrity and perseverance have introduced their votaries to
ease and affluence. His father dying when he was only twelve years old,
and his mother marrying again, he was subjected to the most unmerciful
and cruel treatment of a step-father. Having endured his unmerited
sufferings for several years, he bade adieu to his unpropitious home, and
arrived in London in March, 1748, where he soon found protectors in Mr.
Nourse and Mr. Manley, the latter of whom he succeeded in business as a
bookseller, where he soon found himself supported by a numerous and
respectable set of friends, and eventually rose to wealth and affluence.
To do good was his delight; to communicate happiness to all around him
was his unceasing aim. He died in 1807, and left two sons and three
daughters.
The resident farmers in Old Marton are Thomas Brayne, Stephen Burrows,
and Amelia Jones.
PIMHILL HUNDRED.
The Hundred Pimhill is bounded on the north by Flintshire, on the west by
the Oswestry Hundred, on the east by the Albrighton division and the
Bradford Hundred, and on the south by the Hundred of Ford and the
Albrighton division. The population of this hundred in 1801 was 11,874;
the number of inhabited houses 2,112. In 1841 there was a population of
11,857 souls, of whom 5,900 were males., and 5,857 females. At the same
period there were 2,297 inhabited houses, 48 uninhabited, and 10 houses
building. This hundred comprehends the Baschurch and Ellesmere
divisions. The former contains the following townships and chapelries,
viz., Alderton, Baschurch, Birch, Boreatton or Bratton, Ensdon, Eyton,
Felton Butler, Fennemere, Hopton, Kinton, Merehouse, Montford, Ness
Cliff, Ness Great, Ness Little, Newtown, Petton, Prescott, Shrawardine,
Stanwardine-in-the-Fields, Stanwardine-in-the-Wood, Walford, Weston
Lullingfield, Wilcott, and Yeaton.
The Ellesmere division contains Balderton, Birch and Lythe, Burlton,
Cockshutt and Crosemere, Colemere, Crickett, Criftins, Dudleston,
Eastwick, Ellesmere, Elson and Greenhill, Frankton, Hampton Welsh,
Hampton Wood, Hardwick, Hordley, Kenwick Stockett and Whattall, Kenwicks
Park, Kenwicks Wood, Lee, Lineal, Loppington, Marton, Middle, New Marton,
Newnes, Newton, Noneley, Northwood, Oteley, Newton and Spoonhill, Sleap
(part of), Stocks and Coptiviney, Tetchill, Trench.
BASCHURCH
is a respectable village, pleasantly situated about half a mile west of
the Baschurch railway station, and eight miles N.W. from Shrewsbury. The
parish contains the several townships of Baschurch, Birch, Boreatton,
Eyton, Fennemere, Merehouse, Newtown, Prescott,
Stanwardine-in-the-Fields, Stanwardine-in-the-Wood, Walford, Weston and
Yeaton, which together have an area of 10,758 acres of land. Rateable
value, £11,470. 11s. 6d. Population in 1801, 1,059; in 1831, 1,321; and
in 1841, 1,491. Baschuch is a place of great antiquity. Cynddylan, the
British prince, slain at Whittington by the Saxons, about the year 570,
was interred here. The parish church is one of the eighteen churches
found in the county at the Doomsday survey, at which time Baschurch was
the head of a hundred. About a mile from the village is a remarkable
British fortress, or hold, the remains of which are very distinct, and an
object of great attraction to the antiquary. It consists of two
positions, one a natural eminence about forty-five feet high, surrounded
at the bottom by a circular vallum; the other an elliptical entrenchment,
on which more pains have been bestowed, very much lower than the other,
and perfect on three sides, the fourth being open, and apparently
extended into a wider and more irregular form. The vallum of this
elliptical entrenchment, where it faces the eminence described above, is
thrice the height of any other part of it. These two positions are
surrounded, on one side by a deep pool, on the other sides by an
extensive tract of black peaty soil, which was probably at an early
period covered with water. The works are connected by a low road, made,
by incredible labour, of small stones heaped together; and both are
connected with the main land by a similar road leading across the morass
in a curve. If this road was covered with water, as probably it was to
the depth of a few inches, strangers would not know where it was; and the
loftier fortress had a farther defence in an interruption of the roads,
which do not reach all the way to it, but cease within a few feet of the
point of juncture, and thus act as a kind of rude draw-bridge, where
those in the fortress might lay down a plank for those without to pass
over. At the point where this interruption of the road exists, was
evidently the road into the fort, which is there defended by two
outworks; one on each side. It was in this fastness that Cynddylan,
imitating his aboriginal forefathers, who fortified themselves in woods
and marshes, sought an asylum after his expulsion from Pengwern
(Shrewsbury). No reason can be assigned why he should be buried at
Baschurch, but that his residence was in the immediate vicinity.
THE CHURCH is an ancient structure, dedicated to All Saints, and consists
of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with a square tower, in which are four
bells. There is a gallery at the west end, upon which is a fine-toned
organ. The south side of the church was built about the year 1615, and
the north side in the year 1790. It contains several handsome tablets
and memorials to some of the principal families in the neighbourhood; one
of which, a handsome pyramidal monument of elegant and costly
workmanship, executed in marble, records the death of William Basnett,
Esq., of London, a native of Baschurch, whose nephew and adopted heir,
William Birch, assumed the name of Basnett. Another memorial remembers
Rowland Hunt, Esq., and there are others to the Preslands, Slaneys,
Mucklestons, and Corbets. There is an ancient Bible chained to the
reading desk. The living is a vicarage, valued in the King’s book at
£10. 16s., in the patronage of the Lord Chancellor, and enjoyed by the
Rev. William Jones. The church stands on the site of a former edifice,
which was burnt down in the year 1404. Divine service was performed in
the Manor House, at Walford, till a new church was built. A stone in the
churchyard remembers William Green, who died at the age of ninety years;
and about fifteen years ago Mrs. Jones Hill Green died at the age of
ninety-nine years. The tithes were commuted in 1844 for £285. The
vicarage is a good residence, pleasantly situated, and stands a little
east from the church. It has been considerably improved by the present
incumbent
NEWTOWN may be considered to form a part of Baschurch. It is a separate
township, situated between the railway station and the village, the
Shrewsbury and Chester railway intersecting the eastern side of the
township. In 1841 here were 25 houses and 131 inhabitants. There are
two neat and capacious schools at Newtown, and a preparatory school at
Weston, supported from the funds of Mrs. Harris’s charity. In
consequence of the advantages of gratuitous education, the village is
constantly improving. The salubrity of the air, the facilities of
railway communication, and the general order and quiet retirement, render
it a desirable place for the erection of villa residences. A commodious
inn has recently been built at the railway station, which is conducted by
Mr. Thomas Wilkinson. A market has been established on Friday, for the
sale of corn, butter, and poultry, which is held near the railway
station. There is a bowling green at the Admiral Duncan, and a female
benefit society, which is well supported. Rowland Hunt, Esq., is lord of
the manor. The principal landowners are the lord of the manor; the Rev.
William Jones; Robert A. Slaney, Esq., M.P.; Richard Edwards, Esq.;
Frederick Edwards, Esq.; Edward Edwards, Esq.; William Sparling, Esq.;
Mary Pickstock; and others are also proprietors. The soil is a mixture
of gravel and loam, highly productive, and about one half may be
considerable arable. The river Perry divides Baschurch from Ruyton, and
skirts Boreatton Park.
CHARITIES.—_Eleanor Harris_, by will, bearing date 17th May, 1709,
devised certain land and tenements, at Stanwardine-in-the-Fields, in
trust, to pay certain annuities therein mentioned, and to dispose of the
residue for the providing of schooling for the boys and girls of such of
the lowest rank of inhabitants within the parish of Baschurch as should
not be able to give them a proper schooling; and she directed that such
children should be taught to read and spell well, and to write fair hands
and cast accounts, so as to fit the boys for ordinary trades; and that
when the profits of the trust estate should be sufficient her trustees
should apply a reasonable part thereof for putting out the boys
apprentices, and for providing portions for the girls, to be given them
on marriage; and she further directed that her trustees should pay yearly
20s. to the officiating minister of the parish for a sermon in the
church, on the afternoon of the Sunday next after the anniversary of her
death, at which time she desired such minister to declare publicly the
principal directions of her will, to the intent that the same might never
be concealed or suppressed; and that the trustees should lay out 20s. for
a dinner for themselves. The property belonging this charity consists of
267A. 2R. 36P. of land and certain houses, besides 7A. 2R. 31P., which
was planted about fifty years ago with oaks, and the school premises,
consisting of 1A. 1R. 32P., at Newtown. When the Charity Commissioners
published their report the yearly income amounted to £323. 10s. The boys
are taught reading, writing, and accounts, and the girls reading and
needlework. They are all supplied with every article of clothing, except
linen, once a year, and with books and all school requisites; and they
are permitted to remain in the school till they are of sufficient age to
go out to service, or to be bound apprentice. When the children go out
to service they receive a complete suit of clothing, and a Bible and a
Prayer Book; and if they continue in the same place with credit for five
years, they receive a gratuity of £3; and if for seven years, £5. In
this respect no difference is made between the boys and girls. The boys
are occasionally placed out apprentice, with a premium of £6 each.
Nothing is paid out of the fund for marriage portions. There is also a
dame school supported out of the funds, for teaching the younger children
of poor persons residing at Weston. The present trustees are R. A.
Slaney, Esq., M.P.; William Matthews, Esq.; Richard Wall, Esq.; and Mr.
John Jebb.
_Thomas Baker_, in 1839, gave a rent charge of £4 per annum, to be
expended in bread, and given to the poor of the parish on Sundays for
ever.
_Edward Tomkies_, by will, in 1771, bequeathed to the poor of the parish
of Baschurch £100. The interest to be laid out in sixpenny loaves of
good bread, and given to the poor over and above their usual allowance on
Christmas days and Easter Sundays.
_Richard Wilkins_ gave £20, the interest to be distributed by the vicar
and churchwardens to such poor people as should not receive relief.
_Rev. John Barnet_ gave £20, and directed the interest to be distributed
to the poor.
A yearly sum of £4. 11s. 2d. is paid to a schoolmaster, as the interest
of £114 in the hands of R. Hunt, Esq. It does not appear from whose
benefaction this money was derived; but it appears it was formerly laid
out on turnpike security, with £130 belonging to two other charities,
making altogether £244; which sum was afterwards placed in the hands of
R. Hunt, Esq.
_Sarah Atcherley_ gave £30 to the poor, the interest to be given in bread
on Christmas days.
_Thomas Presland_, in 1779, gave £20, the interest to be distributed
yearly to poor distressed housekeepers.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. John Morris’s_. Letters arrive at 8.45 A.M., and
are despatched at 4 45 P.M.
_Those marked_ 1 _reside at Baschurch_; 2 _New town_; 3 _Railway
Station_.
1 Birch Edward, Esq., The Hall
2 Birch Miss M. A., boarding school
1 Buckley and Davies, milliners and bonnet makers
1 Carr William, tailor
2 Crookenden Mrs., schoolmistress
1 Davies Richard, baker and parish clerk
3 Haycock Robert, agent to the Brymbo Company, dealer in coal, lime,
slate, &c.
1 Hinksman John, shoemaker
2 Humphreys Mary, provision dealer
2 Jebb John, station master
2 Jones Joseph, farmer and maltster
2 Jones Joseph, butcher
2 Jones Mary, farmer
2 Jones Thomas, farmer
2 Jones William P. schoolmaster, and collector of rates
1 Jones Rev. William, The Vicarage
1 Leek Thomas, wheelwright
1 Matthews William, farmer
2 Morris Charles, licensed to let post horses
3 Morris Charles, agent to Mr. Ward for the Black Park Coal, dealer in
lime, slate, &c.
1 Morris John, grocer and innkeeper
2 Mullinex John, blacksmith
2 Oliver Joseph, shoemaker
1 Pickstock Henry, farmer
1 Poole Edward, tailor
2 Poole Sarah, beerhouse-keeper
1 Pugh John, shoemaker
1 Pugh Thomas, farmer
1 Roberts Thomas, blacksmith
1 Simpson John, joiner and builder
2 Throckmorton J. Esq.
1 Thomas John, shoemaker
3 Thomas William, agent to G. Young for the Cefn coal, and dealer in lime
and bricks, &c.
3 Wilkinson Thomas, victualler, Station Inn and Posting House, and
Admiral Duncan Inn
BIRCH
is a small township in the parish of Baschurch, two miles N.W. from the
Baschurch Railway Station, which in 1841 was returned as containing two
houses and twenty-two inhabitants. The river Perry divides this township
from Ruyton, and is skirted on the east by Boreatton Park. Rowland Hunt,
Esq., is the landowner, and lord of the manor. The township contains 432
acres of land. Rateable value, £439. The Birch Park farm is occupied by
John Vaughan.
BOREATTON, OR BRATTON,
is a township pleasantly situated nine miles and a half N.W. by N. from
Shrewsbury, and about two miles from the Baschurch Railway Station. In
1841 there were seven houses and 32 inhabitants. (The acres are given
with the parish.) Rateable value, £708. 5s. The soil is of a superior
quality, producing good wheat and barley. Large flocks of sheep are kept
in this neighbourhood. BOREATON HALL, an elegant mansion of brick in the
Elizabethan style of architecture, is the seat and property of Rowland
Hunt, Esq. The mansion is approached by a handsome portico of free
stone, supported by four circular pillars. The grounds are tastefully
laid out with pleasure grounds and shrubberies; and the Park, though not
of great extent, is richly wooded, and beautified with some fine avenues
of beech and other trees.
The principal residents are Rowland Hunt, Esq., Boreatton Hall; Miss
Hunt, Boreatton Park House; John Grant, farm bailiff; George and Henry
Hunt, farmers and corn millers, Platt Mills, Thomas Payne, gamekeeper.
EYTON,
a small township and sequestered village, is situated about two miles
N.E. by E. from Baschurch. At the census of 1841 there were 11 houses
and 56 inhabitants. The township is intersected by the railroad from
Shrewsbury to Chester. Here are several large pools of water, covering
many acres of land, and are well stocked with fish. The land has an
undulating surface, and the soil is a mixture of loam and clay. The
principal landowners are the Duke of Cleveland, and D. F. Atcherley,
Esq.; besides whom there are several smaller proprietors. THE BIRCH
GROVE HOUSE, the residence of John Evans, Esq., is a neat edifice,
stuccoed, and is surrounded with pleasure grounds tastefully laid out.
Near it is a fine sheet of water. _Elizabeth Waring_ bequeathed £20, and
directed the interest to be distributed among the poor of this township
on the Sunday before Christmas day.
The farmers in Eyton are Richard Cutt, Samuel Price, Ann Teece, John
Weston, and Thomas Whittingham. John Mason, blacksmith.
FENNEMERE,
another small township in Baschurch parish, had six houses and 43
inhabitants at the census of 1841. It is situated two miles and a
quarter from Baschurch, and five miles S.W. of Wem. (The acres are
returned with the parish.) The land presents gentle undulations and
inequalities on the surface, and the soil is in general heavy, producing
good crops of wheat and barley. The Duke of Cleveland is the sole
proprietor. In this township there is a fine sheet of water, covering a
considerable extent of land. The farms are extensive, and the houses and
out-buildings are conveniently arranged. The resident farmers are Edward
Kent, Joseph Lee, and Charles Wood.
MEREHOUSE
is a township intersected by the Shrewsbury and Chester railway, situated
about a quarter of a mile from the Baschurch station, and eight miles
N.N.W. from Shrewsbury. The township contained one house and sixteen
persons in 1841. Rateable value, £200. 5s. Rowland Hunt, Esq., is the
lord of the manor, but the land is the property of Richard Wall, Esq.,
who resides on the estate, having erected a pleasantly situated house to
the east of Baschurch station, with commodious and conveniently arranged
farm buildings. In this township is situated the British Fortress,
previously noticed with Baschurch, as the retreat of Cynddylan, a British
Prince, after being driven by the Saxon invader from the city of
Pengwerne (Shrewsbury). It is protected by a pool of water of
considerable extent, called the Berth, and a morass. Richard Wall, Esq.,
of Merehouse Hall, is the only resident.
NESS LITTLE, OR NESS CLIFF,
is a chapelry and village, consisting chiefly of respectable farm houses,
in the parish of Baschurch, pleasantly situated two miles and a half S.W.
from the Baschurch station, and seven miles and a half N.N.W. from
Shrewsbury. In 1801 the population was 202, and at the census of 1841
there were 46 houses and 238 inhabitants. The tithes were commuted in
1847 for £232. 10s. The rectoral tithes of this township are paid to the
Rev. David Birds, except those of the Milford and Adcott Hall estates.
The incumbent of Baschurch receives the small tithes. The township
contains 1,348 acres of land. The soil is generally a stiff sandy loam,
producing good crops of wheat, barley, and beans. About two-thirds of
the land is arable. Rateable value, £1,326. 13s. Earl of Powis is lord
of the manor. The principal landowners are Henry Dickinson, Esq.; George
Edwards, Esq.; R. A. Slaney, Esq., M.P.; Edward Brayne, Esq.; William
Matthews, Esq.; Mrs. Jones; and Samuel Bickerton, Esq. Henry Dickinson,
Esq., has recently purchased an estate from the Earl of Powis, and is now
erecting an extensive and costly range of farm premises on the most
approved principles. THE CHURCH is an ancient structure, paved with
encaustic tiles, and was new pewed in 1835, the expense of which was
defrayed by public subscription. It contains a fine old font, with the
date of 1565. The communion cup, which is of silver, exhibits a curious
piece of handicraft, and has the date 1565 upon it. The living is a
curacy annexed to the vicarage of Baschurch. ADCOTT HALL, the residence
of Thomas Mansell, Esq., is an ancient erection, with extensive farm
premises, conveniently arranged, connected with it. MILFORD HALL, an
ancient timbered residence in good preservation, exhibits a fine specimen
of the domestic architecture of by-gone days.
DIRECTORY.—_Farmers_: Edward Brayne, and maltster; Thomas Brookfield,
Adcott Mills; Andrew Mansell; Thomas Mansell, Adcott Hall; James Payne,
Milford House; Abraham Powell, Milford Mill; Alice Smith, Milford Hall;
Abraham Woolrich; Thomas Gilston, farm bailiff to Henry Dickinson, Esq.
Edward Griffiths, shoemaker; William Hughes, parish clerk; William Jones,
shopkeeper, Vale lane; Edward Pugh, wheelwright.
PRESCOTT
is a township and pleasantly situated village on the Shrewsbury and
Baschurch turnpike road, seven and a half miles N.E. by N. from the
former place, and one mile south from the latter. In 1841 there were 23
houses and 103 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Robert A.
Slaney, Esq., M.P.; John Bromley, Esq.; and Mrs. Barrett; besides whom
there are several other freeholders. The land has an undulating surface,
with a strong loamy soil.
DIRECTORY.—John Bromley, Esq.; Andrew Mellor Needham, Esq.; Thomas
Pearce, blacksmith; John Poole, tailor; Richard Smith, farmer; William
Thomas, grocer and provision dealer; David Vaughan, farmer; Griffith
Windsor, builder.
STANWARDINE-IN-THE-FIELDS
is a township and well-built village, near the line of the Shrewsbury and
Chester railway, one and a half mile N.W. from Baschurch, and nine miles
N.W. by N. from Shrewsbury. The railway is here crossed by a substantial
stone bridge. At the census of 1841 there were 30 houses and 160
inhabitants. The land in this township is generally good, and produces
fine crops of wheat and turnips. The Duke of Cleveland is lord of the
manor; and the trustees of Mrs. Eleanor Harris’s charily, Mrs. Phillips,
Mr. Hilton, Sir John R. Kynaston, Bart., Miss Emma Jones, and the vicar
of Baschurch, are the principal landowners. THE PARK HOUSE, a good
residence of brick, stands about half a mile north-west from the village,
and is the residence of Mr. Richard Hiles. It was built two years ago.
The farm premises are admirably contrived, and replete with every
convenience.
The residents are—_Farmers_: Thomas Atcherley, Edward Corden, Thomas
Davies, the Beith; Richard Hiles, Stanwardine Park; John Pembrey, Thomas
Perry, and James Windsor. Edward Griffiths, blacksmith; Richard Parbutt,
shopkeeper.
STANWARDINE-IN-THE-WOOD
is a small township and secluded village with a scattered population,
four and a quarter miles north from Baschurch, and 12 miles N.N.W. from
Shrewsbury. In 1841 there were 9 houses and 69 inhabitants. Rateable
value, £1,037. 8s. THE HALL is an antique mansion, built about the year
1681, and occupied by Stephen Denston, Esq. It is approached by a flight
of steps and a portico; the sides of the great hall are of panelled oak,
enriched with carved work, and upon one of the scrolls is the date 1588.
The apartments are decorated with some fine paintings and costly prints;
the steps of the staircase are of solid blocks of oak, and the floors are
laid with oaken planks four inches thick. In the front of the hall is a
pedestal of stone, upon which is affixed a sun-dial; on the plate, which
is of silver, is a beautiful engraving and some fine tracery, bearing the
arms of the Corbets and the Wynns, and the date 1560. The ancient hall
of Stanwardine was a moated mansion, and stood a little south from the
present structure. It was in early times the seat of a branch of the
ancient family of Corbet, and subsequently of the Wynns. In the front of
the present hall are the family arms of the Corbets and the Wynne,
exhibiting a beautiful specimen of chiselling. WICHERLRY HALL, an
ancient structure chiefly composed of timber, has recently undergone
considerable reparations, and a new front has been added. It is the
property of C. K. Mainwaring, Esq., and occupied by Mr. George Belliss,
who farms upwards of 200 acres of the land in this township. William
Sparling Esq., is the principal landowner; Charles Kynaston Mainwaring,
Esq., and others, are also proprietors.
DIRECTORY.—_Farmers_, George Belliss, Wicherley Hall; John Williams,
Stanwardine Hall; Mary Jones, Andrew Jones, and John Young.
WALFORD,
a small township with a scattered population, is situated two and a half
miles S.E. from Baschurch, and six miles and a half N.W. by N. from
Shrewsbury. In 1841 there were 74 inhabitants. The Duke of Cleveland is
lord of the manor; Robert A. Slaney, Esq., M.P., is a considerable land
owner. The land has generally a fertile soil. The turnpike road from
Shrewsbury to Baschurch intersects the township. WALFORD MANOR is a
handsome mansion of modern erection, the seat and property of Robert
Aglionby Slaney, Esq., M.P. for Shrewsbury; Mr. Slaney has been a member
of parliament for thirty years, devoting himself to the advancement of
the people, labouring to disclose and have removed the causes injurious
to the public health, and to increase the means of instruction and
healthful recreation of the working classes. Free trade and political
reforms have had his constant support. He has also published several
works, on subjects identical with those which have busied him in public
life—an “Essay on the employment of the poor,” (to this was awarded a
silver medal from the Board of Agriculture); an “Essay on the beneficial
direction of rural expenditure;” a “Plea to power and parliament for the
working classes,” &c. The old Manor House is an ancient dilapidated
structure, now occupied as a farm dwelling.
Slaney Robert Aglionby, Esq., M.P., Walford Manor
Burroughs Joshua, farmer, The Heath
Davies John, blacksmith
Griffiths Richard, shoemaker
Jennings Thomas, beerhouse
Jones Isaac, wheelwright
Jones John, farmer
Jones Mary, farmer
Jones William, gamekeeper
Lee Wm. farmer, The Heath
Price Thos. farmer, Leasows
Price Thomas, jun., butcher
Shore Thomas, farmer and maltster
Smith Richard, farmer, bailiff, The Manor
Speake Samuel, joiner and carpenter
Williams William, tailor
Wycherley John., farmer, The Hayes
WESTON LULLINGFIELD
is a township and straggling village two and a half miles north from
Baschurch, and ten and a half miles N.N.W. from Shrewsbury. There are
several good farm houses here, with commodious and conveniently arranged
out premises. The chief landowners are the trustees of Mrs. Harris’s
charity, Mrs. Bowman, William Birch, Esq.; the Earl of Bradford, the
Vicar of Baschurch, Thomas Tisdale, Esq.; William Sparling, Esq.; D. F.
Atcherley, Esq.; C. K. Mainwaring; Esq.; Sir John R. Kynaston, Bart.;
Mrs. Mary Parton, and Mr. Hilton. The Primitive Methodists have a neat
stone chapel here. The Free School for the junior children of the parish
is a branch in connection with the school at Newtown, under the
management of the trustees of Mrs. Eleanor Harris’s charity. The master
receives a progressive payment according to the number of children
instructed. This place is returned at the census of 1841 as having a
population of 213 souls, at which time there were 46 houses. A branch of
the Chester and Ellesmere canal runs into this township.
Adams John, farmer
Adams William, farmer
Birch William, farmer
Boliver Edward, cooper
Boliver Richard, shopkeeper
Boliver William, tailor
Cotton Thomas, farmer
Griffiths Wm., wheelwright
Haycocks John, blacksmith
Higgins John, farmer
Jones Thomas, farmer
Jones Thomas, wheelwright
Lee George, tailor
Lee John, shoemaker
Lee John, farmer
Parton Thomas, shoemaker
Price Richard, shopkeeper & vict., Boat Inn
Trevor William, farmer and tailor
Williams Edward, agent to Richards & Co., Ruabon, coal and lime
merchants, Canal Wharf.
YEATON
is a village and township two and a half miles S.E. from Baschurch, and
six and a half miles N.N.W. from Shrewsbury, returned in 1841 as having
37 houses and 195 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Robert A.
Slaney, Esq., M.P.; J. A. Lloyd, Esq.; Captain James Parry, Mr. Richard
Williams, and John Smith, Esq.; the former is lord of the manor and
impropriator. The hall, a handsome stuccoed residence occupied by George
Wade, Esq., is pleasantly situated near the turnpike road from Shrewsbury
to Baschurch. There are also several neat villas of modern erection.
The principal residents are Miss Beech, The Hall; Captain James Parry,
The Grove; George Wade, Esq., The Hall. _Farmers_, Richard Cotton,
William Cotterhill, Upper Corn Mills; Samuel Onions, Medley Farm; James
Perry, The Grove Farm; William Turner, and corn miller, and Richard
Williams, The Flour Mills.
ELLESMERE
is a respectable market town and extensive parish, partly in the hundred
of Maylor, in the county of Flint, but chiefly in the Ellesmere division
of the Pimhill hundred, in the county of Salop, sixteen miles N.N.W. from
Shrewsbury, and eight miles N.N.E. from Oswestry. The parish contains
the following townships in this county, viz.:—Birch and Lythe, Cockshutt
and Crosmere, Crickett, Dudleston, Eastwick, Ellesmere, Elson and
Greenhill, Frankton, Hampton’s Wood, Hardwick, Kenwick Stockett and
Whattall, Kenwick’s Park, Kenwicks Wood, Lee, Lineal, New Marton,
Northwood, Oteley Newton and Spoonhill, Stocks and Coptiviney, Tetchill,
and Trench, which together contain 25,676A. 0R. 20P. of land. Rateable
value, £42,341. In 1801 there were 5,909 inhabitants; 1831, 7,057, and
in 1841, 7,080. The rectoral tithes have been commuted for £2,351, when
£1,576 were apportioned to the trustees of the Earl of Bridgewater, £515
to C. K. Mainwaring, Esq., £174 to J. Dickin, Esq., £46 to Richard Wynn,
Esq., and £15 to Mr. Benyon. The vicarial tithes were commuted for £430.
Ellesmere, formerly written Aelsmere, is a place of considerable
antiquity, and derives it name from a fine sheet of water or mere on the
east side of the town, which covers one hundred and sixteen acres.
Leland describes the town in his day as having four streets, while Camden
speaks of it, “as a small tract of rich fertile ground, together with a
small castle, which King John settled on Llewellyn, Prince of North
Wales, when he made up the match between him and Joan, his natural
daughter.” The town now contains several respectable inns, and many good
houses and shops, in all the different branches of the retail trade. The
malting business is extensively carried on. Mr. John Frumston’s is one
of the largest establishments in the county. The cultivation of barley
being particularly attended to in the neighbouring country, causes the
farmers usually to attend the market here, which is held on Tuesday.
Fairs are held on the first Tuesday after February 2nd, third Tuesday in
April, Whit Tuesday, first Tuesday in July, last Tuesday in August, and
the third Tuesday in October and November for horses, cattle, sheep, and
pigs. The castle of Ellesmere stood on an artificial mount, near to the
church. At the present time there are no vestiges of it to be seen, the
top of the mount being formed into a bowling green, which is kept in
admirable order, and supported by the gentry and tradesmen of the town.
From this eminence a most extensive and delightful panoramic view of the
fertile plains of Shropshire is seen; the fine mere and the beautiful
residence of C. K. Mainwaring, Esq., are charming objects in the
vicinity. History is silent as to the time and by whom the castle was
built. In the 6th of King John, the king gave the castle and manor of
Ellesmere in marriage with his daughter Joan to Llewellyn, Prince of
North Wales; in the 10th of that reign Bartholomew Turve, the governor,
he having turned his arms against the English, was commanded upon his
allegiance to put the place into the possession of William, Earl of
Shrewsbury, the king’s natural brother, and Thomas de Edginton. In the
4th of Henry III., Roger L’Estrange held this castle, and it continued to
his successors for a long period. In the 25th of Henry III., David, son
of Llewellyn, late Prince of Wales, by his charter, surrendered up
Ellesmere and Englefend to the crown of England, and after that we hear
no more of its being in the hands of the Welsh. This being a frontier
town and of some importance to the marches, and consequently not to be
left in the power of the Prince of Wales. The continued skirmishes
between the English and the Welsh, made the tenure of the latter very
uncertain; and though King Henry II. and King John, being embroiled in
foreign wars, gave the town and castle in dower, the first with his
sister and the latter with his daughter, in order to conciliate the
ancient animosities of both people; yet upon the least appearance of a
rupture those kings might and did resume at pleasure, or gave what
recompense they thought fit upon the seizure, and such as the Prince of
Wales holding upon their good behaviour were glad to receive. On the
12th of Edward II., Roger L. Estrange, with the king’s approbation,
granted several parcels of land, part of the demesnes of the manor, to
several persons in fee, at which time the wastes and the commons of the
manor were enclosed, and converted into freeholds. Two years after
Oliver de Ingeham, who adhered so firmly to the king, upon the
insurrection of the Earl of Lancaster and other lords, was governor of
this castle. In the following reign a writ was issued, to inquire
concerning the encroachments made by the tenants of the neighbouring
manors, and to settle the boundaries, which being performed, the king
gave the castle and manor of Ellesmere to Eubule L. Estrange, a younger
son of the baron of Knockin. In the reign of Elizabeth we find Thomas
Egerton, an ancient lawyer, created Baron Ellesmere; in the 23rd of
Elizabeth he was made Solicitor-General, and afterwards Attorney-General,
from which advancement he was soon after promoted to the Mastership of
the Rolls and the office of Keeper of the Great Seal, which he held till
that queen’s death. The Duke of Bridgewater is deserving of notice in
this place, as having been possessed of large estates in Ellesmere and
its neighbourhood, and as being distinguished for his public spirit, and
for the vast plans he formed and executed for the improvement of his
estates. He died in 1803, and the dukedom became extinct. On the death
of the late Countess of Bridgewater the estates became vested in Viscount
Alford, and he dying in the autumn of the year 1850, they are now vested
in trustees.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, stands on a considerable elevation,
overlooking the Mere, and presents a fine specimen of ecclesiastical
architecture, for the most part in the decorative style. It is a
spacious cruciform structure, comprising nave, chancel, side aisles,
transepts, two side chapels, and a handsome square tower, adorned with
pinnacles. The sacred edifice underwent a thorough restoration during
the year 1849, when an entirely new nave and side aisles were built, at a
cost of upwards of £8,000, from a design of George G. Scott, Esq.,
architect. The original nave bore marks of being the most ancient part
of the building, and presented traces of the old Norman style. One of
the pillars which stands near the pulpit on the north side of the western
arch of the tower is the only part of the old nave remaining. On
entering the church at either of the transept doors the spectator cannot
fail to admire the bold span of the central arches on which the tower
rests. The exterior of the eastern end remains as it was, the work of
enlargement being confined to the western side. The roof is of open
timber work of very high pitch, and the curve of the beams according so
exactly with the form of the central arches, renders the vista of the
church singularly fine. The same character of roof is extended over the
side aisles. This part of the building receives the bulk of the
congregation, and is neatly fitted up with open seats of oak, uniform in
their character, with their facings relieved by tracery of various
patterns, and affording about 900 appropriated sittings. The transepts
have been provided with benches, thereby affording room for more than 300
sittings. On the north side of the western arch of the tower stands the
pulpit, which is of stone, and richly carved. On the opposite side is
the desk for reading prayers; and under the central part of the tower is
placed the lectern, from which the lessons are read. The chancel has
been thoroughly restored and altered, and the old screens which separated
it from the side chapels renovated, and decorated with highly-finished
tracery. On each side are stalls with carved finials, and otherwise
ornamented, containing seats for the clergy and the choir. The paving is
composed of encaustic tiles, in patterns which increase in richness as
they approach the east. The altar stands on an elevation of five steps
from the level of the entrance of the chancel, and is backed by a reredos
of encaustic tiles. The three sedilia on the south side, which were in
good preservation, have been restored to their original use. By means of
a separate subscription a new organ, which cost 300 guineas, built by
Holditch, of London, has been placed in the south chapel: the instrument
is of great power and sweetness, and finely contributes to the musical
part of the services. A new octagonal font of carved stone—an exact
representation of the old one—has been placed in the south aisle. The
south chapel, commonly called the Otely chapel, is distinguished by a
curious oak roof, with carved panels, and though it cannot lay claim to a
date earlier than the 16th century, yet it forms one of the most
beautiful features in the old part of the church. This chapel contains a
fine altar tomb, elaborately ornamented, on which are recumbent figures
cut in marble, to the memory of Francis Kynaston and his wife, with the
date 1790.
Other decorations, in various parts, are not wanting to help the effect
and beauty of the restoration. Besides the rich carving in stone on the
corbels and doors, and the wood tracery and highly-finished screen work,
eighteen of the windows are richly ornamented with stained glass, by the
liberality of various donors. The magnificent east window, the gift of
Robert Clarke, Esq., late agent to the Bridgewater estates, was executed
by Evans, of Shrewsbury, some twenty years ago. In the different
compartments of the window are the four evangelists; the arms of David
Prince of Wales; Llewellyn Prince of Wales; Sir Roger le Strange, who in
the reign of Edward III., granted the second charter to the town; Lord
Chancellor Egerton, &c., &c. The west window, a beautiful specimen of
the decorated Gothic, is conceived and executed in the highest taste, and
is illustrative of the four Christian graces of Faith, Hope, and Charity.
It was the joint presentation of J. and G. Stanton, Esqs., in memory of
Thomas Stanton, Esq., and was executed by Warrington of London. In the
south transept is a fine window by Wailes of Newcastle, in memory of the
late vicar, the Rev. J. A. Cotton, added by his surviving family. The
three windows in the south aisle are by the same artist, and all gifts to
the church. The first, representing the crucifixion of our Lord, was
presented by the widow of the late Captain Fowler; the next, the gift of
the Oswell family, is illustrative of our Saviour’s ascension into
heaven; the third represents infant and adult baptism, and was presented
by Colonel Salisbury. Some of the other windows are filled with
ornamental glass, with a light pattern foliage upon each square, and
scrolls containing texts of scripture running obliquely through them.
One of the same sort, but more richly ornamented, is placed in the Oteley
chapel, in memory of some of the faithful retainers of the household of
C. K. Mainwaring, Esq. The church has thus been rendered one of the most
beautiful ecclesiastical edifices in the county, by the liberality of the
parishioners and other donors, under the skill and taste of its able
architect. The extreme length of the church is 140 feet, and width 79
feet. The late Countess of Bridgewater gave the munificent sum of £3,300
towards the restorations; the Diocesan Society, £350; the Incorporated
Society for Enlarging and Building Churches, £150; and £227. 2s. 6d. was
collected after a sermon preached by the Bishop of Lichfield at the
consecration of the church, on the 11th October, 1849. The living is a
vicarage, valued in the King’s book at £17. 18s. l½d.; returned in the
Clergy List at £386; in the patronage of the trustees of the late Earl of
Bridgewater, and incumbency of the Rev. John David Day, M.A.; curate,
Rev. John Peake, B.A. The churchyard was enlarged in 1850, by the
addition of near half an acre of land on the west side of the church.
The vicarage is pleasantly situated on elevated ground near the south
side of the churchyard. Ellesmere is remarkable for the longevity of its
inhabitants: in 1767 Jane Holt died, at the age of 108 years; and her
husband died in 1757, aged 98 years. Among the various memorials in the
churchyard is a remarkable epitaph to William Parks, who died at Lee, in
1746, aged 104 years:—
“Interr’d here, lies one hundred years and four;
No one knew scripture less and virtue more:
Peace his ambition, contentment was his wealth,
Honesty his pride,—his passions health,
The father’s duty, and the husband’s guide;
By nature good, the age’s wonder died.”
THE INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, situated in Chapel street, is a plain brick
building, erected in 1815; it is provided with galleries, and has
accommodation for about 500 worshippers. THE WESLEYAN CHAPEL is a small
fabric in Watergate street, erected in the year 1844. There is also a
WESLEYAN ASSOCIATION CHAPEL, built in 1835, and a PRIMITIVE METHODIST
CHAPEL, built in 1840, both situated in Scotland street. THE NATIONAL
SCHOOL, which stands near the wharf, has an attendance of 160 scholars.
The school room is spacious and lofty, and was built at the sole expense
of the Countess of Bridgewater, who also gave the sum of £200 towards the
support of the school. THE GIRLS’ NATIONAL SCHOOL, situated on St.
John’s hill, has an attendance of 85 children. The vicar, with a
laudable desire to extend the advantages of education, established what
is termed the MIDDLE SCHOOL, in 1848, on St. John’s Hill, where the
youths are instructed in the higher branches of learning. The school is
built of wood, and covered with thatch, and the interior lined with
panelled oak, taken from the old church on its restoration. It was built
at the sole expense of the vicar, whose zeal and persevering efforts in
the education of youth are worthy of commendation. THE TOWN HALL, a
handsome building of freestone, was erected by the munificence of the
late Countess of Bridgewater. The lower compartment of the structure is
used for the sale of butter, poultry, &c., on the market days; above it
is a spacious room for magisterial and other purposes, with suitable
offices. The magistrates hold a petty sessions here on the first Monday
in the month. The Countess of Bridgewater kindly granted the use of the
large room to the MECHANICS’ INSTITUTION, which was established in 1845.
There are about forty members, adults paying 6s. per annum, and
apprentices 4s. A library has been established, and gratuitous lectures
are occasionally given by the clergy and gentlemen in the neighbourhood,
on interesting and scientific subjects. G. H. Smith is the secretary. A
COURT LEET is held annually, when a coroner and two bailiffs are
appointed. The SAVINGS’ BANK is situated in Scotland street. It was
established in 1817, and then held in a private house. The present
structure was built in 1830, from the surplus funds of the bank, at a
cost of £550. The capital stock of the bank on November 20th, 1849, was
£29,562. 15s. 2¼d., at which time there were 752 separate accounts, of
which eight were charitable societies, having deposits to the amount of
£854. 14s. 10½d., and twelve friendly societies, the deposits of which
amounted to £3,527. 15s. 2¼d. Of the total depositors there were 392
whose respective balances did not exceed £20; 180 above £20 and not
exceeding £50; 90 above that sum and not exceeding £100; 41 not exceeding
£150; 21 not exceeding £200; and 8 above £200. Mr. William Lee is the
actuary. GAS WORKS have been established in the town by a company of
shareholders. The works are situated near the canal wharf. The
commercial intercourse of Oswestry is facilitated by the Shropshire union
canal, previously noticed. The township of Oswestry, in 1841, comprised
446 houses and 2,326 inhabitants.
THE ELLESMERE UNION HOUSE is a spacious brick structure, pleasantly
situated about a quarter of a mile from the church, on a gentle acclivity
overlooking the Mere. It was built in 1792, and will accommodate 350
inmates. The average number in the house is usually about 150. The
internal arrangements are well managed, and have a clean and orderly
appearance. The union comprehends eighteen parishes, of which nine are
in the county of Flint, and nine in Shropshire, embracing an area of 109
square miles. The parishes are Bettisfield, Bronington, Halghton,
Hanmer, Iscoyd, Overton, Penley, Tybroughton, Willington, Baschurch,
Ellesmere, Hadnal Ease, Hordley, Middle, Ness Great, Ness Little, Petton,
and Welsh Hampton. The south-west wing is occupied by the males, and the
north-east wing by the females. In the latter is the Chapel, which is
neatly and appropriately fitted up, and set apart for divine worship. In
this respect, we think the authorities of the Ellesmere union have set a
laudable example, which might be followed by other unions; for the honest
poor are scarcely put on a level with the felons of our prisons in chapel
accommodation. There are twenty-three guardians appointed by the
different parishes. Richard George Jebb, Esq., is chairman; Thomas Wood
Lee, Esq., vice-chairman; Rev. George Walker, chaplain. The surgeons
are:—Thomas Gwynn, for the house and town district; Thomas Mousley, for
Hordley and Dudliston district; Edward Ellis Eyton, Welsh Hampton
district; Charles Tomlinson, Hanmer district; John Ellis Eyton, Overton
district; Mr. Broughton, Baschurch district; and Andrew M. Needham, for
the Middle district. Clerk: Andrew Bickley. Relieving officers: John
Wood Jones, Ellesmere district, and John Poycott, Hanmer district.
Master: John Pembrey Pritchard. Matron: Sarah Pritchard. Schoolmaster:
Edward Jones. Schoolmistress: Mary Pay.
CHARITIES.—_Edward Jeffereys_, by his will, bearing date January 4th,
1687, devised a messuage and lands, in Osbaston, to the churchwardens and
overseers of the parish of Oswestry and Ellesmere, upon trust, to dispose
of two parts of the yearly profits for the relief of poor inhabitants of
Ellesmere, 16s. 8d. at Christmas, and the rest on Good Friday; and 16s.
8d. of the yearly profits to be divided among the poor inhabitants of
Maesbury, Moreton, and Crickett—6s. 8d. to the former, and 5s. each to
the two latter townships. The property thus devised consists of two
cottages and six closes, containing together 5A. 1R. 22P. It is let,
from time to time, by the churchwardens of Ellesmere, and now produces a
rental of £12. 2s.
The following benefactions were probably laid out in the purchase of the
Whixall estate, as hereafter noticed:—£10 given by _Jerome Hanmer_, the
interest to be applied in apprentice fees; £6 by _Hugh Dod_, for a
distribution of bread in Hardwick and about the Perthy; £20 by _William
Thorowgood_, for the instruction of poor children; £50 by _John Lyth_,
for the use of the poor; £50 by _Catherine Pennant_, the interest to
provide twelve blue coats for six poor men and six poor women; £20 by
_Catherine Wenlock_, the interest to educate five boys; £10 by _Thomas
Pitchford_, for the poor of Trench and Northwood; £5 by _Catherine
Higginson_, for a distribution of bread in Ellesmere; £5 by _Edward
Teggin_, for bread to be distributed in Hardwick; £7 by _William Pearce_,
for charitable uses; £40 by _John Powell_, the interest to be given among
poor inhabitants of Ellesmere and Colemere; £20 by _Mrs. Powell_, for the
same purpose; £10 by _William Pearce_, for the benefit of the poor of
Welsh Northwood; £10 by _John Davies_, for a distribution of bread every
Sunday; £10 by _John Higginson_, for the good of the poor; £5 by _Charles
Mason_, for charitable uses; £10 by _Margaret Eddowes_, the interest to
be given away among the poor of Trench, Northwood, and Hampton’s Wood.
These several gifts amount in the whole to the sum of £288. About the
year 1733, the several charitable legacies left to the poor of the parish
had for some time laid dead, with interest, when the churchwardens
purchased an estate at Whixall, for the sum of £320, having borrowed £30
to make up that sum. The estate consists of seven closes in Whixall,
containing 22A. 0R. 30P. There is also an allotment of peat ground on
Whixall Moss, containing 1A. 2R. 25P. The premises are let at a yearly
rent of £28, and after deducting the amount of any incidental expenses
that may be incurred, is generally applied in the following manner,
viz.:—£10 as a subscription to the National School; £2 to Dudleston
School; £4 to Cockshut School; £3. 14s. 9d. for three gowns and three
coats for old men and old women; 12s. to the poor of Colemere; 12s. to
the poor of Northwood; 12s. to the poor of Trench; £1. 16s. for a
distribution of bread; and the residue is distributed by the vicar and
the churchwardens in small sums among the most necessitous poor.
_William Wenlock_, by will, 1691, charged his tenement, with its
appurtenances, in Northop, in the county of Flint, with the payment of £6
per annum, to buy yearly good books, and particularly Bibles, the Whole
Duty of Man, and other books of practical divinity, to be distributed in
the parish of Northop and Ellesmere—£3 thereof to be expended for each
parish. The £3 is annually received by the vicar of Ellesmere, and the
amount is laid out in the purchase of Bibles, and other books published
by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.
_Jane Higginson_, by will, 1707, gave to the poorest and most necessitous
children of the parish of Ellesmere, the sum of £6, payable out of
certain premises once in every five years—20s. thereof to be expended in
clothing. The sum of £6 is received by the vicar once in five years,
which is generally disposed of in buying different articles of clothing;
but occasionally a portion has been paid for their schooling.
_Ruth Davies_ left £10, the interest to be given in bread to the poor,
every Sunday in Lent. This sum is secured, with other charity money
hereafter mentioned, on the Ellesmere House of Industry. The yearly sum
of 9s. is paid as interest, and given away in bread. _John Higginson_,
in 1771, bequeathed £20 for the benefit of the poor. This sum is also
secured on the House of Industry, and 18s. paid as the interest thereof.
_Richard Oulton_, by will, 1780, gave to the vicar and churchwardens of
Ellesmere £100, to be placed out on good security, and the interest
applied in buying coals for the use of poor decayed housekeepers. This
sum of £100, with £10 belonging to Davis’s charity, £20 the legacy of
John Higginson, and £20 left by the same person to the use of the
organist of Ellesmere, making altogether £150, is secured by a bond,
bearing date 13th October, 1795, given to the vicar and churchwardens by
the directors of the Ellesmere House of Industry, which was established
under an act passed 31st George III.
_John Whittall_, of East Greenwich, by will, 1798, bequeathed to the
parish of Ellesmere £200 five per cent. annuities, the dividends to be
paid by the churchwardens and overseers to ten poor housekeepers, on the
24th of December annually. In respect of this legacy there are now £210
new four per cents, standing in the names of certain trustees. The
dividends, amounting to £8. 8s. per annum, are distributed by the vicar
and overseers every 24th of December equally among ten poor housekeepers;
no person being appointed two successive years.
_Penelope Vaughan_, who died in 1805, bequeathed to the churchwardens and
overseers of the parish of Ellesmere £100, to be disposed of for the use
of the poor of the said parish. The sum of £90, the produce of this
legacy after the payment of the duty, was invested on the security of the
Ellesmere House of Industry, the bond bearing date 7th January, 1808.
The interest, amounting to £4. 1s., at four and a half per cent., is
applied by the vicar, partly for the support of different schools, and
partly distributed in small sums among the poor of the parish.
_Richard Wynn_, _Esq._, who died in 1823, bequeathed £100 to the vicar
and church wardens of Ellesmere, upon trust, to place out the same, and
pay the interest, on St. Thomas’s day yearly, to poor widows and widowers
resident in the township of Crickett, Hardwick, and Upper and Lower
Ridge, in such proportions as the owner, for the time being, of the
testator’s mansion at Crickett should think fit. The sum of £90,
received in respect of this legacy (£10 being deducted for duty), is
placed in the Savings’ Bank at Ellesmere.
_Lady Bridgewater_ bequeathed £200 for the support of the National School
at Ellesmere
POST OFFICE, Scotland street; Andrew Bickley, postmaster. Letters arrive
at fifty eight minutes past six in the morning, and are despatched at six
o’clock in the evening.
Antley John, boot & shoemaker, Birch lane
Antley Thos., boot & shoemaker, St. John’s hl
Astley Mr. James Lancaster, Sparbridge
Atcherley Richard, linen & woollen draper, Cross street
Badger John, assistant overseer, Willow st
Bailey Thos., supervisor of inland revenue, Sparbridge
Barlow Edward, ironmonger and brazier, and tin plate worker, Cross street
Barlow John, grocer, tea dealer, and cheese factor, Cross street
Bate Edward, corn miller, Mere side
Baugh Ann, hair dresser, High street
Baugh Edward, bookseller, printer, and stationer, Stamp Office; agent to
the Sun Fire Office, and depôt of the Society for Promoting Christian
Knowledge, Cross street
Becket William, saddler & harness maker, Cross street
Bennett John, boot & shoemaker, Watergate street
Bickley Andrew, post master, and registrar of births, deaths, and
marriages for the Ellesmere district, Scotland street
Bickley Robert, vict., White Hart, Birch ln
Birch Miss Amelia, Scotland street
Birch Eliza, boarding school, Woodbine Cottage
Birds Rev. David, Church street
Blackburne Edward, Esq., solicitor, clerk to the magistrates, deputy
superintendent registrar, commissioner for taking deeds of
acknowledgements of married women, and agent to Crown Life and Law Fire
Offices, Town Hall; residence, Trimpley
Blackburne Mrs. Jane, Trimpley
Boyling John, shoemaker, Charlotte row
Brookfield John, slater, St. John’s hill
Brotheridge Charles, grocer & tea dealer, Cross street
Burrows Rev. Samuel Holinshead, Church st
Butler John, currier and leather cutter, Watergate street
Butter John, shopkeeper, Sparbridge
Butter Robert, farmer and vict., Bull & Dog, Scotland street
Chandler Charles, Esq., solicitor, and agent to Shropshire and North
Wales Fire Office, The Retreat
Clay Edward, butcher, Charlotte row
Clay John, blacksmith and vict., Cross Keys Church street
Clay John, butcher, Cross street
Coffin Mr. Arthur, Watergate street
Coffin Thomas, ironmonger, cutler, and locksmith, Scotland street
Colemere Ann, provision dealer and baker, Cross street and St. John’s
hill
Colemere John, parish clerk, St. John’s hill
Cooke Charles, grocer, tea dealer, and maltster, Watergate street
Cooley Charles E., land agent, and agent to Salop Fire Office, Canal
wharf
Cooley William Wilson, land surveyor, Canal wharf
Cotton William Aldrich, Esq., St. John’s hill
Copnall Richard, butcher, Church street
Copnall Thomas, vict., Dolphin Inn, Church street
Cross William, watch and clock maker, Cross street
Cumpstone Joshua, county police officer, St. John’s hill
Cumpstone Susannah, school teacher, St. John’s hill
Davenport Richard, boot and shoemaker, Scotland street
Davies David, blacksmith, Cross street
Davies Edward, builder and wood bailiff to Viscount Alford, Canal wharf
Davies Martha, vict., Canal Tavern, Canal wharf
Davies Mary, nail manufacturer and vict., George and Dragon, St. John’s
hill
Davies Mary, school teacher, St. John’s hill
Davies Richard, hater and confectioner, Swine Market street
Davies Thomas, linen and woollen draper and silk mercer, corner of High
street
Davies Thomas, tailor, Scotland street
Davies Thomas, whitesmith and blacksmith, Scotland street
Davies William, tailor, Chapel street
Day Rev. John David, M.A., vicar, The Vicarage
Deighton Mrs. Jane, Church street
Dymock Mrs. Mary, The Mount
Dymock Robert Middleton, Esq., solicitor, The Mount
Edge Rev. George (Independent), Scotland st
Edge William, wheelwright, Birch lane
Edwards Mr. Edward, Trimpley
Edwards Mr. Edward, Scotland street
Edwards John, vict., Bull’s Head Inn, Cross street
Edwards Miss Mary, Church street
Edwards Mary, boarding school, Scotland st
Ellis Thomas, plumber, painter, and glazier, Cross street
Evans Thomas, hair dresser, St. John’s hill
Evans William, blacksmith, Willow street
Everett Simon, hair dresser, Swine Market st
Fallowes Mrs. Mary, Church street
Freeman Edward, cooper, Watergate street
Furmston John, maltster and cheese factor, Scotland street
Furmston Mrs. Sarah, Trimpley
Gibbons Mr. John Gibbons Parry, High st
Gough Ann and Mary, boarding school, St John’s hill
Gough William, saddler and harness maker, High street
Gwynn Thomas, surgeon, St. John’s hill
Haley Mary Ann, milliner, Cross street
Hampson John, linen and woollen draper and maltster, Cross street;
residence, Trimpley
Hampson Thomas, veterinary surgeon, Sparbridge
Hampson Thomas, spirit vaults, Cross street
Hanley Thomas, pump maker, Church st
Harris James, baker & confec., Church st
Harrison Samuel, baker, confectioner, and shopkeeper, Scotland street
Hawkins, Mr. William, Willow street
Hewitt John, linen and woollen draper and maltster, Cross street
Higginson Sarah & Elizabeth, dressmakers, Watergate street
Hollis William, boot and shoemaker, Watergate street
Howell Margaret, bonnet maker, Watergate street
Howell Rowland, plasterer & slater, Chapel st
Hughes Mrs. Mary, Watergate street
Humphreys Richard, tailor, Watergate street
James Robert, shoemaker, Sandy lane
James Thomas, Esq., Higher Grange
Jenks Edward, bricklayer, Scotland street
Jenks Joseph, builder & vict., spirit vaults, Cross street
Jenkins Edward and Son, auctioneers and valuers, Willow street
Jones Anna Maria, berlin wool dealer, Scotland street
Jones Edward, vict., Black Lion Inn, Scotland street
Jones Edward schoolmaster, Union House
Jones Elizabeth dressmaker, Scotland street
Jones James, butcher, Cross street
Jones James, tailor, Scotland road
Jones John, coal merchant, Canal wharf; residence, Scotland street
Jones John, grocer and tea dealer, confectioner and baker, Scotland
street
Jones John, cooper, Watergate street
Jones John, gardener and seedsman, Swine Market street
Jones John Wood, relieving officer for Ellesmere district, Watergate
street
Jones Jonathan, schoolmaster, St. John’s hl
Jones Robert, vict., Talbot Inn, Sparbridge
Lacy George, boot & shoemaker, Sparbridge
Langford John Davies, Esq., Chapel street
Lea John, maltster, Elston Cottage
Lea Samuel, grocer and tea dealer, chemist and druggist and hop merchant,
Scotland street, and tallow chandler, Canal wharf
Lee Helen, milliner and dressmaker, Scotland street
Lee William, saddler and harness maker, High street
Lee William, actuary at Saving’s Bank, Scotland street
Lloyd Edward, plumber, painter, & glazier, St. John’s hill
Lloyd Edward, artist, Watergate street
Lloyd Mrs. Mary, Trimpley
Lloyd Thomas, plumber, painter, & glazier, Watergate street
Lloyd Wm., plumber, painter, and glazier, St. John’s hill
Lovett Elizabeth, bonnet maker, Willow st
Lovett Samuel, tollgate contractor, Willow st
Lowe Samuel, chandler, High street
Lowe Samuel, butcher, Church street
Lowe Thomas, Esq., Church street
Maddocks Charles, vict., White Lion, Swine Market street
Marsh John, vict., Golden Lion, Watergate st
Menlove Joshua Lewis, tanner, Church st
Menlove Miss Sarah, Trimpley
Menlove William Edward, Esq., solicitor, Church street
Morgan Samuel, butcher, Watergate street
Morrall Robert, Esq., solicitor, superintendent registrar, and recorder
of Viscount Alford’s Court Leet; office, Town Hall
Morris Edward, maltster, Trimpley
Morris Peter, provision dealer, and depot for British and Foreign Bible
Society, High street
Morris William, boot & shoe maker, Cross st
Mousley Thomas, surgeon, Chapel street
Oswell Mrs. Mary Dorothy, Scotland street
Oswell Thomas Stephen, Esq., Scotland st
Paddock William, wine merchant and vict., Bridgewater Arms, High street
Parry John, ropemaker and vict., Unicorn Inn, Cross street
Parry Thomas, grocer, tea dealer, baker, and confectioner, Cross street
Parry William, grocer, tea dealer, ironmonger and nail manufacturer, High
street
Pay William, vict., Red Lion Inn, Church st
Peake Rev. John, B.A., curate, Sparbridge
Pearce Charles, bookkeeper to Shropshire union railway and canal company;
office, Canal wharf
Pearce Richard, maltster, Sparbridge
Pearce Thomas, timber merchant and wheelwright, Swine Market street
Pemberton Richard, hatter, St. John’s hill
Perkins John, painter, Willow street
Phillips William, butcher, Scotland street
Platt Frederick, tailor, Willow street
Ponton James Batt, Ellesmere Academy, Willow street
Povey Francis, grocer & tea dealer, druggist, ironmonger, and seed and
hop merchant, High street
Povey Thomas, grocer and tea dealer, ironmonger, brazier, and tin plate
worker, glass dealer, and nail manufacturer, Market place, and spirit
Vaults, Scotland street
Povey Thomas, jun., linen and woollen draper and silk mercer, Scotland
street
Povey William, coal, lime, slate, and brick agent, Market place
Powell Richard, boot and shoe maker, Birch lane
Price Elizabeth, shopkeeper, Charlotte row
Price Mrs. Hannah, Trimpley
Pritchard John Pembrey, master of Ellesmere union, The Union House
Pritchard Peter, Esq., solicitor, and clerk to commissioners of property
and assessed taxes, agent to Farmers’ Royal Insurance Office, and
solicitor to Ellesmere union, Chapel street
Provis William, Alexander, Esq., The Grange
Ralphs James, vict., Eagle Inn, Birch lane
Ralphs Edward, bricklayer, bird preserver, and vict., Bricklayers’ Arms,
Scotland st
Randles Joseph, inland revenue officer, Sparbridge
Randles Mary, Elizabeth, and Maria, school teachers, Sparbridge
Reay Maria, ladies boarding school, Scotland street
Reynolds Mark, tailor, Watergate street
Roberts Ann, milliner and dress maker, Swine Market street
Roberts Ann, bonnet maker, Scotland street
Roberts John, tailor, Scotland street
Roberts Robert, earthenware dealer, Scotland street
Roberts Robert, tailor, Scotland street
Roberts William, grocer, tea dealer, and linen and woollen draper and
silk mercer, High street
Robinson John, blacksmith and earthenware dealer, Scotland street
Rodenhurst Thomas, tailor, St. John’s hill
Rodenhurst William, maltster, Cross street
Rowland John, cooper, Scotland street
Rowland John jun., cooper, Scotland st
Rowland Richard, inland revenue officer, Church street
Salter George, Esq., solicitor, a commissioner for taking deeds of
acknowledgments of married women, Willow street; residence, Prynallt
Scott Mr. William, Willow street
Sheraton Harry, land agent to Viscount Alford, Church street
Sheraton Mrs. Jane, Church street
Shuker Mrs. Catherine, Scotland street
Stanton John, Esq., The Hollies
Stant Richard, vict., Back’s Head, Watergate street
Stokes William, schoolmaster, Chapel street
Stoker John, vict., Three Tuns, St. John’s hl
Thomas Mary, dressmaker, Watergate street
Thompson Edward, cabinet maker and upholsterer, Watergate street
Thompson Henry, maltster, Watergate street
Thompson Robert, tailor, Church street
Thompson Thomas, bookseller, printer, and stationer, and agent to Royal
Exchange Fire and Life Office, High street
Tilston John, maltster, Church street
Tomkin’s John, vict., New Inn, Trimpley
Towler Samuel, plumber, painter & glazier, and brazier and tin plate
worker, High st
Townsend Daniel, inland revenue officer, Sparbridge
Turner George, boot and shoemaker, High st
Turner Wm., boot & shoemaker, Birch lane
Varley Elizabeth, bonnet maker, Scotland st
Wace Charles Rd., Esq., solicitor, Cross st
Walter Rev. George, M.A., Trimpley
Watson James Eyton, surgeon, High street
Wellings Mary, shoemaker, Chapel street
White Captain John, Watergate street
Whitechurch and Ellesmere Banking Co., High street, (open on Tuesdays),
John Lowe, manager
Wilkinson Jones, vict., Swan Inn, Cross st
Williams Mr. George, Scotland street
Williams John, tailor and woollen draper, Cross street
Wilson Elizabeth, school mistress, Willow st
Windsor George, maltster, Sparbridge
Worrall Mark, gardener & seed dealer, Cross street
Wright Henry Joho, currier and leather cutter, Church street
Young John, canal inspector, Canal Office.
Academies.
_Those with * affixed are Boarding Schools_.
* Birch Eliza, Woodbine cottage
Cumpstone Susannah, St. John’s hill
Davies Mary (National), St. John’s hill
* Edwards Mary, Scotland st
* Gough Ann and Mary, St. John’s hill
Grange Elizabeth, Chapel st.
Jones Jonathan, St. John’s hill
* Ponton James Batt, Willow street
Randles Mary Elizabeth and Maria, Sparbridge
* Reay Maria, Scotland street
Stokes William, Chapel street
Wilson Elizabeth, Willow st
Attorneys.
Blackburne Edward (and clerk to magistrates), Town hall
Chandler Charles, The Retreat
Dymock Robert Middleton, The Mount
Menlove William, Church st.
Morrall Robert (and superintendent registrar), Town hall
Pritchard Peter, Chapel st.
Salter George, Willow street
Wace Charles Richard, Cross street
Auctioneers.
Jenkins Edward and Son, Willow street
Bakers and Flour Dealers.
Colemere Ann, Cross street and St. John’s hill
Davies Richard, Swine market street
Harris James, Church street
Harrison Samuel, Scotland street
Jones John, Scotland street
Morris Peter, High street
Parry Thomas, Cross street
Banks.
Shrewsbury Old Bank, High street; open on Tuesdays; draw on Robarts,
Curtis, and Company, London
Savings’ Bank, Scotland street; open on Tuesdays; William Lee, actuary
Whitchurch and Ellesmere Banking Company, High street; open on Tuesdays;
draw on the Union Bank, London; John Lowe, manager
Blacksmiths.
Clay John, Church street
Davies David, Cross street
Davies Thomas (and whitesmith), Scotland street
Evans William, Willow street
Robinson John, Scotland st.
Booksellers, Printers, Bookbinders, and Stationers.
Baugh Edward (and stamp office), Cross street
Thompson Thomas, High street
Boot and Shoe Makers.
Antley John, Birch lane
Antley Thomas, St. John’s hill
Bennett John, Watergate st.
Boylin John, Charlotte row
Davenport Richard, Scotland street
Hollis William, Watergate st.
James Robert, Sandy lane
Lacy George, Sparbridge
Morris William, Cross street
Powell Richard, Birch lane
Turner George, High street
Turner William, Birch lane
Wellings William, Chapel st.
Braziers and Tin Plate Workers.
Barlow Edward, Cross street
Povey Thomas, sen., Scotland street
Fowler Samuel, High street
Builders.
Davies Edward (to Viscount Alford), Canal wharf
Jenks Joseph, Cross street
Bricklayers.
Jenks Edward, Scotland st.
Jenks Joseph, Cross street
Ralphs Edward, Scotland st.
Ralphs William, St. John’s hill
Butchers.
Clay Edward, Charlotte row
Clay John, Cross street
Copnall Richard, Cross street
Jones James, Cross street
Lowe Samuel, Church street
Morgan Samuel, Watergate street
Phillips William, Scotland street
Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer.
Thompson Edward, Watergate street
Cheese Factors.
Barlow John, Cross street
Furmston John, Scotland st.
Chemist and Druggist.
Lea Samuel, Scotland street
Coal Merchants.
Jones John, Canal wharf
Povey William, Marketplace
Confectioners.
Barlow John, Cross street
Davies Rich., Swine market
Harris James, Church street
Harrison Samuel, Scotland street
Jones John, Scotland street
Parry Thomas, Cross street
Coopers.
Freeman Edward, Watergate street
Jones John, Watergate street
Rowland John, Scotland st.
Rowland Jn., Jnr., Scotland st
Corn Miller.
Bate Edward, Mere side
Curriers and Leather Cutters.
Butler John, Watergate street
Wright Henry John, Church street
Cutler and Locksmith.
Coffin Thomas, Scotland st.
Fire and Life Office Agents.
Crown, Edward Blackburne, Town hall
Eagle, Charles Richard Wace, Cross street
Farmers’ Royal Insurance, Peter Pritchard, Chapel street
Law, Edward Blackburne, Town hall
Metropolitan, Edward Jenkins, Willow street
Mutual, Edward Barlow, Cross street
Royal Exchange, Thomas Thompson, High street
Salop, Charles E. Cooley, Canal wharf
Shropshire and North Wales, Charles Chandler, The Retreat
Sun, Edward Baugh, Cross street
Gardeners and Seedsmen.
Jones John, Swine market street
Worrall Martha, Cross street
China, Class, and Earthenware Dealers.
Povey Thomas (glass), Market place
Roberts Robert, Cross street
Robinson John, Scotland st.
Grocers and Tea Dealers.
Barlow John, Cross street
Brotheridge Charles, Cross street
Colemere Ann, Cross street
Cooke Charles, Watergate st.
Jones John, Scotland street
Lea Samuel, Scotland street
Morris Peter, High street
Parry Thomas, Cross street
Parry William, High street
Povey Francis, High street
Povey Thomas, Market place
Roberts William & company, High street
Hair Dressers.
Baugh Ann, High street
Evans Thomas, St. John’s hill
Everett Simeon, Swine market street
Hatter.
(_See also Linendrapers and Hatters_.)
Pemberton Richard, St. John’s hill
Hop and Seed Dealers.
Cooke Charles, Watergate st
Lea Samuel, Scotland street
Povey Francis, High street
Povey Thomas, Market place
Hotels, Inns, and Taverns.
Black Lion, Edward Jones, Scotland street
Bricklayers’ Arms, Edward Ralphs, Scotland street
Bridgewater Arms (excise office and posting house), William Paddock, High
street
Buck’s Head, Richard Stant, Watergate street
Bull and Dog, Robert Butter, Scotland street
Bull’s Head, John Edwards, Cross street
Canal Tavern, Martha Davies, Canal wharf
Cross Keys, John Clay, Church street
Dolphin, Thomas Copnall, Church street
Eagles, James Ralphes, Birch lane
George and Dragon, Mary Davies, St. John’s hill
Golden Lion, John Marsh, Watergate street
New Inn, John Tomkin, Trimpley
Red Lion, William Pay, Church street
Swan, Jonas Wilkinson, Cross street
Talbot, Robert Jones, Sparbridge
Three Tuns, John Stocker, St. John’s hill
Unicorn, John Parry, Cross street
White Hart, Robert Bickley, Birch lane
White Lion, Charles Maddocks, Swine market st.
Wine and Spirit Vaults, Joseph Jenks, Cross street
Ironmongers.
Barlow Edward, Cross street
Coffin Thomas (and cutler and locksmith), Scotland street
Parry William, High street
Povey Francis, High street
Povey Thomas, Market place
Linen and Woollen Drapers and Hatters.
Atcherley Richard, Cross st.
Davies Thomas, High street
Hewitt and Hampson, Cross street
Povey Thomas, jun., Scotland street
Roberts William and Co., High street
Milliners and Dress Makers.
Haley Mary Ann, Cross st.
Higginson Sarah and Elizabeth, Cross street
Jones Elizabeth, Scotland street
Lee Helen, Scotland street
Roberts Ann, Swine market street
Thomas Mary, Watergate st.
Maltsters.
Cooke Charles, Watergate st.
Furmston John, Scotland st.
Hewitt and Hampson, Cross street
Lea John, Elson cottage
Morris Edward, Trimpley
Pearce Richard, Sparbridge
Rodenhurst William, Cross street
Thompson Henry, Watergate street
Tilston John, Church street
Windsor George, Sparbridge
Nail Makers.
Davies Mary, St. John’s hill
Parry William, High street
Povey Thomas, Marketplace
Plumbers, Glaziers, and Painters.
Ellis Thomas, Cross street
Lloyd Edward, St. John’s hill
Lloyd Thomas, Watergate street
Lloyd William, St. John’s hill
Perkins John (painter), Willow street
Towler Samuel, High street
Plasterers and Slaters.
Brookfield John, St. John’s hill
Howell Rowland, Chapel st.
Howell William, Church st.
Rope and Twine Maker.
Parry John, Cross street
Saddlers & Harness Makers.
Beckett William, Cross street
Gough William, High street
Lee William, High street
Shopkeepers and Dealers in Groceries and Sundries.
Butter John, Sparbridge
Harrison Samuel, Scotland street
Jones John, Scotland street
Price Elizabeth, Charlotte row
Wright, Henry John, Church street
Spirit Vaults.
Hampson Thomas, Cross st.
Jenks Joseph, Cross street
Povey Thomas, Scotland st.
Straw Bonnet Makers.
Howell Margaret, Watergate street
Lovett Elizabeth, Willow st.
Roberts Ann, Scotland street
Varley Elizabeth, Scotland street
Surgeons.
Gwynn Thomas, St. John’s hill
Mousley Thomas, Chapel st.
Watson James Eyton, High street
Surveyor.
Cooley William Wilson, Canal wharf
Tailors.
Davies Thomas, Scotland st.
Davies William, Chapel st.
Humphreys Richard, Watergate street
Jones James, Scotland street
Platt Frederick, Willow street
Reynolds Mark, Watergate street
Roberts John, Scotland st.
Roberts Robert, Scotland st.
Roberts William, Swine market street
Rodenhurst Thomas, St. John’s hill
Thompson Robert, Church street
Williams John, Cross street
Tallow Chandlers.
Lea Samuel, Canal wharf
Lowe Samuel, High street
Tanner.
Menlove Joshua Lewis, Church street
Veterinary Surgeon.
Hampson Thomas, Sparbridge
Watch & Clock Maker.
Cross William, Cross street
Wheelwrights.
Edge William, Birch lane
Pearce Thomas (and timber merchant), Swine market street
Omnibuses.
To WREXHAM & CHESTER, from the Red Lion Inn, at 7 o’clock in the morning,
returning at 8 in the evening.
To RUABON, from the White Lion Inn, at half-past 6 in the morning,
returning at 7 o’clock in the evening.
To WHITTINGTON STATION, from the White Lion Inn, at 8 o’clock in the
morning and 6 in the evening.
Carriers.
Shropshire Union Railway and Canal Company, general carriers to all parts
of the kingdom; Charles Pearce, agent, Canal wharf
BIRCH AND LYTHE
is a small township, nearly a mile S.E. from Ellesmere, comprising 652A.
2R. 27P. of land, and in 1841 had eleven houses and 65 inhabitants. The
township contains some good land, has an undulating surface, and is
intersected by the Shropshire Union Canal, on the banks of which are a
commodious residence and offices erected by the Canal Company. The
landowners are the trustees of the Earl of Bridgewater and Richard George
Jebb, Esq. The latter gentleman resides at a neat mansion, pleasantly
situated and beautified with pleasure grounds, called THE LYTHE. Birch
Hall is a good farm house, with commodious out-buildings, of modern
construction.
The principal residents in Birch and Lythe are Richard George Jebb, Esq.,
The Lythe; William Shingler, farmer, Birch Hall; William Whalley,
builder; and John Young, canal inspector, Canal-office.
COCKSHUT AND CROSEMERE
is a township and well-built village on the turnpike road from Ellesmere
to Shrewsbury, four miles S.E. from the former town. The village
contains some good residences, and is situated in an important and
flourishing agricultural district, noted for producing fine cheese. The
magistrates hold a petty sessions at the Court-room on the second
Thursday in every month, except in the months of April and November, when
they are held on the first Thursday in each month. The presiding
magistrates are Sir John R. Kynaston, Bart., C. K. Mainwaring, Esq.,
Richard G. Jebb, Esq., and Wm. Sparling, Esq. The township contains
1,533A. 1R. 19P. of land, and in 1841 there were 93 houses and 434
inhabitants. The principal landowners are the trustees of the late Earl
of Bridgewater; Mr. Samuel Lee; Mr. Thomas Austin and Mr. John Trevor are
also owners. William Sparling, Esq., is lord of the manor. Fairs are
held on May 3rd and the last Friday in October for the sale of cattle,
sheep, and general merchandise, which are well attended. A Feast is held
on the first Sunday after the 25th of October. THE CHURCH is a neat
brick structure, erected in 1776, consisting of nave, chancel, and side
aisles, with a square tower containing two bells and a clock. The
interior has a neat appearance, and is fitted up with oak sittings. The
chancel contains a beautiful altar piece, and a neat mural monument in
memory of F. Lloyd, of Crosemere. The living is a perpetual curacy, in
the patronage of the Vicar of Ellesmere, and enjoyed by the Rev. Samuel
Hollinsend Burrows. The church was repaired and beautified in 1842. The
Primitive Methodists have a neat chapel, ejected in 1847. CROSEMERE is a
joint township with Cockshut, about three miles S.E. from Ellesmere, and
is noted for the extent of its meres or pools. That of Crosemere covers
a surface of 44 acres; and Sweat-mere is also of considerable extent;
they are well stocked with different sorts of fish. CROSEMERE HALL is a
good house, the residence and property of Mr. Samuel Lee. WACKLEY LODGE,
a neat house, with commodious farm premises, is the residence of Richard
Hampson.
_Francis Lloyd_, _Esq._, in 1691, gave a rent charge of 6s. per annum,
issuing out of a croft in Frankton, to be distributed to the poor of
Cockshut, Crosemere, and Frankton.
_John Parker_, in 1849, bequeathed £200, the interest to be expended in
bread for the poor, by the minister and chapel wardens, at such times and
in such quantities as they shall think fit.
POST OFFICE.—_At John Green’s_. Letters arrive from Ellesmere at 9.10
A.M., and are despatched at 3.20 P.M.
_Those marked * reside at Crosemere_.
* Austin Thomas, farmer
* Belliss Richard, farmer
* Birch Edward, farmer
* Buckley William, farmer
Burlton William, shoemaker
Burroughs Thomas, farmer
Burroughs William, farmer
Butler James, maltster and beerhouse
* Cartwright Sml. wheelwright
Chester Jeffrey, vict., Lloyd’s Arms and Excise Office
Dickin Thomas, butcher
Evans John, saddle & harness maker
* Faulkes George, farmer
Faulkes Richard tailor
Green John, schoolmaster and parish clerk
Hampson Richard, farmer, Wackley Lodge
Haycocks Richard, blacksmith
Haycocks Thos., shoemaker
Haycocks William, farmer
Haycocks William, butcher and salesman
* Lee Samuel, farmer, Crosemere Hall
Lee Samuel, farmer
Maddocks Thos., bricklayer
Marsh Richard, farmer
Peevar John, shoemaker
Read John, shopkeeper and farmer
Read John, baker and shopkeeper
Read John, blacksmith
Shingler Thomas, farmer
Thomas Edward, wheelwright
* Thomas Edwd., shoemaker
Thompson James, tailor
Townsend Ann, victualler, Golden Lion
Townsend William, glazier
Trevor John, farmer & vict., Crown Inn
White Edward, farmer
Wynn John, farmer
COLEMERE
is a township, having a scattered population, three miles E.E. by S. from
Ellesmere, containing 1,449A. 3R. 8P. of land, of which 1,248 acres are
vested in the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater. The soil is
generally fertile, and produces good crops of wheat and barley. There is
a fine mere or pool of water, which covers a considerable surface, within
the bounds of this township. At the census in 1841 there were 39 houses
and 192 inhabitants.
The principal residents in this township are the following _Farmers_,
viz.:—William Bate, Thomas Baty, Mary Birch, William Birch, John Clark,
Jane Haycock, Richard Jones, and tailor, Thomas Jones, and corn miller,
Thomas Thomas, William Wenlock, Hannah Wilkinson, and Catherine Young.
Mary Butler, shopkeeper.
CRICKETT
is a small township, containing 339A. 1R. 12P. of fertile land, situated
two miles and a quarter S.W. from the church of Ellesmere. Richard Wynn,
Esq., is the proprietor of the whole township. In 1841 the township is
returned as containing four houses and 30 inhabitants.
DIRECTORY.—Richard Wynn, Esq., Old Crickett; Thomas John Rider, gentleman
New Crickett.
DUDLESTON, OR DUDLISTON,
formerly written DUDDLESTONE, is a township and chapelry in the parish of
Ellesmere, four miles and a half N.W. from that town, and eight miles
N.N.E. from Oswestry. The chapelry comprises the townships of
Pentrecoed, Criftins, Chapel, Coadyrallt, and Dudleston, which together
have an area of 4,640A. 1R. 24P. of land, mostly an undulating district,
in some parts highly productive, and in other parts of an inferior
quality. At the census of 1841 there were 950 houses and 1,207
inhabitants. The houses are in general scattered, and there are a
considerable number of detached cottages, which in many instances were
originally built upon the unenclosed land; and they have generally a
small plot, or a few acres of land attached to each cottage. The
principal landowners are Edward Morrall, Esq.; Lord Dungannon; George
Harper, Esq.; James Edwards, Esq.; Rev. John Morrall; George Bennett,
Esq.; John Owen, Esq.; Charles Brown Owen, Esq.; John Davies, Esq.;
William Dickin, Esq.; Hon. William M. B. Nugent; Mr. Richard Edwards;
Miss Benyon; Mr. Samuel Lea; Mr. Robert Grindley; Mrs. Elizabeth Jones;
Miss Boydell; Mr. Dymock; Mr. John Vaughan; Miss Kynaston; Mr. James
Munslow; and Miss Broom; besides whom are several other freeholders.
Edward Morrall, Esq., is lord of the manor of Traian, which includes the
parish of St. Martin’s and Dudleston chapelry. THE CHAPEL is a neat
structure, situated on elevated ground, built of rough stone, with hewn
quoins and finishings. It consists of nave and side aisles, with an
octagonal tower surmounted with short pinnacles. The body of the church
was rebuilt in 1819, at a cost of £431. 13s., towards which the Society
for Building and Enlarging Churches gave the sum of £200. It contains
several neat mural monuments to the Boydells, of Kilhendre and Sodylt
Hall, and the Morralls. The pulpit is of oak, curiously carved. At the
west end of the church are three venerable yew trees, now much decayed.
The living is a perpetual curacy, returned at £238, in the patronage of
the Vicar of Ellesmere, and enjoyed by the Rev. David Birds. The
Wesleyan Methodists and the Independent Methodists have each a small
chapel on Dudleston Heath. The Association Methodists have a chapel at
the Gravel Holes. There are two manufactories of bricks, tiles, and
brown earthenware, in this township; and coal is got at the Flannag
colliery, near to Coed-y-rallt. The pits, however, are within the bounds
of St. Martin’s parish, but the underground works extend into this
chapelry. The coal is of a superior quality, and the seams are from one
foot to three feet in thickness.
About a quarter of a mile from the church, on the brow of a hill,
overlooking a beautiful valley richly wooded, is KILHENDRE, the residence
of Captain Johnson. On the site of the present house, about fifty years
ago, stood a very ancient mansion of chequered timber and brick work, the
residence of the Edwards, who had been settled there for upwards of six
centuries, and possessed considerable estates, in Dudleston, St.
Martin’s, and the neighbouring townships. Here Colonel Jones, governor
of Dublin, a very active and successful officer during the Commonwealth,
for some time found a peaceful asylum after Cromwell’s death. In the
centre of the house was a chamber, into which you descended by steps, and
the passages to which were hidden by tapestry, evidently intended as a
place of concealment in cases of sudden danger. The rooms were low,
gloomy, and inconvenient, and a large hall occupied half the house. The
house and demesnes were alienated in the year 1800, and soon after
purchased by Mr. Boydell, in whose representative, Miss Boydell, they are
now vested. PLAS YOLLEN is a handsome and pleasantly situated dwelling,
the residence of Robert Morrall, Esq. PLAS-WARREN, an ancient house, the
residence and property of Edward Morrall, Esq., who is also the owner of
Plas-yollen. THE ERWAY is a handsome house of modern construction, and
the residence of Richard Ellerton, Esq. SODYLT HALL is a pleasantly
situated house, with tasteful pleasure grounds, the residence of George
Bennett, Esq. SHELBROOK is a good house, the residence and property of
John Jones, Esq. PENTRE-COED is the residence and property of William
Dickin, Esq. DUDLESTON HALL, a modern brick house, stands about 100
yards south from the site of the old hall, and is the residence and
property of John Davies, Esq. At the northern extremity of the chapelry
of Dudleston the county terminates in an elevated and precipitous rock,
called COED-Y-RALLT, which commands one of the most beautiful views of
bold and romantic scenery that can well be conceived. The shelving
precipice is clothed with a thriving plantation; and deep below wind the
dark waters of the Dee, which separates this county from Wales. Other
features in the scenery are the beautiful grounds and woods of
Nant-y-lielan, the aqueducts of Chirk and Ponte-y-cysyllte, Chirk Castle,
and Bryn-Kynalt, the beautiful seat of Lord Dungannon, all backed by the
bold swells and the Alpine heights of the Welsh mountains.
CHARITIES.—_Frances Edwards_, in 1719, conveyed certain premises in
Dudleston, and directed them to be converted into a school and residence
for a schoolmistress; to be kept in repair by such person as for the time
being should be entitled to her capital messuage called Kilhendre; she
also gave a rent charge of £10 per annum, issuing out of the great farm
in Dudleston; £4. 10s. thereof to be paid to the schoolmistress, who
should instruct twenty-four poor children; 10s. to buy books for the
children; £3 to be paid in apprentice fees; 20s. for a distribution of
bread every Sunday to five poor aged persons; and 20s., the residue
thereof, to be expended in flannel, and given to the poor. The school is
situated near the church, and occupied by a female, who teaches
twenty-four poor children. The rent charge is expended in carrying out
the donor’s intentions.
_John Jones_, by his will, dated 26th February, 1725, directed his
executors to pay £100 to the incumbent, chapelwardens, and overseers, of
the poor of Dudleston, to purchase land for the benefit of the poor.
This gift, with £20 given by a servant, £10 by Roger Jennings, and £5 by
Mr. Roberts, were laid out in 1740 in the purchase of 6A. 0R. 21P. of
land. There is also an allotment of about a quarter of an acre set out
on the enclosure of Dudleston common, the whole of which is let for £8.
12s. 6d., and distributed to the poor on St. Thomas’s day. The sum of
£10, left by a servant man in 1735, and £10 left by another servant man
in 1739, are charged upon the Sodylt estate, and the interest, 20s. per
annum, is distributed with the above charity.
_Thomas Kynaston_, in 1761, left £200, the interest to be annually
distributed to the poor. This money is invested on the security of the
turnpike road from Wem to Bron-y-Garth.
_William Challnor_, in 1791, bequeathed £100, the interest to be applied
in the relief of twenty of the poorest inhabitants of the chapelry.
_Elizabeth Challnor_, by will, 1807, bequeathed £100 to augment the
charity of her father-in-law, William Challnor. The first bequest is
secured on the tolls of the road from Wem to Bron-y-Garth; and the latter
is secured on the Ellesmere House of Industry. The interest, £9. 1s., is
distributed on New Year’s day among the most necessitous poor.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. Richard Evan’s_, _the Griffin Inn_. Letters are
despatched to Chirk at two o’clock in the afternoon.
Bennett George, Esq., barrister, Sodylt Hall
Davies Edward, blacksmith, Criftins
Davies John, Esq., Dudleston Hall
Davies Richard, colliery proprietor, Flannag Colliery
Davies Thomas, wheelwright
Ellerton Richard, Esq., Erway
Evans Richard, victualler, Griffin Inn
Evans Joshua, wheelwright
Furmston Mrs. Emma, Criftins
Handley William, brick, tile, earthenware manufacturer, and victualler,
The Grapes, Criftins
Humphreys Thomas, blacksmith
Jones John, Esq., Shelbrook
Jones John, shoemaker, Criftins
Jones Walter, shoemaker, Gravel Holes
Johnson Captain Robert, Kilhendre
Kilvert Joseph, shopkeeper and victualler, Fox Inn, Criftins
Morrall Edward, Esq., Plas-warren
Morrall Robert, Esq., solicitor, Plas-yollen
Newnes William, shoemaker
Owen Richard, farmer and victualler, Three Pigeons Inn
Phillips Robert, blacksmith
Preston Samuel, shoemaker, Gravel Holes
Spencer Thomas, brick, tile, flower pot, and black earthenware
manufacturer
Winter Rev. John Bowyer, curate
FARMERS.
Belmont Charles, The Pant, Pentrecoed
Boote Joseph (executors of), Gadless
Corns Richard, Criftins
Darlington Thomas, Plas-Thomas, Coadyrallt
Davies John, Dudliston Hall
Dickin William, Pentrecoed
Edwards Richard, Rock House, Coadyrallt
Foulkes John, The Vron, Coadyrallt
Garner Benjamin, Coadyrallt
Gough Edward, Pentre-Morgan
Hampson Daniel, Coadyrallt
Hampson Jane, The Castle
Hampson John, Chapel
Hughes Arthur, Pentrecoed
Hughes James, and corn miller, Pant Mill
Hughes Thomas, and butcher, Chapel
Humphreys John, Chapel
Jones Elizabeth, New Hall, Chapel
Jones John, Shelbrook, Coadyrallt
Jones Roger, Cross lanes, Pentrecoed
Jones Richard, Dudleston Grove
Lee Richard, Cross lanes, Coadyrallt
Manford John, Coadyrallt
Manford Martha, Pit House
Murslow James, Chapel
Owen Charles Brown, Dee Field
Owen Thomas, Pentrecoed
Parry John, Sodylt Lodge
Pay Margaret, Chapel
Roberts Robert, Pentrecoed
Rogers Henry, Chapel
Rutter Ann, Pentrecoed
Shone Thomas, Coadyrallt
Steen John, Criftins
Strange David, Pentre-madoc
Teggin John, Coadyrallt
Thomas Joseph, Plas-warren
EASTWICK,
a small township, two miles and a half N.W. from Ellesmere, contains
503A. 2R. 33P. of land, and in 1841 had 18 houses and 87 inhabitants.
The principal landowners in this township are the trustees of the late
Earl of Bridgewater, Samuel Y. Kenyon, Esq., Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, Miss
Kynaston, and Mrs. Broom. The chief residents in Eastwick are Edward
Broughall, farmer, Gadless; Josiah Hughes, tailor; Mrs. Elizabeth Jones,
farmer and tanner, Gadless; Joseph Strange, blacksmith; Francis Thomas,
farmer; and Mrs. Mary Wall, farmer, Pleasant Grove.
ELSON AND GREENHILL,
a township, a mile and a half N.W. from Ellesmere, contains 547A. 0R.
18P. of land; the most considerable owner of which is Charles Kynaston
Mainwaring, Esq. The other owners are Miss Kynaston, Mr. Joshua Lewis
Menlove, Mr. John Furmston, and Mrs. Broom. This township has a
scattered population; in 1841 there were 11 houses and 65 inhabitants.
DIRECTORY.—Daniel Boote, farmer, Elson; John Boote, farmer, Greenhill;
John Lea, maltster, Elson Cottage; Joshua Lewis Menlove, farmer, land
agent, and brick and tile maker, Elson; Thomas Williams, farmer,
Greenhill, and Mrs. Ann Williams, Elson.
FRANKTON, OR ENGLISH FRANKTON,
is so called to distinguish it from Frankton, in Whittington parish,
which is sometimes called Welsh Frankton. The village is pleasantly
situated on high ground, four miles and a half south from Ellesmere, and
in 1841 contained 41 houses and 199 inhabitants. The houses are in
general straggling, and there are a considerable number of small
cottages. The township contains 956A. 0R. 34P. of land; the principal
owners of which are John Povey, Esq., Mrs. Jane Griffiths, Nicholson
Robinson, Esq., and Mr. William Downes.
The principal residents are Mr. John Borne Oekley; William Downes,
farmer, Frankton Grove; William Downes, jun., farmer; William Foulkes,
farmer; Elias Puleston, farmer; Thomas Stanyer, farmer; Thomas Smith,
blacksmith; and John Williams, wheelwright.
HAMPTON WOOD
is a small township, with 703A. 0R. 18P. of land, situated three miles
from Ellesmere, and in 1841 had 37 houses and 175 inhabitants. The
principal landowners are the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater,
Lord Kenyon, C. K. Mainwaring, Esq., and Joshua Lewis Menlove, Esq. The
resident farmers are William Boughey; Mary Boyling; Robert Jacks; James
Price, and corn miller; Thomas Reeves; John Rodenhurst; and John Smith.
HARDWICK
is a township, containing 449A. 3R. 17P. of land, and in 1841 had 27
houses and 441 inhabitants. The whole township is the property of Sir
John Roger Kynaston, Bart., who resides at HARDWICK HALL, an elegant
mansion, delightfully situated in a park, with a fine undulating surface,
richly wooded with noble timber. The south front of the hall opens upon
a terrace, ornamented with flowers, vases, and an open balustrade, which
leads into the park. On the west side of the hall are the pleasure
grounds and shrubberies, which contain some rare shrubs of remarkably
fine growth; the arra-caxia imbricata is upwards of sixteen feet high,
and one of the finest specimens in the country. The cedar deodora is
also a beautiful specimen. There are upwards of thirty varieties of the
pinus tribe planted in different parts of the grounds. Adjoining the
west side of the hall, a new conservatory has just been completed, which
is chiefly used as an orangery. The vineries adjoin the kitchen gardens,
which cover about an acre and a half of land. About two hundred yards
from the south front of the hall is a magnificent specimen of the cedar
of Lebanon, which measures fourteen feet and a half in circumference. A
portion of the top was broken off about three years ago with the weight
of snow that fell upon it. PERTHY BANK, or THE BROW, consists of a
public house and a few cottages, partly in this township and partly in
Tetchill, situated on the brow of a hill, on the turnpike road leading
from Ellesmere to Oswestry. HARDWICK COTTAGE is a neat residence,
pleasantly situated near the turnpike road, occupied by Lovett Ferrall,
Esq.
DIRECTORY.—Sir John Roger Kynaston, Bart., Hardwick; Lovett Ferrall,
Esq., Hardwick Cottage; John Cureton, farmer; Samuel Carsley, blacksmith;
Edward Heyes, victualler, Green Man Inn, The Brow; Samuel Stockton,
gamekeeper; Mrs. Martha Thomas; Richard Woolf, farmer, Old Hardwick.
KENWICK STOCKETT AND WHATTALL,
a township three miles south from Ellesmere, contains 874A. 3R. 29P. of
land; the owners of which are the trustees of the late Earl of
Bridgewater, Thomas Buckley Buckley Owen, Esq., and the Rev. William
Thomas. In 1841 the township had nine houses and a population of 55
souls. The principal residents are Samuel Burrows, farmer; Richard
Gough, farmer, Whattall; Thomas Furmston, farmer, Lower Kenwick; John
Stoakes, farmer, Higher Kenwick; and Joseph Stoakes, farmer, The Springs.
KENWICKS PARK
is a small village and township, three miles and a quarter south from
Ellesmere, having 1,054A. 3R. 26P. of land, which is the property of the
trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater. At the census in 1841 there
were 22 houses and 120 inhabitants. The resident _Farmers_ are Edward
Colemere; William Gough, The Lodge; Thomas Hamson, Kenwick Park; Ann
Harrison, Top House; Jane Harrison, Old Cast; Lazarus Harrison, Lower
House; John Hassall; Thomas Jacks; John Reynolds; and James Williams.
HENWICKS WOOD
is a township, situated four miles south from Ellesmere, embracing 865A.
3R. 16P. of land; an undulating district, the high ground of which
commands a most beautiful view of the fertile plains of Shropshire and of
the mountainous district of Wales. In 1841 there were 23 houses and 137
inhabitants. The principal landowners are William Sparling, Esq.; Sir
John Roger Kynaston, Bart.; Thomas Buckley Buckley Owen, Esq.; Mrs.
Sutton; and Mr. Joseph Hignett.
The following are the chief resident _Farmers_, viz.:—Stephen Burrows,
Edward Hayward, Sarah Nickson, John Shingler, and Edward Stoakes.
LEE
is a pleasant little village and township, a mile and a half south from
Ellesmere, which contains 815A. 1R. 30P. of land, the whole of which is
the property of Thomas Buckley Buckley Owen, Esq. This is a fine
agricultural district; the land produces good crops of all kinds of
grain, and many of the farms are of considerable extent THE OLD HALL, the
residence of Mr. Thomas Lewis, is an antique structure of timber and
plaster, with projecting gables, and has the date of 1594 on the front.
One of the rooms is wainscotted with oak, and has the date of 1657 over
the fire place. A fine old yew tree stands in front of the house.
The resident _Farmers_ in Lee are Thomas Burrows; Thomas Gough; Thomas
Hollis; Joseph Jones, John Lewis, John Price, and Richard Williams; Mr.
John Lewis, Old Hall. John Morgan, blacksmith.
LINEAL
is a village and township, three miles S.E. from Ellesmere, which
contains 1,897A. 3R. 3P. of land, of which 1,620 acres are vested in the
trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater. The township is intersected by
the Shropshire Union Canal and the turnpike road from Ellesmere to Wem.
There are lime works here which were formerly carried on to a very
considerable extent, the canal affording facilities for sending that
commodity to distant parts of the country. At the census of 1841 there
were 44 houses in the township and 247 inhabitants.
DIRECTORY.—Andrew Bickley, farmer; Samuel Hignett Bickley, farmer; Isaac
Birch, boot and shoemaker; Richard Bright, farmer; William Clay,
engineer, blacksmith, and ironfounder; Mary Darlington, farmer; Francis
Dickin, farmer; John Medeley, farmer; Hannah Mercer, victualler, New Inn,
Hampton Bank; Robert Parry, farmer; Mary Peak, farmer and shopkeeper,
Hampton Bank; William Rogers, farmer; John Wilkinson, victualler, Blue
Dog; William Youd, farmer.
NEW MARTON,
a small village pleasantly situated four miles W. by S. from Ellesmere,
is returned as having 21 houses and 106 inhabitants at the census of
1841; the landowners are the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater;
the township contains 587A. 0R. 14P. of land, mostly an undulating
surface, having a fertile soil, which produces good crops of grain. Dr.
Thomas Bray, an eminent, learned, and pious divine of the seventeenth
century, was born at Marton, in Shropshire, in 1656. He was educated at
Oswestry Grammar School, and was the principal promoter of the Missionary
Society denominated _The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in
Foreign Parts_. Dr. Bray was instrumental in raising lending libraries
in many parts of England and Wales, in connection with episcopal places
of worship, out of which the neighbouring clergy might borrow the books
they had occasion for, and where they might consult upon matters relating
to their function and learning; similar libraries were also established
in the American colonies for the use of the missionaries, which were
subsequently secured to posterity by an act of parliament passed for that
purpose in 1708. In the year 1712 the Dr. printed his “Martyrology, or
Papal Usurpation,” in folio. This work consists of some choice and
learned treatises of celebrated authors, which were grown very scarce,
ranged and digested into a regular history. He proposed to compile a
second volume, and had, at no small expense and pains, furnished himself
with materials for it, but he was afterwards obliged to lay the
prosecution of his design aside, and bequeathed by will his valuable
collection of martyrological memoirs, both printed and manuscript, to
Zion College. In the year 1726 he was employed in composing and printing
his Directorium Missionarium, and his Primordia Bibliothecaria. About
this time he also wrote a short account of Mr. Rawlet, the author of the
Christian Monitor, and reprinted the life of Mr. Gilpin. Some of these
were calculated for the use of missionaries, and in one of these he has
endeavoured to show that civilizing the Indians must be the first step in
any successful attempt for their conversion. As the furnishing the
parochial clergy with the means of instruction would be an effectual
method to promote Christian knowledge, so another expedient manifestly
subservient to the same end would be, he thought, to imprint on the minds
of those who are designed for the ministry, previously to their
admission, a just sense of its various duties, and their great
importance. With a view to this he reprinted the Ecclesiastes of
Erasmus, a name of great authority in the republic of letters, and to
whom the re-establishment of polite literature was principally owing.
Dr. Bray was a frequent visitor of the prisons, the inmates of which
always excited the highest degree of compassion in his breast, and to the
temporal benefits which he munificently bestowed, he always subjoined
spiritual comforts. He died on the 15th February, 1730, in the 73rd year
of his age.
DIRECTORY.—John Bate, farmer and maltster; John Cooke, farmer; John
Gabriel, wheelwright; Edward Lewis, maltster and shopkeeper; John Lewis,
farmer; John Powell, blacksmith; William Williams, boot and shoemaker.
NEWNES
is a very small township on the turnpike road from Ellesmere to Oswestry,
about a mile S.S. by W. from the former town. It contains 333A. 2R. 36P.
of land, of which 310 acres are now vested in the trustees of the late
Earl of Bridgewater. In 1841 there were six houses and 46 inhabitants.
The resident farmers are Henry Pearce and James Thomas; Edward Lloyd,
nurseryman. There is an erroneous tradition that the celebrated
Whittington, Lord Mayor of London, was born at Newnes.
NORTHWOOD,
a village and township on the verge of the county, two and a half miles
N. from Ellesmere, is separated from the county of Flint by a small
stream, on the banks of which is a corn mill. The township is well
wooded, has an undulating surface, and contains 1,321A. 3R. 5P. of land,
the principal owners of which are the trustees of the late Earl of
Bridgewater. Mr. Richard Evans and Mrs. Sarah Lindop are also
proprietors. In 1841 there were 29 houses and 150 inhabitants. The
resident farmers are John Cooke, Richard Evans, Mary Hassall, Sarah
Lindop, Thomas Madeley, and Andrew Wycherley; Charles Reeves, corn
miller. When our agent visited Northwood there were two farms
unoccupied.
OTELEY, NEWTON, AND SPOONHILL,
a township with a scattered population, extending from half a mile to a
mile and a half E. from Ellesmere, contains, 1,221A. 1R. 24P. of land,
the whole of which is the property of Charles Kynaston Mainwaring, Esq.,
who resides at OTELEY PARK, an elegant mansion built of the Cafn free
stone in 1827, and exhibiting a fine specimen of the florid English style
of architecture, which prevailed during the reign of Henry VII. The
mansion is most delightfully situated upon an elevated plot of ground,
overlooking a magnificent sheet of water covering a surface of one
hundred and sixty acres. In the front of the hall is one of the finest
terraces in the country, it is surrounded with ornamental vases, filled
with scarlet geraniums, which have a most beautiful appearance during the
summer months, and give an additional charm to the fairy scene. The
interior of the mansion is most superbly furnished, and contains an
extensive and costly collection of antique, china, and curious ornaments
of the most elaborate workmanship. There is a fine collection of family
portraits, executed by the most celebrated Italian, Dutch, Flemish, and
English masters. The library contains a fine collection of books, and is
richly ornamented with carved oak. The entrance to the corridor is of
stained glass, tracing the royal tribes of Wales, and the window of the
hall traces the pedigree of the family: these are beautifully executed by
Evans, of Shrewsbury. A little north from the hall is the billiard room,
the interior of which is ornamented with Flemish tapestry. The
shrubberies and pleasure grounds, which cover upwards of eighteen acres,
are kept in the most admirable order, and beautified with rockeries,
rustic bridges, and a very tastefully designed Swiss cottage. The
grounds contain some fine shrubs, and the cyprus and the arbavitus, which
are very numerous, exhibit the greatest luxuriance of growth. The park
has a fine undulating surface, and is stocked with deer. This township
at the census of 1841 contained 14 houses and 87 inhabitants.
DIRECTORY.—Charles Kynaston Mainwaring, Esq., Oteley Park; Robert Butter,
farmer and maltster and vict., Dog Inn, Ellesmere; Edward Edwards,
farmer, Crimps; George Foulkes, farmer and carpenter; Edward Groom,
gardener to C. K. Mainwaring, Esq.; Elizabeth Price, farmer; Mary
Whitfield, farmer; Thomas Whitfield, farmer, Spoonhill.
RIDGE HIGHER AND LOWER,
a township and village situated S.W. from Ellesmere, contains 1,625A. 2R.
13P. of land, the principal owners of which are the trustees of the late
Earl of Bridgewater; Mr. Menlove and Mrs. Jones are also owners. At the
census of 1841 there were 31 houses and 157 inhabitants. Higher Ridge is
situated about three miles from Ellesmere, on elevated ground, which
commands a most extensive and delightful view of the country. Lower
Ridge, about a mile further from Ellesmere, consists of two good farms.
The principal residents are Thomas Brayne, farmer, Higher Ridge; Edward
Jones, farmer, Lower Ridge; John Matthews, farmer, Lower Ridge; Edward
Price, farmer, Higher Ridge, and John Urion, farmer, Ridge.
STOCKS AND COPTIVINEY,
a small township two miles N.E. from Ellesmere, comprising 455A. 2R. 7P.
of land, in 1841 is returned as having five houses and 48 inhabitants.
The whole of the land is the property of Charles Kynaston Mainwaring,
Esq. The principal residents are Ambrose Nixon, farmer, Stocks; George
Rodenhurst, farmer, Stocks, and Thomas Whitfield, farmer, Coptiveney.
TETCHILL
is a township and village situated three miles S. from Ellesmere, which
contains 1,735A. 0R. 20P. of land, the whole of which is the property of
the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater, except one farm, the
property of Sir John Roger Kynaston, Bart. In 1841 there were 63 houses
and 333 inhabitants—the houses are for the most part scattered. George
Salter, Esq., resides at a neat residence called Prynallt, near the
western verge of the township; the house stands on high ground, and
commands a fine view of the country. “This village is celebrated as the
birth place of William Fromston, the Shropshire giant; he died at
Tetchill, in 1795, aged 77 years; he is said to have been remarkably
active for his age and surprising height; his coffin measured eight feet
two inches inside.” The principal residents are Ann Boodle, farmer,
Winstone; Edward Boylin, farmer; William Carsley, blacksmith; William
Cooke, farmer, Tetchill Moor; William Cox, shoemaker; Elizabeth Davies,
farmer; John Davies, maltster and tailor; Thomas Davies, maltster; Thomas
Foulkes, farmer, Tetchill Moor; Thomas Harrison, wheelwright and
shopkeeper; Samuel Higginson, tailor; Joseph Jones, farmer; Thomas Jones,
tailor; Richard Lee, farmer, Onston; Henry Legh, farmer, The Buildings;
Elizabeth Mathers, farmer, Tetchill Moor; William Morgan, shopkeeper and
boot and shoe maker; William Price, farmer, The Wood; George Salter,
Esq., solicitor, Prynallt; Wm. Sheraton, farmer, Broom Farm; Henry
Townsend, farmer, Tetchill Moor.
TRENCH,
a township on the northern verge of the county, situated about two miles
N.N. by W. from Ellesmere, contains 854A. 0R. 6P. of land, the principal
owners of which are the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater; Charles
Kynaston Mainwaring, Esq.; and Rev. John Phillips, are also proprietors.
In 1841 the township contained 28 houses and a population of 65 souls.
The resident farmers are Thomas Cross, John Evans, John Groom, William
Higginson, William Nunnerley, William Paddock, and Thomas Pearce.
GREAT NESS
is a considerable parish and pleasantly situated village in the lower
division of the Pimhill hundred, four miles S.W. from Baschurch, ten S.E.
by S. from Oswestry, and seven and a half miles N.W. by N. from
Shrewsbury. The parish embraces the townships of Alderton, Felton
Butler, Great Ness, Hopton, Kinton, Nesscliffe, and Wilcott, which
together contain 3,865A. 3R. 30P. of land, and in 1801 had 732
inhabitants, 1831, 850, and in 1841, 143 houses and a population of 876
souls. Rateable value, £4,431. 5s. 4d. The village of Great Ness
contains several good houses, and is surrounded with an undulating
district, which commands some fine views of great diversity and
picturesque beauty. The township contains 856A. 3R. 37P. of land, and in
1841 there were 16 houses and 84 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,198.
1s. 5½d. The principal landowners are the Earl of Bradford; George
Edwards, Esq.; Henry Calveley Cotton; and Thomas Justice Bather, Esq.
The former is lord of the manor. The soil is a mixture of sand and loam,
producing good wheat and barley. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Andrew, is
an ancient structure, consisting of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with
a square tower, in which are three bells. It contains several neat
tablets to the families of Perry, Prosser, Payne, and Gittins. The
living is a vicarage, valued in the King’s book at £9, now returned at
£345, in the patronage of the Lord Chancellor; incumbent, Rev. Henry
Calveley Cotton. The vicarage is a neat residence a little west from the
church. The vicarial tithes of Great Ness are commuted for £47. 10s.
THE HALL, the residence of George Edwards, Esq., is a handsome house of
brick, in the Tudor style of architecture, rendered conspicuous by a tier
of rooms with semi-octagonal projections. The grounds are tastefully
laid out, and the park, though not extensive, is densely wooded.
North-west from the hall are the lofty heights and plantations of
Nesscliffe hills. This township is intersected by the Holyhead turnpike
road.
CHARITIES.—By indenture, dated 8th September, 1753, _John Edwards_,
_Esq._ conveyed a plot of land called the Chapel Yard, at Nesscliffe, to
the Rev. William Parry, then vicar of Great Ness, for the erection of a
school and residence for the teacher. The following benefactions are
stated to have been given towards the support of the school, viz., _Sir
Orlando Bridgeman_, £20; _Sir John Langham_, £10; _Mrs. Pridie_, £20; the
_Rev. William Parry_, £25; and _Mrs. Parry_, £25. This sum, amounting to
£100, was in the hands of John Edwards, Esq., when the charity
commissioners published their report, and he paid interest for it at the
rate of five per cent. The master resides in a house built on the land,
containing about an acre in the whole, and in consideration of the above
emoluments is required to teach six poor children in reading, writing,
and accounts, without any charge.
_Samuel Shuker_, by will bearing date June 18th, 1821, devised two
leasehold estates, then let at a yearly rent of £148. 15s., to John
Edwards, Esq., upon trust to sell the same, and to invest the proceeds of
such sale in the public funds, and out of the first year’s dividends to
improve the present school house, and afterwards to pay the dividends
yearly, in promoting the views of the said school, by causing so many
poor children of indigent parents, not exceeding the age of twelve years,
nor under the age of six years, to be properly instructed in reading,
writing, and the four first rules of arithmetic, and finding them in
books, pens, ink, and paper; the proportions of such children to be
admitted into the said school being two boys and one girl. The property
above mentioned was sold by John Edwards, Esq., to whom the testator left
the residue of his personal estate, not otherwise disposed of, the
bequest to the charity being void under the statute of 9 George II., c.
36. The produce of the sale of the above estates was about £1,070. Mr.
Edwards proposed settling this property ultimately upon the school, but
retaining the disposal of the produce thereof for his life.
_Margaret Dyos_, by will 1729, bequeathed £10, and directed the proceeds
to be distributed to the poor of Great Ness for the first three years,
and the fourth year to the poor of Kinnerley, and so on in rotation from
four years to four years. This gift and £5 in the hands of the parish
officers was laid out in the purchase of a piece of land in Melverley,
which now produces a yearly rent of £1. 10s.
_William Phillip_ left a rent-charge of 5s. yearly, to be distributed
among twenty poor housekeepers. The sum of 5s. is paid yearly to the
churchwardens of Great Ness, as charged upon the Plough Inn, at
Wellington, by Mr. Leeke, the owner of those premises.
DIRECTORY.—Thomas Justice Bather, Esq.; Rev. Henry Calverley Cotton;
George Edwards, Esq., the Hall; James Jones, gentleman. _Farmers_:
William Davies, grazier, William Hughes, Samuel Smith, John Sides, John
Wildblood. Thomas Davies, butcher.
ALDERTON
is a small township one and a half mile from Great Ness, having one
house, 13 inhabitants, and 196A. 3R. 10P. of land, with an undulating
surface and light sandy soil. The Earl of Powis is lord of the manor,
and sole proprietor. The tithes have been commuted, and £17. 15s.
apportioned to the impropriator, and £7. 7s. 6d to the vicar of Great
Ness. ALDERTON HALL is a neat brick residence, occupied by Mr. Thomas
Jones. The farm buildings are extensive, and near to the hall is a pool
of water of considerable extent. The rateable value of this township is
£234.
FELTON BUTLER
is a pleasantly situated township, with a scattered population, one and a
half miles S.W. by S. from Great Ness, having at the census of 1841
twelve houses and 65 inhabitants. It contains 534A. 3R. 3P. of land of a
light sandy nature, about two-thirds of which is arable. Rateable value,
£642. 18s. 9d. The Earl of Powis and Thomas Justice Bather, Esq., are
the landowners. The former is lord of the manor. One half of the
rectoral tithes are apportioned to the vicar of Great Ness, and the other
moiety of £28. 17s. 6d. to the prebend of Holgate. The vicar receives
£46. 15s. Mr. Thomas Harris resides at a very neat house, with grounds
tastefully laid out. The farm premises are of considerable extent and
conveniently arranged.
The principal residents are Thomas Harris, farmer and grazier; John
Lewis, jun., farmer; Thomas Lewis, farmer; and Robert Jones, shoemaker.
HOPTON,
a township in Great Ness parish, near to the Holyhead turnpike road,
contains 653A. 2R. 5P. of land, the soil of which is a mixture of peat
and sand, upon which rye, turnips, and some little wheat are grown.
There is some good pasture land below the cliffs. The village is divided
into what may be considered Higher and Lower Hopton, and is pleasantly
situated a mile and a quarter N.W. by N. from Great Ness, and eight and a
half miles N.W. from Shrewsbury. To the north-east of the village are
the Nesscliffe hills, which rise four hundred feet above the level of the
village. In 1841 there were 38 houses and 179 inhabitants. Rateable
value, £607. The Earl of Bradford is lord of the manor. The freeholders
are Mr. Richard Minton; Mr. Samuel Minton; Thomas Justice Bather, Esq.;
Mr. Richard Wildblood; the Earl of Bradford; Mr. Thos. Bather; Mrs.
Haddy; Mr. John Rodgers; Miss Williams; Mr. James Canlin; Mr. Charles
Lloyd; Mr. John Povey; Mr. William Payne; and Mr. James Jones. The
rectoral tithes have been commuted for £81. 15s., and apportioned to
Thomas I. Bather, Esq. The vicarial tithes are commuted for £32. There
are stone quarries here, from which a fine red freestone is procured, in
blocks of almost any dimensions. THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a neat
stone chapel near the village.
The principal farmers are Thomas Clayton, Startlewood; Edward Davies;
Samuel Minton; Richard Minton; and John Suckley. William Davies,
butcher.
KINTON
is a village pleasantly situated two miles W. from Great Ness, commanding
views of great strength and diversity; the township contains 1,163A. 0R.
3P. of land, the soil of which is sandy, upon a strong sub-soil,
producing good wheat and barley. The Earl of Bradford is lord of the
manor. The chief landowners are the Earl of Bradford, Mr. Richard
Wildblood, Thomas Justice Bather, Esq., Mrs. Haddy, Miss Williams, Mr.
Charles Lloyd, Mr. James Canlin, Mr. John Rodgers, Mr. William Payne, and
others are also proprietors. At the census of 1841 there were 21 houses
and 97 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,115. 2s. 2d. There are several
neat villa residences in the village. THE GROVE is a modern erection,
the residence of Mr. Robert Suckley, and has conveniently-arranged farm
premises attached. THE WOLF’S HEAD FARM, the residence of Mrs. Mary
Suckley, was formerly a noted public house, and is situated near to
Knockin Heath, on the side of the Holyhead turnpike road. It was the
rendezvous of thieves and vagabonds, and robberies were so frequently
committed in this locality that the stout-hearted had a dread on passing
this road.
Canlin Mrs. Maria
Canlin James, gentleman
Evans Edward, shoemaker
Gittins Thomas, blacksmith
Higginson William, grocer and provision dealer
Jones Richard, shoemaker
Lloyd Thomas, farmer
Massey James, farmer
Mansell Richard, farmer
Payne Mrs., gentlewoman
Suckley Mrs. Mary
Suckley Robert, farmer, The Grove
Taylor George, farmer
Wildblood Richard, farmer, The Hall
NESSCLIFFE
is a township in the parish of Great Ness, pleasantly situated on the
Holyhead turnpike road, four and a half miles W. by S. from Baschurch,
and eight miles N.W. from Shrewsbury. There are 28 houses and 189
inhabitants, and the township contains 86A. 5R. 13P. of land. Rateable
value, £157. Thomas Justice Bather, Esq., George Edwards, and the Earl
of Bradford, are the landowners; the latter is lord of the manor, and
holds a court leet. The village is remarkable for its clean and neat
appearance, and there are two respectable and commodious inns. An annual
fair is held here on the last Monday in April, and there are meetings in
the season for coursing, archery, and steeple chasing. There is a
prosperous friendly society in the village, having 267 members and a
reserve fund of £1,904. 5s. 9d. The vicarial tithes are commuted for £9,
and Mr. Payne and Mr. Bather, the impropriators, receive £3. 11s. 8d.
The endowed school, supported with money arising from the benefactions
noticed with the general charities of the parish, is situated in this
village. The school is capable of accommodating eighty children; there
are now 52 receiving instruction. The master receives 20s. per annum for
every scholar admitted; John Jones is the teacher. Over the school house
door is the following inscription, which has reference to a chapel
dedicated to St. Mary, which formerly stood near the site of the school:—
“God prosper and prolong this public good,
A school erected where a chapel stood.”
The school was built in 1753. This village is celebrated for its immense
quarries of red sand stone, from which blocks of almost any dimensions
can be raised. The red stone of which the castle, town walls, abbey, and
most other old buildings in Shrewsbury are formed, was in all probability
brought from this place. Nesscliffe hill will amply repay the labour of
an ascent, the prospect is most delightful and varied. On the side of
the hill is the celebrated KYNASTON’S CAVE, perched like an eagle’s nest
upon the brow of an overhanging precipice. Humphrey Kynaston was the
keeper or constable of Middle Castle, who from his dissolute and riotous
manner of life, was surnamed _The Wild_. The enormous debts he
contracted by his conduct caused him to be declared an outlaw, upon which
he fled from Middle Castle, and sheltered himself in a cave in Nesscliffe
rock, called to this day “Kynaston’s Cave.” It is divided into two rooms
by a strong pillar of the rock, upon which is carved, “H. K., 1564.” One
of these was the stall for the celebrated outlaw’s horse. The approach
was by a flight of broad steps, which have since been partly cut away.
Many a deed of daring is rehearsed of this high-born freebooter; among
others, his draining to Mr. Lloyd’s health, in that gentleman’s court
yard, the great hall tankard of ale; and while some of the retainers were
closing him in, and others were securing every way of escape, Kynaston
coolly pocketed the silver cup, and clapping spurs to his horse, cleared
the gates and the heads of his would-be gaolers at a leap. All his
depredations seem more to have been dictated by whim than a desire to
plunder, for he supplied the wants of the poor by dispensing the spoils
he abstracted from the rich. His grateful pensioners cooked for him in
return, and found provender for his elf-like steed; the rich paying him
tribute through fear, and the poor from gratitude. Kynaston was never
taken, but died, as tradition says, in his cave.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. Richard Minion’s_. Letters arrive at 5.40 A.M., and
are despatched at 7.20 P.M.
Bickley Andrew, farmer and vict., Nesscliffe Inn
Dovestan Thomas, stone mason
Evans Robert, maltster, farmer, and vict., The Pigeons
Evans Richard, wheelwright
Gittins John, blacksmith
Gittins Stephen, sawyer
Humphreys Thomas, joiner & cabinet maker
Jones John, schoolmaster
Lloyd Richard, blacksmith
Minton John, saddler and harness maker
Minton Richard, postmaster
Morris John, carpenter
Owen John, tailor and draper
Randell George, cooper
Roberts Elizabeth, shopkeeper
WILCOTT,
a township and small well-built village in the parish of Great Ness, one
and a half mile S.W. by W. from the church, having in 1841 eleven houses
and 57 inhabitants. The scenery in the vicinity of Wilcott is bold and
romantic; the soil is fertile, producing good wheat and barley. The
principal landowners are William Payne, Esq.; John Povey, Esq.; George
Edwards, Esq.; Richard Wildblood, Esq.; and Thomas Bather, Esq. At the
apportionment of the tithes, £76. 15s. was awarded to the impropriators,
John Povey, Esq., Thomas Bather, Esq., and William Payne, Esq., and £25.
15s. to the vicar of Great Ness. There are 374A. 0R. 22P. of land in
this township. Rateable value, £477. 2s. 9d. THE INDEPENDENTS have a
small chapel, built of stone, and situated between this village and
Kinton.
DIRECTORY.—Thomas Bather, Esq., The Villa; David Frumstone, blacksmith;
Thos. Higginson, farmer and maltster; Owens Owen, farmer, grazier,
maltster, and cattle salesman; William Payne, Esq.; Jane Price,
gentlewoman.
HORDLEY
is a parish and pleasantly situated village, three miles south from
Ellesmere. The parish comprehends the townships of Hordley and Bagley,
and contains 2,417A. 1R. 39P. of land, and in 1801 had a population of
247 souls; 1831, 325; and in 1841 there were 62 houses and 308
inhabitants. The township of Hordley contains 1,211A. 1R. 18P. of land.
Rateable value, £1,802. 2s. 6d. The soil is a mixture of sand and loam,
producing good crops of wheat, barley, and turnips; but there is a
considerable breadth of grazing land in this locality, which has a bold
undulating surface. The farm houses have a respectable appearance, and
are provided with convenient out-premises. Sir John Roger Kynaston,
Bart., is lord of the manor, and owner of the whole township. A
remarkable elm tree, of immense size, stands at the cross roads. The
canal to Weston and the Ellesmere turnpike road intersect the township.
THE CHURCH, situated at Higher Hordley, is a plain structure, with a
small turret, in which there are two bells. It consists of nave and
chancel, and contains neat tablets to Sir John Kynaston, Bart., John
Kynaston, Esq., and to the family of Cureton. The chancel contains a
fine altar-piece of elaborate workmanship; and there is a beautiful stone
font. The living is a rectory, valued in the King’s book at £3. 19s.
2d.; now returned at £330; in the patronage of Sir John Roger Kynaston,
Bart., and incumbency of the Rev. John Walter Moore; curate, Rev. William
Frazer. The tithes are commuted for £358, of which sum £272 are
apportioned to the rector of Hordley; £16 to the rector of Baschurch;
£40. 10s. to Mrs. Topp; and £29 to other impropriators. THE RECTORY is a
commodious and modern erection, situated on a gentle eminence about a
quarter of a mile south-east from the church. It was built by the
present incumbent, aided by a grant from Queen Anne’s bounty. The old
rectory is now occupied as a farm residence. A NATIONAL SCHOOL and
residence for the teacher was built at Lower Hordley, near the centre of
the parish, in 1844. The average attendance of scholars is about sixty.
It is supported by subscription and a small payment from the children.
There are 28A. 2R. 24P. of glebe land in the parish.
DIRECTORY.—Stephen Burroughs, farmer, Lower Hordley; Mary Cureton,
farmer; Rev. William Frazer, curate, the Rectory; John Groom, farmer;
Richard Harper, blacksmith; Thomas Hewitt, farmer; Joseph Hignett,
farmer; Joseph Hignett, farmer, Dandyford farm; Edward Jones, parish
clerk and rate collector; Robert Lewis, farmer, Lower Hordley.
BAGLEY
is a township and village in the parish of Hordley, the population of
which is returned with that village. The township contains 1,206A. 0R.
21P. of land. Rateable value, £1,785. 10s. The landowners are Rowland
Hunt, Esq.; Rev. John Walter Moore; John Dodd, Esq.; Mr. John Groom; Mrs.
Davies; Mrs. Leigh; Mrs. Topp; Hon. Thomas Kenyon; Mr. Edward Lewis; Mr.
Joseph Hignett; Mr. Edward and John Martin; Mrs. Sutton; Mr. John
Langford, and others. Rowland Hunt, Esq., is lord of the manor. The
township is bounded by the river Perry, and intersected by the Ellesmere
and Weston canal. There are several farms here of considerable extent,
and the farm premises are extensive and conveniently arranged.
DIRECTORY.—Samuel Bickley, farmer and maltster; Jane Davies, farmer; John
Davies, farmer, The Oaks; Samuel Cheshire, blacksmith; Stephen Denston,
Esq., The Hall; John Dodd, farmer; William Griffiths, farmer; John
Higgins, grocer and vict., Fox Inn; Thomas Lea, farmer; Joseph Lea,
farmer and butcher; Edward Martin, farmer; Sarah Nickson, farmer; Richard
Paddock, farmer, Bromley Green; Robert Pembury, farmer, Bromley House;
Edward Stant, farmer; Edward Tomlinson, wheelwright; Edward Wilson,
wheelwright.
LOPPINGTON
is a parish and pleasantly situated village two and a half miles W.W. by
S. from Wem. This place, from its contiguity to Wem, was the scene of
several skirmishes between the royal and the parliamentary forces in the
civil wars. In one of these skirmishes the royal party set fire to the
floor and roof of the church, which being covered with shingles was the
more easily accomplished, and the parliamentary soldiers who had taken
refuge in the church, were compelled to surrender it to the king’s party.
The parish of Loppington comprises the townships of Loppington, Burlton,
and Noneley, and contains 3,411A. 1R. 36P. of land, of which 97 acres are
in woods, plantations, and fox covers. Gross estimated rental, £5,162.
12s.; rateable value, £4,197. 15s. The Duke of Cleveland is lord of the
manor, and holds a court. At the census in 1841 there were 612
inhabitants. The township of Loppington contains 1159A. 0R. 33P. of
land, and in 1841 had 68 houses and 331 inhabitants. Major Thomas
Dicken, is the most considerable landowner; George Wycherley, Harriet
Kynaston, Thomas Lloyd Dickin, Esq., The Trustees of the Poor’s Land, Mr.
William Williams, Rev. William Thomas, Robert Chambre Vaughan, Esq., and
Thomas Windsor, are also proprietors. The soil is in general a strong
clay, and a mixture of turf and sand. There is a flat of waste land
called the Brown Moss, of which the freeholders are entitled to the
herbage; the moss extends into other townships and covers a considerable
surface; 7A. 0R. 21P. are within the bounds of Loppington township.
THE CHURCH is an ancient structure, dedicated to St. Michael, consisting
of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with a square tower, in which are
three bells; the nave is lofty, and supported by arches rising from oaken
pillars; the body of the church is neatly pewed with oaken sittings, and
there is an antique stone font. The north wall was demolished during the
civil wars in 1650; it was rebuilt and the interior beautified in 1655.
There is a very handsome marble tablet to Richard Marigold Noneley and
others of the family; the families of Dickin, Chambre, Wingfield, Payne,
Groom, Chester, Griffiths, and others, are also remembered on other mural
tablets. The living is a vicarage valued in the king’s book at £6. 12s.
1d., now returned at £270 in the patronage of the Lord Chancellor and
incumbency of the Rev. William Thomas, M.A. The vicarial tithes of
Loppington township are commuted for £111. 16s., and the rectoral for
£93. Thomas Dickin, Esq., is the impropriator. There are 24A. 1R. 26P.
of glebe land. THE VICARAGE is a commodious brick residence, pleasantly
situated a little S.W. from the church, with pleasure grounds tastefully
laid out. LOPPINGTON HOUSE, the mansion of Thomas Dickin, Esq., J.P., is
a handsome and extensive range of building, the front of which is
ornamented with a portico; it is surrounded with a park of considerable
extent finely wooded; the pleasure grounds and shrubberries are laid out
with great taste, and beautified with fine shrubs and choice flowers.
THE HALL or Manor House, a good brick residencies is occupied by Mr.
James Baddaley, farmer.
CHARITIES.—_John Kynaston_, by his will, bearing date 30th May, 1694,
devised a house, garden, stable, and croft, in the township of
Loppington, to his kinsman, Roger Kynaston, and his heirs, to the use of
the then schoolmaster of Loppington, and his successors as a salary, for
their pains in teaching to read six of the poorest children within the
parish, to be appointed by the said Roger Kynaston and his heirs; and if
there should happen to be no schoolmaster, he directed that the profits
of the premises should be to the use of Roger Kynaston and his heirs.
The property devised by the testator consists of a public house in
Loppington, with a stable, garden, and croft, containing altogether half
an acre. The property, when the Charity Commissioners published their
report, was claimed by Thomas Kynaston, grandson of Richard Kynaston,
named in the following conveyance:—“By indenture, bearing date 17th
November, 1741, between Roger Kynaston, grandson of Roger Kynaston, the
devisee above-mentioned, of the one part, and Richard Kynaston, of
Loppington, of the other part, reciting the will as above extracted, the
said Roger Kynaston, party thereto, in consideration of £4 conveyed to
the said Richard Kynaston and his heirs, the messuage, tenements, and
lands, and all other the premises in the said will mentioned, and all his
estate and interest therein, subject nevertheless to the trusts in the
said will mentioned concerning the same.” The premises are let for £13
per annum, an additional sum of £2 being paid by the tenant for a piece
of garden formerly no part of the trust premises. The rent of £13 is
received by Thomas Kynaston, and he pays thereout £2 yearly to a
schoolmaster for the instruction of six poor children. The residue of
the rent Thomas Kynaston reserves to his own use; but it is clear that
the whole of the rent above-mentioned is applicable to the charitable
uses mentioned in the testator’s will, and that notwithstanding that in
the conveyance of 1731, £4 was paid as a consideration, Thomas Kynaston
can only be considered as a trustee for such charitable uses. It is
stated that within the last twenty years Thomas Kynaston has laid out
upwards of £300 in rebuilding and improving the premises, but as he has
been in possession between thirty and forty years, and during that time
has enjoyed the benefit of all the surplus rent beyond the yearly sum of
£2, there seems to be no reason why the schoolmaster should not from the
present time receive the benefit of the whole rent. It seems also
desirable that new trustees should be appointed; but considering the
testator vested the property solely in his kinsman, Richard Kynaston, and
his heirs, we apprehend that a conveyance to new trustees would not be
enforced in a court of equity, provided the said Thomas Kynaston gives up
all claim to any beneficial interest therein.
_Jane Manlove_, in 1751, bequeathed £10, and directed the interest to be
disposed of in the purchase of clothing for poor widows; the interest to
be applied two years to poor widows resident in Loppington township, and
the third year to widows of Burlton township.
_Thomas Price_, in 1797, bequeathed £50, the interest to be applied in a
distribution of bread every Sunday; he also bequeathed the residue of his
personal estate, after the payment of certain legacies, for the same
purpose. To this legacy of £50 and £30 in augmentation thereof out of
personal estate, and the sum of £10 given by Mrs. Menlove, as
above-mentioned, £10 was added by the parish to make up £100, which sum
was laid out on mortgage of three cottages in Wem, the deed bearing date
the 1st August, 1820. The interest, £4, is distributed according to the
donor’s intentions. The particulars of Richard Corbet’s charity will be
found noticed with Wem. There is a farm of about 63 acres of land in
this parish, the rent of which for a great number of years (certainly
from 1690) has been considered as applicable to the repairs of the
church, the relief of the poor, and such other purposes as the
parishioners should direct, and has been so applied at their discretion.
_Mary Griffiths_, in 1837, bequeathed £300 in the three per cent.
consols, and directed the interest to be distributed in money or clothes
for the benefit of the poor.
POST OFFICE.—At Elizabeth Matthews. Letters arrive by foot post from
Middle at 10 a.m., and are despatched at 3 p.m.
Allen William, bricklayer and plasterer
Astley Thomas, farmer and shopkeeper
Austin John, shoemaker and shopkeeper
Baddaley James, farmer, The Hall
Barnes Mr. William
Bickerley Margaret, farmer
Booth Thomas, gentleman
Brown Charles, farmer and gamekeeper
Capp John, gentleman
Cheetwood Samuel, farmer, Stump House
Chorley James, schoolmaster and assistant overseer
Danks Henry, farrier
Dannelly Richard, farmer and vict., Fox Inn
Davies Joseph, farmer
Dickin Thomas, Esq., Loppington House
Dovaston John, farmer and gardener
Eaton Richard, wheelwright
Eddowes Rev. John, curate
Evans Henry, farmer and wheelwright
Evans Richard, farmer
Harper Hannah, farmer
Harper Samuel, farmer
Heatley Thomas, farmer
Jones John, farmer, Hollywell Moor
Kynaston Harriett, corn miller
Kynaston Rebecca, vict., Dickin’s Arms Inn
Matthews Thomas, farmer
Price John, tailor, The Lodge
Pugh Joseph, farmer
Shingler Miss, gentlewoman
Stanway William, farmer
Thomas Harwood, solicitor
Thomas Rev. William, M.A., The Vicarage
Thomas William, surgeon
Turner Ann, farmer
Vaughan Edward Goldsborough Chambre, Esq., Wood Gate
Watson Robert, farmer and shoemaker
Williams Robert, gentleman
Williams William, blacksmith and vict., Blacksmith’s Arms
Wycherley George, gentleman
Wycherley Robert, farmer
BURLTON
is a village and township, intersected by the Shrewsbury and Ellesmere
and the Baschurch and Wem turnpike roads, two miles E. from Baschurch,
and five miles S.W. from Wem. The township contains 1,324A. 0R. 14P. of
land, and in 1841 had 35 houses and 172 inhabitants. Rateable value,
£1,604. The soil is various; in some parts a cold clay prevails, and in
other places there is a loamy soil, with a mixture of gravel. The
principal landowners are R. C. Vaughan, Esq., Thomas Woodfield, Samuel
Lee, Robert Leeke, John Menlove, Esq., William Sparling, Esq., The
Corporation of Shrewsbury, Thomas Dickin, Esq., Mr. John Platt, Mr.
Nicholas Robinson, Mr. Peter Shingler, and Mr. Peter Shingler, jun.;
besides whom there are several smaller proprietors. BURLTON GREEN is a
plot of waste land, containing two acres, the herbage of which is claimed
by the freeholders. There is also a considerable tract of woodland in
this township. A court leet and baron is held yearly at the Coach and
Horses, by the lord of the manor, Robert C. Vaughan, Esq. The
jurisdiction of the court embraces the following townships,
viz.:—Burlton, Balderton, Eyton, Fennymere, Frankton, Stanwardine-in-the
Field, and Walford. About four-fifths of the township is tithe free; the
residue has been commuted; the vicarial for £17. 12s., and the rectoral
for £50. 19s., of which £28. 8s. are paid to Messrs. Shingler and Son,
and £22. 11s. to Thomas Bulkeley Bulkeley Owen, Esq. The manor, tithes,
and estate of Burlton were granted by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of
Shrewsbury, in the reign of William the Conqueror, to the Abbey of St.
Peter and St. Paul, in Shrewsbury, in the possession of which house it
remained till the dissolution of monastic institutions in the time of
Henry VIII. In the reign of Elizabeth we find it possessed by one
Griffith. It then passed to the family of Lawley, of whom was Sir Edward
Lawley, K.B., who, dying, left an only daughter, named Ursula. She
married, first, Sir Robert Bertie, K.B., and secondly, George Penruddock,
Esq., who thus became possessed of Burlton. This gentleman, taking an
active part in the wars of King Charles and the Parliament, and being a
zealous royalist, his manor, as did many others in the kingdom, changed
its owner, and became the property of Captain Arthur Chambre, in whose
family it has remained to the present time, and now belongs to his
descendant, Robert Chambre Vaughan, Esq., who resides at BURLTON HALL, a
very ancient mansion, embosomed in foliage. The greater part of the hall
was built about the year 1420; having become much dilapidated, it was
thoroughly repaired and beautified during the year 1837. It is
handsomely furnished, contains some beautiful paintings, and curious
cabinets of the most elaborate workmanship.
Adams Edward, farmer
Baker Joseph, blacksmith and shopkeeper
Baker Robert, beerhouse keeper
Beamont Thomas, farmer, The Coppice
Brown James, farmer, The Grove
Cheshire Thomas, blacksmith
Dean George, fish-net maker
Desert Joseph P., farm bailiff
Dodsworth George, farmer, Wood farm
Done William, shoemaker
Fletcher Richard, shopkeeper
Griffiths Thomas, police officer
Moorehouse Henry Charles, tailor & draper, and victualler, Coach and
Horses Inn
Pearce Robert, farmer and maltster, The Wood
Platt John, farmer, The Mill
Pickstock Seth, gentleman
Sadler James, farm manager
Sadler Joseph, farm manager
Sadler Thomas, farmer
Shingler Peter, farmer, The Grange
Vaughan Robert Chambre, Esq., The Hall
Williams Joseph, farmer
NONELEY, OR NUNNELEY,
is a township in Loppington parish, having a scattered population,
situated about a mile and a half south from the church. The township
contains 931A. 0R. 29P. of land, and in 1841 had 19 houses and 107
inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,018. 10s. The tithes have been
commuted, and £37. 7s. apportioned to the Vicar of Loppington; £11. 16s.
to the Vicar of Baschurch; and £97. 18s. to Peter Shingler, Esq., the
impropriator. The principal landowners are Mrs. Margaret Noneley, Rev.
John Evans, Thomas Dickin, Esq., Mr. George Clay, Mr. George Harris, Mr.
William Groom, Rowland Hunt, Esq., Mr. John Brayne Gregory, Mr. Robert
Betton, D. F. Atcherley, Esq., and Vernon Dolphin, Esq.
DIRECTORY.—_Farmers_: John Davies Bentley; Robert Betton; Samuel Brayne;
Thos. Brown; Thomas Harris, The Hall farm; John Higgins; Evan Jones, and
maltster; William Jones; Mary Morgan, Ruewood; George Tunnah; John
Vernon; George Wall; Thomas Weaver; and William and Richard Webb, The
Shaws. Thomas Astley, boot and shoemaker. Arthur Austin, blacksmith.
MIDDLE
is a considerable parish, partly in the Ellesmere division of the hundred
of Pimhill, and partly in the Albrighton division, the former
comprehending within its bounds the townships of Balderton, Marton,
Middle, and part of Sleap; and the latter the chapelry of Hadnal, which
consists of the several townships of Alderton, Hadnal, Haston, Hardwick,
Shotton, and Smethcott. The entire parish contains 6,902A. 3R. 27P. of
land. Mostly a fertile soil, it presents a fine agricultural district,
with an undulating surface, interspersed with woods and plantations, and
every agreeable feature in landscape beauty. The woods and plantations
cover 55A. 3R. 19P. of land. The parish includes the celebrated
eminences of Pimhill and Harmour Hill, from whence a most delightful and
varied prospect of the country is seen. In 1801 there was a population
of 1,141 souls; in 1831, 1,205; and in 1841, 1,330 inhabitants. Rateable
value, £4,943. The Duke of Cleveland and the trustees of the late Duke
of Bridgewater are joint lords of the manor. The village of Middle is
pleasantly situated on an acclivity of red sand-stone rock, on the line
of the Shrewsbury, Chester, Ellesmere, and Holyhead turnpike roads.
These roads are, however, now but little traversed, the railroads having
diverted the greatest portion of the traffic. There are some good houses
in the village, which has a straggling appearance; and in the immediate
vicinity there are several respectable family residences. The township
contains 2,179A. 2R. 15P. of land, the soil of which in some parts is a
cold clay, in other parts it is more fertile. In 1841 there were 87
houses and 456 inhabitants. Rateable value, £2,240. The principal
landowners are the trustees of the late Viscount Alford, William Henry
Bickerton, Esq., William Teece, Esq., Mr. John Chilton, Mr. Edward Birch,
Edward Edwards, Esq., and J. A. Lloyd, Esq.
MIDDLE CASTLE.—Of this ancient baronial fortress there are but few
vestiges remaining. Lord John L’Estrange, in the time of Edward I.,
obtained licence to make a castle of his house at Middle, which lay less
exposed to the incursions of the Welsh than his castles of Knockin and
Ruyton. The castle was two stories high, with a flat roof, and some part
of the walls were remaining about the year 1640. These were in a great
measure destroyed by an earthquake in 1688. It was a quadrangular
structure, with a square court inside, and was surrounded by a moat. The
moat is yet very perfect, and filled with water; but the castle is
completely demolished, except a tower and a few fragments of the walls.
These existing vestiges were recently put in a state of repair, by order
of the late Viscount Alford. On the east side of the castle, there was a
piece of ground of about half an acre, surrounded by a moat. The
entrance to this piece was by a gatehouse, which stood near the
north-east corner of the castle moat, and near it was a drawbridge over
the moat. In the 3rd of Edward III., John L’Estrange had a grant of free
warren, the view of frankpledge and waif, in this manor. A settlement
made by Richard L’Estrange may be found in the chancery rolls in the 18th
of Henry VI. After the death of this family it descended to the Derby
family, and William Dod was appointed constable or keeper; and after him
Sir Roger Kynaston was, by commission, keeper of Middle and Knockin
castles. Upon the decease of Sir Roger, his son Humphrey (who, from his
dissolute and riotous mode of life, was called Wild Humphrey) was tenant
here. On his being outlawed, he left Middle Castle, which he had
suffered to become ruinous, and went and took up his abode in a cave,
near Nesscliff, which to this day is called Kynaston’s cave.
THE CHURCH, which is dedicated to St. Peter, was rebuilt about a century
ago, with the exception of the tower, which was erected in the year 1634.
It consists of two aisles and a chancel, and exhibits the debased style
of English architecture. Two handsome windows were put into the chancel
about a year ago, in the decorated style, at the expense of Mrs. Egerton,
widow of the late rector, the Rev. Thomas Egerton, to whose memory the
east one is dedicated. The windows are richly beautified with stained
glass, by Wailes, of Newcastle. There are several neat memorials in the
church to the Atcherleys, Bickertons, Kynastons, and others. It is
neatly pewed with oak sittings, and the whole has a chaste and orderly
appearance. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £12.
7s. 3½d., now returned at £1,003, in the patronage of the trustees of the
late Viscount Alford, and enjoyed by the Rev. George Henry Egerton, M.A.,
who resides at the Rectory, a delightfully situated mansion, beautified
with pleasure grounds and shrubberies. The rectory was rebuilt in 1747,
by Dr. Egerton Leigh, the then rector. Subsequent additions have from
time to time been made. The tithes have been commuted for £345. 19s. 6d.
There is a PAROCHIAL AND INFANT SCHOOL in Middle, in which upwards of 100
children are educated. They are chiefly supported by the rector, by whom
the infant school was established. The Middle Friendly and Benefit
Society has 107 enrolled members, and a capital stock of £675. 15s. 11d.;
besides which, there is the Middle Old Friendly Society, and a branch of
the Oddfellows, which have a considerable number of members.
CHARITIES.—_William Gough_, in 1669, devised his lands, subject to the
payment of £5 per annum, on the 25th of December, to the minister and
churchwardens of Middle, to be applied in putting forth poor children
apprentices. _Richard Newton_ left a rent charge of 12s., issuing out of
the Newton estate, to be given in bread to the poor on the second Sunday
in the month. This gift, and the yearly sum of 25s., paid out of the
poor’s-rate, are applied in the purchase of bread, and distributed every
Sunday. This 25s. is supposed to be paid as the interest of some charity
money applicable to this purpose, and carried to the account of the
parish. The same sum has been paid from the year 1786. _Thomas
Atcherley_, by will, 1680, devised a rent charge of 24s. per annum,
payable out of certain lands in Baschurch parish, to be given to the poor
of Middle on Easter Monday. There is a plot of land, consisting of about
three-fourths of an acre, which is let for 30s. per annum, and the amount
is distributed by the churchwardens every Easter Monday, with the sum of
16s. 6d., paid from the parish-rates, as the interest of money supposed
to have been given for charitable uses, and carried to the account of the
parish. There are ten other bequests, which are stated to be vested in
the parish, amounting altogether to £70. If the £24 paid for the
purchase of the above mentioned land be deducted from that sum, there
will remain £46, which is supposed to have been taken to the account of
the parish, and for which the two sums of £1. 5s. and 16s. 6d., paid as
above stated, would be interest at 4½ per cent.
The _Rev. Thomas Watkins_ left to the poor of this parish not receiving
parochial relief, the sum of £20. _Richard Watkins_ left £30 for the
like purpose. _John Mansell_ gave £10 to the poor. The three sums above
mentioned amounting to £60, are secured on the Ellesmere House of
Industry, by bond, bearing date 19th February, 1793. The interest is
distributed among the most necessitous poor of the parish. The poor are
entitled to partake of the benefit of _Dame Mary Hill’s_ charity, noticed
with the chapelry of Hadnal. _Francis Henry Earl of Bridgewater_, by his
will, bearing date August 29th, 1828, gave to the overseers and
churchwardens of the parish of Middle £2,000, to be laid out by them in
the public funds, and the dividends thereof to be expended by the rector
for the time being for the benefit and relief of the poor of Middle,
including Hadnal. The dividends amount to £65 per annum, which is
chiefly appropriated by the present rector to a clothing club, the poor
receiving the addition of the charity to their savings.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. William Parry’s_. Letters arrive from Shrewsbury at
8.30 A.M., and are despatched at 5 P.M.
Bate Abigail, farmer, Hollins
Bickley Joseph, farmer
Birch Thomas, farmer
Brisbourne William, farmer
Cheshire Jane, blacksmith and victualler, Blacksmiths’ Arms
Chilton John, wheelwright
Davies Thomas, farmer
Done John, boot and shoemaker
Eaton William, tailor
Egerton Rev. George Henry, M.A., The Rectory
Fardoe Samuel, boot and shoemaker
Fox John, farmer
Grice James, shopkeeper and boot and shoemaker
Griffiths Mary, dressmaker
Hignett Samuel, maltster
Hodnett John, tailor
Humphreys Sarah, farmer
Jones Edward, grocer and provision dealer
Majoribanks Sir John, Bart.
Majoribanks Miss Mary
Majoribanks William, Esq.
Madeley Thomas, farmer
Marsh Henry, farmer
Nisbet Rev. John Majoribanks, curate
Paddock Richard, farmer
Parry Emma, infant school teacher
Parry Sarah, girls’ school teacher
Parry William, postmaster and victualler, Lord Alford’s Arms
Parry William, parish clerk, registrar, and perpetual overseer
Pritchard William, gentleman, Grove Place
Rees John, farmer
Rogers John, tailor, The Wood
Sharrow Jesse, schoolmaster
Wilkes Thomas, wheelwright
William Richard, farmer
BALDERTON
is a small township in the parish of Middle, comprising 714A. 2R. 24P. of
highly productive land, with an undulating surface, well wooded. It is
situated a little to the north-east of Middle, and in 1841 had six houses
and 26 inhabitants. Rateable value, £787. The Duke of Cleveland is lord
of the manor. The principal freeholders are the Rev. Thomas Staniforth;
John Arthur Lloyd, Esq.; Thomas Dickin, Esq.; William H. Bickerton, Esq.;
the trustees of the late Lord Alford; Mrs. Price; and Peter Shingler,
Esq. THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a neat stone chapel at Webscott lane.
The tithes of Balderton are commuted for £124. 9s.
The principal residents are Francis Lee, farmer; Rev. Thomas Staniforth,
The Hall; and James Young, farm bailiff.
MARTON
is a township in the parish of Middle, one and a half mile north-east of
Baschurch, which contains 921A. 0R. 16P. of land, and in 1841 had 28
houses and 134 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,023. The farm houses
have here a respectable appearance, and the farms are of considerable
extent. The Shrewsbury, Ruyton, Middle, and Loppington turnpike roads
intersect the township. The principal landowners are the Duke of
Cleveland; the trustees of the late Viscount Alford; David Francis
Atcherley, Esq.; Miss Feaston; and Thomas E. Horseman, Esq. The tithes
are commuted for £135. 12s. MARTON HALL is an ancient mansion, the
residence and property of David F. Atcherley, Esq., whose ancestors were
seated here at a very early period. The house is pleasantly situated,
and stuccoed; it is surrounded by park-like enclosures, which are richly
wooded, and there is a fine pool of water on the verge of the grounds,
which covers a surface of 45A. 2R. 15R. There are three outlets from the
pool, which are well stocked with fish.
Atcherley David Francis, Esq., The Hall
Boliver John, cooper
Davies Edward, farmer, Martin lane
Evans John, land agent
Griffiths Geo., clock maker & general dealer
Horseman J. F. Esq., The Wood
Roberts Thomas, farmer, The Wood
Shingler Thomas, farmer
Wall George, farmer
NEWTON-ON-THE-HILL
is a scattered village, salubriously situated on an eminence, seven miles
north from Shrewsbury. The township contains 669A. 3R. 2P. of land; and
in 1841 there were 63 houses and 265 inhabitants. Rateable value, £893.
The principal landowners are the trustees of the late Viscount Alford;
Richard Palin Bickerton, Esq.; William Henry Bickerton, Esq.; Mr. Richard
Whitfield; Edward Edwards, Esq.; and Thomas Watkins, Esq. THE
INDEPENDENTS have a neat stone chapel, built in 1833, at a cost of about
£700. There is a residence for the minister attached to the chapel. The
congregation is under the pastoral care of the Rev. George Rogers, who
admits a limited number of youths into his residence as boarding
scholars. There is a Sunday school in connection with this place of
worship. A small cemetery adjoins the chapel. HARMER HILL is a
delightful eminence, which commands a fine view of the rich agricultural
district with which it is surrounded. The situation is highly
salubrious, and the vicinity is beautified with several respectable
residences. Near to this place is PIMHILL, distinguished as having given
name to an important section of the county. It is clothed with thriving
fir trees to its very summit, and is a conspicuous object for many miles
round.
_Those names with_ * _affixed reside at Harmer Hill_.
* Barlow Thomas, farmer and vict., Bridgewater Arms
Bickerton William Henry, Esq., The Hill House
* Boliver John, wheelwright
* Carr Robert, mason and quarry master
* Carr Robert, gamekeeper
* Cooke William, mason and quarry master
Garmston Seth, farmer
* Harris Jane, shopkeeper and vict., Red Castle
* Harris Mrs. S., farmer
Leech George, shopkeeper
* Marsh John, butcher
* Pearce John, medicine vendor (Ploughman’s drops)
* Rogers Rev. George, Independent minister and boarding school proprietor
* Walmsley Robert, farmer
MONTFORD
is a parish and pleasantly situated village on the banks of the river
Severn, five miles N.W. from Shrewsbury. The parish of Montford contains
the townships of Montford, Endson, and Forton, having conjointly 2,937
acres of land; and in 1801, 456 inhabitants; 1831, 566; and in 1841, 102
houses and a population of 490 souls. Rateable value, £3,519. 10s.
There is a fine sheet of water in this parish, covering 47 acres. The
river Severn is crossed by a noble and substantial stone bridge, and
hence Montford is usually called Montford Bridge. The London and
Holyhead turnpike road intersects the township, which contains 987A. 2R.
of land. Rateable value, £1,308. 5s. The soil is a mixture of loam and
sand, and highly fertile. At the census of 1841 Montford township is
returned as containing 92 houses and 434 inhabitants; but there is no
separate return made of the township of Forton, which contains 19 houses.
THE CHURCH is a venerable fabric, consisting of nave and chancel, with a
square tower, in which are three bells. The chancel and the body of the
church were re-built in 1737. The living is a vicarage, valued in the
King’s book at £4. 18s. 6d.; now returned at £246; in the patronage of
the Earl of Powis, and incumbency of the Rev. George Arthur Clive, M.A.
The vicarage is a good residence of brick, about a quarter of a mile from
the church. It was built in 1842, and being lofty, has an imposing
appearance. There is a free school in the village, which is chiefly
supported by voluntary subscriptions. The Earl of Powis is lord of the
manor and proprietor of the whole township. The houses on the south side
of the river at Montford Bridge are partly in Bicton and partly in
Montford. There is a branch post office at Mr. Jones’s, Swan Inn,
Montford Bridge.
Clive Rev. George Arthur, M.A., The Vicarage
Austin Thomas H., farmer
Bowen John, constable
Davies Richard, basket and fish net maker
Davies William, basket maker
Dawson Thomas, farmer and vict., Powis Arms
Edwards John, basket maker, assistant over-seer, registrar for the
Montford district, and collector of rates for the townships of Montford,
Shrawardine, Ensdon, and Forton
Groom Ann, Post Office
Jones William, vict., The Swan, Montford bridge
Mansell Timothy, schoolmaster
Mathews Stephen, farmer
Matthews Thomas, farmer
Randles John, blacksmith
Thomas John, shopkeeper
Till William, farmer
Wilding Edward, farmer
ENSDON,
township in the parish of Montford, six miles W. by N. from Shrewsbury,
contains 983 acres of land, and in 1841 had ten houses and 56
inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,138. 10s. The soil is a mixture of clay
and sand; the whole township is the property of the Earl of Powis.
ENSDON HOUSE, the residence of Evan Bowen, Esq., is a handsome and
pleasantly situated brick structure, in the Elizabethan style of
architecture. The farm premises are conveniently arranged, and of
considerable extent. A steam apparatus has been provided to prepare the
food for cattle, and various other appliances for economising labour.
Mr. Bowen farms more than a thousand acres of land. BEAM HOUSE farm, the
residence of George Benjamin Cureton, is provided with extensive out
premises, and the farm is of considerable extent.
Bowen Evan, Esq., Ensdon House
Bowker Samuel, farmer
Cureton George Benjamin, farmer, Beam House
Edwards John, farmer and farrier
Gough Lucy, farmer
Gouch Thomas, farmer
Hughes William, blacksmith
Minton Mrs., farmer
Nunnerley John, shoemaker
Till Thomas, farmer and gamekeeper
FORTON,
a township in Montford parish, with a scattered population, six miles
N.W. from Shrewsbury, contains 966 acres of land, chiefly arable, the
soil of which is a mixture of sandy loam and clay. Rateable value,
£1,072. 15s. The Earl of Powis is the principal landowner and lord of
the manor. Mrs. Middleton is also a proprietor. The tithes have been
commuted, and £76 apportioned to the Earl of Powis, and £61 to the vicar
of Montford. There are several large farms here, and the homesteads are
provided with conveniently-arranged out-premises. There was no separate
return made of this township at the census of 1841.
Cadman John, farmer and builder
Crane Edward, farmer
Edwards John, wheelwright
Jones Thomas, wheelwright
Middleton Margaret, farmer
Mansell John, farm bailiff to Mrs. Middleton
Minton Samuel, farmer, Forton Hall
Onions John, sawyer and joiner
Price Thomas, maltster, The Heath
PETTON
is a small parish, six miles S.E. by S. from Ellesmere, and twelve miles
N.N. by W. from Shrewsbury, comprising 822A. 1R. 16P. of land, and in
1841 had five houses and 39 inhabitants. Rateable value, £978. A
century ago the Petton estate was held by John Chambre, Esq., who died in
1752, and left three daughters co-heiresses, Hannah, Rebecca, and Mary.
Hannah married a Mr. Corbet, Rebecca died unmarried, and Mary married
John Hill, Esq., of Prees, afterwards Sir John Hill, of Hawkstone, and
grandfather to the present Viscount Hill. Mrs. Hill’s moiety of the
estate was sold to her sister, Mrs. Corbet, by whom and her husband the
whole estate was alienated, about the year 1794, to John Sparling, Esq.,
merchant, of Liverpool, father of the present proprietor, William
Sparling, Esq., who resides at PETTON HALL, a handsome stuccoed mansion
of considerable extent. It is approached by a lofty portico, supported
by stone pillars, and in the front of the mansion are beautiful pleasure
grounds and shrubberies, which open into a park of considerable extent,
having a fine undulating surface, richly wooded with noble timber, and
occasionally studded with thriving plantations. The kitchen gardens and
vineries are extensive, and highly productive. THE CHURCH, situated near
to the Hall, is a plain brick structure, consisting of nave and chancel.
The interior has a chaste and neat appearance. The reading desk and
pulpit were the gift of Mrs. Sparling; they are of dark oak and
elaborately carved; the altar is also of oak, beautifully carved. There
are neat tablets to the Chambre and Morris families, and a beautifully
designed memorial to two members of the family of Sparling, who were cut
off in their early years. The living is a rectory, valued in the King’s
book at £3. 4s. 2d.; now returned at £142; in the patronage of the Lord
Chancellor, and enjoyed by the Rev. George Cunliffe, M.A. The Rev.
George Walker is the curate.
DIRECTORY.—William Sparling, Esq., The Hall; Captain Charles Sparling,
The Hall; William Sparling, jun., Esq., The Hall; Miss Sparling, The
Hall; Thomas Davies, gardener; Thomas Drury, coachman; Richard Danneley,
groom; Henry Smith, house steward. _Farmers_: Edward Johnson, The Grange
Farm; Thomas Shingler Wakley.
SHRAWARDINE,
usually called SHRADEN, is a village and parish in the lower division of
the hundred of Pimhill, bounded on the north by the river Severn, six
miles N.W. from Shrewsbury, and 13 S.E. from Oswestry. In 1801 there
were 186 inhabitants; 1831, 189; and in 1841 there were 34 houses and 196
souls. The parish contains 1,903 acres of land. The Earl of Powis is
the landowner. Rateable value, £2,798. THE CHURCH is a plain Gothic
structure, dedicated to St. Mary, which stands upon an elevated site,
overlooking a fine undulating district, covered with fruitfulness, and
richly clothed with timber. It contains a small but fine-toned organ,
the gift of Earl Powis, and the Rev. Isaac Frowd, the rector of
Shrawardine, in 1832. It is expected ere long that the unsightly tower,
which is of wood, will be taken down, and one of stone, of a more
ornamental character, added in its place. There are several neat tablets
in the chancel to the Newlings, and others; and a brass memorial
remembers Martha Botevyle. It also contains an antique old font. The
living is a rectory, valued in the King’s book at £9. 12s. 6d.; now
returned at £380; in the patronage of Earl Powis, and incumbency of the
Rev. George Arthur dive, M.A.; curate, Rev. John Norgreave Baker. The
following account of Shrawardine is copied from an old parish register
book, now in the possession of the curate:—“In the time of our unnatural
broil and unhappy wars that were between the king and his parliament,
Shrawardine Castle was made a garrison for the king, September 28th,
1644. Sir William Vaughan, colonel, was made governor of it. This
garrison was the head quarters of all his forces. Whilst this garrison
continued the church and chancel were pulled down; the outbuildings of
the castle, the parsonage house, with all edifices thereto belonging, and
the greatest, fairest, and best part of the town were burnt, for the
safety, as it was pretended, of the garrison. In this firing, the
register book, with many books of the minister, were burned. Shrawardine
chancel was thrown down on St. Matthias’ day, February 24th, 1644. The
church was pulled down on Whit Sunday eve, June 8th, 1645. The town was
burnt on Midsummer eve and Midsummer day, 1645. The garrison was
cowardly surrendered up to the parliament forces under the command of
Colonel Hunt, Colonel Lloyd, and Mr. Charlton, after five days’ siege;
and within less than a fortnight after all the timber of the castle, and
much goods that were in it, were all consumed with fire, upon a sudden
report that Sir William Vaughan was coming to surprise it. Afterwards
the stone work was pulled down, and carried to Shrewsbury for the
repairing of the castle there, and the making of Rousal wall, standing on
the Severn side. The church was re-built by a voluntary collection
through the county, in the year 1649. In the meanwhile the parishioners
assembled for the worship of God in the castle stables.” The chancel of
the church was rebuilt in 1722. Oliver Cromwell, shortly after the
castle was taken, ordered its destruction, at which period he dismantled
and destroyed a great number of the ancient baronial fortresses. The
castle stood near to the church; the remains of it consist of mere
fragments of mortar and rough stones. It was anciently the seat of the
Fitz Alans, and subsequently of the Bromleys. It is now the property of
Earl Powis, who is also a considerable owner of land in this district.
THE HALL FARM HOUSE is an ancient structure, occupied by Mr. James Crane.
The farm premises have been newly erected, upon a commodious and
conveniently arranged plan. SHRAWARDINE CASTLE is a modern building of
red freestone, and being situated on elevated ground, commands a most
delightful and picturesque view of the adjacent country. There is a fine
sheet of water, covering several acres of land, in the vicinity of the
castle. The castle farm contains 506 acres. The farm premises are of
considerable extent, most admirably arranged, and furnished with all the
modern appliances for agricultural purposes. Thomas Bowen, Esq., is now
the occupant. _Joseph Jones_, by his will, bearing date 30th September,
1729, reciting that he had in his hands £30 belonging to the poor of
Shrawardine, which was intrusted to him by the family of Bromley, of Holt
Castle, to be put out to interest, and the amount yearly expended in
coals for the poor. Mr. Jones, to secure the legacy, charged certain
premises with the payment of 30s. per annum, and this amount is now paid
out of an estate which was subsequently given by Mr. Jones to the poor of
Atcham, subject to the above rent-charge.
Asterley John Nightingale, farmer
Baker Rev. John Norgreave
Bowen Thomas, farmer, The Castle
Bowen Even, farmer, Buckley
Bryne Edward, wheelwright
Crane James, farmer
Edwards John, parish clerk
Jones James, shopkeeper and shoemaker
Onions Mary, farmer
Plimley Henry, farmer
Price John, blacksmith
WELSH HAMPTON
is a parish and village in the Ellesmere division of the Pimhill hundred,
pleasantly situated three miles east from Ellesmere. This parish lies on
the northern verge of the county, adjoining Flintshire, in Wales. At the
census in 1801, there was a population of 373 souls, in 1831, 532; and in
1841 there were 118 inhabited houses, four uninhabited, and 569
inhabitants. The parish contains 2,970 acres of land, the soil of which
is various; in some places it is highly fertile, and in other parts of an
inferior quality. The principal landowners are the trustees of the late
Earl of Bridgewater, Charles K. Mainwaring, Esq., Mr. Samuel Reeves, Mr.
Richard Thomas, Mr. James Smith, Mr. Thomas James, Joshua Lewis Menlove,
Esq., Mr. Thomas Grindley, Mr. Richard Evans, Mr. William Hewes, Mr.
Thomas Williams, Mr. Thomas Baleman, Sir John Hanmer, Mr. Thomas
Speakman, Lord Kenyon, Mr. William Williams, Mr. William Cartwright, Mr.
John Price, and Mr. William Stant; besides whom there are several other
small proprietors. The living of the church is a perpetual curacy,
valued in the king’s book at £6, now returned at £139; in the patronage
of Charles K. Mainwaring, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. George S.
Master.
Lane Mary, schoolmistress, Hampton Wood
Lawrence Mr. Thomas, Hampton House
Master Rev. George Streyncham
Speakman Thomas, assistant overseer
Thomas John, parish clerk
Warwick Emma, schoolmistress
Windsor Mrs. Jane, Hampton Wood
Blacksmith.
Marth Clay, Hampton Wood
Boot and Shoemakers.
Dodd John
Harris Edward
Kynaston John
Ralphs Matthew
Sproston William
Stant William
Butcher.
Morgan Thomas
Carpenter and Joiner.
Hatton Thomas
Farmers.
Bowen John
Brigg John Bishop
Cooper John
Cook Mary
Downward Peter
Edge Joseph, The Roe
Grindley Mary
Harris John
Holbrook John
Hughes William
Jones John
Lewis Thomas
Lewis William
Oakley Edward
Pay John
Phillips Joseph
Price John
Speakman Thomas
Stant William
Williams Edward, The Fields
Woodall Mary
Grocers & Provision Dealers.
Davies John
Peate Edward
Inns and Taverns.
Red Lion, William Sproston
Royal Oak, Wm. Williams
Sun, Thomas Hatton
Maltsters.
Edge Joseph
Jones John
Stay Makers.
Hughes Jane
Lloyd Sarah Ann
Tailors.
Deakin Benjamin
Trevor Thomas
Wheelwrights.
Jones John
Lloyd William
Speake Thomas
THE NORTH BRADFORD HUNDRED.
The hundred of North Bradford is bounded on the north by Cheshire, on the
east by Staffordshire, on the west by the hundred of Pimhill and the
Albrighton division, and on the south by the hundred of South Bradford.
There is a considerable extent of land in this hundred which is highly
fertile, and the cheese, which is extensively made, is said to be quite
equal in quality to the celebrated Cheshire cheese in the adjoining
county. The soils are various. The meadow lands in general produce a
rich herbage, and the arable lands are seen covered with luxuriant crops
of grain. The scenery is rich and beautiful, and in some places highly
picturesque. The land in most parts is pleasingly diversified with
gentle undulations, and in some places there are considerable
inequalities of surface and bold swells, interspersed with rising
plantations and woody scenery, which add to the beauty of the prospects.
In this hundred is found superior clay for making bricks, marl for
improving the land, and peat or turf for firing. The hundred is divided
into the Drayton Division, Wem Division, and Whitchurch Division, and at
the census of 1841 contained 5,428 inhabited houses, 204 uninhabited, and
26 houses building, with a population of 27,971 souls.
_The Drayton Division_ contains the parishes and townships of Adderley,
Bearstone, Betton, Betchley, Bolas Little, Cheswardine, Chipnall, Childs
Ercall, Drayton Magna, Drayton Parva, Dorrington, Eaton, Goldstone,
Gravenhanger, Hinstock, Hodnet (part of), Hawkstone, Hopton, Kenstone,
Longslow, Losford, Longford, Marchamley, The Morrey, Moreton Say,
Norton-in-Hales, Ollerton, Peplow, Sambrook (part of), Sowdley, Spoonley,
Sutton, Styche and Woodlands, Stoke-upon-Tern, Woodseaves, Wollerton,
Westanswick, and Woore.
_The Wem Division_ contains the parishes and townships of Acton Reynold,
Aston, Besford, Cotton, Edgbolton, Edstaston, Horton, Lacon, Lowe and
Ditches, Moreton Corbet, Muckleton, Newtown, Northwood, Preston
Brockhurst, Shawbury, Sleap (part of), Soulton, Tilley and Trench,
Weston-under-Redcastle, Wem, Wolverley, Wytheford Magna, and Wytheford
Parva.
_The Whitchurch Division_ contains Alkington, Ash Magna, Ash Parva, Black
Park, Broughall, Booley, Calverhall or Corra, Chinnell, Darliston,
Dodington, Edgeley, Fauls, Harcourt, High Hatton, Hinton, Hollyhurst,
Ightfield, Lee Brockhurst, Mickley, Millenheath, Moston, Prees, Tilstock,
Sandford, Steel, Stanton-upon-Hine-Heath, Whitchurch, Whixall, Willaston,
Woodhouses New, and Woodhouses Old.
ADDERLEY
is a parish and small rural village, four miles N.N.W. from Market
Drayton, which contains 3,938A. 2R. 38P. of land, and comprehends the
townships of Adderley, The Morrey, Spoonley, and part of Shavington. In
1801 there were 365 inhabitants in the parish; in 1831, 468; and in 1841,
64 houses and 404 inhabitants. The township of Adderley, in 1841,
contained 48 houses and 297 inhabitants. Rateable value, £3,096. 10s.
Though now an inconsiderable village, it was in early times of sufficient
importance to become a market town. In the 9th of Edward II.,
Bartholomew Badlesmere had a charter for keeping a market on a Thursday,
at his manor of Adderley, and a fair on the eve, and the day and the
morrow after the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, with the privilege of
free warren. The manor and estate were afterwards carried in marriage to
William Lord Roos, who died in the Holy Land, without issue. Thomas Lord
Roos died on his journey thither. John Lord Roos died on his journey to
Jerusalem. His son, Thomas Lord Roos, for his fidelity to the
Lancasterian interest, was attainted in the parliament 1st of Edward IV.,
and the manor was seized by the king. Richard Corbet, Esq., and the Earl
of Kilmorey are the principal landowners. THE CHURCH is a neat
structure, dedicated to St. Peter, and consists of nave, chancel,
transept, and side chapel. The tower is dated 1732, and the body of the
church was rebuilt in 1801. On the north side is the Kilmorey chapel and
family vault, the windows of which are ornamented with armorial bearings
in stained glass. There are several neat tablets in memory of this
family, one of which contains the following inscription:—
Sacred to the memories of
Robert Viscount Kilmorey and Frances Viscountess Kilmorey,
daughter of Sir Robert Salusbury Cotton, Bart., of Combermere Abbey.
Their conjugal felicity, during an union of twenty-seven years,
knew no interruption, felt no decline.
The blow which severed them on earth
was mercifully healed by an early reunion in heaven;
and their mortal remains were together consigned
to the vault beneath, on the 7th day of December,
A.D. M,DCCCXVIII.
There is also a brass plate, with representations of one of the Earls of
Kilmorey, his lady, and the figures of seven boys and two girls, in fine
preservation, dated 1556; near to which is another brass plate, with the
mutilated figure of a person in priestly vestments. The church-yard is
ornamented with several fine yew trees, and the ancient font has been
placed in the church-yard, and converted into a sun dial. The living is
a rectory, in the patronage of the Cotton family, and incumbency of the
Rev. William Cotton. The Rev. Leonard Slater is the officiating curate,
and resides at the Rectory; a good residence, a little north from the
church. ADDERLEY HALL, a handsome stuccoed mansion, with centre and
wings, is approached by a noble portico, and is the seat and property of
Richard Corbet, Esq. It is beautified with pleasure grounds and
shrubberies, and stands in a well wooded park, ornamented with a fine
sheet of water.
CHARITIES.—_The Rev. Robert Adams_, in 1719, devised certain lands, in
trust, for charitable uses, which then produced a yearly income of £13.
12s. per annum. The donor directed £8 to be paid by the rector, vicar,
and churchwardens of Muccleston, Adderley, and Drayton, alternately, on
the 25th of March every year, for the setting a poor boy or girl yearly
apprentice; the yearly sum of 30s. to be paid for the instruction of
children in Adderley; the same sum for the like purpose in Muccleston;
and the sum of 52s. to be expended in bread, and distributed to the poor
who should attend divine service in the parish of Adderley. The estate
now produces a yearly income of £35. 12s.; and the whole of the clear
rents, since 1815, have been applied to the charitable uses mentioned in
the will. The same person also bequeathed £20, to be placed out at
interest, and distributed among the poor of the parish of Adderley.
There is no evidence to show how this legacy has been applied.
_Thomas Reynolds_, in 1725, devised a messuage at Walkerton, near
Wybunbury, in Cheshire, to apply one moiety of the rents and profits
thereof, for the benefit of the poor of Adderley; and the other moiety
among the poor of Dodcot-cum-Wilksley, in the parish of Audlem. The
premises at Walkerton were subsequently sold for £1,050; and in 1814 the
amount was placed in the hands of Sir Corbet Corbet, on the security of a
messuage in Staffordshire-street, Market Drayton, and certain lands
situated in Betton-lane, subject to redemption on the payment of £1,050,
and lawful interest for the same. The yearly sum of £42 is now received
from the trustees, under the will of Sir Corbet Corbet, by the
churchwardens of Adderley, and one half is transmitted to the overseers
of Dodcott-cum-Wilksley; and the other moiety is distributed among the
poor of this parish, in sums varying from 5s. to 10s.
_Thomas Viscount Kilmorey_, by will, 1766, charged his whole estate with
the payment of £1 per month, to be laid out in bread, and distributed
among the poor every first Sunday in the month, in the parish church of
Adderley.
_Thomas Clayton_, in 1760, left £100, and directed the interest to be
expended in bread for the benefit of the poor. This money was invested
in the purchase of £131. 7s. 3d. three per cent. consols, and the
dividends, amounting to £3. 18s. 8d., are applied by the churchwardens in
the purchase of bread, which is distributed every third Sunday in the
month amongst seven poor widows.
Corbet Richard, Esq., Adderley Hall
Burgwin William, gardener, The Hall
Burrows Hester Maria, boarding school
Campell Archibald, farm bailiff, The Hall
Duckers John, farmer, The Lees
Groucott John, farmer
Hudson Thomas Heath, farmer
Kemp John, farmer, Pool farm
Lee Robert, shoemaker and parish clerk
Lowe John, shoemaker
Malem Thomas, farmer
Massey William, victualler, The Raven Inn
Moore George, shopkeeper and blacksmith
Moore John, farmer, Adderley Lodge
Moore Thomas, farmer
Pearce Richard, farmer
Roberts John, lime burner; Ellis Wynne, agent
Simons John, blacksmith
Slater Rev. Leonard, B.A., The Rectory
SPOONLEY,
a small township two miles N. from Market Drayton, at the census of 1841
contained 12 houses and 82 inhabitants, the acres of which are included
in the return of Adderley. Rateable value, £1,421. 1s. Richard Corbet,
Esq., is owner of the whole township, and lord of the manor. The poor of
this township participate in the benefit of the charities noticed with
Adderley. The principal residents are John Hudson, farmer, Castle Hill;
William Lewis, farmer; Thomas Mulliner, farmer; and Richard Swan, farmer.
SHAVINGTON, OR THE MORREY,
is a township four miles N.W. from Market Drayton, partly in this county
and partly in that of Cheshire, situated on the northern verge of
Shropshire. In 1841 there were three houses and 25 inhabitants returned
as within the bounds of this county, and in the parish of Adderley.
Rateable value £1,541. 9s.; the acres are given with the parish. The
Earl of Kilmorey is owner of the land, and lord of the manor, and
occasionally resides at SHAVINGTON HALL—a spacious and elegant mansion of
brick, surrounded with a park richly wooded, and beautifully adorned with
sylvan beauty, comprising upwards of fifteen hundred acres. The noble
owner enlarged the park, and began to enclose the whole with a brick wall
several years ago—upwards of five miles of the wall has already been
built; the park is about seven miles in circumference.
DIRECTORY.—The Earl of Kilmorey, Shavington Hall; John Gregory, Esq.,
steward, Shavington Hall; James Lunt, farmer, The Morrey; and Richard
Vernon, farmer, The Morrey.
CHESWARDINE
is a parish and village delightfully situated near the N.E. verge of the
county, four miles S.S.E. from Market Drayton. The parish comprehends
the townships of Cheswardine, Chipnall, Goldstone, Sambrook, and Sowdley,
and contains 5,723A. 3R. 4P. of land. In 1801 there was a population of
628 souls; 1830, 1051, and in 1841, 1015. The township of Cheswardine
contains 1,715A. 3R. 10P. of land, and in 1841 had 71 houses and 367
inhabitants. Rateable value, £2,989. 10s. 9d. In the time of King Henry
II. Cheswardine was held by John L’Estrange by knight’s service, and in
the 32nd of Edward I. Roger L’Estrange had the grant of a market to be
held on a Monday, and a fair on the eve, the day, and the day after the
translation of St. Swithin. Sir John Mainwaring, knight, was keeper of
the park of Cheswarthyn in the 13th of Edward IV. The church is an
ancient structure, dedicated to St. Swithin, and consists of nave,
chancel, and side aisles, with a tower, in which are six musical bells,
which were put up, and also a new clock, about two years ago; from the
summit of the tower a most extensive and beautiful prospect of the
country is seen. The clock and the bells were purchased with money
raised by voluntary subscriptions, and the gallery on the west side of
the church was erected at the joint expense of John Butter, of Sowdley
Park; William Butter, of Chipnall, and Richard Meeson, of Little Sowdley.
There is a mural tablet in memory of the Rev. Samuel Orpe, who was vicar
of this parish for 56 years; he died in 1724, aged 86 years. A small
memorial of brass remembers Gabriel Lloyd, who died in the year 1623, and
another brass plate states that Richard Jervis died in the year 1688.
The living is a vicarage valued in the king’s book at £5. 6s. 8d., now
returned at £260, in the patronage of T. Smallwood, Esq.; the Rev.
Charles Miller is the officiating curate. This church was anciently held
by the abbot of Haughmond, having been given to the Abbey by John
L’Estrange in the time of Henry II. He also gave to the abbey the mill
at Cheswarthyn, with the appurtenances. Queen Elizabeth, in the 26th of
her reign, devised the tithes of the parish to Richard Corbet, Esq. On
the western verge of the parish there is an open common, covering an area
of about 100 acres. The Shropshire Union Canal intersects the parish,
taking its course through some deep cuttings about a mile west from the
church; on the banks of the canal there is a wharf called the Goldstone
Wharf. The National School for boys was built in 1838; there is also a
girl’s school, which was erected in 1738.
CHARITIES.—The girls’ school was originally built by Richard Smithiman,
and in 1738 it was rebuilt by the parishioners.
_Richard Meeson_, in 1712, left the yearly sum of £4, to be applied by
the ministers and churchwardens of the parish, as an additional salary to
the schoolmaster there, for instructing four poor boys in the English
tongue, for so many years as the minister and churchwardens should think
fit.
_John Sawdley_ left to the poor of this parish £100. The churchwardens
have been in possession of several closes at Foxbrook, in the parish of
Dilhorne, in Staffordshire, from the year 1721. Altogether there are
about ten acres, and it would appear from entries in the churchwarden’s
book, that this property was purchased with the legacy above mentioned,
but the purchase deeds are not now in the possession of the parishioners.
The land is let at a yearly rent of £12.
Several sums of money, amounting in the whole to £172, left at different
periods, and by various donors, were held by the churchwardens in trust
for the poor of the parish, previous to 1754; in that year the sum of
£155 was laid out in the purchase of an estate in the parish of Hinstock,
comprising between eight and nine acres, which now produces a yearly
income of £20. The rents of the above two charities are received by the
churchwardens, and the amount, with the produce of other charities, is
given away on the Friday before the first of July, and on St. Thomas’s
day, in wheat to the poor parishioners in quantities varying from two
gallons to a bushel.
_Richard Jervis_, by will, 24th July, 1688, gave to the poor of
Cheswardine parish £10, to be disposed of at the discretion of his
executors. The yearly sum of 10s. has been paid in respect of this
legacy. The last payment was made by Cresswell Pigott, Esq., as executor
of Henry Z. Jervis, who was the personal representative of the donor.
For two years previous to the Charity Commissioners publishing their
report nothing had been received, in consequence of a suit in the Court
of Chancery having been instituted respecting the estate of Mr. Jervis.
An affidavit was sworn by one of the churchwardens in support of a claim
to this legacy.
_Francis Butler_, by will, 1694, gave a rent charge of £2 10s. per annum
for the benefit of the poor of Cheswardine parish. The property from
which this gift is payable is situate in the township of Chipnall, and
was part of the estate of the late Henry Zachariah Jervis, whose property
became the subject of a suit in the Court of Chancery, as already
mentioned.
In the parliamentary returns of 1786 it is stated that Sarah Sambrook
left 2s. 2d. per month, to be given to the poor in bread. A distribution
of bread takes place on the first Sunday in every month, in respect of
this charity, and the amount, £1. 6s. per annum, is paid by the owner of
Sowdley Park farm, upon which the payment appears to be charged.
In the parish books in which the distribution of charities is entered
from 1721 to 1767, there is a memorandum stating that John Butter gave to
the poor of this parish three dozen of bread on Good Friday, in respect
of the legacy left by John Bold, of Great Sawdley. The last entry to
this effect is in 1760, and we have not met with any proof of bread
having been distributed on Good Friday since that time.
_William Goodall_, who died in 1808, left £10 to the poor of the parish,
and John Goodall, who died in 1826, left the like sum for the same
purpose; 20s., the interest of these legacies, are expended in bread and
given amongst the most deserving poor.
There is an estate in Sowdley, the rents of which have been applied from
time immemorial in aid of the church rate. The estate consists of two
closes called Denway Croft and Ames Field, and two other closes
containing altogether about eight acres and a half, which is let at a
yearly rental of £14. 14s. There are also two cottages, with gardens,
let by the overseers for the use of poor persons, at the yearly rental of
£3. The rents are applied in aid of the church rates, and in paying the
interest of £150 borrowed towards the erection of the new church.
POST OFFICE.—At Mr. Henry Bates.
Arkinstall William, tailor
Bate Edwin, butcher
Bate Henry, parish clerk and schoolmaster
Bayley Mr. Edward, surgeon, &c.
Beeston James, grocer and druggist
Beeston William, maltster & beerhouse keepr
Boffey Samuel, tailor
Challenor John, corn miller
Cooper George, shoemaker
Edge Samuel, beerhouse keeper & maltster
Goodall John, farmer
Green Samuel, draper and tea dealer
Hoole John, farmer
Hudson Thomas, Esq., Cheswardine Hill Hall
Hughes Theodore Alfred, plumber & glazier
Hurst Mr. John
James George, wheelwright
Lamford James, shoemaker
Lea James, shopkeeper
Marsh George, farmer
Miller Rev. Charles, curate, The Vicarage
Nagginton James, farmer
Nicholas Abraham Barlow, shopkeeper
Pearce James, shoemaker
Pointer Edward, farmer
Ratcliffe Mr., farmer
Spender William, farmer, Haywood
Shropshire John, farmer and butcher
Shropshire William, tailor
Turnbull Mr. John, builder and victualler, Fox and Hounds
Wakefield Thomas, farmer
Walker Mr. John
Whilton Matthew, farmer, Haywood
Whittaker Henry, saddler
Wild John, farmer
Williams William, blacksmith
CHIPNALL, OR CHIPPENHALL,
is a township and village in the parish of Cheswardine, four miles N.E.
from Market Drayton. At the census of 1841 there were 30 houses and 70
inhabitants. The township contains 1,309A. 0R. 10P. of land, which is
the property of Thomas Hudson, Esq. Rateable value, £1,615. 15s. 11d.
The principal residents in Chipnall township are William Adams, farmer,
Lipley; Joseph Duckers, farmer, Chipnall Hall; James Goodall, farmer and
beerhouse keeper; John Moreton, farmer, Lipley; Matthew Plant, farmer and
corn miller; John Taylor, blacksmith; Thomas Birbeck Wakefield, farmer,
Lipley; Henry Yates, farmer.
ELLERTON
township is situated three miles from Cheswardine church, and contains
448A. 2R. 0P. of land, the whole of which is the property of Robert
Masefield, Esq. At the census in 1841 there was no separate return for
Ellerton as a distinct township, but the inhabitants were included in the
returns for Cheswardine. ELLERTON HALL, a handsome modern mansion, the
residence of Robert Masefield, Esq., was built in 1836, on the site of an
ancient house composed of timber and plaster. The hall is delightfully
situated on an acclivity near the verge of the county, and commands a
beautiful prospect of great extent over the counties of Salop and
Stafford. The county is here separated from Staffordshire by a small
stream, which meanders in the front of the hall. Not far from the hall
is a fine sheet of water, which covers upwards of six acres, near to
which is a corn mill. Rateable value of the township, £732. 4s. 1d.
The residents are Robert Masefield, Esq., Ellerton Hall, John Challenor,
farmer and corn miller; and William Challenor, farmer.
GOLDSTON
is a township and small village pleasantly situated on the declivity of a
hill about a mile and a half west by south from Cheswardine church. The
township contains 452A. 1R. 16P. of land, and at the census of 1841 there
were 14 houses and 75 inhabitants. Rateable value, £598. 1s. 6d. There
are only three farms in this township, two of which are the property of
William Vardon, Esq., and the other is possessed by Mrs. Charlotte
Masefield. GOLDSTON HALL is a neat brick house, the occasional residence
of William Vardon, Esq. Near to the hall is an antique house, chiefly
composed of timber and plaster, which was most probably erected about the
middle of the fifteenth century; it is now the residence of Mr. Alfred
Holden, farmer. On the banks of the Shropshire union canal, which passes
about half a mile from the village, there is a wharf where coal is sold,
called the Goldston wharf.
The resident farmers in this township are Thomas Beeston, Alfred Holden,
and Ann Lea; William Vardon, Esq., The Hall; Thomas Finn, gardener to W.
Vardon, Esq.
SAMBROOK
is a small rural village, partly in the parish of Cheswardine, and partly
in that of Chetwynd, three and a half miles south from Cheswardine, and
three miles north from Chetwynd church. At the census of 1841 there were
22 houses and 96 inhabitants in the former parish, and 15 houses and 80
inhabitants in the latter. John Charles Burton Boroughs, Esq., is the
principal landowner; Dr. Swanwick is also a proprietor. A small chapel
of ease was erected here in the year 1839. The turnpike road from
Newport to Market Drayton intersects the township; and at Stamford Bridge
there is a respectable inn, kept by Mr. Cordwell.
DIRECTORY.—Thomas Beddall, mason; John Cordwell, timber merchant, Oak
Cottage; Thomas Cordwell, timber merchant and vict., Talbot Inn, Stamford
Bridge; Thomas Dix, blacksmith; Joseph Goodwin, blacksmith and beerhouse
keeper; William Jones, farmer; Joseph Lockley, wheelwright; Miss Stanley,
The Cottage; George Stokes, farmer; Joseph Wainwright, farmer.
SOWDLEY GREAT
is a township and scattered village in the parish of Cheswardine,
situated about three quarters of a mile south-east from the church. The
township contains 1,497A. 3R. 22P. of land, and in 1841 there were 75
houses and 333 inhabitants. Rateable value, £2,280. 3s. 8d. The
principal landowners are Robert Masefield, Esq.; Thomas Addison, Esq.;
George Addison, Esq.; Mr. Thomas Buckley; Mr. William Buckley; Mr.
William Manley; Mr. Stanley; and Mr. William Brian. THE WESLEYAN
METHODISTS have a small chapel in Great Sowdley, built in the year 1837,
on land given by Mr. John Butterton. The poor of the several townships
in this parish participate in the general charities noticed with the
township of Cheswardine.
Allen Sarah, farmer
Arkinstall Henry, farmer
Ashley John, farmer, Little Sowdley
Beeston Joseph, tailor
Benbow James, farmer, Sowdley park
Brian William, farmer
Buckley Thomas, shopkeeper
Hamner George, farmer
Hayward John, carpenter, wheelwright, and beerhouse keeper, Hopshort
Hazledine Thomas, farmer, Sowdley park
Hughes James, shoemaker, Hopshort
Jackson Thomas, farmer
Lea John, farmer
Lee Philip, farmer, Little Sowdley
Pointon George, farmer
Robinson William, beerhouse
Simkin Thomas, farmer, Little Sowdley
Stanley Henry, farmer, Hanwood House
Swinnerton William, blacksmith and farmer
Walton John, farmer
Whittall John, schoolmaster
Worrall John, farmer
Worrall William, brickmaker
DRAYTON-IN-HALES, OR MARKET DRAYTON,
is a parish and considerable market town, in the Drayton division of the
North Bradford Hundred, 153 miles N.W. by N. from London, 19 miles N.E.
by N. from Shrewsbury, 11 miles N. from Newport, and 12 miles S.E. from
Whitchurch. The town is pleasantly situated on the north-east extremity
of the county, and is watered by the river Tern. It is a place of great
antiquity; and, according to Nennius, was one of the principal cities of
the ancient Britons. From the discovery of foundations, and other traces
of buildings in the fields adjoining the town, it is probable that its
extent was once more considerable than at present; and though no coins,
pavements, or other monuments of antiquity have been discovered here, it
is nevertheless strongly conjectured that this town was the Roman
Station, MEDIOLANUM. It is still a place of importance, and the head of
a division of the county, in which the petty sessions are held. It
contains several good inns, and many respectable shops in all the
different branches of the retail trade. There are three firms engaged in
the manufacture of hair seating, which together employ about two hundred
operatives. The manufacture of paper was formerly carried on to some
extent, but was discontinued about five years ago. Here is a tannery,
ironfoundery, and agricultural implements are extensively made. The
various handicraft trades, in which a considerable number of the
population are employed, will be seen on reference to the directory. The
general traffic of this locality is facilitated by the Birmingham and
Liverpool Junction Canal, which passes on the eastern side of the town.
Drayton is twice mentioned in the Domesday survey, and it was then held
by knights’ service under Earl Roger. In the 30th of Henry III. the
Abbot of Combermere had a grant of a market here on a Wednesday, and a
fair on the eve, the day, and the day after the Nativity of the Blessed
Virgin Mary. The market is still held on Wednesdays, and numerously
attended by the farmers who reside in the surrounding district, when
considerable quantities of grain are sold. Fairs are held on the first
Wednesday in February, Wednesday before Palm Sunday, first Wednesday in
May, Wednesday before June 22nd, first Wednesday in August, September
19th, October 24th, and the last Wednesday in November. The parish
comprehends the townships of Betton, Drayton Magna, Drayton Parva,
Longslow, Sutton and Woodseaves, in this county; it also extends into the
Pirehill hundred, in the county of Stafford, and is divided into four
quarters for parochial purposes, viz.:—Church quarter, containing Drayton
Magna and Drayton Parva; the north quarter, containing Betton,
Ridgewardine, and Tunstall; south quarter, Longslow, Sutton, and
Woodseaves; and Tirley quarter, containing Almington, Blore, Hales, and
Tirley. The entire parish, in 1801, contained a population of 3,162
souls; 1831, 3,882; and in 1841, 4,680 souls. It embraces 7,726A. 3R.
11P. of land. The township of DRAYTON MAGNA contains 678A. 2R. 35P. of
land, and at the census of 1841 had 361 houses and 1,699 inhabitants.
The principal landowners are Richard Corbet, Esq., P. Sillitoe, Esq., the
Earl of Powis, William Church Norcop, Esq., Thomas Whitfield, Esq., and
John E. Wilson, Esq. The former is lord of the manor, and impropriator
of the rectoral tithes, which are commuted for £51. 5s. 9d. The vicarial
tithes are commuted for £40. 19s. 9d. DRAYTON PARVA is a populous
district, forming a western suburb to the town, chiefly consisting of
cottage residences, many of which are small, ill-ventilated, and have a
miserable appearance. At the census of 1841 there were 352 houses and
1,462 inhabitants. The township contains 520A. 2R. 32P. of land. Among
the principal landowners are Thomas Whitfield, Esq., and Mr.
Brocklehurst. Richard Corbet, Esq., and Peter Broughton, Esq., are joint
lords of the manor. Mr. Benjamin Beeston, Mr. William Godwin, and Mr.
Samuel Swinnerton, are also landowners; besides whom there are upwards of
one hundred and fifty small freeholders. Little Drayton Common,
containing 97A. 0R. 36P., was enclosed in 1850, when five acres were
allotted for the site of the new church, the parsonage, and the burial
ground. The rectoral tithes have been commuted for £54. 19s. 7d., and
the vicarial for £21. 13s. 1d.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, is a massive structure, void of
architectural beauty, consisting of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with
a castellated tower, supported by butresses. It was built in the reign
of King Stephen, and underwent a complete reparation in 1786, when it was
stripped of its gothic honours. But little of the original structure
remains; the pillars and arches which separate the nave from the side
aisles are undoubtedly the most ancient part of the building. The
approach is at the west end, under a tower, by a Norman doorway,
ornamented in the zig-zag style; the ornaments and clustered pillars are,
however, much corroded by time. The tower, with the exception of a small
portion at the bottom, appears to have been wholly rebuilt. On a beam in
the belfry there is the date 1590, but there is no historical record to
show that the tower was rebuilt in that year. There are six musical
bells; the tenor bell, weighing 17½ cwt., was added about five years ago.
The interior is spacious and lofty, and provided with commodious
galleries. Upon the gallery at the west end is a small organ. Each side
aisle is divided from the nave by five pointed arches rising from
octagonal pillars, the ornamental portions of which have been defaced.
In the centre aisle is a capacious font, of an octagonal form. The east
window is richly beautified with stained glass, which was added about
twenty-five years ago, at the expense of Sir Andrew Corbet. An antique
tablet remembers Dame Anne Corbet, who died in 1682, aged 80 years. “She
was the mother of ten sons and ten daughters, whereof seventeen lived to
be men and women.” The walls of the chancel and side aisles are
ornamented with numerous other tablets in memory of members of some of
the principal families resident in this neighbourhood, but which our
limits will not allow us to notice; several of modern erection are very
beautifully designed. There was a chantery in this church, founded by
Ralph de Basset in the 14th of Edward I., for three chaplains, who had
three acres of land here. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king’s
book at £12. 10s. 7½d., now returned at £173, in the patronage of Richard
Corbet, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. James Lee, M.A. THE VICARAGE, a
neat residence a little west from the church, was erected in 1837, at a
cost of £1,000, by the present incumbent. The old vicarage stood near
the west end of the church, and was taken down when the present edifice
was built. The site and the garden, measuring about half an acre, were
sold by the vicar to the parishioners for the sum of £400, and were added
to the church-yard. The church stands considerably elevated, and is a
conspicuous and imposing object when seen from the Newport road, the
southern approach to the town. The church-yard commands a fine prospect
towards the south. Immediately before you is an abrupt declevity, with
cottages nestling under the cliff; the meanderings of the Tern water the
fertile meadows beneath; and on the opposite acclivity is seen the
beautiful seat of Purney Sillitoe, Esq., embosomed in thriving
plantations with a fine extent of richly-wooded country extending into
Staffordshire.
THE NEW CHURCH, situated on Little Drayton Common, is dedicated to our
Saviour, and was built in 1846. It is a neat structure, in the early
English style of architecture, with nave, chancel, and side aisles, with
a tower at the north-west corner. The interior has a chaste and pleasing
appearance, and will accommodate about six hundred worshippers. The
sittings are uniform in character, and are all free, with the exception
of forty. The total cost of the structure was £2,600, of which Mrs.
Nonelly gave the munificent sum of £500, and a like sum towards the
erection of a residence for the minister. The parsonage stands a little
south from the church, and was built in 1847, on the five acres of land
given for the site of the church and parsonage. About an acre and a half
has been enclosed for a burial ground, and the rest is appropriated as
gardens and pleasure grounds to the parsonage. The living is a perpetual
curacy, in the patronage of the Vicar of Drayton; incumbent, Rev. Edward
Cheere, M.A. The district of this church comprises Little Drayton, the
township of Sutton, and part of Woodseaves.
THE INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, a plain brick structure, situated in Back-lane,
was built in the year 1778. It is neatly fitted up and provided with
galleries. The congregation had no settled pastor when our agent visited
Drayton.
THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHAPEL, situated in Shropshire-street, within the
bounds of the township of Little Drayton, was built in the year 1808.
The structure is plain, is provided with a gallery, and will accommodate
between four and five hundred people.
THE BAPTIST CHAPEL, a small structure, situate at Little Drayton, has a
residence attached. There is no baptist minister residing here, but
members of this persuasion meet for worship every alternate Sunday.
THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a small chapel, situated a little back from
Cheshire-street. This is the only place of worship in the town,—too
small for the number of hearers who attend religious service. It is
expected a new chapel will shortly be built.
THE FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL, situated on the south-east side of the church
yard, was founded by Sir Rowland Hill, in 1554, who charged the manor at
Wellington Hey, with the lands thereto belonging, with the payment of £22
per annum, for the support of the said school. The churchwardens of the
parish were incorporated governors of the school, and were directed to
pay twenty marks yearly out of the above sum to the master, to the usher
£6. 13s. 4d., and the yearly sum of 40s. residue thereof should be kept
as a fund for the reparations of the school. The governors covenanted
for themselves and their successors that the hall or tenement on the
south side of the church yard at Drayton, commonly called St. Mary’s
Hall, wherein a grammar school was then kept, or such other house as
should be thereafter erected on the site, should be for ever used for the
said grammar school. The school was to be free for all children whose
parents should place them there for learning to read English, the Latin,
Greek, and Hebrew languages, and that neither the master nor the usher
should agree for any recompense for such instruction. Sir Thomas Lake,
in 1662, gave a rent charge issuing out of certain lands in the parish of
Baschurch, amounting to £9. 19s. per annum, £6. 12s. 8d. thereof to the
schoolmaster, and £3. 6s. 4d. to the usher. By an order in the Court of
Chancery made 22nd January, 1816, on a petition presented by the
governors it was ordered that the offices of master and usher should be
consolidated, and that the office of usher should be abolished. That the
governors should be at liberty to expend a sum not exceeding £191 in
repairing the school house and other buildings belonging to the school;
and that such sum should be raised by a mortgage of the said premises.
That the governors should let the house then occupied by the usher. That
a salary of £25 should be paid to the master, and that the residue of the
annual revenues of the school should be applied in discharge of the
principal money to be borrowed for the said repairs, and of the necessary
repairs that might from time to time be wanted. The income of the school
consists of the two rent charges above mentioned, and £7 per annum
arising from the rent of the house formerly occupied by the usher. Out
of the income amounting to £38 19s. there is paid a salary of £25 to the
master, £9. 2s. as interest on the £182 laid out in the repairs of the
school premises, and some small sums annually for repairs and incidental
expenses. The Rev. Charles Cooke, M.A., is the master.
THE PAROCHIAL AND NATIONAL SCHOOL is a neat brick structure in the
Elizabethan style of architecture, situated on a bold eminence a short
distance west from the church. It was built in the year 1835, and is
supported by annual subscriptions, and small weekly payments received
from the children. There are one hundred and sixty boys and one hundred
and thirty girls now educated in the school. William Scott is the
teacher.
THE MARKET DRAYTON POOR-LAW UNION comprehends twelve parishes, embracing
61,637 acres of land, and an area of 91 square miles, with a population
returned at the census of 1841 of 13,925 souls. The Union House,
situated in Shropshire-street, was formerly used as the parish workhouse;
it was enlarged by the poor-law guardians in the year 1839; the average
number of inmates is usually about one hundred. A new Union House will
shortly be built upon Little Drayton Common, which will accommodate about
350 inmates. The district comprised within the union is the same as that
of the county court, the several places of which are stated here
below:—_Chairman of the Guardians_: Thomas Twemlow, Esq. _Vice
Chairman_: Walter Minor, Esq. _Clerks_: Messrs. Wilkinsons. _Chaplain_:
Rev. Robert Upton. _Surgeons_: William W. Saxton, Market Drayton
district; John Hopkins, Moreton Say district; John Walmsley, Hodnet
district; Edward Bayley, Cheswardine district; and Michael Ryan, Ashley
district. _Master_: William Crutchley. _Matron_: Mary Crutchley.
_Schoolmistress_: Martha Crutchley.
THE COUNTY COURT OFFICES, situated in Cheshire-street, is a neat
structure of brick with stone finishings, and was built in the year 1850,
at the expense of Joseph Loxdale Warren, Esq. The lower part of the
building is used as offices for the despatch of business connected with
the county court, and above is a large room capable of holding upwards of
400 people, which is used for magisterial purposes. The court embraces
within its jurisdiction the following townships and places,
viz.:—Adderley, Almington, Ashley, Aston, Bearston, Betchley, Betton,
Blore, Bolas Parva, Cheswardine, Childs Ercall, Chipnall, Dorrington,
Drayton Magna, Drayton Parva, Eaton, Ellerton, Goldstone, Gravenhanger,
Hales, Hinstock, Hodnet, Hopton and Espley, Howle, Hungary Hatton,
Kenstone and Hopley, Knighton, Langford, Longslow, Losford, Marchamley,
Moreton Say, Muckleston, Norton-in-Hales, Ollerton, Peplow, Pickstock,
Sambrook, Shavington, Sowdley, Spoonley, Stoke-upon-Tern, Stych and
Woodlands, Sutton, Tittenley, Wistanswick, Woodseaves, Woolerton, and
Woore. _Judge_: Uvedale Corbett, Esq. _Clerk_: Joseph Loxdale Warren,
Esq., The Lodge. _Bailiff_: Mr. William Darbyshire Green, Cheshire-st.
PETTY SESSIONS are held on the last Saturday in every month, in the
spacious room above the county court offices, when prisoners are
committed to Shrewsbury or Stafford, as the case may occur, in which
county the offence is committed, the magistrates having jurisdiction in
both counties.
THE POLICE OFFICE is situated in Cheshire-street nearly opposite the
county court office. It was built in 1850, and has two cells, where
prisoners are confined before committal by the magistrates. In which
case they are sent to Shrewsbury if the offence has been committed in
this county, and to Stafford if committed in Staffordshire. Attached to
the cells is a residence for the constable; William Hemming is the police
officer.
THE MARKET DRAYTON SOCIETY FOR THE ACQUIREMENT OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE was
established in September, 1850. The objects of the institution are to
extend to all classes aid for cultivating, and occasion for exercising
their mental powers; to afford to its members the powerful advantages and
incitement of association for prosecuting their several studies in the
various branches of useful knowledge, and to secure to them opportunity
for engaging in such pursuits as shall tend to their moral as well as
intellectual advancement. For these objects the society has taken
convenient premises situate in the beast market; classes for mutual
improvement have been formed, a library and news room have been
established, and it is intended to have lectures on natural and
experimental philosophy, and the fine arts, as occasion may occur; the
news room is furnished with the principal London and provincial journals
and the most popular periodicals of the day; and the library, although
only recently established, contains many valuable and standard works.
Persons are admitted to all the privileges of the institution on the
payment of 8s. per annum. An annual subscription of 21s. per annum
constitutes an honorary member, and any person giving the sum of £10.
10s., or books, or apparatus to that amount, or a course of not less than
ten lectures, is considered an honorary member for life. The honorary
members have the exclusive use of the reading room from nine o’clock in
the morning till six o’clock in the evening. The institution has the
patronage and active support of the principal gentry and clergy of the
town and neighbourhood. _Patrons_: Henry Bayley Clive, Esq., M.P.; John
Whitehall Dod, Esq., M.P. _President_: Thomas Twemlow, Esq.
_Treasurer_: W. M. Wilkinson, Esq. _Secretary_: Mr. William Crutchley.
A NEWS ROOM has been established by the gentry and tradesmen in the town,
at Mrs. Barnett’s, High-street. It is supported by subscriptions of 21s.
per annum.
THE GAS WORKS are situated in the outskirts of the southern side of the
town, near the river Tern; they were established by a company of
shareholders, who reside in Staffordshire, and the town is expected to be
lighted with gas during the autumn of the present year (1851).
PROVIDENT SOCIETIES.—There are in this town several societies or clubs,
the members of which pay small contributions to their respective funds,
from which they are relieved in case of sickness, infirmity, or
superannuation, and from which the friends of deceased members receive a
sufficient sum for their decent interment. Among these are the Market
Drayton Tradesmen Club, and the fraternities or sacred Orders of
Oddfellows, M.U.; Ancient Forresters, and Female Societies, &c.
THE GROVE is a handsome brick mansion, a quarter of a mile east from the
church, the residence and property of John E. Wilson, Esq.—SPRING FIELDS,
a good house a little west from the church, situated on elevated ground,
commands fine prospects of the country, and is the residence and property
of Thomas Whitfield, Esq.
Near this town, during the desolating wars between the houses of York and
Lancaster, a desperate conflict took place at BLORE HEATH, on the borders
of Staffordshire, which proved very disastrous to numbers of the Cheshire
gentry, and many of the principal families of the adjoining district.
The battle took place on the 23rd of September, 1459, when Richard
Neville, Earl of Salisbury, commanded the forces of the white rose, and
had an army of 5,000 men encamped on a hill near Market Drayton. He was
opposed by James Touchet, Lord Audley, on the part of the red rose, with
an army of 10,000. Though so disproportionate in numbers, the army of
Salisbury proved victorious: 2,400 men are said to have been slain in
this bloody conflict, together with their brave and loyal chief, who fell
by the hand of Robert Kynaston, Esq., of Hordley, a zealous partizan of
the house of York. In a field adjoining the turnpike road from Market
Drayton to Newcastle, a stone has been set up to mark the spot where Lord
Audley fell. What rendered the battle more calamitous was, that the
principal families ranged nearly in equal numbers on the side of each of
the contending parties. The old English poet, Michael Drayton, in his
“Polyalbion,” represents the conflict as partaking of the form of a duel,
in which one relative falls a sacrifice to the resentment of the other:—
“There Dutton Dutton kills; a Done doth kill a Done;
A Booth a Booth; and Leigh by Leigh is overthrown;
A Venables against a Venables doth stand,
A Troutbeck fighteth with a Troutbeck hand to hand;
There Molineux doth make a Molineux to die,
And Egerton the strength of Egerton doth try.
O Cheshire! wert thou mad of thine own native gore,
So much until this day thou never shedd’st before;
Above two thousand men upon the earth were thrown,
Of whom the greater part were naturally thine own.”
Thomas Whitfield, Esq., of Drayton, has in his possession the crest of
the Egertons, a sword handle, and a brass stirrup, richly ornamented and
in good preservation, which were found about thirty years ago on the
field of battle. During the struggles between Charles I. and the
parliament, a skirmish took place in the neighbourhood of Drayton,
between the King’s party, under the command of Prince Rupert, and the
parliamentary forces under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax, when the
royal cause gained a temporary success.
THE MARKET DRAYTON SAVINGS’ BANK, on November 20th, 1850, had a capital
stock of £29,004. 3s., invested with the commissioners for the reduction
of the national debt, at which period there were 866 separate accounts,
of which ten were charitable societies, with deposits amounting to £260.
12s. 1d.; and ten friendly societies, with deposits amounting to £1,706.
2s. 6d. Of the total number of deposits, there were 449 whose respective
balances did not exceed £20; 218 were above £20 and not exceeding £50;
109 above £50 and not exceeding £100; 36 above £100 and not exceeding
£150; and 29 between that sum and £200. John Moore is the secretary.
CHARITIES.—_Frances Hill_, in 1557, gave a rent charge of 29s. per annum,
out of premises in Castle Donnington, and directed 2s. to be paid yearly
to the vicar or priest of Drayton to say mass in the parish church, or
such divine service as should be lawful to be observed there; 8d. to the
parish clerk, and 16d. to the bell ringers; 2s. 8d. for two wax tapers;
8d. to her heirs for the trouble of payment; and the residue to be given
to the poorest inhabitants of Drayton. Out of this gift 2s. is paid to
the minister, 2s. to the clerk, and to the two churchwardens 8d. each,
and the remainder is distributed among the poor, in groats, on Trinity
Sunday.
_Elizabeth Wetenhall_, by her will, bearing date 19th December, 1693,
devised to Robert Clive and John Gardner, and their heirs, two parcels of
land at Drayton, called the Gallow Tree Field and the Clay Pits, which
then produced a rental of £6. 16s. per annum; also a yearly rent of £4,
issuing out a messuage and lands at Winstanwick; and a yearly rent of 8s.
4d. out of a farm at Childs Ercall. And she also bequeathed to the same
persons £60, to be laid out in the purchase of land, or a rent charge,
and out of the yearly proceeds, £4 to be paid in apprenticing one poor
boy of the parish of Drayton to some useful trade; 40s. to be equally
distributed among forty poor widows, or old decayed workmen of Drayton;
20s. to the vicar of the parish, provided he should preach a sermon on
St. Thomas’s day; £6. to be paid to Gabriel Wetenhall and George Dodd,
and their heirs and assignees; £4 for the purpose of putting forth a poor
boy of the parish of Audlem, in Cheshire, apprentice; and 40s. to be
distributed among forty of the poorest widows or decayed labourers of the
said parish. In 1811, an information was filed against Robert Farbeck
and Samuel Redshaw, as the representatives of the co-heiresses of Robert
Clive, the surviving trustee, and against Richard Grant, who acted as the
trustee of the charity by the attorney-general, at the relation of the
Rev. William Cotton and others. On the 21st of July, 1848, a new scheme
for the administration of the charity and distribution of the income
thereof, was made, and certain trustees appointed. In this scheme the
trustees are ordered, after paying any expenses incident to the
administration of the charity, to divide the income into thirteen parts,
and apply the same in the following manner, viz., four-thirteenths
thereof in apprenticing a poor boy of the parish of Drayton, selected by
the majority of the trustees; two-thirteenths to be distributed in money,
or laid out in the purchase of coals, blankets, provisions, or clothing,
at the discretion of the trustees, and distributed among forty poor
widows, and old decayed workmen of the parish of Drayton; one-thirteenth
to be paid to the vicar of Drayton, provided he shall have preached, or
cause to be preached, two sermons on St. Thomas’s day, in Drayton church;
four-thirteenths in apprenticing poor boys of the parish of Audlam, in
Cheshire; and the remaining two thirteenths to be distributed in money or
clothes, among forty poor widows or decayed labourers of the said parish
of Audlem. From certain technicalities not yet complied with by the
legal gentlemen, and which few can see the reasonableness of but a
lawyer, the charity yet remains in abeyance. The accumulations amount to
upwards of £1,400, out of which between £400 and £500 had been expended
in the prosecution of the suit up to December, 1850. The trustees
appointed for the administration of the charity by the attorney-general,
July, 1848, are the Rev. George Pitt; Richard Corbet, Esq.; Henry Clive,
Esq.; William Tayleur, Esq.; Thomas Twemlow, Esq.; William Wilkinson,
Esq.; and Richard Grant, Esq.
_John Wright_ left the yearly sum of 10s., to be given in bread on the
feast of St. John the Baptist, and the feast of St. John the Evangelist:
he also left the like sum yearly for the poor of Tyrley quarter. In
respect of this charity, 20s. per annum is received from certain premises
at Stoke-upon-Tern, which is applied according to the donor’s intentions.
_Lawrence Thompson_ left 20s. per annum to the poor of Drayton, to be
given on St. Lawrence’s day. _Ralph Kendrirk_ gave an annual sum of 20s.
to the poor, and _Mr. Cooke_, a yearly sum of 3s. 4d. These several sums
are carried to the poor’s account, and bread distributed to the amount on
New Year’s Day.
_The Rev. Richard Price_, by will 1730, devised certain lands and houses
in and near Drayton to the poor of Drayton and Hodnet; viz., £5 per
annum, for a distribution of bread every Lord’s-day, and the remainder
for the schooling of poor children of each place. The premises now held
by the parish officers of Drayton, as derived from the Rev. R. Price,
consist of a building in Little Drayton, formerly used as a poor house.
This building was probably erected upon the site of the five messuages
conveyed in trust by the Rev. R. Price; but it does not appear how the
parish of Drayton became entitled to the whole, as part was allotted to
the parish of Hodnet. The are also two pieces of land, called the Town
Field and Crab Tree Field, and a small plot of land in Longslow lane,
which produce a yearly rental altogether of £19. 11s. This sum is
carried to the general account, kept by the churchwardens, entitled the
Poors’ Account.
_John Bill_ left £240, the interest to be disposed of in the Shropshire
part of the parish. In 1781 the sum of £240 was lent to Thomas H.
Alcock, on his bond, but he subsequently failing, a dividend of £106 was
received from the bankrupt’s estate. In 1819 a sum of £190 was advanced
by the churchwardens for the repairs of the Grammar School, for which
interest was to be paid at the rate of five per cent. It is stated in a
memorandum, entered in the churchwardens’ book, that £118, part of this
money was left by Mr. Bill for the purpose of a charity school in Little
Drayton, and apprenticing poor children, at the discretion of the
churchwardens. Interest is now paid on £182 from the school funds, and
the amount is carried to the poors’ account; but it may be observed, that
in the application of those funds, only £4 is disposed of annually for
the education of poor children of Little Drayton, which sum falls short
of the income of Price’s charity before mentioned, which is also
applicable to this purpose, and nothing whatever is applied in binding
out apprentices.
It appears from a schedule of benefactions, that a great number of
legacies have been left for the benefit of the poor of this parish.
Among the donors is _Stephen Denstone_, who gave £100 in 1705, and
directed the yearly produce to be distributed among the poorest widows
and housekeepers of Great and Little Drayton. _Richard Heeley_ gave
£100, and directed half the interest to be expended in bread, and the
other half as the minister and churchwardens of Drayton should think fit.
_Margaret Blest_ gave £50, the interest to be distributed among fifty
poor housekeepers. Various other legacies, 36 in number, amounting in
the whole, with the above gifts, to £577. 13s. 4d., have been laid out at
different periods in the purchase of land, situate at Hinstock,
Ightfield, Drayton, and Cheswardine. The income derived from these
rents, with the interest on the money laid out on the school, amounting
altogether to £114. 11s., is carried to one account, with the produce of
other charities, entitled the “Poors’ Account;” and after defraying some
few incidental expenses, there is paid thereout the following sums:—£7 in
sums of 6d. each on St. Stephen’s day; £2. 10s. in small sums on St.
Margaret’s day; bread to the amount of 5s. for the poor of Tyrley; bread
to the amount of 19s. to the poor of Drayton on Easter Sunday; £4 to a
schoolmistress; 2s. worth of bread is given away every Sunday, amounting
to £5. 4s. per annum; and 5s. worth is given in addition on one Sunday in
every month, amounting to £3; making a total of £22. 18s. The residue of
these funds is applied principally in purchasing blankets and clothing,
which are given to poor persons of the parish who have met with accidents
or occasional distress, in sums of money, varying from 6d. to 5s. We
cannot but observe that the small sums given away on St. Stephen’s and
St. Margaret’s days, as applications are made to the churchwardens,
appear to be too small to be of any real benefit to the parties receiving
them.
_The Rev. Robert Adams_, in 1719, devised certain lands at Winnington
upon trust to pay £13. 12s. yearly (the then value thereof) as
follows:—£8 to the rector, vicar, and churchwardens of Muccleston,
Drayton, and Adderley, alternately, on the 25th of March, every year, for
putting forth a poor boy or girl apprentice; 30s. for the education of
poor children in Adderley, and a like sum for educational purposes at
Muccleston; and the sum of 52s. residue thereof to be expended in bread
for the poor of Adderley. The estate is now let for £35. 12s. per annum,
and the rents are applied to the charitable uses above mentioned.
_Clara Church_, by will 1753, bequeathed £150, and directed the
officiating minister to distribute 2s. weekly, except in the months of
June, July, and August, among poor people frequenting the church on
prayer days, and who should come into the church at the beginning, and
behave with decency during the time of divine service; to pay 16s. to the
minister for visiting poor sick people in the parish, and distribute the
residue of the interest among poor members of society visited with
sickness. It appears that the amount of Mrs. Church’s legacy was not
invested in the funds until December, 1823, when £174 was laid out in the
purchase of certain stock in the four per cent. annuities. In 1825 part
of the stock, and of another sum of £21. 4s., purchased with a legacy of
£20 left by J. Grosvenor, for an addition to the organist’s salary,
appear to have been improperly sold out, so as to leave £150 stock for
this charity, and £20 stock for the organist. The dividends of the £150
stock amount to £5. 5s. per annum; and during forty weeks in the year 2s.
are regularly distributed to the poor, and the sum of 16s. per annum is
paid to the vicar. The residue of the dividends is appropriated with the
proceeds of the church rate.
_Joseph Williams_, by will 1796, bequeathed to the minister and
churchwardens of Drayton £250, invested in the four per cent. consols, to
pay out of the yearly dividends the sum of 20s. to the minister of the
parish, for preaching a sermon on Midsummer day; 5s. each to twenty poor
widows or widowers, and twelve pennyworth of bread, on Midsummer day; to
the ringers, to ring from six to eight o’clock on the same day, 15s.; to
an eligible person for receiving the dividends and paying the same to the
parish officers, 10s.; to the clerk of the parish, for keeping an
inscription of his donations clean, 5s.; and 30s. to the overseers, for
distributing his donations. He also gave a further sum of £20 to have an
inscription placed in Drayton church, containing the above donations.
The dividends, amounting to £8. 15s. per annum, are received by the
churchwardens, and applied in the proportions directed by the testator.
_Mrs. Lawrence_ left £500 in the five per cents, to purchase coals to be
distributed to the poor inhabitants of the parish during the winter
season; and she left a further sum of £100, the interest thereof for the
Sunday school of the established church. In respect of the first legacy,
there is £525 new four per cents, the dividends of which, amounting to
£20 per annum, are received by the churchwardens, and laid out in coals,
which are sold to the poor at about 3d. per cwt. under the cost price;
and the produce of the sale is laid out in like manner, till the fund is
exhausted. The interest of the sum of £100 is applied for the benefit of
the Sunday school.
_Sophia Grosvenor_, in 1816 bequeathed £100, and directed the amount to
be invested in government security, and the dividends distributed among
the poor of Drayton. _Lucina Riddlesden_ bequeathed £100, and directed
the yearly proceeds to be applied in the purchase of warm stockings and
shoes, to be given among poor boys and girls who should attend the
National School. These two gifts, after deducting the legacy duty, were
invested in the purchase of £200 three and a half per cent. stock, which
now stands in the names of certain trustees, and of the dividends,
amounting to £7 per annum, £3. 10s. is divided among twenty-eight poor
old persons, men and women, belonging to the parish; the remaining £3.
10s. is laid out according to the donor’s intentions, in worm stockings
and shoes.
_Charles-Grooby_, by his will bearing date 6th October, 1810, gave to Sir
Corbet Corbet, the Rev. William Judgson, and the vicar and churchwardens
of Drayton, £1,200 three per cent. bank annuities, upon trust that they
should lay out the dividends on the 7th of May, yearly, being the birth
day of the testator, towards clothing six poor men and six poor women of
the parish of Drayton. The sum of £1,200 stock now stands in the names
of certain trustees, and the dividends, amounting to £36 per annum, are
received by the churchwardens, and they provide clothing to that amount,
which they divide among six poor men and twelve poor women of the parish
of Drayton.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. Richard Grant’s_, Beast Market. Letters arrive from
the Whitmore railway station at a quarter past four o’clock in the
morning, and are despatched at half-past nine in the evening.
Adams Richard, draper and silk mercer, (Adams and Powell) Shropshire
street
Adams & Powell, linen and woollen drapers, silk mercers and hatters,
Shropshire street
Allen John, tailor, Beast market
Andrews George, gentleman, Stafford street
Arkinstall Mr. John, The Sitch
Arkinstall the Misses, boarding school, Shropshire street
Arkinstall William, tailor, Shropshire street
Barker John, butcher, Beast market
Barnett John, vict., Wheat Sheaf, Old wharf
Barnett Lydia, spirit vaults, High street
Barnett Martha, vict., George Inn, Beast mrkt
Barratt Thomas, builder & timber merchant, Stafford street
Basford Joseph, gardener, Tinkers’ lane
Bate Mary, shopkeeper, Shropshire street
Beeston Mr. Benjamin, Summer hill
Bennion Thomas Platt, bookseller, printer, stationer, bookbinder,
circulating library, and depôt of Christian Knowledge Society, High
street
Bonell Samuel, pump maker, Stafford street
Boughey and Woodcock, bonnet makers, Church street
Boulton Henry, vict., Crown Inn, Stafford st
Bowker George, watch and clock maker, Cheshire street
Bradbury John, agricultural implement maker, and wheelwright, Longslow
lane
Bradbury John, boot & shoe mkr, Shropshire st
Bradbury Maria, bonnet maker, Shropshire st
Bradbury Walter, linen and woollen draper, silk mercer and hatter, High
street
Bradshaw John, cabinet maker, and provision dealer, Beast market
Brasnell Thomas, beerhouse keeper, Little Drayton
Bratton John, land agent, Beast market
Brayn Joseph, linen and woollen draper, silk mercer and hatter, High
street
Brayn Samuel, gentleman, Stafford street
Brookshaw Benjamin, blacksmith, and beerhouse keeper, Old Wharf
Brookshaw William, blacksmith, Beast markt
Brown Thomas, carpenter and beerhouse keeper, Cheshire street
Burd George, Esq., solicitor, Stafford street
Cartwright Martha, milliner, Shropshire st
Carver Hugh, cheesefactor, Shropshire street
Cash Philip, paper dealer, and trunk maker, Shropshire street
Cheere Rev. Edward, M.A., Parsonage, Little Drayton
Chritchley Cornelius, coach builder, Beast market
Cockayne Edward, coach and house painter, Stafford street
Cooke Rev. Charles, M.A., head master at Grammar School, Church yard side
Corfield Joseph, boot and shoe maker, Cheshire street
Craston Edward, hatter, and shoe warehouse, High street
Crutchley William, master of Union House, Shropshire street
Cutler Joseph, shopkeeper, Little Drayton
Dale Mary, butcher, Stafford street
Dale, Sarah, victualler, Elephant and Castle, Shropshire street
Davenport James, grocer, tea dealer, and tallow chandler, High street
Davies Richard, farmer and corn miller, Almington
Davies Thomas, hair dresser, Stafford street
Davies Thomas, shopkeeper, Stafford street
Deakin Peter, baker and confectioner, Shropshire street
Dickin Miss Rachael, Shropshire street
Done Robert, shoe maker, Stafford street
Drury Thomas, cooper, Shropshire street
Eaton George, schoolmaster, Shropshire st
Eaton William, tailor, Shropshire street
Edge Robert, timber merchant, wheelwright, and victualler, Stag’s Head,
Beast market
Elock Frances, boarding school, Stafford st
Embrey Thomas, grazier, Stafford street
Evans George, maltster and vict., Red Lion, Beast market
Farnell John, tailor, Bell lane
Farnell Zacharia, tailor, Cheshire street
Fell Robert, agent to Hazledine and Co., coal merchants, Old Wharf
Fielding Henry, patten and clog maker, Cheshire street
Frith Joseph, land agent, Stafford street
Fletcher Joseph, maltster, Cheshire street
Fletcher Elizabeth, beerhouse, Cheshire street
Foden James, victualler, Corbet Arms Hotel, Posting house, and Excise
office, High st
Fox James, plumber & glazier, Shropshire st
Frith John, hair dresser, Shropshire street
Gad Thomas, chair maker, Shropshire street
Godwin William, grocer, and chemist & druggist, Shropshire street, hair
seating manufacturer, and nurseryman, Kiln bank
Goodall George, maltster, Cheshire street
Goodall John, chemist and druggist, glass dealer, Stamp Office, and agent
to Salop Fire Office, Cheshire street
Gower Andrew Woodgate & Son, agricultural implement manufacturers,
Stafford street
Graham Robert, currier, Little Drayton
Grant Mr. Richard, postmaster, Beast markt
Green George, solicitor’s clerk, Terrace cottage
Green William Darbyshire, auctioneer, and high bailiff of County court,
Cheshire st
Grimley Henry, Esq., solicitor, Stafford street
Griffith Benjamin, brazier and tin plate worker, Beast market
Griffith Isaac, builder, cabinet maker, and registrar of marriages,
Stafford street
Griffith Thomas, cabinet maker and upholsterer, Cheshire street
Griffith William, hair dresser, Shropshire st
Groom Thomas, leather cutter and provision dealer, Stafford street
Grosvenor John, tailor, Shropshire street
Grosvenor Mary Ann, bonnet maker, Shropshire street
Grosvenor Robert, watch and clock maker, registrar of births and deaths,
and parish clerk, Church street
Hall Thomas, cooper and beerhouse keeper, Shropshire street
Harding Miss Sarah, Shropshire street
Harper George, shopkeeper and cabinet maker, Shropshire street
Harper William, farmer, corn miller, provision and british wine dealer,
High street
Haslam Joseph, hair seating manufacturer, Stafford street
Haslam Joseph N., surgeon, Shropshire street
Hawley William ap Richard, professor of music, Back lane
Hayward Charles, butcher, Shropshire street
Haywood Richard, hosier, Stafford street
Heatley Thomas, linen and woollen draper, silk mercer and hatter, High
street
Hemming William, police officer, Cheshire st
Herbert John, coal agent, Victoria Wharf
Hill Ann, vict., Royal Oak, Cheshire street
Hill Mrs. Ann, Church street
Hill Henry, saddler & harness maker, High st
Hill Robert, saddler & harness maker, High st
Hill Thomas, tanner and currier, Cheshire st
Hinton Robert, plumber, glazier, and beerhouse keeper, Shropshire street
Holdcroft Mrs. Susannah B., The Sitch
Horner, Captain John, Cheshire street
Hope Thomas, provision dealer, Shropshire st
Hopkins Eliza, milliner, Beast market
Hopkins John, surgeon, Shropshire street
Hopkinson James, shopkeeper, Cheshire st
Hopwood John, saddler and harness maker, Stafford street
Hughes Enoch, blacksmith, Bell lane
Hughes Maria, bonnet maker, Shropshire st
Jackson John, porter agent, Shropshire street
Jarvis Joseph, butcher, Cheshire street
Jones John, nail maker, Shropshire street
Jones John, hatter and provision dealer, Shropshire street
Jones Josiah, joiner and builder, Cheshire st
Jones Richard, shoemaker, Little Drayton
Jones Samuel, shoemaker, Bell lane
Jones William, shoemaker, Little Drayton
Key John Sayers, malster and vict., Star Inn, Stafford street
Kirkham William, vic., Old Cheshire Cheese, High street
Lee Rev. John, M.A., vicar, Vicarage
Leigh Emily and Fanny, dress makers, Cheshire street
Lewis George, provision dealer and currier, Little Drayton
Liseter John, letter carrier, Beast Market
Lloyd Edmund, linen and woollen draper, silk mercer and hatter,
Shropshire street
Lockett John, bookseller, printer, &c., (Silvester and Lockett), High
street
Lockett George, butcher, Cheshire street
_Manchester and Liverpool District Bank_, Shropshire street; open on
Wednesday; Samuel Walter Moore, manager
Massey Mary Ann, bonnet maker, Stafford st
Massie Thomas, grocer, tallow chandler, and hop dealer, Cheshire street
Matthews James, vict., Lamb Inn, Stafford st
Matthews Miles, farmer and veterinary surgeon, Cheshire street
Mc. Manus Chas., shopkeeper, Shropshire st
Minor Mrs. Elizabeth, Shropshire street
Montford Thomas, builder, cabinet maker, and upholsterer, Church street
Moody Hy., bone merchant, Victoria Wharf
Moore Ann, milliner, High street
Moore John, baker, provision dealer, and actuary at Savings’ Bank,
Cheshire street
Moore Thomas, grocer and tea dealer, Cheshire street
Morris William, shoemaker, Stafford street
Noden William, carpenter, Cheshire street
Noneley Mrs. Margerette, Beast Market
Oldcroft Eliza, glass & china dealer, High st
Painter Richard, butcher, Kiln Bank
Parsonage Frederick, plumber and glazier, Stafford street
Peake Thomas, plumber and glazier and beerhouse keeper, Little Drayton
Pegg John, beerhouse keeper, Little Drayton
Pigott Creswell, Esq., solicitor, Stafford st
Pimlett Joshua, veterinary surgeon, Stafford street
Poole Thomas, butcher, Little Drayton
Povell James, shoemaker, Little Drayton
Powell William, draper and silk mercer, (Adams & Powell,) Shropshire
street
Preston Geo., beerhousekeeper, Little Drayton
Preston Mrs. Dorothy, Back Lane
Ralphes Joseph, shoemaker, Little Drayton
Ray Uriah, chair maker, Cheshire street
Ridgway William, (executors of), grocers, chemists and druggists, and
glass dealers, High street
Roberts Jane, dressmaker, Shropshire st
Roberts Samuel, gardener and seedsman, Beast market
Roberts Mr. Thomas, Church street
Robson James, stone mason, Beast Market
Roden Adam, carrier, Little Drayton
Roden William, pig dealer and beerhouse keeper, Cheshire street
Rodenhurst William and John, ironmongers, agricultural implement makers,
grocers, and hop and seed dealers, Cheshire street
Rogers George, jeweller, silversmith, and watch and clock maker, High
street
Roylance Thomas, shoemaker, Little Drayton
Ryder George, blacksmith, Little Drayton
Salter Samuel Colley, linen and woollen draper, and silk mercer,
Shropshire street
Salter Sarah, shopkeeper, Shropshire street
Sandells Thomas, maltster and vict., Unicorn Inn, Stafford street
Sandbrook Benjamin Bayley, wine & spirit merchant, Shropshire street
Sandbrook William and Son, wine and spirit merchants, Shropshire street
Sandbrook William, hair seating manufacturer, Walk Mill
Saxton William Waring, Esq., banker and surgeon, Stafford street
Scott William, schoolmaster, (National), Shropshire street
Sergeant Matthew, butcher, Stafford street
Shaw John, tailor, Stafford street
Sherwin Harry John, woollen draper, tailor, and hatter, High street
Sherwin Margery, stay maker, Shropshire st
Shuker John, bricklayer, Back lane
Sillitoe Aaron, saddler and harness maker, Beast Market
Sillitoe Purney, Esq., Pell Wall House
Silvester and Lockett, booksellers, printers, stationers, bookbinders,
and circulating library, High street
Silvester Samuel, bookseller, &c., (Silvester and Lockett), High street
Simester John, rope maker, Shropshire st
Simester William, rope maker, Cheshire st
Slaney Thomas, plumber, glazier, & painter, Cheshire street
Smith Henry Jn., solicitors’ clerk, Church st
Snow Thomas, furnishing ironmonger, brazier and tin plate worker, grocer,
and hop, seed, and colour merchant, High st
Spencer Mr. Walter, The Mount
Spendelow William, grocer, chemist and druggist, and hop merchant,
Shropshire st
Stevens Thomas, hatter and woollen draper and tailor, Shropshire street
Steventon John, shoemaker, Little Drayton
Steventon Wm., shoemaker, Little Drayton
Stubbs Elizabeth, beerhouse, Bell lane
Swinchett George Williamson, brazier and tin plate worker, High street
Swinnerton Samuel, surgeon, Shropshire st
Tayleur Mrs. Frances, The Fields
Taylor Mr. William, Stafford street
Taylor William, cooper, Stafford street
Tomlinson William, guano, corn, and salt dealer, Old Wharf
Trueman Charles, dyer, Cheshire street
Wade Hill, beerhouse keeper, Little Drayton
Walsh Joseph, brazier and tin plate worker, Shropshire street
Warren Charles, Esq., solicitor, Shropshire st
Warren Joseph Loxdale, Esq., solicitor, clerk to magistrates, clerk to
county court, and deputy-lieutenant, The Lodge
Whitfield George, ironmonger, grocer and tea dealer, and hop and seed
merchant, High street
Whitfield Thomas, Esq., Spring Field
Whittington Margt., schoolmistress, Cheshire street
Wilkes Jane, dressmaker, Church street
Wilkinson Joseph Edmund, Esq., solicitor, Shropshire street
Wilkinson William Manley, Esq., solicitor and superintendent registrar,
Shropshire street
Williams Mrs. Elizabeth, Stafford street
Williams John, shoemaker. Little Drayton
Williams Sarah, bonnet maker, Shropshire st
Williamson James, boot and shoemaker, Shropshire street
Wilson John Edwards, Esq., The Grove
Woodcock Thos., beerhouse, Little Drayton
Woodhouse Thomas, tailor, Little Drayton
Wright Nathaniel, beerhouse & shopkeeper Shropshire street
Wycherley Samuel, wheelwright, Beast Market
Academies.
Arkinstall The Misses, (boarding), Beast Market
Bratton Miss, (boarding), Beast Market
Eaton George, Cheshire st
Bratton Mary, Back lane
Elcock Frances, Stafford st
_Grammar School_, Churchyard side; head master, Rev. Charles Cooke, M.A.;
second master, C. F. King
_National_, William Scott and Eliza Green, Back lane
Whittingham Margaret, Cheshire street
Wigley Henry William, (boarding), Shropshire st
Agricultural Implement Manufacturers.
Bradbury John, Longslow lane
Gower and Son, Stafford st
Rodenhurst William & John Cheshire street
Ale & Porter Merchants.
Foden James, High street
Jackson John, Shropshire st
Rogers George, (Burton ales) High street
Sandalls Thomas, Stafford st
Attornies.
Grimley Henry, Stafford st
Pigott Creswell, Stafford st
Warren Charles, Shropshire street
Warren & Burd, Cheshire st
Wilkinson William M. and Joseph E., Shropshire st
Auctioneer.
Green William Darbyshire, Cheshire street
Banks.
_Manchester and Liverpool District Bank_, Shropshire street, open on
Wednesday, Samuel Walker Moore, manager
_Savings’ Bank_, Shropshire st.; John Moore, actuary
Saxton Brothers, High-st., draw upon Williams and Co., London
Blacksmiths.
Brookshaw Benjamin, Stafford street
Brookshaw William, Beast Market
Hughes Enock, Bell lane
Ryder George, Little Drayton
Bone Merchant.
Moody Henry Church, Victoria Wharf
Booksellers, Printers, Stationers, Bookbinders, and Circulating
Libraries.
Bennion Thomas Platt, High
Silvester & Lockett, High st
Boot and Shoemakers.
Bradbury John, Cheshire st.
Corfield Joseph, Cheshire st.
Oraston Edward (dealer), High street
Done Robert, Stafford street
Jones Richard, Little Drayton
Jones Samuel, Bell lane
Jones Wm., Little Drayton
Morris William, Stafford st.
Povell James, Little Drayton
Ralphes Joseph, Little Drayton
Roylance Thomas, Little Drayton
Steventon John, Little Drayton
Steventon William, Little Drayton
Williams John, Little Drayton
Williamson James, Shropshire street
Braziers and Tin Plate Workers.
Griffith Benjamin, Beast market
Snow Thomas, High street
Swinchatt Geo. Williamson, High street
Walsh Joseph, Shropshire street
Butchers.
Barker John, Beast market
Dale Mary, Stafford street
Hayward Charles, Shropshire street
Jarvis Joseph, Cheshire st.
Lockett George, Cheshire st.
Painter Richard, Kiln Bank
Poole Thomas, Little Drayton
Sergeant Matthew, Stafford street
Cabinet Makers and Upholsterers.
Bradshaw John, Beast Market
Griffith Isaac, Stafford street
Griffith Thos., Cheshire street
Harper George, Shropshire street
Montford Thomas, Church street
Carpenters and Builders.
Barratt Thomas, Stafford st.
Brown Thomas, Cheshire st.
Griffith Isaac, Stafford street
Jones Josiah, Shropshire st.
Montford Thomas, Church street
Noden Wm., Cheshire street
Chemists and Druggists.
Godwin William, Shropshire street
Goodall John, Cheshire street
Ridgway William (executors of), High street
Spendelow Richard William, Shropshire street
Coach Builder.
Critchley Cornelius, Beast Market
Coal Merchants.
Hazledine & Co., Old Wharf, Robert Fell, agent
Ryley & Sandbrook, Victoria Wharf, John Herbert, agent
Confectioners.
Deakin Peter, Shropshire st.
Harper William (and British wine dealer), High street
Coopers.
Drury Thomas, Shropshire street
Hall Thomas, Shropshire st.
Taylor William, Stafford st.
Corn Millers.
Davies Richard, Almington
Harper William, High street
Curriers.
Hill Thomas, Cheshire street
Lewis and Graham, Little Drayton
Dyers.
Hayward Richard, Stafford street
Trueman Charles, Cheshire street
Farmers.
Beeston James, Almington
Davies Richard (and corn miller), Almington
Embrey Thomas, Stafford street
Harper William, High street
Matthews Miles, Cheshire st.
Poole Thos., Little Drayton
Fire and Life Office Agents.
Clerical & Medical, William Waring Saxton, Stafford street
Crown, Charles Warren, Shropshire street
Law, Henry Grimley, Stafford street
Legal and Commercial, Joseph Edmund Wilkinson, Shropshire street
Manchester, George Rogers, High street
Market Drayton Cattle Club, Wm. D. Green, Cheshire street
Norwich Union, Joseph L. Warren, Cheshire, st.
Royal Farmers and General, Wm. D. Green, Cheshire street
Salop, Jn. Goodall, Cheshire street
Shropshire and North Wales, Joseph Firth, Stafford st.
Glass and China Dealers.
_Marked * are glass only_.
* Goodall John, Cheshire st.
Oldcroft Eliza, High street
* Ridgway William (executors of), High street
Grocers and Tea Dealers.
Davenport James, High st.
Godwin William, Shropshire street
Harper William, High street
Massie Thomas, Cheshire street
Moore Thomas, Cheshire street
Ridgway William (executors of), High street
Rodenhurst William and John, Cheshire street
Snow Thomas, High street
Spendelow Richard William, Shropshire street
Whitfield George, High st.
Hair Dressers.
Davies Thomas, Stafford street
Frith John, Shropshire street
Griffith Wm., Shropshire st.
Hair Seating Manufacturers.
Godwin William, Kiln bank
Haslam Joseph, Stafford st.
Sandbrook H. and W., Walk Mill
Hatters.
(_See also Linen Drapers and Hatters_.)
Craston Edward, High street
Jones John, Shropshire street
Sherwin Harry John, High street
Stevens Thomas, Shropshire street
Hosier.
Haywood Richard, Stafford street
Hotels, Inns, and Taverns.
Crown, Henry Boulton, Stafford street
Corbet Arms Hotel (posting house and excise office), James Foden, High
street
Elephant and Castle, Sarah Dale, Shropshire street
George, Martha Barnett, Beast market
Lamb, Jas. Matthews, Stafford street
Man in the Moon, James Beeston, Almington
Old Cheshire Cheese, James Kirkham, High street
Red Lion, George Evans, Beast market
Royal Oak, Ann Hill, Cheshire street
Stag’s Head, Robert Edge, Beast market
Star, John Sayers Key, Stafford street
Unicorn, Thomas Sandalls, Stafford street
Wheat Sheaf, John Barnett, Old wharf
Beerhouses.
Brasnell John, Little Drayton
Brookshaw Benjamin, Old wharf
Brown Thomas, Cheshire street
Fletcher Elizabeth, Cheshire street
Hall Thomas, Shropshire st.
Hinton Robert, Shropshire street
Peake Thos., Little Drayton
Pegg John, Little Drayton
Preston George, Little Drayton
Roden William, Cheshire street
Stubbs Elizabeth, Bell lane
Wade Hill, Little Drayton
Woodcock Thomas, Little Drayton
Wright Nathaniel, Shropshire street
Hop and Seed Merchants.
Groom Thomas, Stafford st.
Godwin William (seed), Shropshire street
Massie Thomas, Cheshire st.
Rodenhurst William and John, Cheshire street
Snow Thomas, High street
Spendelow Richard William, Shropshire street
Whitfield George, High street
Ironmongers.
Rodenhurst William & John, Cheshire street
Snow Thomas, High street
Whitfield Geo., High street
Ironfounders.
Rodenhurst William and John, Cheshire street
Linen and Woollen Drapers, Silk Mercers, and Hatters.
Adams and Powell, Shropshire street
Bradbury Walter, High street
Brayn Joseph, High street
Heatley Thomas, High street
Lloyd Edmund, Shropshire street
Salter Samuel Colley, Shropshire street
Maltsters.
Evans George, Beast Market
Fletcher Joseph, Cheshire street
Goodall George, Cheshire st.
Hill Ann, Cheshire street
Key John Sayers, Stafford st.
Sandalls Thomas, Stafford st.
Milliners and Dress Makers.
Cartwright Martha, Shropshire street
Hopkins Eliza, Beast Market
Leigh Emily and Fanny, Cheshire street
Moore Ann, High street
Roberts Jane, Shropshire st.
Virgen Betsy, Longslow lane
Wilkes Jane, Church street
Nail Maker.
Jones John, Shropshire st.
Painter.
(_See also Plumbers_, _Glaziers_, _and Painters_.)
Cocayne Edward (coach and house), Stafford street
Patten and Clog Maker.
Fielding Henry, Cheshire st.
Plumbers, Glaziers, and Painters.
Fox James, Shropshire street
Hinton Robert, Shropshire street
Parsonage Frederick, Stafford street
Peake Thos., Little Drayton
Slaney Thomas, Cheshire st
Professor of Music.
Hawley William Ap Richard, Back lane
Pump Maker.
Bonell Samuel, Stafford street
Rope Makers.
Simester John, Shropshire street
Simester William, Cheshire street
Saddlers & Harness Makers.
Hill Henry, High street
Hill Robert, High street
Hopwood John, Stafford st.
Sillitoe Aaron, Beast market
Shopkeepers, Dealers in Sundries, and Grocers.
Bate Mary, Shropshire street
Bradshaw John, Beast Market
Cutler Joseph, Little Drayton
Davies Thomas, Stafford st.
Groom Thomas, Stafford st.
Harper George, Shropshire street
Hope Thomas, Shropshire street
Hopkinson James, Cheshire street
Jones John, Shropshire st.
Lewis George, Little Drayton
Mc Manus Charles, Shropshire street
Moore John, Cheshire street
Salter Sarah, Shropshire st.
Wright Nathaniel, Shropshire street
Straw Bonnet Makers.
Boughey and Woodcock, Church street
Bradbury Maria, Shropshire street
Grosvenor Mary Ann, Shropshire street
Hughes Maria, Shropshire street
Keeling Mary Ann, Little Drayton
Massey Mary Ann, Stafford st
Ryder Elizabeth, Little Drayton
Williams Sarah, Shropshire street
Surgeons.
Haslam Joseph Nickson, Shropshire street
Hopkins John, Cheshire st.
Saxton William Waring, Stafford street
Swinnerton Samuel, Shropshire street
Tailors.
_Marked * are Woollen Drapers and Hatters_.
Allen John, Beast Market
Arkinstall William, Shropshire street
Eaton William, Shropshire street
Farnell John, Bell lane
Farnell Zachariah, Cheshire street
Grosvenor John, Shropshire street
Shaw John, Stafford street
* Sherwin Harry John, High street
* Stevens Thos., Shropshire street
Woodhouse Thomas, Little Drayton
Tallow Chandlers.
Davenport James, High st.
Massie Thomas, Cheshire street
Tanner.
Hill Thomas, Cheshire street
Timber merchants.
Barratt Thomas, Stafford st.
Dymock and Co., Shropshire street, residence, Shelton
Edge Robert, Beast market
Veterinary Surgeons.
Matthews Miles, Cheshire street
Pimlett Joshua, Stafford st.
Watch and Clock Makers.
Bowker George, Cheshire st.
Grosvenor Robert, Church street
Rogers George (and silversmith and jeweller), High street
Wheelwrights.
Bradbury John, Longslow lane
Wicherley Samuel, Beast market
Wine and Spirit Merchants.
Sandbrook William and Son, Shropshire street
Wine and Spirit Vaults.
Barnett Lydia, High street
Wood Turners and Chair Makers.
Gad Thomas, Shropshire st.
Ray Uriah, Cheshire street
Carriers by Water.
Crowley and Co., general carriers to all parts of England; William
Tomkinson, agent, Old wharf
Grand Junction Canal Company (to London); Wm. Tomkinson, agent, Old wharf
Shropshire Union Railway and Canal Company, general carriers to all parts
of England; William Tomkinson, agent, Old wharf
BETTON
is a township and small rural village, in the parish of Market Drayton,
two miles N.N. by E. from the parish church. The township comprises
2,185A. 0R. 27P. of land, the principal owners of which are Peter
Broughton, Esq., and William Church Norcop, Esq. The other proprietors
are Richard Corbet, Esq., Purney Sillitoe, Esq., and Sir John Chetwode,
Bart. In 1841 there were 38 houses and 254 inhabitants within the bounds
of the township. Rateable value, £2,963. 2s. The tithes have been
commuted, and £223. 5s. 9d. apportioned to William Church Norcop, Esq.;
£40. 7s. 6d. to Peter Broughton, Esq.; £32. 18s. 3d. to Richard Corbet,
Esq.; and to the Vicar of Drayton, £5. 13s. 6d. BETTON HALL, a handsome
and pleasantly situated mansion on elevated ground, is the residence and
property of William Church Norcop, Esq. It was considerably enlarged and
beautified about forty years ago. A pillar, in the field a little south
from the hall, marks the site of an ancient chapel that formerly stood
here, but no remains have been seen of it within the memory of man.
TUNSTALL HALL, a spacious and elegant mansion, situated in park-like
grounds, about a mile from Market Drayton, is the seat and property of
Peter Broughton, Esq. BETTON MOSS is a tract of unenclosed land,
containing 56A. 0R. 33P. OAKLEY CORN MILL is situated on the banks of
the river Tern, which divides this township from the county of Stafford.
Bourne John, farmer, Betton Coppice
Broughton Peter, Esq., Tunstall Hall
Crutchley John, farmer, Brownhills
Davies Richard, farmer, Brownhills
Dobson Thomas, farmer, Ridgewardine
Duckers Charles, farmer, Ridgewardine
Heath William, farmer, Betton
Johnson Robert, farmer, Betton
Norcop William Church, Esq., Betton Hall
Spragg John, farmer, Ridgewardine
LONGSLOW,
a small township in the parish of Market Drayton, one mile and three
quarters N.W. by N. from the church, contains 645A. 2R. 3P. of land, the
whole of which is the property of the Earl of Powis. Rateable value,
£1,866. 13s. Richard Corbet, Esq., is the impropriator of the large
tithes, which are commuted for £81. 12s. 6d. The vicarial tithes are
commuted for £21. 4s. 1d. At the census in 1841 there were 12 houses and
a population of 70 souls. The principal residents are George Harris,
farmer; Joseph Kemp, farmer; Joseph Sillitoe, farmer; John Thomas,
farmer; and Robert Bruckshaw, blacksmith and general agricultural
implement manufacturer.
SUTTON,
a township in the parish of Drayton, pleasantly situated about a mile and
a half S.E. from the church, in 1841 had 32 houses and 177 inhabitants.
The township contains 1,915A. 2R. 3P. of land. Rateable value, £326.
15s. The rectoral tithes are commuted for £268. 13s. 4d., of which £60
was apportioned to John Tayleur, Esq., and £208. 13s. 4d. to Richard
Corbet, Esq. The small tithes, payable to the Vicar of Drayton, are
commuted for £33. 9s. 1d. BUNTINGSDALE HALL is a brick mansion of
considerable extent, the seat and property of John Tayleur, Esq., a
considerable landowner. P. Sillitoe, Esq., is also a landowner. The
township is watered by the river Tern, which turns several corn mills
within the bounds of the township. This locality has a bold undulating
surface, is well timbered, and the scenery beautifully picturesque.
The principal residents are John Tayleur, Esq., Buntingsdale Hall; John
Adams, corn miller, Tern Hill; Samuel Blenford, blacksmith; James Foden,
farmer, Holly Grove; George Harding, farmer, Cliff Gravel; George
Harding, farmer, Coalhurst; William Harper, corn miller, Sutton
Mill—residence, Drayton; John Harris, farmer; Samuel Shaw, corn miller,
Rosehill; George Smith, farmer.
WOODSEAVES,
a township and village in the parish of Drayton, on the eastern verge of
the county, bordering on Staffordshire, three miles south from Market
Drayton, contains 1,781A. 0R. 31P. of land, and in 1841 had 55 houses and
268 inhabitants. Rateable value, £2,040. 15s. The principal landowners
are John Tayleur, Esq., Walter Minor, Esq., Purney Sillitoe, Esq., Mr.
Beeston, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Silvester. Richard Corbet, Esq., is the
impropriator of the rectoral tithes, which are commuted for £105. 4s. 4d.
The small tithes are commuted for £27. 0s. 6d. A small Episcopal Chapel
has been built at Woodseaves, by Mrs. Nonely; divine service is performed
every Friday evening.
DIRECTORY.—James Boughey, farmer; John Breeze, boot and shoemaker;
Richard Delves, shopkeeper; Clement Dickenson, farmer, Rose Hill; Peter
Duckers, farmer and butcher; Joseph Ellis, farmer; William Hendley,
gentleman; John Hill, farmer, Sutton Heath; Richard Lewis, farmer; Joseph
Meakin, farmer; James Poole, farmer, butcher, and victualler, Fox Inn;
George Pye, blacksmith; Mary Steel and Sons, shoemakers; Richard Steel,
farmer and beerhouse-keeper; William Sutton, farmer; Thomas Thomas,
farmer; Charles Townsend, farmer.
ERCALL CHILDS,
a parish and village, pleasantly situated seven miles S.W. from Market
Drayton, and seven miles N.W. from Newport. The parish comprises 3,585A.
0R. 8P. of land, and in 1801 here were 466 inhabitants; 1831, 416; and in
1841, 82 houses and 471 inhabitants. The soil is chiefly a light fertile
loam. Richard Corbet, Esq., is owner of the whole parish, except about
fifty acres, which are the property of the Duke of Sutherland. The
tithes are commuted for £730.
THE CHURCH, an ancient structure, dedicated to St. Michael, exhibits
various styles of architecture, and no doubt has been erected at
different periods. It consists of nave, chancel, south aisle, and a
tower at the west end. Four pointed arches divide the nave from the side
aisle, at the east end of which there is an ancient piscina. A neat
marble tablet remembers the Cooke family. There are also two small brass
memorials. The living is a perpetual curacy, returned at £72, in the
patronage of Richard Corbet, Esq. The Rev. Bertie Entwisle Johnson is
the incumbent, and also rector of Hinstock. THE PARSONAGE is a handsome
brick residence, a little north-west from the church; it was built by the
present incumbent in the year 1846; in consideration of which the
Governors of Queen Ann’s Bounty made a grant of £200 towards the
augmentation of the living of Ercall. There is a NATIONAL SCHOOL in the
village, situated near the west end of the church-yard; sixty-two boys
and forty-two girls attend. DODECOTE GRANGE is a pleasantly situated
house, and extensive farm comprising upwards of 500 acres, in the
occupancy of Mr. Richard Heatley. There is a considerable tract of land
covered with thriving plantations in the parish.
HUNGARY HATTON,
a township in the parish of Childs Ercall, one mile north from the
church, and about five miles and a half south from Market Drayton, has a
scattered population, the returns of which were included in Ercall at the
census of 1841. On the north verge of the township there is a plantation
of thriving timber covering upwards of thirty acres, which joins the
estate and plantations of Henry Justice, Esq., in Hinstock parish. The
acres and tithes are included in the returns of Ercall.
_Those marked * are in Hungary Hatton_, _and the rest reside in Ercall
Childs_.
Aston William, farmer
* Atkin William, farmer and maltster
Benbow Mary, farmer
Bourne Edward, farmer, Old Hall
* Boughey George, farmer
Bourne Thomas, brickmaker
* Bruckshaw Benjamin, farmer
* Bruckshaw Thomas, blacksmith
Carnall John, farmer
* Cheshire John, blacksmith
Dawes Thomas, farmer
* Downes William, shoemaker
Edwards Joseph, farmer, Caynton Wood
Evason Francis, farmer
Evanson George, tailor
* Freeman John, farmer
Green Thomas, shoemaker
Harper Charles, wheelwright
Heatley Richard, farmer, Dodecote Grange
Hewitt George, schoolmaster & parish clerk
Heycock William, blacksmith
Johnson Rev. Bertie Entwisle, M.A., Parsonage
* Morgan George, farmer
* Morgan John, farmer
Morgan John H., carpenter
Palmer William, farmer, Nagington
* Rister Philip, wheelwright
Thacker James, victualler, Elephant
Woodhouse George, maltster
HINSTOCK
is a considerable parish and village, pleasantly situated on the turnpike
road from Newport to Market Drayton, six miles N.N.W. from the former,
and five miles S. from the latter. The population of this parish is
widely scattered, and there are a great number of small detached
cottages. The parish contains 3,036A. 1R. 16P. of land, the soil of
which is various; in some parts a strong loam, and in other parts a light
sandy soil prevails. The land has a bold undulating surface, and on the
western verge of the parish are some thriving plantations. In 1801 the
parish contained a population of 536 souls; 1831, 805; and in 1841 there
were 173 houses and 897 inhabitants. There are 14A. 1R. 37P. of glebe
land. The tithes have been commuted for £530. Rateable value of the
parish, £4.722. 19s. 1d. Henry Justice, Esq., is a considerable
landowner. The other principal landowners are Robert Masefield, Esq.,
Richard Corbet Esq., Mr. William Griffiths, Mr. Henry Meakin, Rev.
Matthew Davies, the Trustees of Drayton Poor, Mr. John Griffiths, William
Howard, Esq., Mr. Walter Meakin, Mrs. Masefield, Mr. Thomas Poole, Mr.
Rowley, Mr. John Adams, Mr. Thomas Beeston, the Executors of the late
Colonel Dawes, and the Devisees of the Mr. Thomas James; besides whom
there are upwards of seventy small freeholders, who, in most instances,
own the cottages in which they live, and a small plot or a few acres of
land contiguous thereto.
THE CHURCH is a small venerable fabric, dedicated to St. Oswald, and is
situated on an elevated plot of land, nearly in the centre of the
village. The structure consists of nave, chancel, and a small south
aisle, with a square tower at the west end. A small gallery was erected
in 1831, with funds raised by subscriptions. The font is very ancient,
and is of a circular shape with an octagonal base. A neat marble tablet
has been erected in memory of Hannah Davies, who died in 1828, wife of
the Rev. Matthew Davies, formerly curate of Hinstock. There is also a
tablet in memory of the Vaughans, with the date of 1714/5. The living is
a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £5. 16s., now returned at £556.,
and enjoyed by the Rev. Bertie E. Johnson, M.A. There is a small
METHODIST CHAPEL in the village. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, a neat brick
structure, was erected in 1839; seventy-five children attend. THE
RECTORY is an ancient residence on the north side of the church-yard.
HINSTOCK HALL, a handsome mansion of freestone, delightfully situated on
elevated ground, about a mile north-west from the church, is the seat and
property of Henry Justice, Esq. It is a modern structure, built about
sixteen years ago, beautified with pleasure grounds and shrubberies, and
sheltered with rising plantations. The situation commands extensive
views over the fertile plains of Shropshire and the adjoining county of
Stafford. PIXLEY are two good farm houses, situated near a mile west
from the church. The land is partly in this parish and partly in that of
Chetwynd; 89A. 1R. 32P. are in the latter parish.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. Samuel Cooper’s Falcon Inn_.
Justice Henry, Esq., Hinstock Hall
Abbotts Ann, schoolmistress
Adams John, farmer
Ash Charles, land surveyor
Blagg John, farmer
Bowring Robert, shopkeeper
Cappur Thomas, farmer, Gill of Stafford
Challenor John, shopkeeper
Churm John, farmer, Mount Pleasant
Churton Rev. Charles, M.A., curate
Cooper Samuel, victualler, Falcon Inn
Crump John, shopkeeper
Davies William, farmer
Eccleston James, farmer
Freeman John, farmer, Pixley
Glover Thomas, beerhouse
Goodwin George, wheelwright
Griffiths William, farmer
Hamlet William, shopkeeper
Hardy Sarah, farmer
Hardy William, farmer
Harvey James, maltster
Jackson George, shoemaker
Jackson John, farmer
Jackson Thomas, blacksmith
Jackson William, farmer
Lockley John, wheelwright
Lockley Thomas, farmer
Machin Jn., farmer & maltstr
Machin Mary, vict., Cock Inn
Maltby John, Esq., Hinstock Villa
Matthews John, horse dealer
Meakin Henry, farmer, Longpools
Meakin Walter, farmer
Morgan William, bricklayer
Nagington William, farmer, corn miller, and maltster, Shakeford
Pearse William, farmer and shoemaker, Lockley
Phillips John, farmer
Pitt George, shopkeeper
Podmore William, tailor
Poole Thomas, farmer
Pooler Benjamin, blacksmith
Reeves John, shoemaker
Reeves Mary, schoolmistress
Robinson Richard, farmer, Pixley
Sambrook Job, bricklayer
Sambrook John, bricklayer
Sambrook William, bricklayer
Sutton Mary & Ann, farmers
Talbot William, tailor
Titley Wm., farmer & butcher
Ward John, schoolmaster
Watts Andrew, farmer
Weat Wm., farmer & butcher
Woodcock William, farmer
Worrall Mary, farmer
Williams William, beerhouse
Wynn William, clock maker
HODNET
is a pleasantly situated and considerable village on the turnpike road
from Shrewsbury to Market Drayton, thirteen miles N.N. by E. from the
former, and six miles S.S. by W. from the latter. At the Domesday survey
Earl Roger held Odenet, which gave name to the hundred, which has since
undergone the denomination of Bradford North. In the 20th of Edward I.,
a _quo warranto_ was brought against William de Hodenet, to show what
right he claimed to hold a market, take assize of bread and beer, and
have free warren in the manor of Hodnet; for plea he produced the charter
of King Henry, father of the then king, which proved his right, and so
was dismissed with honour. The jury at the same assizes found that the
serjeantry of William de Hodenet was to be steward of the castle of
Montgomery, and to defend the outworks of the castle with his family and
servants, and that this serjeantry had been given to his ancestors by
Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Salop. The market at Hodnet has long been
obsolete, but fairs are held on the Monday before the second Wednesday in
March, May 4th, and the Monday before October 24th. These fairs are
usually well attended by the farmers residing in the surrounding
district. The parish of Hodnet contains the townships of Hodnet, Bolas
Parva, Hawkstone, Hopton and Espley, Kenstone, Losford, Marchamley,
Peplow, Woollerton and Weston under Red Castle. There are 11,596A. 1R.
6P. of land, the rateable value of which is £13,396. 6s. Population in
1801, 1386; 1831, 2097, and in 1841 there were 408 houses and 2185
inhabitants. The township of Hodnet at the census of 1841 contained 120
houses and 596 inhabitants, Odo Hodenet came into England with William
the Conqueror, and fixed his seat here; from this family the estates
passed by a female heiress to the Vernons, and Elisabeth Vernon carried
the estates by marriage into the Heber family, from which family it again
passed in like manner by an heiress to the present proprietor, Algernon
Charles Heber Percy, Esq., who resides at HODNET HALL, a plain stuccoed
mansion, in a low situation, a little south from the church; it was
formerly of considerable extent, and composed of timber and plaster, and
the cloisters were adorned with ancient armorial bearings, but only a
part of the original house is now standing, and that has been greatly
modernized. Near the hall is a large mound called Castle Hill, supposed
to have been the ancient residence of the Hodenets. The mound is planted
with trees, and was probably the keep of the castle, but not a vestige of
the stone work remains; the whole was surrounded by a moat, which may
still be traced. The high grounds above the hall, which are studded with
thriving plantations, were in former tithes a densely wooded park of
considerable extent, and well stocked with deer. No deer have been kept
there since the death of Sir Richard Vernon, who caused most of the
timber to be cut down. Viscount Hill is also a considerable land owner.
A. C. H. Percy is lord of the manor and patron of the living.
THE CHURCH is a spacious and elegant structure, consisting of nave and
south aisle, equal in size to the nave, and an octagonal Norman tower at
the west end, in which are six bells. The side aisle is divided from the
nave by seven pointed arches, rising from octagonal and circular pillars
alternately, and the roof is of timber stained in imitation of oak. The
structure has recently undergone a complete reparation, the entire cost
of which, with various embellishments, was £3,200, of which the
munificent sum of £1,000 was given by Thomas Cholmondely, Esq., late of
Hodnet Hall; Charles Cholmondely, Esq., gave £500; Lord Hill, £100; the
parishioners raised by voluntary subscriptions £170; and the rest,
£1,430, was given by the present rector. The organ cost £150, and was
the gift of Richard Cholmondely, Esq.; the communion plate cost £100.
The interior has a very chaste and imposing appearance, and at the east
end of the chancel there is a beautiful stained glass window,
commemorative of Mary Heber, who died in 1846, sister to the late Bishop
Heber. At the east end of the aisle are twelve stalls, six on each side,
which are for the use of the rector and the lord of the manor. The organ
stands at the west end of the nave in a beautiful recessed arch. At the
east end of the south aisle is a stained glass window, with
representations of the four evangelists, beautifully executed by Evans,
of Shrewsbury. The font is very ancient, and of an octagonal shape
rudely carved. Several handsome monuments ornament the church,
particularly one of fine statuary marble, exquisitely executed by
Chantrey, in memory of Bishop Heber, formerly rector of this parish.
Opposite it are two beautifully executed monuments of Grinshill free
stone, near to which is another in the same gothic style to the memory of
Charles Cooper Cholmondely, formerly rector of Hodnet, who died in 1831.
Near the west end of the nave, a handsome marble tablet remembers Lord
Hill and his Lady, the former died in 1814 and the latter in 1842; not
far from which Sir Rowland Hill, Bart., is remembered on an elegant
tablet; he died in 1783, and was buried in this church. On the same side
is an elaborately ornamented tablet to the Vernon family. A lofty slate
coloured marble tablet commemorates the death of several members of the
Hill family; there is also an antique tablet near the pulpit to the
memory of Hugh Pigot, who died in 1697, besides which there are various
other monuments which our limits will not allow us to notice. The living
is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £26 0s. 10d., now returned at
£2,336. The Rev. Samuel H. Macauley, B.D., is the incumbent, and resides
at the rectory, an elegant mansion of free stone, built by the late
Bishop Heber, in 1812; the house stands on an eminence a little S.W. from
the church, and commands most delightful views of the surrounding
country. The old rectory stood on the grounds adjoining the hall, a
little south from the church; not far from the rectory stood the tithe
barn of capacious dimensions, which, with the old parsonage, was taken
down soon after the erection of the present rectory. The tithes of this
parish have been commuted for £1,735. There is a national school where
fifty girls and sixty boys are educated. HODNET COMMON, situated on the
south and south-east side of the township, contains 375 acres, the whole
of which is the property of A. C. H. Percy, Esq., except about thirty
acres. A considerable tract of the common was enclosed in 1850. There
is a small lock-up with two cells situated on the Shrewsbury road.
The late Reginald Heber, the eminent Bishop of Calcutta, was rector of
Hodnet when he was raised to the episcopal dignity of Bishop of Calcutta.
He was born April 21st, 1783, at the Higher Rectory, in Malpas, of which
place his father was rector. He received his education, principally
under a private tutor, Mr. Bristow, at Neasdon, and in 1800 he removed to
Oxford, where he was a commoner at Brazennose College, and afterwards a
Fellow of All Souls. It was at Oxford that he laid the foundation of his
high fame. Besides being known for his general acquisitions in
scholarship, he gained every distinction which the university then had to
bestow, the regular under graduates and bachelors’ prizes. He was also
the successful competitor for an extraordinary prize that had been
offered for an English poem on the subject of Palestine. This poem is
now of standard reputation; and certainly, for splendour of imagery and
for poetical diction, it has deservedly placed its author—scarce twenty
years old when it was written—in an elevated rank amid our English poets.
After taking his degree, Heber left the university to engage in active
life. The living at Hodnet was at his option, and this circumstance,
coupled with his strong religious bias, determined him to devote himself
to the church as his profession. But as he was still young for holy
orders, he wished to employ two or three years in foreign travel; and the
customary route upon the continent then being shut up by war, he bent his
steps towards Russia and the east of Europe. At length the time arrived
when Heber was to devote himself seriously to the duties of his sacred
profession, in the humble office of a village pastor. There is on his
monument in Hodnet church, a delightful testimony how for fifteen years
he performed his pastoral duties “cheerfully and diligently, with all his
heart, with all his soul, and with all his strength.” And in this calm
retreat, which the subsequent changes in his fortune seemed only the more
to endear him to, he would cheerfully have closed his days. But his
reputation would not allow him to be buried in retirement. In 1823 he
was elected preacher at Lincoln’s Inn. This was an appointment
peculiarly suited to him. With what credit he acquitted himself is well
known, and it was generally believed that the highest honours awaited him
at home, when he was called to another sphere of action, by his
acceptance of the proffered bishopric of Calcutta. Never, it is
believed, did any man accept an office from a higher sense of duty; once
he declined the proposal; but his exalted piety considered it as a call
from heaven, from which he might not shrink; and he resolutely determined
to obey the summons. His career in India was short, but brilliant. It
is not easy to conceive a situation of greater difficulty than awaited
him there. He had to preside over a diocese much larger in extent than
the whole of Europe, with his clergy scattered about at stations
thousands of miles apart, and over a body of Christians living in the
midst of a multitude of misbelievers; and those Christians, if such more
than in mere name, accustomed to be a law to themselves in religious
matters; yet to all these difficulties Bishop Heber resolutely addressed
himself. He went forth strong and invincible; first, in his trust in
God, and next in that kindliness of disposition, which almost disarmed
opposition. His memorable exploit was his extra-ordinary visitation of
his diocese. Starting from Calcutta, he pursued the course of the Ganges
almost to its source; visited Himalaya mountains; crossed the northern
provinces of India; and, after visiting Bombay and the island of Ceylon,
returned again to Calcutta. We may easily imagine what must have been
the delight, to a mind ardent and poetical like Heber’s, to have had the
opportunity of visiting scenes so interesting and so novel; and we have
the advantage of knowing the impression they made on his mind, by the
posthumous publication of his interesting journal. It was not long after
the bishop’s return from the visitation of which we have been speaking,
that he undertook another episcopal visitation, when the hand of death
arrested him in his career of usefulness. On the 3rd of April, 1826, at
Tritchinopoli, he was found drowned in a bath, owing, it was supposed, to
the sudden transition of cold water, after great exertion in confirming
some native Christians. A deep and painful sensation was produced by his
unexpected decease, both in India and at home; and in him the Christian
civilization in the east seemed to have lost its most zealous, most
active, and most enlightened friend.
CHARITIES.—There was an old school in the church yard at Hodnet, which
was pulled down in 1814, and a new school and schoolhouse were built in
the following year, in a more convenient situation, chiefly at the
expense of Richard Heber, Esq., and with a sum of £25 given by Sir Andrew
Corbet to the poor, as hereafter mentioned. The master of the school
receives £8, as the interest of £200 left by Mrs. Sarah Price, for the
endowment of a free school, and he occupies the school house, paying the
church-wardens £1. 1s. annually, as interest of the £25 derived from Sir
A. Corbet’s benefaction. In consideration of the above the master
teaches seven scholars free. The site of the school and schoolhouse, and
the garden and play ground, including altogether about a quarter of an
acre, was given by Mr. Heber.—_Stephen Denstone_, of Ashley, left the
poor of the township of Hodnet £100, the interest to be distributed on
Stephen’s day yearly.—_John Stirrop_, in 1646, left £20 to the use of the
poor. This gift is stated in the parliamentary report to be
lost.—_Abraham Deshin_, in 1707, bequeathed £5, the interest to be given
in bread on Christmas-day.—_Mary Mollineux_ left £10, the interest to be
distributed by the ministers and churchwardens.—_Thomas Burrowes_ left
£100, and directed the interest to be given away on the 2nd of December
yearly.—_William Burrowes_ bequeathed £100 to the poor of Hodnet, the
interest to be given to the poor on the 23rd of September, yearly, by the
minister and churchwardens.—_Samuel Dickin_ left £20, the yearly proceeds
thereof to be distributed by his heirs for ever.—_Rowland Hill_
bequeathed £50 to the use of the poor.—_Thomas Hill_, _Esq._, son of the
said Rowland Hill, left £350 for the benefit of the poor.—_Mrs. Ann
Catchpool_ left £50 to the use of the said poor.—_John Hill_, _Esq._,
left £100, the interest to be expended in bread and given to the poor
every Sunday.—_The Right Hon. Richard Hill_, in 1726, left £100 for the
benefit of such poor as the minister and churchwardens should think
fit.—_Richard Clay_, in 1750, left £100 to the poor.—_Mrs. Brooke_, in
1756, left £100, the interest to be given at the discretion of Sir
Rowland Hill and his heirs.—_Sir Rowland Hill_, _Bart._, by a codicil to
his will, 1779, left £100 to the poor of this parish, to be distributed
at the discretion of his executor.—_Mrs. Jane Hill_ left £100.—_Sir
Richard Hill_, by his will, dated January 1st, 1808, left to his brother,
John Hill, £300, on trust, to pay the interest of £100 thereof, at the
rate of five per cent., among the poor of the parish of Hodnet, one half
to be reserved for the poor of the chapelry of Weston.—_Mr. Grocott_ left
£5 to be given in bread yearly.—_Stephen Stubbs_, in 1815, left £10, the
interest to be distributed yearly on St. Stephen’s day. A legacy of £50
was left by Sir Rowland Hill for the schooling of poor children. Some
lands called Steel Lands were sold by the parish about the year 1750 for
£92. The gifts amount in the whole to £1355, of which sum £150 were laid
out in the purchase of a messuage and lands at Hodnet in 1701; £56 in the
purchase of two cottages at Hodnet in 1728; £175 were paid into the hands
of Sir John Hill; £431 in the purchase of an estate at Wem: £450 were
held by Sir Rowland Hill, derived from the charities of Sir Rowland Hill,
and other members of that family, and a further sum of £138 from other
sources. The property at Hodnet consists of certain lands and a cottage
and poor house with a garden and croft adjoining, and a cottage and croft
on Hodnet Heath, with a right of common thereon, the whole of which
produces a yearly income of £35. 12s., which is distributed with other
charities hereafter mentioned. The property at Wem consists of five
closes of land, lying in two detached parcels near the town, containing
altogether about twelve acres and a half, let at a yearly rent of £40.
The sum of £160 placed in the hands of Sir Richard Hill was subsequently
laid out in the buildings at Hodnet. The rents derived from the estates
above mentioned, and the interest of the sum of £77, with the produce of
Price’s and Sir A. Corbet’s charities hereafter mentioned, amounted at
the time the charity commissioners published their report to £93. 1s. 6d.
The rent of the Wem estate is received by the churchwardens of Marchamley
division, and the remainder of the rents is received by the churchwardens
appointed for the division of Hodnet. Four shillings worth of bread is
placed in the church every Sunday, and given to 32 poor persons, and
bread to the amount of 15s. is also given on St. Stephen’s-day, and 5s.
on Christmas-day. Each of the churchwardens pays equally towards the
weekly distribution of bread, and each of them gives 30s. away on St.
Stephen’s day, as the interest of Denstone’s legacy. The churchwardens
of Marchamley also pay about 30s. annually towards schooling poor
children at Marchamley. The remainder of the money is distributed by the
churchwardens among the poor of their respective districts, in sums
varying from 3s. to 8s. Of the money in the hands of Sir Rowland Hill,
exclusive of the sum of £200 mentioned in the school account, and £77 for
which a promissory note was given in 1818, the charity commissioners
conceived that it could not be less than £558 when they published their
report, for which the sum of £21 is paid as interest, and distributed by
the rector of Hodnet, and a further sum of £4. 8s. is received by the
curate of Weston chapelry, which is distributed in small sums among the
poor.—_The Rev. Richard Price_, in 1730, devised certain premises to the
poor of Drayton and Hodnet, and directed that £5 per annum should be
distributed in bread every Lord’s day, and the residue employed for the
schooling of poor children in each place. The property now held by the
churchwardens of Hodnet in trust for this charity consists of three
pieces of land in Drayton, containing between three and four acres, which
produces a yearly rental of £12. 11s. 6d. The rents are carried to one
account with the other charity money, from which a very small portion
only is disposed of in schooling. It seems advisable that the rents
should be employed according to the particular directions of the
donor.—_Sir Andrew Corbet_, in 1815, gave £25 to the use of the poor of
Hodnet. This donation was laid out in the building of a new school, and
the yearly sum of £1. 1s. is paid in respect thereof by the master of the
school to the churchwardens, by whom it is distributed with the other
charities.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. Edward Jones’_, _schoolmaster_. Letters arrive at 8
A.M. from Market Drayton, and are despatched at 6 P.M.
Acton Rev. William, B.A., curate
Ashley Ann, schoolmistress
Ashley George, wheelwright
Baker Mr. John
Bellis Elizabeth, shopkeeper and baker
Baydon James, registrar of births & deaths
Cartwright George, vict., Unicorn
Cartwright Samuel, boot and shoemaker
Cartwright William, tailor
Churton Thomas, boot and shoemaker
Donkin Thomas, painter and glazier
Downes Thomas, parish clerk
Eason William, veterinary surgeon
Edge William, wheelwright
Ellerthorpe Mrs. Helen
Foster Alfred, tailor
Jackson Edward, butcher
Jones Edward, schoolmaster
Laytham Henry, wheelwright
Lees Barnard, surgeon
Lester John, farmer and vict., Lion Inn
Macauley Rev. Samuel Herrick, B.D., Rectory
Morris Samuel, saddler and harness maker
Pace Piercy, grocer, draper, and ironmonger
Percy Algernon Charles Heber, Esq., Hodnet Hall
Powell John, farmer
Powell Mrs. Sarah
Pratchett Miss Jane, Ash court
Pritchard & Co., chemist, druggist, draper, and silk mercer
Ridway William, boot and shoemaker
Robinson John, boot and shoemaker
Taylor George, tailor and woollen draper
Titley Charles, butcher
Trevor James, wheelwright and beerhouse
Walmsley John Allen, surgeon and coroner for North Bradford Hundred
Wardley Mary, farmer, Horn Farm
Watson Alexander, farm steward to A. E. H. Percy, Esq.
Wild George, maltster and vict., Bear Inn, and posting house
Wild Thomas, grocer and ironmonger
Worral Henry, blacksmith
A coach from Shrewsbury to the Whitmore station passes through Hodnet at
9 A.M. and returns to Shrewsbury at 4 P.M.
BOLAS PARVA,
a small township consisting of only two farms, is pleasantly situated
five miles south from Hodnet; at the census of 1841 there were nine
houses and 44 inhabitants. The township comprises 594A. 1R. 15P. of
land, which is vested in the devisees of the late Mr. Hatherall. The
tithes have been commuted for £112. 1s. 1d. William Jennings is the only
resident farmer in the township; Thomas Jones holds the other farm, but
resides in the adjoining township.
HAWKSTONE
is a township, in the parish of Hodnet, six miles S.W. from Market
Drayton, eight miles and a half S. from Whitchurch, and thirteen miles
N.N. by W. from Shrewsbury. At the census in 1841 here were six houses
and 60 inhabitants. The township contains 693A. 2R. 32P. of land, the
tithes of which have been commuted for £115. HAWKSTONE PARK, the
magnificent seat of Viscount Hill, is delightfully situated in a park of
great extent and picturesque beauty, not far from the turnpike road
leading from Shrewsbury to Whitchurch, and has long been an alluring
object to the admirers of nature, as well as to persons of taste and
curiosity. The mansion is of brick, with stone finishings, and occupies
three sides of a quadrangle, but it does not appear by whom it was
originally built. The principal front is approached by a flight of
steps, leading through a noble portico (supported by four elegant pillars
of the composite order), considered an admirable piece of architecture.
Sir Rowland Hill, Bart., added the wings, and made other considerable
additions to the hall, which was the family mansion of the Hills in the
time of Edward VI., in which reign we find, A.D. 1549, Sir Rowland Hill,
Bart., was Lord Mayor of London. _The Entrance Hall_ is adorned with
ancient and modern armour, much of it collected at Waterloo, by the late
General Lord Hill. _The Saloon_ is a lofty and spacious apartment,
fitted up in a costly manner, and adorned with some fine paintings; among
which is the Siege of Namur, the five principal characters of which were
taken from life. They are William III., the Elector of Bavaria, the Duke
of Marlborough, Count Cohorn, and the Right Hon. Richard Hill, who was at
that time Paymaster of the Army, Member of the Privy Council, and Envoy
at the Court of Turin. _The Drawing Room_ is a noble apartment,
exquisitely furnished, and containing several fine paintings, executed by
some of the most celebrated masters. The ceiling and walls are richly
ornamented and gilt, and the furniture is of the same gorgeous
description. _The Library_ contains an extensive and valuable collection
of books, chiefly modern works; several fine paintings; and in a glass
case are the sword and orders of the late General Lord Hill. _The
Billiard Room_ contains several valuable pillars brought from Egypt by
General Lord Hill. _The Chapel_ forms the south-west wing of the hall,
and is now undergoing a complete reparation. A marble pulpit and stained
glass windows (the latter illustrative of scripture history) have been
added, which give the interior a solemn and imposing appearance. _The
Museum_ contains many interesting objects of curiosity, and an extensive
and valuable collection of British birds. Adjoining the library is the
_Sculpture Gallery_. There are also various other apartments, adorned in
the most tasteful and costly style, which our limits will not allow us to
notice. _The Gardens_ are laid out with taste, and contain a number of
small ponds for aquatic birds. Near the hall on a gentle eminence is the
_Summer House_, a handsome octagonal building of Grinshill freestone; the
interior of which is painted in fresco, and represents the four seasons.
From the window there is a pleasing prospect of a fine sheet of water;
and in the distance appear the Broxton hills and Delamere forest, in
Cheshire. A pleasant walk leads from the summer house to the _Gulph_,
which separates the grotto rock from the opposite heights. On emerging
from the beautiful lawn, the most romantic scenery suddenly presents
itself to the eye of the spectator; and proceeding along a rising walk on
the side of the rock, the traveller is conducted to the entrance of _The
Grotto_, a cleft in the rock, which had lain for ages undiscovered, till
Sir Richard Hill caused all the earth to be dug away, when it was found
that the two sides of the rock so nearly corresponded with each other
that they were doubtless once united, and separated either by an
earthquake or some other violent convulsion of the earth. After
proceeding about a hundred yards, you arrive at the grotto, which is a
vast subterraneous cave, supported by rude pillars hewn out of the solid
rock; in the midst of which is a spacious recess, ingeniously inlaid with
shells, fossils, and curious petrefactions. Through a colonnade of rude
pillars this labyrinth is quitted by a door on the west, which opens on
an awful precipice of huge rocks and pending crags, hoary with age,
forming a striking contrast with the verdant lawn and fertile plain in
the distance. Proceeding under the grotto hill, by a road cut out of the
shelving rock, and looking upwards, you behold enormous crags hanging
over you, as if on the very point of falling. This hill stretches to the
south-west to a considerable distance; and the gigantic rocks heaped one
upon another look more like ruined castles than the turrets of nature.
On leaving the grotto hill, you proceed by the side of stately oaks and
rugged cliffs till you arrive at a natural cave called _The Retreat_, the
top of which is tinged with variegated copper. In this cave, with its
straw-matted seat and stone table, is a beautiful stanza, penned by the
late Sir Richard Hill. After quitting the retreat, you pass by _The
Canopy_ and _The Indian Rock_, surrounded by scenery of the most romantic
character, and mount up a curiously hewn pathway along the rock till you
reach a little cottage, in which is the figure of a hermit, in a sitting
posture, with a table before him, on which is a skull, an hour glass, a
book, and a pair of spectacles. The next attraction is _St. Francis’s
Cave_, the entrance to which is under a curiously twisted root of a
venerable yew tree. After groping for some yards in total darkness, you
suddenly emerge into cheering light, and which ever way you turn the most
enchanting prospects are stretched out before you. A detached piece of
rock of a pyramidical form is called _The Fox’s Knob_, from the
circumstance of a fox, some years ago, leaping from the top to the valley
beneath; and being followed by some of the dogs, the pursuers and the
pursued perished together. Turning to the left, a verdant walk leads to
the summit of _The Terrace_. This delightful walk is embosomed in the
varied foliage of forest trees, which reach down to the ground, with
openings here and there through which distant prospects are viewed.
Passing beyond the limits of these Alpine heights, you arrive at
_Reynard’s Banqueting House_, a natural cavern, in which were found the
remains of hares, rabbits, and all sorts of poultry, which the foxes had
carried there to feast upon.
On the highest point of the terrace is erected a noble OBELISK, built of
white freestone, and about one hundred and twelve feet high. From the
top of this column a most unbounded prospect presents itself to view, and
England and Wales vie with each other in the loftiness of their mountains
and the richness of their plains. The gallery of the obelisk forms an
observatory for the astronomer. The inscription on the base transmits to
posterity the piety and noble acts of a venerable ancestor, a statue of
whom in his lord mayor’s gown, copied from an ancient monument which
stood in the church of St. Stephen’s, Walbrook, before the fire of
London, is placed on the top, holding the Magna Charta in his hand. The
following is the inscription at the base:—
“The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.”—_Psalm_,
cvi. 6.
The first stone of this pillar was laid by Sir Richard Hill, Bart.
(member in several parliaments for this county), on the 1st day of
October, in the year 1795; who caused it to be erected, not only for the
various uses of an observatory and to feast the eye by presenting it at
one view with a most luxuriant and extensive prospect, which takes in not
less than twelve (or, as some assert, fifteen) counties, but from motives
of justice, respect, and gratitude, to the memory of a truly great and
good man, viz., Sir Rowland Hill, Knight, who was born at the family
mansion, Hawkstone, in the reign of King Henry VII., and being bred to
trade and free of the city of London, became one of the most considerable
and opulent merchants of his time, and was lord mayor of the same in the
second and third years of the reign of Edward VI., anno 1549 and 1550,
and was the first Protestant that filled that high office. Having
embraced the principles of the Reformation, he zealously exerted himself
in behalf of the Protestant cause, and having been diligent in the use of
all religious exercises, “prayerful, conscientious, and watchful” (as a
writer of his character expresses it), yet trusting only in the merit of
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, he exchanged this life for a better, a
short while after the death of that pious young monarch, being aged
nearly seventy-eight years.
For a considerable time previous to his decease he gave up his mercantile
occupations that he might with more devotedness of heart attend to the
great concerns of another world. His lands, possessions, and church
patronage were immense, particularly in the counties of Salop and
Chester, the number of his tenants (none of whom he ever raised or fined)
amounting to 1,181, as appears from his own hand writing. His private
virtues, good deeds and munificent spirit, were quite unlimited and
extended—like the prospect before us, east, west, north, and south, far
surpassing all bounds. “Being sensible,” saith Fuller, speaking of him
in his “_Worthies of England_,” “that his great estate was given him of
God,” it was his desire to devote it to His glory. He built a spacious
church in his own parish Hodnet, and likewise the neighbouring church at
Stoke at his own expense. He built Tern and Atcham bridges in this
county, both of hewn stone, and containing several arches each. He also
built other large bridges of timber. He built and endowed several large
schools, particularly that of Drayton. He made and paved divers highways
for the public utility. He founded exhibitions and educated many
students at both universities, and supported at the inns and courts
others who were brought up to the law. He was the unwearied friend of
the widow and fatherless. He clothed annually three hundred poor people
in his neighbourhood, both with shirts and coats; and in the city of
London he gave £500 (an immense sum in those days) to St. Bartholomew’s
Hospital, besides (saith Fuller) £600 to Christ’s Hospital. He also gave
most liberally to all other hospitals, and at his death bequeathed £150
to the poor of all the wards in London. He had no children, but his
relations and kinsfolk were numerous, who all partook largely of his
bounty, both in his lifetime and at his death. He constantly kept up a
great family household, where he maintained good hospitality. Many
resorted to him for his wise and salutary advice, and none who came to
him were sent empty or dissatisfied away. Go thou and do likewise, as
far as thy ability will permit, without injury to thy own relations. It
is worthy of remark that as Sir Rowland Hill was the first protestant
lord mayor, anno 1549, so his father, Thomas Hill, Esq., of Hawkstone,
was the last lord mayor of the Roman Catholic persuasion.
A walk from the terrace leads to the WHITE TOWER, a Gothic structure,
situated on a bold projection on the south-west side of the terrace,
which is a conspicuous object for several miles round. In the glen not
far from the White Tower is a cave in the rock, made accessible by means
of some steps through a narrow romantic walk, and which is remarkable for
having been the hiding place of an ancestor of the Hill family, who met
with great hardships from the parliamentary forces during the
commonwealth. In memory of this gentleman the late Sir Richard Hill
caused a handsome urn to be placed near the cave above mentioned, with
the following inscription on the base of it:—
Anno 1784.
This urn
was placed here by Sir Richard Hill, Bart.,
(eldest son of Sir Rowland Hill, Bart.)
one of the Knights of this Shire,
as a token of affection to the memory of his much respected ancestor,
Rowland Hill, of Hawkstone, Esquire;
a gentleman remarkable for his great wisdom, piety, and charity, who,
being
a zealous royalist, hid himself in this glen, in the civil wars in
the
time of King Charles the First.
But being discovered, was imprisoned in the adjacent castle, commonly
called Red Castle, whilst his house was pillaged and ransacked by the
rebels. The castle itself was soon after demolished.
His son, Rowland Hill, Esq., coming to his assistance, also suffered
much in the same loyal cause.
THE VINEYARD is a sequestered glen, embosomed in foliage and screened by
the rocks behind and on each side, and open only to the south sun, and
apparently peculiarly adapted to the growth and culture of the vine; but
although every effort was tried, the attempt did not succeed. It was
laid out in the manner of a fortification, with turrets, walls, and
bastions, at very great expense, by the late Sir Richard Hill. From the
tower may be seen the town of Shrewsbury, many of the Cambrian hills, the
magnificent Wrekin, and the towering heights of the Briedden hills, on
the latter of which is the pillar erected in honour of Lord Rodney.
About a mile from the tower is the BURGH WALLS, or BURY WALLS, the
remains of a grand Roman camp, allowed by antiquarians to be the most
perfect in the kingdom. It encompasses about twenty acres of ground, and
is screened on all sides but one by a chain of inaccessible rocks. The
side on which there is no natural defence is strongly guarded by a triple
entrenchment, which must have been a work of immense labour. Here Roman
coins have frequently been found, and in the year 1821 a spur, pronounced
by competent judges to be of Roman workmanship, was found in the garden
of the Bury farm, about a quarter of a mile from Bury Walls. The ELYSIAN
HILL is another object of attraction; and here you find various rude and
whimsical seats to rest upon, by the side of the mossy bank or rocky
cavern, as you ascend the steep acclivity. An enchanting valley divides
this hill from the RED CASTLE HILL, so called from the colour of the
rock, and of the stone with which the castle is built. Having ascended
the romantic heights, you enter the castle through a strong door or
gateway. This fortress, long the seat of warriors, and remarkable for
its strength and the prodigious thickness of its walls, is now a heap of
ruins, and inhabited only by birds of prey, whilst its martial sons are
buried in oblivion, and nothing left to perpetuate their deeds of prowess
but these fragments of desolation. Dugdale informs us that this castle
was erected in the reign of Henry III.; but an ancient manuscript in the
Audley family proves it to have had a much earlier existence. It is
there said that “Maud, or Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror, gave to
John de Audley and to his heirs, the lands about Red Castle, in the
county of Salop, for certain services done by him to the state.” The
castle and surrounding domain were purchased by Sir Rowland Hill, Bart.,
about the middle of the eighteenth century. On the castle hill there is
a deep well, commonly called the GIANT’S WELL, the depth of which, from
the top of the tower, is two hundred and six feet; it is ten feet in
diameter at the entrance, and hewn out of the solid rock. The tower is
also hewn out of the solid rock to the height of about forty feet. Near
to the well a coffin was found, many years ago, which, on being exposed
to the air, crumbled into dust; in it were discovered several human
bones, and the iron beard of an arrow. The southern entrance to the
glen, which divides the castle into two nearly equal parts, is flanked on
each side by a rock, on which formerly stood watch towers; and where the
fosse, which intersected the glen, required additional defence or
altitude, masonry was employed. A wall of great strength has crossed the
glen at each end, passing up the slopes of the hill, connecting the rocks
which overlook the entrances, and enclosing an area of an oblong form.
The approach to the highest division of the castle is by steps cut out of
the solid rock, and continued through a low tortuous passage, the
entrance to which has been guarded by a door. A wall of about three
hundred feet in circumference has been carried round the summit of the
rock, the sides of which are for the most part perpendicular. The park
is richly adorned with timber, and the scenery is pleasingly diversified
and enchanting—the awfulness of its shades, the horrors of its
precipices, the verdure of its hollows, and the loftiness of its rocks,
all combine to give an additional charm to the fairy scene. A fine sheet
of water, in some parts nearly one hundred yards in breadth, stretches
for upwards of two miles in length, and forms the boundary to the north
and west sides of the park. The park is stocked with herds of Scotch
bullocks, and upwards of six hundred head of deer.
The principal residents in Hawkstone are Rowland Viscount Hill, Hawkstone
Park; Rev. William Blackley, domestic chaplain; William Carling, butler;
Mrs. Morgan, housekeeper; Frederick Nieman, gardener; John Hopkins,
farmer; and Thomas Holding, farmer.
HOPTON AND ESPLEY,
a township in the parish of Hodnet, one mile south from the church,
contains 969A. 2R. 16P. of land, and in 1841 had twelve houses and 77
inhabitants; the tithes have been commuted for £183. 12s. 7d. There are
only three farms in this township, two of which are the property of
Viscount Hill, and the other is the property of A. C. H. Percy, Esq.
The principal residents are Samuel Cartwright, farmer, Hopton; George
Gill, farmer and land agent to Viscount Hill, Hopton; John Liversage,
farmer, Espley.
KENSTONE,
a township and small village one mile W.W. by S. from Hodnet, contains
858A. 0R. 9P. of land, mostly a bold undulating district, the high
grounds of which are covered with thriving plantations. The land is
chiefly the property of Viscount Hill; Mr. George Clay is the owner of
one farm. The Primitive Methodists have a small chapel near the verge of
the township, on the turnpike road leading from Hodnet to Wem. The
tithes have been commuted for £73. 1s. 8d. At the census of 1841 there
were twenty houses and 104 inhabitants.
DIRECTORY.—James Cartwright, farmer; Martha Ellis, farmer; George Clay,
farmer; Richard Powell, farmer, Hopley Hill; William Gregory, carpenter
and joiner.
LOSSFORD, OR LOSTFORD,
a small township two and a half miles N. from Hodnet, with a few
scattered houses, near the turnpike road from Hodnet to Market Drayton,
contains 438A. 0R. 9P. of land, which is the property of Richard Corbet,
Esq., and Miss Mary Murhall; the latter resides at a neat residence of
modern construction, on an acclivity near the turnpike road. In 1841
here were 11 houses and 64 inhabitants. A small stream intersects the
township, and tradition says that a person was formerly lost here in
fording the stream, and hence the name of Lost-ford, now corrupted to
Lossford, has been given to the township.
DIRECTORY.—Thomas Glassey, farmer; John Lodmore, farmer and cheese
factor; John Merry, farmer; Miss Mary Murhall, farmer.
MARCHAMLEY
is a township and small village pleasantly situated on elevated ground,
commanding fine prospects of the surrounding country, one mile N.W. from
Hodnet, and six miles S.W. from Market Drayton. The township contains
1424A. 0R. 29P. of land, and in 1841 here were 84 houses and 441
inhabitants; the tithes have been commuted for £217. 2s. 9d.; Viscount
Hill is the principal landowner in the township. The village is situated
near the entrance to Hawkstone Park, some portions of which are within
the bounds of this township. The poor of Marchamley and the other
townships comprising the parish of Hodnet participate in the benefit
arising from the several charities noticed with the township of Hodnet.
The farm premises of Viscount Hill, who holds a considerable extent of
land in his own hands, are situated at Marchamley.
DIRECTORY.—Thomas Cotton, farmer; Jane Lane, shopkeeper; Robert Graham,
farmer and architect and builder; Richard James, police constable; John
Martin, joiner; John Powell, farmer, The Well House; Samuel Vaughan,
blacksmith; Samuel Whittaker, farm steward to Viscount Hill.
PEPLOW,
a township and small rural village in the parish of Hodnet, three miles
S. from the parish church, contains 1,388A. 2R. 30P. of land, which is
the property of Viscount Hill. At the census of 1841 there were 28
houses and 220 inhabitants. The tithes have been commuted for £532. 19s.
9d. The hall is a spacious brick mansion, which was originally built by
the Pigott family; it is now the residence of Captain George Hill. On
the north side of the hall is a private chapel, an ancient structure
mantled with ivy, where the residents at Peplow usually attend divine
service, which is performed by the rector or curate of Hodnet. Not far
from the chapel is a neat school and residence for the teacher, which was
built and is supported by Viscount Hill. The township is watered by the
river Tern, the meadow lands on the banks of which are enriched by that
river occasionally overflowing its banks; a little below the village it
turns a corn mill. The land for the most part in this locality is flat,
it has been greatly improved by superior cultivation, and is generally
highly productive.
DIRECTORY.—Captain George Hill, Peplow Hall; Ralph Brett, corn miller;
John Cartwright, farmer; Thomas Casewell, farmer; Samuel Deakin, farmer;
Richard Everall, farmer; James Gray, farmer, Hall Green; Samuel Hughes,
blacksmith; Thos. Liversage, blacksmith; John Ravencroft, farmer; Samuel
Shuker, shoemaker; George Topham, farmer, maltster, and butcher;
Elizabeth Williams, schoolmistress.
WESTON UNDER RED CASTLE
is a township and chapelry in the Wem division of the North Bradford
Hundred, the rest of the parish being returned in Drayton division. The
village is delightfully situated near the verge of Hawkstone Park, four
miles E. from Wem, and in 1841 there were 76 houses and 348 inhabitants.
The township contains 2,210 acres of land, of which 576 acres are in
woods and plantations, and 15 acres in roads. Rateable value, £2645. 4s.
10d. The tithes are commuted for £195. 17s. 6d. Viscount Hill is the
principal landowner and lord of the manor; Philip Hill, Esq., is also a
landowner. The country around Weston is pleasantly diversified with hill
and dale, richly clothed with timber, and the scenery beautifully
picturesque. Here are extensive quarries of free stone, which is much
used for building purposes; blocks of immense size are frequently raised
from the quarries. THE CHAPEL is a neat structure of free stone, with a
tower containing a clock; it was rebuilt in 1791, with funds raised by
subscriptions, towards which Sir Rowland Hill, Bart., gave the munificent
sum of £720. The organ was purchased by subscriptions in 1838, and cost
upwards of £100, of which £83. 2s. were given by various benevolent
individuals, and the remainder was given by General Lord Hill, together
with the communion plate. The font is of Grinshill free stone, and
exhibits some fine workmanship. A neat marble tablet dated 1809
remembers George Downward and his wife Elizabeth. The living is enjoyed
by the Rev. John Hill. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL is a neat modern erection,
with a residence for the teacher, built and endowed by the Hill family,
of Hawkstone, (see charities noticed with Hodnet), 54 boys and 20 girls
attend; the teachers have each a stipend of £20 per annum. THE CITADEL
is a stately pile of building in the castellated style of architecture,
situated on a bold eminence, commanding delightful views, and beautified
with park grounds richly clothed with timber. It is the residence of the
Rev. John Hill, M.A. HAWKSTONE HOTEL is a commodious and handsome
structure elegantly fitted up, and situated near the entrance to the
park. From its contiguity to Hawkstone, the magnificent seat of Viscount
Hill, it is frequented by immense numbers, who annually visit this
delightful locality. WIXHALL is a hamlet in this township, the acres of
which are returned with the parish. Viscount Hill is the chief
landowner; Phillip Hill, Esq.; C. D. Hill, Esq.; J. H. Sandford, Esq.;
Mr. E. Evanson, and Clara Beddow, are also freeholders.
_Those marked * reside at the hamlet of Wixhall_.
* Ashley Ann, The Hall
* Ashley Samuel, farmer
* Ashley Thomas, farmer
Blakeway Richard, coachman
Clewes Richard, grocer, draper, & provision dealer
Denham James, Esq., architect
Evanson Edward, beerhouse keeper
Farnandez Mariano, vict., Hawkstone Hotel
Gill George, Esq., land agent and steward to Lord Hill
Hamer Mrs.
Higginson William, blacksmith
Hill Rev. John, The Citadel
Holding Thomas, Abbey Farm
Izzard Susannah, schoolmistress
Jones John, shoemaker
Lester Samuel, farmer
* Lewis Edward, quarry master
Lewis Samuel, tailor, The Heath
Lewis Thomas, mason, The Heath
Lewis William, mason, The Heath
Massey William, The Berry Farm
Phillips John, shoemaker, The Heath
* Powell Ann, farmer
Robinson Thomas, gamekeeper
Snape John, park keeper
Vigers John, Hawkstone Farm
Watson Joseph, shoemaker
Whalley James, The Hermitage Farm
* Williams Enoch, wheelwright and machine maker
Williams William, schoolmaster
WOLLERTON
is a straggling but pleasantly situated village a little more than a mile
E.E. by N. from Hodnet. At the census of 1841 there were 46 houses and
231 inhabitants; the township contains 1,334A. 2R. 6P. of land, the
principal owners of which are A. C. H. Percy, Esq., Viscount Hill, Walter
Minor, Esq., Mr. Richard Whitfield, Mr. William Massey, Mr. John Beacall,
Mr. Samuel Brayn, and Mr. Thomas Pritchard. There is a small Independent
Chapel with a residence for the minister, situated on rising ground not
far from the turnpike road leading from Hodnet to Market Drayton; it was
built about half a century ago, and will accommodate about 120 hearers;
the congregation is under the pastoral care of the Rev. Daniel Davies.
The tithes of Wollerton are commuted for £196. 1s. 1d. The township is
watered by the river Tern, on the banks of which there is a corn mill.
DIRECTORY.—Walter Minor, Esq.; Betty Blockley, farmer; Rev. Daniel
Davies, Independent minister; Richard and John Cartwright, farmers,
maltsters, and corn millers; John Hope, wheelwright; Phillip Hughes,
blacksmith; Samuel Hughes, blacksmith; Margaret Icke, beerhouse keeper;
John Lester, farmer; William Massey, farmer; William Massey, jun.,
farmer; James Pickering, cooper; William Powell, farmer.
IGHTFIELD,
a parish and village in the Whitchurch division of the hundred of North
Bradford, four miles and a quarter S.E. by E. from Wem, contains 2,800
acres of land, mostly a strong soil, which produces good crops of grain.
In 1801 there were 209 inhabitants; 1831, 301; and in 1841, there were 70
houses and 361 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,959. The principal
landowners are Lord Kilmorey, Messrs. Corsers, Mr. John Walmsley, Mr.
Isaac Forrester, Miss Morton, Mr. Samuel Lea, the Misses Hinton, Rev.
John Justice, George Harper, Esq., and the representatives of William
Skitt; besides whom there are several smaller freeholders. THE CHURCH,
dedicated to St. John the Baptist, is situated on an eminence, and has a
lofty square tower, ornamented with pinnacles. It is an ancient
structure in the Gothic style of architecture, much delapidated, and fast
falling to decay. The body of the church is divided into two
compartments, and has a pitched roof, supported by octagonal stone
pillars with pointed arches; the caps of the pillars are curiously
carved. The tower contains four bells; and from its summit a most
delightful and extensive prospect over the fertile plains of Shropshire
is seen. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £7. 19s.
4½d., in the patronage of H. Justice, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev.
John Justice, M.A. The tithes were commuted in 1839 for the sum of £657.
16s. 5d., of which the sum of £320 was apportioned to the rector. The
estate of Lord Kilmorey in this parish is tithe-free, but he pays a small
modus, and keeps a portion of the north compartment of the church in
repair. KEMPLEY HOUSE is an ancient residence, and was formerly
surrounded by a moat, which may still be traced.
CHARITIES.—Several sums of money, amounting in the whole to £113, left by
ten several donors, were laid out in the year 1819 in the purchase of
certain premises, for the purpose of converting the same into a
poor-house. The sum of £5. 10s. has been since paid annually as the
interest of the charity money out of the parish rates, and disposed of as
follows:—The sum of £1 is divided annually among poor widows of this
parish; 18s. are expended in penny loaves, and distributed every Sunday
amongst poor old persons most constantly attending the church; and the
residue is distributed among the most necessitous poor of the parish, in
sums varying from 4s. to 8s.
Bentley William, farmer, The Heath
Bentley William, jun., farmer
Blackmore John, farmer
Burgess Geo., farmer, Dairy House
Dickin Robert, farmer
Ebrey John, butcher
Gresty William, maltster and farmer
Haynes Thomas, tailor
Heath John, farmer
Hinton John, farmer and butcher
Jones Elizabeth, farmer
Justice Rev. John, M.A., The Rectory
Langford Enoch, shoemaker
Langford Joseph, bricklayer
Langford Joseph, victualler, Lamb Inn
Shelley John, farmer, The Hall
Shucker William, blacksmith
Skitt Wm., farmer, Kempley
Tyler Thomas, shoemaker and parish clerk
Wainwright John, shopkeeper
Walmsley Samuel, farmer
Wharton John, shopkeeper
Wiggin Richard, farmer
Williams Richard, beerhouse-keeper and blacksmith
Wilson George, wheelwright
Wilson John, wheelwright
Worrall Josh., farmer, Yew-tree House
LEE BROCKHURST
is a small parish and village, two miles and a half S.E. from Wem, in the
Whitchurch division of the hundred of North Bradford. In 1801 there was
a population of 137 souls; 1831, 151; and in 1841 there were 31 houses
and 165 inhabitants. The parish contains 564A. 2R. 21P. of land, of
which 216A. 3R. 36P. are arable, 75 acres meadow, 10A. 2R. sheep walks,
61A. 2R. woods and plantations, and about eleven acres in gardens and
homesteads. Of the total acreage 374A. 3R. 23P. are titheable, and the
remainder tithe-free. Rateable value, £588. 11s. 3d. The principal
landowners are Viscount Hill, John H. Walford, Esq., Mrs. Brooks, and
Samuel Long Waring, Esq. The tithes are commuted for £74; John H.
Walford, Esq., is the impropriator. The turnpike road from Whitchurch to
Newcastle intersects the parish, which is bounded on the south-east and
south west by the river Roden, the stream being crossed by two stone
bridges. At Lee Bridge there is a respectable and commodious inn, the
Corbet Arms; near to which are immense rocks of red sandstone, the soil
on the summits of which is planted with fir and other timber trees. On
the top of one of these rocks a tower has been erected, from which a most
extensive and picturesque view of the country is obtained. The whole
district has a bold undulating surface, finely wooded, and the scenery
towards Hawkstone, the fine domain of Viscount Hill, is truly
magnificent. An OBELISK has been erected by the tenantry of Besford and
Lee Bridge, as a token of esteem and respect to their landlord, Sir
Andrew Vincent Corbet, Bart., and to commemorate the coming of age of his
eldest son, Vincent Rowland Corbet, Esq., August 11th, 1842. It bears
the following inscription:—
“May there be Corbets and Hills this obelisk to pass,
So long as time and it doth last.”
A bath has been cut out of the red sandstone rock, which is supplied with
an abundance of fine spring water. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Peter,
is a plain unpretending structure of venerable appearance; the interior
is neatly pewed, and consists of nave and chancel, and contains a small
gallery. A neat tablet remembers John Henshaw, Esq., and there are
several tombs in the church-yard in memory of the Heatleys. The living
is a perpetual curacy, returned at £74, in the patronage of John H.
Walford, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. William Walker. The parish
register is in good preservation, and dates from the year 1566. Near the
church is a barrow or tumuli, where it is stated human bones have been
found.
DIRECTORY.—Mrs. Brookes; Miss Harris; Samuel Heatley, farmer, The Hall;
John Holding, shopkeeper and shoemaker; William Ikin, farmer, Cranberry
farm; Mary Ikin, schoolmistress; Richard Powell, farmer; Richard Powell,
jun., farmer; the Misses Skitt; William Staples, huntsman to the
Albrighton Subscription Hunt, and victualler, the Raven and Hand and
Corbet Arms.
MORETON CORBET
is a village and parish seven miles N.N. by E. from Shrewsbury, and four
and a half miles south-east from Wem. The parish contains the township
of Moreton Corbet and part of the townships of Preston Brockhurst and
Besford, and comprises 2,140A. 1R. 17P. of land, of which 200 acres are
in woods and plantations. In 1801 there was a population of 180 souls;
in 1831, 679; and in 1841 there were 37 houses and 226 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £2,765. 8s. Sir Andrew Vincent Corbet, Bart., is lord of
the manor, impropriator, and owner of the whole parish. The land is of a
superior quality; the soil is a mixture of sand and loam. There is a
fine breed of sheep kept here, and several of the farmers have large
flocks. The tithes have been commuted for £400. The township of Moreton
Corbet contains 607A. 3R. 1P. of land, of which 214 acres are woods and
plantations.
MORETON CORBET CASTLE stands a short distance from the church, and
presents a noble pile of ruins, magnificent in decay. A considerable
portion of the walls is still standing, but its roof has been many years
demolished. In early times it was the stately mansion of the Corbets.
Several dates may be discovered in different parts of the building, but
the date of its erection is uncertain; it is probable that only a portion
of the original design was ever completed; and it has by no means the
appearance of having been intended for a fortress, for the windows are
large, and unlike those of castles in general. It was garrisoned in 1644
by the parliament against Charles I. The king having possession of
Shrewsbury and several places in the neighbourhood, the parliament sent
part of the garrison from hence against Shrewsbury, which soon after
surrendered to their forces. This castle is said to have been partly
burnt during the civil wars, since which it has gradually sunk into
insignificance and dilapidation. The present noble owner is descended
from an ancient and honourable family, who have been seated in this
county from the time of the conquest, when Roger Corbet held large
possessions under the Earl of Shrewsbury. Sir Vincent Corbet was created
a baronet in 1641, whose descendant, Sir Andrew Vincent Corbet, Bart.,
now resides at Acton Reynald. Mr. Blakeway gives the following tradition
of the Pilgrim of Moreton:—“The real progenitor of all the Shropshire
Corbets had but one son that we know of, William, who left issue. Ebraid
and Simon occur as granting lands in Wentnor to the Abbey of Shrewsbury,
but we know nothing of them. William Corbet is stated to have made
Wattlesborough his residence, and no doubt dwelt in that ancient castle,
of which, however, there are no remains so old as his age. He had three
sons, Thomas Corbet of Wattlesborough, Robert of Caus, and Philip.
Several circumstances concur to show that the former was the eldest,
though Robert became much the more considerable personage. A tradition
still subsists that the heir of Moreton Corbet went to the Holy Land, and
was kept in captivity so long that he was supposed to be dead. In
consequence of this his younger brother engaged to marry, that he might
continue the line. On the morning of his marriage, says the tradition, a
pilgrim came to the house to partake of the hospitalities of that festal
occasion. After dinner he revealed himself to the assembled company as
the long-lost elder brother; but when the bridegroom would have
surrendered the estate, he declined the offer, and desired only a small
portion of the land, which he accordingly received. Such incidents are
related of other families, and were perhaps not unfrequent in a romantic
age; and some were doubtless feigned. I am inclined to think the present
has a basis of truth, for we are assured that Thomas Corbet of
Wattlesborough went beyond sea, and left his lands in the custody of his
brother Robert; and this may have given rise to the tale I have just
related. The primogeniture of Thomas is established by the armorial
bearings of his posterity,—the single raven. The descendants of Robert
bore two such—a proof that they were a younger line; but they were barons
of the realm, an elevation never attained by the Wattlesborough branch:
and Caus, the seat of their barony, appears to have been carved out of
the elder line, Westbury, where it lies, having been granted by Earl
Roger to their progenitor, Roger, son of Corbet. All these coincidences,
with the tradition above mentioned, afford it some support. Moreton,
indeed, has in this case been made prematurely the scene of the
transaction.”
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, is a handsome structure of free
stone, in the decorative style of English architecture, with a square
tower. The interior has a very beautiful and chastened appearance, and
the tablets and monuments to the Corbet family exhibit some very
elaborate workmanship. A monument to Vincent Corbet, the third baronet,
who died in 1670, is richly decorated with festoons of oak leaves, finely
executed in marble. The four corners are held up by ravens, in allusion
to the armorial bearings of this ancient family, and surmounted by their
crest, the elephant and castle. The latter is said to have been the
armorial bearings of the Scottish Oliphants, one of whom was taken
prisoner by a Corbet, in a war between the two kingdoms. The livingis a
rectory, valued in the king’s book at £5. 3s. 6d.; now returned at £376;
in the patronage of Sir Andrew Vincent Corbet, Bart., and incumbency of
the Rev. Robert F. Wood, M.A., who resides at the rectory, a good
residence situate near the church. There are 39A. 2R. 26P. of glebe
land. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, a spacious stone building, is supported by
Sir A. V. Corbet. About eighty children attend. The poor of this parish
are entitled to a yearly sum of £1. 5s., the gift of _Andrew_ and
_Elizabeth Downes_, which is now paid out of certain lands in Ollerly
lane, in the manor of Wem. Various benefactions left for the benefit of
the poor, in the whole amounting to £86. 5s., were formerly placed out at
interest; but in 1821 the amount was laid out in building some cottages
for the poor, upon land rented for this purpose by the parish officers.
The parishioners having found that no benefit had been derived from the
use of these houses, prevailed on Sir Andrew Corbet to take the land with
the cottages thereon, and to repay them the sum they had expended, which
was again put out at interest for the benefit of the poor.
The principal residents in Moreton Corbet are Eleanor Bennett, school
teacher; Robert Broughall, farmer; John Harris, farmer; John Harris,
jun., farmer; Mrs. Ann Henshaw, the Castle; Richard Henshaw, the Castle
Farm; William Lawley, blacksmith; Rev. Robert Faulkner Wood, M.A., the
Rectory.
PRESTON BROCKHURST
is a scattered village and township, partly in the parish of Shawbury,
and partly in the parish of Moreton Corbet, three and a quarter miles
south-east from Wem. At the census of 1841 there were 21 houses and 138
inhabitants, of which 2 houses and 17 persons were returned as in the
parish of Shawbury, and the remainder in this parish. The township
contains 1,482A. 1R. 23P. of land, much improved by superior cultivation.
The village is delightfully situated on the turnpike road from Shrewsbury
to Hawkstone; the vicinity has a bold undulating surface, richly wooded,
and pleasingly diversified with rural scenery. Sir Andrew Vincent
Corbet, Bart., is lord of the manor and sole proprietor. THE HALL is a
fine specimen of ancient architecture, with projecting gables and bay
windows, and was in early times the seat of a branch of the Corbet
family. It is lofty and spacious, and entered by a fine old porch, above
which is a watch tower; the whole has a venerable yet interesting
appearance. The interior contains some fine specimens of elaborate oak
carving; the entrance hall is of panelled oak, and the antique staircase
is also of oak, of massive and beautiful workmanship, the whole of which
is in excellent preservation. PRESTON WOOD covers an area of 204A. 1R.
20P. acres of land.
Brayne Richard, farmer, the Hall
Darlington Thomas, vict., the Elephant and Castle
Deakin James, butcher
Edwards William, farmer, Bridleway-gate
Evans John and Son, blacksmiths and agricultural implement makers
Evans John, farmer, Shawbury house
Huxley Richard, farmer, the Grove
Lewis Thomas, maltster and vict., Corbet Arms
Morgan Mr. Thomas
Snape Thomas, shopkeeper and gamekeeper
Travar John, sawyer
Travar Richard, joiner and cabinet-maker
Travar Samuel, wheelwright and van proprietor
Windsor Thomas, farmer, Wainhouse
MORETON SAY, OR MORETON SEA,
is a parish which comprehends the townships of Betchley, Longford,
Moreton Say, Styche, and Woodlands, and contains 4,804A. 1R. 30P. of
land, of which 53A. 2R. 13P. are woods and plantations, roads, and waste;
the soil for the most part is a strong tenacious clay: in other parts a
fertile loam prevails. In 1801 the parish contained 683 inhabitants; in
1831, 679; and in 1841, there were 126 houses and 770 inhabitants.
Rateable value of the whole parish, £5,299. 8s. Rent charge, £645. The
middle and the northern verge of the parish bordering on Cheshire,
present a bold undulating surface, and from the high grounds a most
beautiful prospect of the surrounding country may be seen. Richard
Corbet, Esq., and John Tayleur, Esq., are joint lords of the manor. The
village of Moreton Say is pleasantly situated three miles west from
Market Drayton, and in 1841 had 42 houses and 202 inhabitants. Rateable
value of the township, £1,928. 11s. The population are chiefly employed
in agricultural pursuits, and the land in this locality has been greatly
improved by draining and superior cultivation. The principal landowners
are John Whitehall Dod, Esq., M.P.; the Earl of Powis; and John Tayleur,
Esq. THE CHURCH is a venerable fabric, with a tower surmounted by a
wooden turret. The structure underwent a complete reparation in 1788, at
a cost of £386. 8s., which was raised by private subscriptions. The
chancel is ornamented with a beautiful stained glass window, of exquisite
workmanship. The walls of the chancel are decorated with implements of
war, taken by the late Lord Clive in his campaign through India; there
are also six beautifully designed marble tablets, in memory of the
predecessors of Lord Clive, of Styche Hall; a fine tomb of elaborate
workmanship, with three full sized figures in a recumbent posture,
remembers the Grosvenors of Eaton, and is dated 1619. A beautiful mural
monument, chastely executed, has been erected in commemoration of John
Bostock, Esq., who died in 1623. There is also a tablet of curious
workmanship in memory of Elizabeth Rotton, with others to the Corser,
Redshaw, Woolley, and other families. In the churchyard is a magnificent
altar tomb of marble, to the memory of Sir John Markham, who died in
1778. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the rector
of Hodnet, and enjoyed by the Rev. Robert Upton, M.A. The tithes have
been commuted, and £555 apportioned to the rector of Hodnet, and £90 to
the incumbent of Moreton Say. There are 48A. 2R. 39P. of glebe land.
The parsonage is an ancient structure a short distance from the church.
There is a school here, which is chiefly supported by the minister and a
few benevolent individuals.
In the parliamentary returns of 1786 several sums of money are mentioned
as having been given to the poor of this parish, amounting in the whole
to £199. 10s., which sum is stated to have been laid out in the purchase
of £250 stock in the four per cents. There is reason to question the
accuracy of this statement, as we find that most of the charities
recorded (many of which do not exceed £5) are supposed to have been
distributed as soon as received. There was, however, a close called the
Poor’s Field, containing about seven acres, the rent of which was given
away to the poor; but whether this field was purchased with any part of
the charities bequeathed to the parish, or derived from any other source,
is not now known. This field was sold about seventy years ago, with the
consent of the parishioners, by the churchwardens and overseers, to
Archdeacon Clive, the then incumbent of Moreton Say, who gave for it £250
stock in the four per cents., producing £10 a year, being the rent at
which the close was then let. The dividends of this stock now amount to
£8. 15s., with £1. 5s. added from the poors’ rate, to make up £10, is
expended in bread, and given away among poor persons attending divine
service at the church.
DIRECTORY.—Francis Grocott, farmer, Calverhall; Johnson and Moore,
farmers, Styche farm; William Lea, farmer and corn miller; Samuel Minor,
farmer, Moreton Hall; William Overton, farmer, Higgins Wood; William
Parker, farmer, the Wood; Thomas Peplow, farmer; Rev. Robert Upton, M.A.,
the Parsonage.
BETCHLEY
is a township and scattered village, pleasantly situated one mile south
from Moreton Say, which in 1841 had 16 houses and 101 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £684. 16s. The acres and tithes are included in the
returns given of the parish. The Earl of Powis and George Corser, Esq.,
are the landowners. The soil is mostly a cold clay, but has been much
improved by draining and by freely using bone-dust as a fertilizer.
The principal residents are Thomas Baker, farmer; Mrs. Cartwright,
farmer; William Humphreys, farmer; and Samuel Sharratt, farmer,
Oldfields.
LONGFORD,
a township and village, delightfully situated on elevated ground, two
miles S.E. by E. from Moreton Say, in 1841 contained 53 houses and 262
inhabitants. The land produces good crops of wheat and barley, and there
is some fine grazing land; the soil is chiefly strong. The Market
Drayton, Shrewsbury, Whitchurch, and Newport turnpike roads intersect the
township. The scenery around is beautifully varied and picturesque.
Gross estimated rental, £1,537. 14s. John Tayleur, Esq., is lord of the
manor and a landowner; besides whom the Rev. Thomas Henshaw Jones, Mr.
Charles Warren, Mr. Samuel Hudson, Richard Corbet, Esq., John Hazledine,
Esq., and others are also proprietors.
DIRECTORY.—George Harding, Esq., estate agent and steward to Richard
Corbet, Esq., Tern Hill House; Joseph Harris, farmer; Samuel Harris,
farmer; John Hazledine, Esq., Tern Hill; John Hill Stephenson, farmer;
Samuel Hudson, farmer; Joseph Johnson, blacksmith and victualler, the
Lion; Joseph Sillitoe, farmer, Tern Hill; James Wood, beerhouse-keeper.
STYCHE AND WOODLANDS,
a township and village on the northern verge of the county, bordering on
Cheshire, at the census of 1841 contained 24 houses and 145 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £1,148. 7s. The soil is mostly a strong clay; there is
some good meadow land in the township. The Earl of Powis and Lord
Kilmorey are the landowners. STYCHE HALL is an elegant mansion of brick,
with stone quoins and stuccoed, which produces a light and handsome
appearance. It is situated on a gentle elevation, and being lofty and
spacious, and approached by a fine portico, gives it an imposing aspect.
The front of the mansion opens into a fine extent of park-like grounds.
The offices and stables are behind the hall, and form a spacious
quadrangle. Styche is now the seat of Henry B. Clive, Esq., M.P., for
the borough of Ludlow. The celebrated Lord Clive, the founder of the
present noble family of Powis, was born at Styche. He was the son of
Richard Clive, Esq., and received his education first at the free-school
in Drayton, and afterwards at Dr. Stirling’s school, Hempsted. He
subsequently became a celebrated commander in the East India Company’s
service, and contributed to the prosperity of the company in a most
unexampled manner. He represented the town of Shrewsbury in parliament
from 1760 to 1774, but rarely spoke in the house, though upon special
occasions he displayed great powers of elocution. By his will he
bequeathed £70,000 to the invalids in the Company’s service.
DIRECTORY.—Henry B. Clive, Esq., Styche Hall; Thomas Akers, farmer,
Shavington Park; Samuel Beeston, farmer, Nobridge; Thomas Betterley,
farmer, Shavington; Richard Caldicot, farmer. New-street Lane; Charles
Gregory, farmer, Barnetts; John Horton, beerhouse-keeper; Abraham Price,
farmer; Thomas Sharratt, farmer, New-street Lane.
BEARSTON
is a township and small village, pleasantly situated four miles and a
half N.E. from Market Drayton, in the parish of Muckleston, which is
mostly comprised within the bounds of the Pirehill Hundred, in the county
of Stafford. THE CHURCH is also in Staffordshire, and situate about a
mile to the north of Blore Heath. It is an ancient structure, with a
lofty tower, from the top of which Queen Margaret witnessed the slaughter
at the battle of Blore Heath. The townships comprised in this county are
Bearston, Dorrington, Gravenhanger, and Woore. The township of Bearston
contains 1,084A. 1R. 6P., of land. The soil for the most part is a
strong loam, in other parts it is of a light sandy nature, particularly
near the banks of the river Tern. In 1841 there were 17 houses and 101
inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,196. 4s. 5d. Gross estimated rental,
£1,319. 9s. 8d. The land is the property of Thomas Kinnersley, Esq.,
except one farm, the property of the Rev. Hugh Ker Cokburne. The river
Tern here divides the county from that of Stafford, on the banks of which
is the Bearston Corn Mill, occupied by Mr. Bruckshaw, whose residence is
just within the bounds of this county.
DIRECTORY.—John Benbow, farmer; Thomas Bennion, farmer; George Bruckshaw,
farmer, maltster, and corn miller, Bearston Mill; Robert Tilsley, farmer.
DORRINGTON,
a small village and township, in the parish of Muckleston, five miles and
a quarter N.N.E. from Market Drayton, in 1831 contained 35 houses and 188
inhabitants. The township contains 965A. 0R. 35P. of land. Gross
estimated rental, £1,296. 3s. 6d. Rateable value, £1,181. 2s. 1d. Sir
J. W. L. Chetwode, Bart., is the principal landowner. Miss Birchall is
also a proprietor. PIPEGATE is a hamlet, a little to the east of
Dorrington. IRELANDS CROSS, a hamlet on the turnpike road to the north
of Dorrington. Here is the old Workhouse; a plain brick structure, now
unoccupied. Adjoining the workhouse are four small tenements, called THE
ALMSHOUSES, which are stated to have been built at the expense of the
parish. The inmates have no income, and they have been so long in
undisturbed possession, that they now claim them as their own.
DIRECTORY.—Thomas Ball, victualler, Fox and Hounds; Sarah Benbow, farmer;
Elizabeth Birchall, farmer; Mary Goodall, farmer; Henry Hopwood, farmer;
Jane Latham, beerhouse-keeper; Mary Lindop, farmer; Henry Taylor, manager
to Miss Birchall; Robert Timmis, farmer; Matthew and William Wildig,
joiners, builders, and brick-makers, Irelands Cross.
GRAVENHANGER,
a township six miles N.N.E. from Market Drayton, contains 1,144A. 2R. 9P.
of land. Gross estimated rental, £1,745. 9s. 7d. The principal
landowners are William Barber, Esq., Thomas Eld, Esq., Messrs. Wilkinson,
Mr. Samuel Sherrard, Miss Elizabeth Birchall, George Kendrick, Esq.,
Executors of the late Mr. Latham. THE HALL is an ancient residence,
occupied by Mr. John Beeston. Gravenhanger Moss is a tract of land of
about twenty acres unenclosed.
The principal residents are John Beeston, farmer, The Hall; Ralph Bennet,
farmer; Henry Buckley, beerhouse-keeper; Samuel Foxley, victualler, Crow
Inn; Robert Huntback, farmer; Jane Latham, farmer; Thomas Latham, farmer;
John Lea, farmer; Charlotte Morrey, farmer; James Sandbach, farmer,
Brooklands; Samuel Wilkinson, farmer.
WOORE
is a chapelry and considerable village, pleasantly situated at the
north-east extremity of the county, seven miles N.N.E. from Market
Drayton. The village contains many good houses, a neat church, and a
respectable hotel, and stands on a salubrious acclivity, which commands
extensive views of the surrounding country. The township contains
1,000A. 2R. 26P. of land, and in 1841 there were 98 houses and 372
persons. Gross estimated rental, £1,810. 15s. 2d. Rateable value,
£1,632. 17s. 9d. The principal landowner is George Kendrick, Esq. Mr.
Smith, Mr. Richard Clough, and the Devisees of the late Mr. Latham, are
also proprietors.
THE CHURCH is a neat structure, dedicated to St. Leonard, and has been
built about twenty years. The cost of the fabric was £1,300. The living
is a perpetual curacy, returned at £100, in the patronage of the Kendrick
and Kinnersley families alternately; incumbent, Rev. John Hawksworth,
M.A., who resides at the Parsonage, a neat residence a short distance
from the church. The old church was taken down on the erection of the
present structure, and stood near the site of the parsonage house. THE
NATIONAL SCHOOL was built by voluntary subscriptions and a grant from the
national society in 1832. At the present time, forty boys and sixty
girls and infants attend. The master has £15 per annum paid him, for
which fifteen children are educated free; the children of cottagers pay
one penny per week, and an additional charge is made for farmers’
children. THE MANOR HOUSE, a handsome residence embosomed in foliage,
was unoccupied when our agent visited Woore. THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS
have a small chapel here. FAIRS are held on the last Thursday in April
and November.
POST OFFICE.—_At John Hitchen’s_. Letters arrive from Market Drayton at
9 A.M., and are despatched at 4.30 P.M.
Baddiley Gregory, grocer
Bradbury William P., farmer and victualler, Swan Hotel
Brooke George, farmer
Buckley Thomas, grocer
Burslem Thomas, tailor
Collier George, cabinet and chair maker
Clough Richard, farmer
Clough Wm., schoolmaster
Dunkley Rev. John, curate
Goodall William, farmer, Woore Hall
Hayward Mr. John
Hawksworth, Rev. John, M.A. The Parsonage
Hitchens John, Post Office
Hough David, farmer
Hulse Mr., farmer
Jackson George, blacksmith
Latham Mr. Thomas
Lander George, butcher
Lewis Abraham, tallow chandler
Lewis John, shoemaker
Lindop John, victualler, The Falcon Inn
Minor Henry Robert, farmer
Morrey Richard, cooper and victualler, Coopers’ Arms
Morrey Thomas, shopkeeper
Mullington Mary, school-mistress
Nickson William, saddler
Rowley William, tailor
Salt John, surgeon
Taylor James, farmer
Vickers Richard, farmer
Watmough Charles, surgeon
Wayte Henry, shopkeeper
NORTON IN HALES,
a parish and village situated three and a half miles N.E. by N. from
Market Drayton, at the census of 1841 contained 64 houses and 312
inhabitants. In 1801 there was a population of 269 souls, and in 1831,
311. The parish contains 1,845 acres, the gross estimated rental of
which is £2,732, 16s. 8d. Rateable value, £2,475 1s. 8d. The tithes are
commuted for £305. P. Sillitoe, Esq., is the principal land owner, the
other chief owners are William Church Norcop, Esq., Mrs. Heath, and Rev.
Hugh Ker Cokburne, the latter of whom is lord of the manor. At the
Domesday survey Nortone in Odenet hundred was Held by one Helgot. THE
CHURCH is an ancient structure dedicated to St. Chad, consisting of nave
and chancel, with a handsome square tower at the west end, embattled and
ornamented with pinnacles; the chancel is of much older date than the
rest of the church. There is a magnificent monument of Derbyshire
alabaster, with full length figures, of Sir Rowland Cotton and his lady,
in a recumbent posture; it is dated 1686; the Cottons had a seat at
Etwall in Derbyshire, and Bellaport in this county. Over the tomb is an
ancient helmet. There is also a neat tablet in memory of the Cotton
family in the chancel. The church will accommodate about 100 hearers,
and there is a gallery at the west end which holds about fifty children.
The old antique font of rude construction is now disused and stands under
the tower; a small new font has recently been added and placed in the
chancel. The pews belonging to the rector and the lord of the manor are
handsomely carved. The curfew bell tolls at eight o’clock from
Michaelmas-day to Lady-day, a practice still continued in many of the
rural villages of this county. The living is a rectory valued in the
king’s book at £5. 9s. 4d., now returned at £330, in the patronage of W.
Silver, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Frederick Silver, M.A., who
resides at the RECTORY, a good stuccoed house pleasantly situated near
the north-east side of the churchyard. There are eleven acres of glebe
land. THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a small chapel in the village.
BELLAPORT HOUSE, the occasional residence of the lord of the manor, the
Rev. Hugh Ker Cokburne, is delightfully situated on high grounds, and
commands views of great extent and beauty. BRAND HALL, a good brick
mansion, the property of P. Sillitoe, Esq., was unoccupied when our agent
visited Norton.
CHARITIES.—The National School is a small structure, where about fifty
children are educated. In 1751 Margaret Higginson left £50 towards
founding a school at Norton; Sir Rowland Cotton gave a house of two bays
and a barn for the use of the schoolmaster, and Ralph Pilsbury left £6
towards teaching one child. It is supposed that the money given by Mrs.
Higginson was laid out in the purchase of land, though no deeds can be
found relating thereto. The property belonging the school consists of
the school, with a yard and garden, containing 1R. 9P., and an allotment
of 21P. added at the inclosure. The schoolhouse with a garden containing
19P., and two closes containing 5A. 0R. 20P., producing together a yearly
rental of £12. There is also a yearly sum of 4s. 9d. paid by the
churchwardens as the interest of £6 left by Ralph Pilsbury, the principal
having been applied to the use of the church previously to the year 1746,
from which period this payment has been made. In respect of this income
the master instructs seven children.
_William Shore_, in 1675, gave a rent charge of 26s. 8d. per annum,
issuing out of a meadow in Dorrington, for the use of the poor, and
afterwards in consideration of a sum of £40 conveyed the said land in
trust, that all the rents and profits should be disposed of for the
benefit of the poor. The said £40 having been given by various donors
for the good of the poor of this parish.
Several sums of money given by the Cotton family about the year 1694,
amounting in the whole to £80, were laid out in the purchase of land and
premises at Wem; the property consists of a house and about six acres of
land, which are let for about £15. 12s. per annum. The income derived
from the above estates forms one fund, which is distributed among poor
parishioners on Good Friday and Christmas-day.
_Richard Grosvenor_ left 20s. per annum to the poor. In the
churchwarden’s accounts about the year 1756, there is an entry of £30
paid by Robert Davison for the purpose of exonerating the estate which
then belonged to him from the rent charge, and the amount is carried to
the general account of the church rate. No payment has been made in
respect of this charity from the church rate, but we conceive that
interest on the purchase money ought to be paid from this account, for
the benefit of the poor.
Beech William, tailor, Norton Forge
Benton Thomas, farmer, Norton Wood
Blackhurst James, blacksmith and grocer
Bloore Thomas, wheelwright
Brookshaw George, blacksmith
Butters Snow, tailor
Churton Thomas, shoemaker, Forge
Clorley Thomas, parish clerk
Cokburne Rev. Hugh Ker, Bellaport House
Duckers Thomas, vict., The Crescent and Anchor
Eardly Richard, farmer, Bellaport Lodge
Eley William, butcher
Fox Henry, bailiff to Rev. H. K. Cokburne
Green Thomas, wheelwright, Norton Forge
Jones George, farmer
Jones Richard, farmer
Keay John, farmer and shoemaker
Leighton Daniel, farmer and maltster
Mate William, farmer, Norton Wood
Matthews John, farmer, Brand Common
Minshall William, shoemaker
Morris Richard, wheelwright and beerhouse
Randles William, grocer
Ratcliff Thomas, gardener, The Hall
Rowe Isaac, painter and glazier
Silver Rev. Frederick, M.A., The Rectory
Simcock Joseph, tailor
Snow Sarah, farmer
Spragg Samuel, gamekeeper
Walley Elizabeth, farmer
Wickstead John, master of National School
PREES
is an extensive parish and considerable village, situated on a gentle
acclivity, four miles north-east from Wem, and fourteen miles north-east
from Shrewsbury. The parish contains the townships of Calverhall or
Corra, Darliston, Fauls, Mickley, Millen Heath, Prees, Sandford, Steele,
Willaston, and the chapelry of Whixall, which together contain 14,160
acres of land, of which 2,657A. 1R. 10P. are in mosses, woods, covers,
and heath land. In 1801 the parish had a population of 2,653 souls;
1831, 3,355; and in 1841 there were 638 inhabited houses 24 uninhabited,
and 3,270 inhabitants. Rateable value, £17,466. 2s. 8d. The rectoral
tithes are commuted for £1,041. 1s., and the vicarial tithes for £636.
Some part of the land is mossy, others of a peaty nature, and in some
instances gravelly; there is also a portion of clay soils, of a reddish
colour. The township of Prees contains 3,854A. 3R. 11P. of land, and is
intersected by the Ellesmere, Whitchurch, Newport, Shrewsbury, and Market
Drayton turnpike roads. Rateable value, £5,474, 8s. 8d. In 1841 here
were 302 houses and 1,473 inhabitants. The land has a bold undulating
surface, and commands interesting views of the surrounding country.
Prees is celebrated as the birth place of the Salopian hero General Lord
Hill, and has acquired importance from its contiguity to Hawkston, the
magnificent seat of Viscount Hill. In the 43rd of Henry III. the Bishop
of Coventry and Lichfield had a grant of a market here on a Tuesday, and
of a fair on the eve, the day, and the morrow of St. Chad the Bishop,
with the liberty of free warren. In the 35th of Edward I. the market was
changed to Wednesday, but the markets were never of much consideration,
and subsequently were discontinued. Two fairs are, however, still held,
on the second Monday in April and the second Monday in October, for the
sale of sheep and cattle, which are well attended by the farmers and
graziers of the surrounding country. Viscount Hill is lord of the manor,
and the principal landowner. Sir R. C. Hill, Bart.; George Harper, Esq.;
John Dickin, Esq.; and a few others are also proprietors.
GENERAL LORD HILL, whose brilliant military services have acquired such
general renown, was born at Prees, August 11, 1772. His lordship entered
the army in the sixteenth year of his age, and commenced his military
duty at Edinburgh. His friends being anxious for his early promotion,
obtained permission for him to raise an independent company, which gave
him the rank of captain in the army, in the year 1792. In the interval
of his being attached to any particular corps, he accompanied Frances
Drake, Esq., on a diplomatic mission to Genoa, from whence Captain Hill
proceeded to Toulon, and was employed as aide-de-camp to Lord Mulgrave,
General O’Hara, and Sir David Dundas, successive generals there. He was
deputed by Sir David Dundas to be the bearer of the despatches to England
relating to the evacuation of Toulon by the British. He was shortly
after promoted to a lieutenant-colonelcy in the 90th regiment, and went
through a great deal of arduous duty at Gibraltar, and had his full share
in the memorable Egyptian campaign. In the action of the 13th of March
Colonel Hill commanded the advanced guard, and received a wound in the
right temple from a musket ball, the force of which was providentially
averted by a strong brass binding in front of his helmet; the blow,
however, was severe, and he was removed from the field of battle in a
state of insensibility. After the return of the troops from Egypt, the
90th was ordered to proceed to Ireland, where Lord Hill continued to
perform his regimental duty till he was appointed brigadier-general.
Early in the summer of 1808 he joined the army in England, destined to
act in the Peninsula. In the battles of Roleia and Vimiera he was fully
employed, and gained the thanks and approbation of his comrades; and
during the whole of Sir John Moore’s advance and retreat Lord Hill
continued indefatigible in his exertions. His humanity and attention to
the troops on their landing at Plymouth earned him the admiration of the
inhabitants, and he was voted the freedom of the borough. About this
time he became possessed of the seat and estate of Hardwick Grange, left
him by his uncle, Sir Richard Hill, Bart. At the battle of Talavera Lord
Hill was slightly wounded on the head, but his firmness and courage in
repelling the successive attacks of the French, greatly contributed to
the success of the day. The generalship and activity of Lord Hill in
surprising and capturing a French corps under General Girard, in Spanish
Estremadura, is deserving of commemoration. The force that Girard had
with him consisted of 2,500 infantry and 600 cavalry, the whole of which
were totally dispersed or captured. Among the latter were General Brune,
the Prince d’Aremberg, several colonels, thirty captains and subalterns,
and upwards of 1,000 soldiers, with the whole of their baggage,
artillery, and commissariat. The enemy’s loss in killed was very severe,
whilst from the activity and skilful manœuvres of Lord Hill, it was very
trifling on the side of the British. Lieutenant-general Hill, during his
detached command in Spain, was principally opposed to Soult, perhaps the
most able general whom Napoleon employed in that country; and the
acuteness of General Hill in foreseeing the intentions of that officer
very materially contributed to the happy results of the action at Buzaco.
In the memorable battle of Vittoria the centre of the allied army was
commanded by the Duke of Wellington, and the right by Lord Hill. Here
the enemy were completely routed, and the booty which was captured was
immense. Besides the baggage horses, and other articles taken on the
field, the value of the specie, plate, and jewels, was estimated at six
millions of dollars. Of this sum only 100,000 dollars came to the
military chest; the rest was divided by the troops on the spot. When
Lord Hill occupied the valley of Bastan with an army of 3,000 men, he was
attacked by a force of 14,000 men; but notwithstanding the superiority of
the numbers, the enemy acquired but little advantage over these brave
troops, during the seven hours they were engaged. At the conclusion of
another brilliant achievement shortly after, the noble Wellington rode up
to Lord Hill, and in the spirit of a great and candid mind said, “Hill,
this is all your own.” The various other engagements in which Lord Hill
took a prominent position, our limits will not allow us to notice. On
his return to his native country, every token of honour was manifested by
his grateful countrymen, and on his first visit to Shrewsbury thousands
went out to meet him, and his lordship was presented with the freedom of
the borough in a gold box. But the most splendid and durable token of
gratitude and esteem is the column erected in Shrewsbury to his honour,
which is the largest Doric column in the world. On the unexpected return
of Napoleon from Elba, the allied sovereigns immediately flew to arms, on
which occasion Lord Hill again obeyed the voice of his sovereign, and in
the memorable battle of Waterloo, on the 18th June, 1815, his lordship
gave fresh proofs of his skill, bravery, and intrepidity. In this
conflict Lord Hill’s favourite charger was shot under him; and whilst he
was on foot, completely exposed to the enemy, he was discovered by an
officer of Lord Wellington’s staff, who procured him the horse of a
French dragoon. For a full hour the officers of his lordship’s staff
were in a state of the greatest consternation, and twice met under the
apprehension that their beloved general had fallen. On the Duke of
Wellington accepting office as prime minister, in 1828, Lord Hill was
appointed commander-in-chief. The following are the titles and dignities
which he bore:—Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, Knight
of the Portuguese Order of the Tower and Sword, Knight of the Grand Cross
of the Guelphic Order, Knight of the Order of Maria Theresa, Knight of
the Russian Order of St. George, Knight of the Belgian Order of Wilhelm,
Baron Hill of Almarez, Hawkstone, and Hardwick Grange.
THE CHURCH, a venerable fabric of red sandstone in the Norman style of
architecture, consists of nave, chancel, and side aisles, and a square
tower, in which are six musical bells. The body of the church is of much
older date than the tower, which is of modern construction. The church
is entered by a fine old porch; the interior has a solemn and imposing
appearance; and the chancel contains several beautifully designed
monuments of exquisite workmanship: that to the memory of Sir John Hill,
with figures in _basso relievo_, is a most admirable specimen of modern
sculpture. Major-general Clement Hill is remembered on a neat tablet
erected by his friends and comrades in the Madras presidency, and by the
officers of the Royal Horse Guards, in testimony of their love for his
person and esteem for his character. He was born at Prees, on December
6th, 1781, and died at the Falls of Guersoppa, and was buried at Hanowar,
22nd January, 1845. There are various other memorials, and over the
charity box is a curiously-carved figure of the Saviour. The churchyard
is elevated, and commands a fine view of Hawkstone hills and the distant
country. There are several fine old yew trees of considerable girth.
The living is a vicarage, valued in the king’s book at £10; now returned
at £507; in the patronage of the Bishop of Lichfield, and incumbency of
the Venerable Archdeacon John Allen, M.A. The rectoral tithes of this
township are commuted for £329. 15s. 9d., and the vicarial for £83. 2s.
7d. The vicarage, a good residence, has been rebuilt on the site of a
former edifice, by the present incumbent; the gardens and pleasure
grounds are tastefully laid out.
THE INDEPENDENTS have a small chapel in Prees, with a burial ground
attached; the Rev. Samuel Minshall is the minister. THE PRIMITIVE
METHODISTS also have a small chapel here. There is a NATIONAL SCHOOL and
an INFANT SCHOOL, which are numerously attended. PREES HALL, the
property and residence of Sir Robert Chambre Hill, Bart., J.P., is a
commodious, pleasantly-situated, and well built mansion of brick.
CHARITIES.—_The Right Hon. Richard Hill_, by will, October 17, 1726,
bequeathed £300 for the poor of the parishes of Hodnet, Prees, and Wem,
to be applied for the benefit of such poor as the minister and
churchwardens of each parish should think fit. With respect to the
legacy left to the poor of this parish, it appears to have been laid out
in the purchase of land, which now produces a yearly sum of £10. 10s.
_Sir Rowland Hill_, in 1769, bequeathed to the poor of the parishes of
Hodnet and Prees the sum of £200. _Sir Richard Hill_, by will, 1808,
bequeathed £30 to his brother, John Hill, in trust, to pay the interest
to the poor of the parish of Hodnet, Prees, and Wem, in such proportions
as his said brother should think fit. Several sums of money, left by
various donors, amounting in the whole to £140, in the year 1812 was
placed in the hands of Sir John Hill, who gave a promissory note for the
same; and the interest is distributed amongst the poor. _Arthur Harper_,
by will, 1787, directed his trustees to pay the interest of £40 to the
minister, churchwardens, and overseers of the parish of Prees, to be
distributed among poor housekeepers of the township of Darliston. The
yearly sum of £5. 4s. is paid as a rent charge issuing out of a field in
Williston, called the White Bread Field. It does not appear from whose
benefaction this arises. The amount is expended in bread and given among
the deserving who attend divine service. _Elizabeth Barbour_ devised
certain lands, and directed the proceeds to be expended in bread and
given amongst the poorest parishioners every Sunday. The property thus
devised consists of 9A. 0R. 35P., with a small cottage, which was built
by the vicar on the site of an old house destroyed by lightning. It is
let for £12 a year, which is applied in carrying out the donor’s
intentions.
POST OFFICE at _Mr. William Langford’s_.—Letters arrive from Whitchurch
at 9.10 A.M. and are despatched at 5.0 P.M.
Aldersea George Ora, farmer
Allen The Rev. Archdeacon, The Vicarage
Arthur Thomas Norway, Esq.
Bather Richard, farmer
Bather Stephen, Prees Corn Mills
Bather William, farmer
Barber Emma Mary Burd, dressmaker
Bayley Mary, school teacher
Bennett Arthur, tailor
Bootroyd John, decorative painter
Boote Thomas, farmer, Heath Bank
Blantorn Miss Mary
Boyd Allen, sergeant major
Chester William, shoemaker
Churton Joseph, watch and clock maker
Clay John, blacksmith
Colley Thomas, saddler
Croxon Richard, tailor
Darlington Abraham Edward, Esq.
Davies Charles, baker and confectioner
Dickin Elizabeth, vict., The Well House
Dickin Mrs. Elizabeth
Dickin John, gentleman, Platt House
Dickin John, Prees Wood Farm
Dickin John, cattle salesman
Dickin William Francis, Esq., The Hill
Dovey Richard, police officer
Drury John, corn machine maker
Drury Thomas, vict., The College Inn
Drury William, maltster
Dutton Joseph, farmer, Ferney Leys
Ebrey Robert, butcher
Eccleston William, carrier
Edwards Edward, house steward
Foulkes Richard, joiner and carpenter
Gregory Mr. John Paul
Handley John, carrier
Hares Robert, draper and druggist
Hares Samuel, gentleman
Hares Samuel, grocer and tea dealer
Hill Sir Robert Chambre, Bart., J.P., The Hall
Holding John, draper and grocer
Holding Mrs. Mary, Cruck Moor
Holding William, maltster
Hopwood Samuel, farmer
Ikin William, maltster, draper, and registrar
Jenkins Samuel, tailor and draper
Johnson Mr. William, The Fields
Kay Richard, basket maker
Longford Richard, postmaster
Lee Luke, schoolmaster
Maddocks Thomas, tailor
Minshall Rev. Samuel, Independent minister
Moore Thomas, blacksmith and farrier
Morray Thomas, shoemaker
Muller Mr. Charles, professor of music
Mumford Charles, gentleman
Paling John, butcher
Powell Joseph, farmer, Yew Tree
Powell Joseph, grocer and shopkeeper
Powell John, shoemaker, The Wood
Powell Mr. Thomas, The Villa
Powell Thomas, Manor House Farm
Powell William, bricklayer
Ray Thomas, vict., The Lion and Commercial Inn and posting house
Reaves John, shoemaker
Rightson Captain W.
Ruscoe John, Heath Gate Farm
Sandford Rev. H. R. P., curate
Shirley Captain John
Skitt Thomas, Lee Hall Farm
Spencer James, wheelwright
Stubbs Thomas, baker and confectioner
Whatmouth Miss Ann
Whitfield Mrs. Ann
Whitfield Miss Mary
Whitfield Mrs. Mary
Wilkinson Andrew, farmer, Prees
Wood Wilkinson Thomas, gentleman
Worrall Thomas, machineman & wheelwright
Vaughan Samuel, beerhouse
Academies.
Boarding School, The Hill Rev. Samuel Minshall, proprietor
National School, Luke Lee, boys; Mary Bayley, girls
Bakers & Flour Dealers.
Davies Charles, & confec.
Stubbs Thomas, & confec.
Basket & Bendware Maker.
Kay Richard
Blacksmiths.
Clay John
Moore Thomas, and farrier
Boot & Shoemakers.
Chester William
Morray Thos., & leather cutter
Powell John
Reeves John
Butchers.
Dickin John
Ebsey Robert
Paling John
Coopers.
Drury George
Drury William
Farmers.
Aldersea George Ora
Bather Richard, Lighteach Farm
Bather William
Boote Thomas
Dickin John, Prees Wood Farm
Drury Thos. College Farm
Drury William, and cooper
Dutton Joseph, Ferney Leys
Ebrey Robert
Holding Mrs. Mary, Cruck Moor
Hopwood Samuel
Johnson William
Powell Joseph
Powell Thomas
Ray Thomas
Skitt Thomas
Wilkinson Andrew
Wilkinson Thomas, The College Farm
Grocers & Tea Dealers.
Hares Messrs. Robert and Samuel
Holding John, hop & seed merchant
Ikin William
Powell Joseph
Hairdresser.
Boothroyd John
Hotels & Inns.
Dickin Elizabeth, The Well House
Ray Thomas, The Lion and Commercial Inn
Drury Thos., The College Inn
Beerhouses.
Churton Joseph
Vaughan Samuel
Steam and Horse Thrashing Machines to Let for Hire.
Drury Thomas
Carriers.
To SHREWSBURY, William Eccleston & John Handley, on Saturdays.
CALVERHALL, OR CORRA,
is a chapelry and scattered village three miles north-west from Prees,
which in 1841 contained 33 houses and 151 inhabitants. The township
contains 1,287A. 0R. 22P. of land, mostly an undulating district. The
principal landowners are John Whitehall Dod, Esq., M.P.; Viscount Hill;
Lord Kilmorey; Mrs. Dale; and Thomas Hugh Sandford, Esq. Viscount Hill
is lord of the manor and impropriator of the rectoral tithes, which are
commuted for £86. 18s. 9d. The vicarial tithes are commuted for £26. 7s.
THE CHAPEL is a modern erection of beautiful workmanship, executed in
freestone. The interior has a chaste and imposing appearance; the roof
is of groined timber, and the seats are of oak; the windows are decorated
with stained glass, and the altar-piece is of freestone of elaborate
workmanship. A neat marble tablet remembers Elizabeth, the wife of the
Rev. Edward Mainwaring, the present incumbent; another very beautifully
designed, has been erected to the memory of Elizabeth, the wife of John
W. Dod, Esq., M.P.; there is also a neat tablet to John Dod, Esq. The
living is perpetual curacy, in the patronage of John W. Dod, Esq., and
enjoyed by the Rev. Edward Mainwaring, who resides at the PARSONAGE, a
modern brick residence, pleasantly situated and embosomed in foliage; it
is beautified with pleasure grounds and shrubberies. THE ALMSHOUSES
consist of eight tenements, and were founded and endowed by Catherine
Kerr, in 1724; the inmates are widows or aged people, who have about £4.
10s. per annum.
THE HALL, the residence and property of John W. Dod, Esq., M.P., is a
commodious brick mansion, stuccoed, with a front of hewn freestone, and a
noble portico supported by six fluted pillars. It stands on a gentle
eminence, and the views it commands are beautifully varied, picturesque,
and extensive. The park grounds are richly clothed with timber, and the
pleasure grounds and shrubberies are laid out with great taste. There
are no remains of the ancient hall; it was surrounded by a moat, which
still is filled with water, a neat bridge connecting the site on which it
stood with the gardens. There is a school in the village, endowed with
£20 per annum, free for all cottagers’ children. The teacher also
receives £6 annually from subscriptions. JACK OF CORRA is a well-known
liquor vessel, composed of leather, which has received the patronage of
successive generations in this locality, and is interesting as a relic of
the hospitality of by-gone days. It is stated that a person of the name
of Corra or Kerr charged lands with the payment of £10 annually, and
directed that any wayfaring traveller should call and refresh himself
with the Jack filled with good malt liquor, on the payment of one penny.
The bottom and the top of the vessel are encircled with a broad rim of
silver, upon which is engraved, “_From time immemorial_: _Jack of Corra
is my name_, _don’t abuse me then for shame_.” This chapelry comprises
Corra, with Willaston and Millen Heath.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. James Jenkins’_. Letters arrive by foot post from
Whitchurch, at 9.30 A.M., and are despatched at 4 P.M.
Dod John Whitehall, Esq., M.P., The Hall
Dod John Whitehall, Esq., jun.
Mainwaring Rev. Edward, M.A., The Parsonage
Beeteley George, farmer
Beeteley John, farmer & vict. Jack of Corra
Court William, postman
Growcott Francis, farmer
Growcott Francis, jun., farmer
Jenkins James, schoolmaster
Newell James, gentleman
Newnes John, farmer
Mac Cload John, gardener
Morris Charles, blacksmith
Overton William, farmer
Owens Owen, farmer
Perry Robert, butcher
Reeves Josiah, farmer
Snipes Robert, coachman
DARLISTON
is a township and well-built village, five miles and a quarter N.E. from
Wem, which in 1841 had 53 houses and 278 inhabitants. The township
contains 714A. 3R. 23P. of land, the soil of which is a mixture of sand
and loam. There are several extensive farms here, with commodious
out-buildings. Viscount Hill is lord of the manor, and owner of the
whole township. The rectoral tithes are commuted for £85. 15s. 3d., and
the vicarial for £19. 15s. The township is intersected by the London and
Chester and the Whitchurch and Drayton turnpike roads. There is a school
at Lower Heath, in this township, supported by Viscount and Lady Hill.
About 200 children attend for instruction, and are also partly clothed.
The teacher has a fixed salary, and resides in a good residence adjoining
the school. There is a noted coursing meeting held annually at the White
Lion Inn.
Adams Abraham, tailor
Adams Thomas, farmer
Adams William, farmer
Dickin Joseph, farmer, and dispenser of medicine
Dickin William, farmer and butcher
Dickin John, butcher
Goffin Robert, schoolmaster
Hartley Timothy, gentleman
Machon William, blacksmith, and collector of tolls
Morris George, farmer
Powell John, shopkeeper and wheelwright
Ruscoe John, farmer, Heath-gate
Shingler Thomas, tailor
Sutton John, shoemaker
Titley Jacob, wheelwright
Watkins John, victualler, White Lion
FAULS,
a township with a scattered population, contains 886A. 0R. 34P. of land,
and at the census of 1841 had 22 houses and 102 inhabitants. The soil is
mostly a strong clay. Viscount Hill is lord of the manor, impropriator,
and principal landowner. Mr. Thomas Ruscoe is also a proprietor. The
rectoral tithes are commuted for £116. 15s., and the vicarial tithes
payable to the incumbent of Prees for £25. 1s. 3d. The turnpike road to
Drayton crosses this township.
DIRECTORY.—Richard Benbow, farmer; Abraham Ford, farmer, Northwood; Wm.
Hares, farmer, Fauls Green; Thomas Hatton, farmer and collector of
revenue taxes; William Hudson, farmer, Northwood; George Oakley,
gamekeeper, The Green; Elizabeth Powell, farmer; Thomas Ruscoe, farmer
and victualler, The Talbot; George Williams, brick and tile agent; Thomas
Williams, brick and tile agent.
MICKLEY,
a small township in the parish of Prees, in 1841 had four houses and a
population of 36 souls. The township contains 575A. 2R. 36P. of land,
chiefly the property of Viscount Hill. Rateable value, £744. 7s. The
tithes were commuted in 1841, when £72. 9s. were apportioned to Viscount
Hill, and £16. 0s. 4d. to the Vicar of Prees. The farmers are Martha
Churton, Richard Edgerley, George Robinson, and Thomas Ash Wilkinson.
MILLEN HEATH,
a township with only one house and ten residents, contains 359A. 3R. 17P.
of land, which is the property of Lord Kilmorey. Rateable value, £268.
10s. The tithes have been commuted, and £33. 3s. 2d. apportioned to
Viscount Hill, and £9. 6s. 3d. to the Vicar of Prees. Mr. Thomas Hares
is the resident farmer.
SANDFORD,
a township with a scattered population, five miles and a half N.E. from
Wem, contains 1,213A. 3R. 21P. of land. The soil is a mixture of sand
and loam, with a portion of clay. The land is chiefly used for grazing
purposes; and there is a considerable extent covered with woods and
plantations. The tithes were commuted in 1841, when £151. 13s. 1d. was
apportioned to Viscount Hill, and £36. 5s. to the Vicar of Prees. At the
census of 1841 there were nine houses and 76 inhabitants. The rateable
value of this township, with that of Darliston and Fauls, is £4,354. 3s.
Thomas Hugh Sandford, Esq., is the principal landowner. Mr. Thomas Ebrey
is also a proprietor.
DIRECTORY.—Sarah Bather, farmer; John Fox, farmer; Robert Garmstone,
wheelwright and victualler, The Mill House; Ann Hales, farmer; Mary
Humphreys, farmer; William Rogers, blacksmith; Thomas Steventon, farmer
and corn miller; Joseph Woolrich, farmer, Morton Wood; Stephen Worthen,
farmer.
STEELE,
a township in the parish of Prees, at the census of 1841 had 12 houses
and a population of 65 souls. The township contains 436A. 3R. 36P. of
land. Viscount Hill is the impropriator and the principal landowner.
The rectoral tithes are commuted for £54. 12s. 6d., and the vicarial for
£13. 14s. 6d. The principal residents in Steele are John Bradshaw,
shopkeeper, The Heath; John Heatley, glazier; Ann Hodgskin, farmer;
Thomas Hodgskin, farmer; Daniel Holding, tailor; Richard Holding, farmer;
Joseph Hussey, farmer.
WHIXALL
is a township, chapelry, and populous village, in the parish of Prees,
four miles N. from Wem, which at the census in 1841 contained 211 houses
and 978 inhabitants. The township comprises 3,361A. 1R. 32P. of land.
Interspersed with gentle undulations, there is some good meadow and
pasture land, which produces a fine herbage, and cheese is made to a
considerable extent. The houses are chiefly cottage residences, with a
small portion of land to each, and the residents are in many instances
freeholders. The houses are built of brick, and slated, and have a
comfortable appearance. The inhabitants are chiefly employed in cutting
the moss, which they dry, and then take it to distant parts of the
country for sale. The moss, usually called WHIXALL MOSS, covers a
surface of upwards of 5,000 acres, and extends into the several townships
of Northwood, Whixall, Bettisfield, and Fenswood. It is cut to a depth
of from sixteen to thirty feet, and in some instances to a greater depth.
The moss is mostly submerged in water. A company of gentlemen have
recently taken a lease for a term of years of a considerable tract of the
moss, and are about to erect works for converting this hitherto
comparatively useless commodity into articles of appliance for useful
purposes. It is said to be superior to the Irish moss for some
particular uses. Sir John Hanmer is the owner of about two-thirds of the
moss; the other principal landowners are Lord Kenyon, W. P. Poole, Esq.,
James Foster, Esq., John C. Coham, Esq., John Bowen, Esq., Mr. George
Hutchinson, Mr. John Phillips, Mr. John Keay, William F. Dickin, Esq.,
Mr. William Furber, Rev. John Evans, Mrs. Weaver, Mr. William Cartwright,
Mr. Thomas Clay, John Taylor, Esq., Robert Salmon, Esq., Mr. Thomas
Jones, Mrs. Hazledine, Mr. Thomas Salt, A. Duff, Esq., Mr. Benjamin
Sandbrook, Mr. Jarvis, Rev. R. Young, Mrs. Cooper, Joshua Lee, Esq., Mr.
James Rodenhurst, Mr. Thomas Sadler, Mr. William Whitfield, Mr. John
Whitfield; besides whom there are many smaller proprietors.
THE CHURCH is a plain unpresuming edifice of brick, erected in the form
of a cross, and has the date of 1640 upon it. It was enlarged and
beautified in 1826, when 155 free sittings were added. The living is a
perpetual curacy, valued at £107, subordinate to the vicarage of Prees,
and enjoyed by the Rev. John Evans, M.A., whose income arises from
certain lands, £5 yearly from the Lord of the Manor, and £4 per annum
from the Vicar of Prees. THE PARSONAGE is a pleasantly situated
residence near the church. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, a commodious structure,
with a residence for the teacher, was built during the years 1848 and
1849. The cost of the structure was £655. 13s. 6d., of which the
Committee of Council on Education gave £100, and £50 towards the master’s
residence; the National Society £50; the Diocesan Society £40, and £10
for fittings; and the sum of £405. 18s. 6d. was raised by subscriptions
and donations, of which £276. 18s. 6d. was given by the Incumbent of
Whixall. About 100 children attend the school. THE INDEPENDENTS have a
neat chapel here, which is numerously attended. THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS
have also a small chapel here. The Llanymynech, Ellesmere, Whitchurch,
and Quina Brook canals intersect the township. WHIXALL HALL and BOSTOCK
HALL are two ancient residences, now occupied as farm houses. James
Foster, Esq., is lord of the manor, and holds a court leet and baron.
The poor have a yearly sum of 5s., the gift of Mr. Minshull, which is
paid out of land in the parish of Wem.
Brookes Thomas, blacksmith
Butler Richard, shoemaker
Callcott Samuel, farmer
Cureton William, shopkeeper
Dawson Thomas, farmer
Eales James, schoolmaster
Evans Rev. John, M.A., incumbent of Whixall, and domestic chaplain to
Viscount Combermere, The Parsonage
Forrester Arthur, farmer
Furber Widow, farmer
Furber William, Well Farm
Green James, tailor
Green Joseph, shopkeeper
Hales Walter, The Hall Farm
Hall Richard, beerhouse
Hall William, shopkeeper
Heath Elizabeth, farmer
Heath John, joiner and upholsterer
Hinton Henry, farmer
Hinton John, farmer and butcher
Hughes George, blacksmith
Hunley John, farmer
Jarvis Widow, farmer
Jarvis William, farmer and beerhouse
Jones Richard, Bostock Hall Farm
Jones Samuel, farmer
Jones William, farmer
Keay John, vict., Chapel House, cattle dealer and farmer
Newbrook Richard, shopkeeper & shoemaker
Newbrook Samuel, farmer
Newbrook Thomas, farmer
Newbrook Thomas, shopkeeper
Newbrook William, wheelwright
Parsons William, farmer
Pitt William, shopkeeper and farmer
Poole William Price, maltster and farmer
Powell Samuel, farmer
Powell Thomas, shopkeeper, Waterloo
Powell Thomas, farmer
Powell Widow, shopkeeper
Powell William, farmer
Preston Ellis, farmer
Reeves William, blacksmith
Roberts John, brick and tile manufacturer
Rodenherst Mr. James
Shaw Edward, shoemaker
Shingler Thomas, farmer and corn miller
Sparkes John, farmer
Vardy James, Esq.
Vardy and Co., The Betisfield Moss Works
Walters Sarah, Manor House Farm
Weever William, tailor
Whitfield Frederick, farmer
Williams Henry, farmer
Williams William, farmer
Woolham Thomas, jailor
William Price Poole, coal, lime, slate, and brick dealer, Whixall Wharf
WILLASTON,
a small township in the parish of Prees, contains 767 acres of land, and
in 1841 had 18 houses and 101 inhabitants. The soil in some parts is
clayey, and in other places it is a mixture of sand and loam. Viscount
Hill and John Whitehall Dod, Esq., are the landowners, the former is also
the impropriator, and receives the large tithes, which are commuted for
£109. 18s. 6d. The vicarial tithes are commuted for £21. 8s. 4d.
The principal residents are John Hussey, farmer, Cloverley; Robert
Wilkinson, farmer, The Lawn; James Simons, farmer, and James Simon, jun.,
farmer.
SHAWBURY
is an extensive parish comprehending the townships of Acton Reynold,
Besford, Edgebolton, Muckleton, Shawbury, Wytheford Magna, and Wytheford
Parva, which together have an area of 7,222 acres of land, of which 600
acres are in woods and plantations. Rateable value, £8,486. 1s. Rent
charge, £838. This parish, although chiefly in the North Bradford
hundred, extends into the Shrewsbury liberty, and the hundred of Pimhill.
In 1801 the parish had a population of 948 souls; 1831, 915, and in 1841
there were 212 inhabited houses and 1062 inhabitants. The soil, to a
considerable extent, is a mixture of loam and sand, in other places a
strong soil mixed with gravel prevails. The land has generally an
undulating surface, and on the northern verge there are considerable
eminences, in which is found a red grit stone. Shawbury is a
delightfully situated village, containing some good residences on the
Shrewsbury, Market Drayton, Wem, and Whitchurch turnpike roads, six miles
S.S. by E. from Wem, and seven miles N.E. by N. from Shrewsbury. In the
centre of the village there is a commodious hotel and family boarding
house occupied by Mr. Welling, which is much frequented during the summer
months by respectable families. The township contains 1,605A. 0R. 37P.
of land, and in 1841 there were 55 houses and 279 inhabitants. Rateable
value, £1,854. 16s. Sir Andrew Vincent Corbet, Bart., is lord of the
manor and principal land owner; Rev. W. S. Marvin and Mr. Samuel Winnall
are also owners.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, is an ancient structure exhibiting
some beautiful workmanship, and consists of nave, chancel, and side
aisles, with a lofty square tower ornamented with twelve pinnacles; the
tower contains six bells, has a clock and sun dial; in the chancel are
two windows beautifully ornamented with stained glass; the altar piece
and reading desk are of oak, elaborately carved, and there is an ancient
font. There is a beautiful tablet of marble in memory of Philip
Charlton, who died in 1845, and another commemorative of John Minor,
Esq., and his wife, with the date of 1836. The living is a vicarage
valued in the king’s book at £7. 1s. 5½d. in the patronage of Sir Andrew
Vincent Corbet, Bart., and incumbency of the Rev. William S. Marvin,
M.A.; curate, Rev. William Howell, M.A.; clerk, William Wright. The
vicarial tithes are commuted for £397. 12s. and of the rectorial £247.
18s. was apportioned to Sir Andrew V. Corbet, Bart., £181. 10s. to Mr.
Charlton, and £11 to Captain Horner. The vicarage is a pleasantly
situated residence a little north from the church. There is a free
school in the village which has an attendance of about thirty children.
Shawbury heath contains 270A. 2R. 7P. of land, and Shawbury woods contain
an area of 159A. 2R. 32P. Charlton Grange is situated in this township,
and contains 433A. 3R. 27P.
CHARITIES.—_Elizabeth Corbet_, by will, October 29th, 1702, bequeathed
the sum of £200, and directed the amount to be laid out in land, and the
yearly proceeds to be applied in feeding or clothing the poor, or in
apprentice fees, as the vicar for the time being and her heirs should
think fit. The amount was laid out as directed by the donor, and now
produces a yearly rental of £45 which is divided into three equal parts,
one portion applied in clothing the children of the national school,
another in apprentice fees, and the remainder in a weekly distribution of
bread.
_Robert Wood_ gave £20, the interest to be distributed among the poor on
St. Thomas’s day. _Andrew Peplow_ gave £16 towards clothing the poor.
_Richard Wood_ £40, and _Andrew Syth_ £10, for the benefit of the poor.
_Ralph Collins_ gave £80 towards the maintenance of a schoolmaster in
Shawbury, and if there should be no schoolmaster then to the poor of the
parish during each vacancy. _Dame Rachael Corbet_ left £10, _Sarah
Venables_ £20, and an unknown donor £17 for the benefit of the poor.
These several sums amounting to £213, are in the hands of Sir Andrew V.
Corbet, bart., secured by two bonds. Of the interest amounting to £9.
6s. 6d., at four per cent, 14s. is paid annually in purchasing a coat for
one poor man, £4 in respect of Collins’ charity to a schoolmaster, and
the remainder is distributed on St. Thomas’s day amongst the poor, with
some voluntary donations, in sums varying from 1s. to 3s. 6d.
_John Minor_ gave £20, the interest to be distributed on St. Andrew’s
day. This sum, together with £26. 5s. given by Sir Andrew Corbet, is in
the hands of the Rev. W. S. Marvin, and £20 collected many years ago
towards building a school house, making together £66. 5s., for which he
gave a promissory note to the churchwardens, bearing date 2nd February,
1830, with interest at four and a half per cent. Of the interest, £1 is
given away as Minor’s charity, 18s. are added to the subscriptions
collected for the school, and the remainder is distributed on Candlemas
day among the poor of the parish.
_Mrs. Charlotte Corbet_ left £100, the interest to be given among the
most indigent inhabitants of this parish yearly, as the minister and
churchwardens should think fit. This sum is in the hands of Mr. John
Kilvert, who pays £4 as the interest thereof.
_Thomas Downes_ left £5, the interest to be given in bread to the old
labourers at Shawbury Park, yearly, on St. Thomas’s day. This sum was in
the hands of Mr. John Harris, who paid 5s. as interest, when the charity
commissioners published their report.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. William Wright’s_. Letters arrive at 9 A.M., and
are despatched at 5 P.M.
Armson Charles, cattle salesman
Bayley Mary, straw bonnet maker
Bayley Samuel, butcher
Bayley William, beerhouse keeper
Cartwright Samuel, saddler and harness maker
Clowes Job, cooper and shopkeeper
Davies John, cashier and clerk to William Wyley, Esq.
Deakin Peter, baker
Dickin John, farmer, the Grove
Downes Thomas, tailor
Drury Joseph, farmer and brickmaker
Drury and Rayner, surgeons
Drury Thomas, Esq., Roden villa
Friend James, shoemaker
Hewes Ann, laundress
Hollis Benjamin, farmer, the Heath
Hopwood Peter, farmer
Howell Rev. Alfred, curate
Mainwaring Richard, bricklayer
Marvin Rev. William S., Vicarage
Oswell Thomas, farmer
Owen Edward, blacksmith
Owen Thomas, whitesmith
Pascall William, farmer, the Heath
Pickford Thomas, farmer
Pickford William, farmer, the Park
Powell John, farmer
Plummer John, mole catcher
Rayner Alfred Philip, Esq., the Castle
Southerton Edward, farmer, the Heath
Trevor Samuel, carrier to Shrewsbury
Webb John, coachman
Wellings Joseph, farmer, maltster, and vict., Elephant and Castle Hotel,
and posting house
West Thomas, seedsman and green grocer
Wildblood George, gentleman, the Cottage
Williams William, shopkeeper
Winnall Samuel, farmer, Heath Grove
Woodvine James, farmer, the Heath
Wright Robert, wood ranger
Wright William, post master
ACTON REYNALD,
a pleasantly situated township, contains 1,448 acres of land, of which
381A. 3R. 21P. are in park grounds and plantations. In 1841 there were
37 houses and 159 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,854. 16s. ACTON
REYNALD HALL, the seat of Sir Andrew Vincent Corbet, Bart., is a stately
pile of building in the Elizabethan style of architecture, erected of
white freestone, got from quarries on the estate. The mansion exhibits
the characteristic style of the period in which it was erected, and has
from time to time had improvements and additions made to it, up to the
year 1848. The drawing room and other apartments are magnificently
furnished. It stands on a gentle eminence, and commands a most
delightful view over a luxuriant and richly wooded country; the pleasure
grounds are extensive, and laid out with great taste; the choicest shrubs
and the most beautiful flowers are scattered in the greatest profusion,
and planted in designs most admirably executed. The conservatories and
greenhouses are extensive, and kept in the most beautiful order. These
gardens are highly creditable to the taste and superior management of Mr.
Francis Bell, the gardener. The Corbets have been seated in this county
from the time of the conquest, when Roger Corbet held large possessions
under the Earl of Shrewsbury, “comprising the manors of Huelbeck,
Hundeslet, Actun, Terneley, and Preston. Robert, his brother, held of
the same the earl manors of Ulestan, Ratlinghope, Branton, Udecote,
Langedunin, Weymore, Rorenton, Middleton, and Meredon. Sir Vincent
Corbet was created baronet in 1641. His widow, Sarah, daughter of Sir
Robert Monson, was created Viscountess Corbet and Linchlade in 1679.
Moreton Corbet afterwards became the property of Richard Corbet, Esq., of
Shawbury Park, whose descendant, Sir Andrew Corbet, was created baronet
24th September, 1808.” Sir Andrew Vincent Corbet, Bart., is the
principal landowner: Viscount Hill, and William Embrey Wood, Esq., are
also proprietors.
Corbet Sir Richard Vincent, Bart., Acton Reynald
Corbet Vincent Rowland, Esq.
Acton James, house steward
Bell Francis, head gardener and bailiff
Blantern Robert Hardwick
Evans Thomas, coachman
Fowler John, farmer, Acton Reynald farm
Gough John, gardener
Lee Francis, farmer, New House
Lee William, farmer, Painsbrook
Minton Samuel, farmer, Woodstyle
Ratcliffe Joseph, game and park keeper
Wildblood George, steward
BESFORD,
a small township situated two miles north-west from Shawbury, contains
707A. 2R. 19P. of land, the soil of which is highly fertile, and produces
good barley and wheat. In 1841 this township is returned as containing
35 houses and 167 inhabitants. It extends into the parish of Moreton
Corbet, in the hundred of Pimhill. Rateable value, £1,263. 9s. Sir
Andrew Vincent Corbet is lord of the manor, and owner of the whole
township.
The principal residents are Joseph Taylor Reynolds Ogle, Esq.; John
Powell, farmer; and William Powell, farmer.
EDGEBOLTON
is a small village pleasantly situated six miles south-east from Wem.
The township contains 617A. 3R. 33P. of land, mostly an undulating
district, diversified with picturesque scenery. Rateable value, £710.
14s. At the census in 1841 there were 37 houses and 199 inhabitants.
The farms here are much smaller than in the neighbouring townships. Sir
Andrew Vincent Corbet, Bart., St. J. C. Charlton, Mrs. Bayley, Mr.
Harris, and Mr. Thomas Onslow, are the chief landowners.
The resident farmers are Samuel Alltree, William Astley, George
Cartwright, John Dickin, George Done, Charles Green, John Henshaw, Thomas
Onslow (and licensed victualler), Thomas Richmond, William Shuker,
William Spencer, and William Tudor; John Buttery, blacksmith; John
Onslow, Pool Cottage; and Thomas Ward, maltster.
MUCKLETON,
a village and township in the parish of Shawbury, seven miles south-east
from Wem, contains 1,033A. 3R. 14P. of land. In 1841 there were 20
houses, and a population of 113 souls. Rateable value, £955. 1s. St. J.
C. Charlton, Esq., is the landowner.
The principal residents are Richard Higginson, farmer, the Moss; Henry
Lawley, farmer, the Moss; Thomas Phillips, farmer, the Moss; Richard
Powell, farmer, the Hall; Richard Powell, farmer, Pool House; Thomas
Pritchard, boot and shoemaker; Thomas Wellings, the Farm; and John
Wright, farmer.
WYTHEFORD MAGNA
is a township and village pleasantly situated on the turnpike road from
Shawbury to Wellington, seven miles north-east from Wem. The township
contains 955A. 1R. 7P. of land, the soil of which is a mixture of sand
and loam, or red earth. There are woods and plantations, which cover
207A. 1R. 27P. of land. In 1841 there were 18 houses and 101
inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,114. 10s. WYTHEFORD HOUSE is an ancient
brick structure of considerable antiquity, now in the occupancy of Mr.
William Taylor, as a farm residence. St. J. C. Charlton, Esq., and Miss
Cooke, are the principal landowners.
DIRECTORY.—William Bayley, farmer and maltster; Robert Davies, farmer;
Robert Hampton, farmer; Thomas Humphreys, farmer; John Stockton, farmer;
and William Taylor, farmer, the Hall.
WYTHEFORD PARVA,
a small township two and a quarter miles N.E. by N. from Shawbury,
contains 334 acres of land, and in 1841 had 10 houses and 44 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £354. 18s. The landowners are Captain Horner, St. J. C.
Charlton, Esq., and Miss Steedman.
The principal residents are Samuel Davies, wheelwright; William Davies,
farmer; David Ferrington, farmer; John Jones, farmer; Peter Light,
farmer; Richard Owen, farmer; Joseph Powell, farmer; and Eleanor
Wainwright, farmer.
STOKE-UPON-TERN
is a parish which comprehends the townships of Stoke-upon-Tern, Eaton,
Ollerton, and Wistanswick, and contains 5,602A. 2R. 26P. of land, of
which 328A. 3R. 12P. are in woods and plantations, and 74A. 2R. 3P. in
roads and waste. At the census in 1801 there were 626 inhabitants; 1831,
1,031; and in 1841, 1,000. Rateable value, £6,703. 4s. The village of
Stoke-upon-Tern is pleasantly situated five miles S.S. by W. from Market
Drayton. In 1841 the township contained 106 houses and 528 inhabitants.
A. C. Heber Percy, Esq., and Richard Corbet, Esq., are the most
considerable landowners in this township; Mr. William Taylor, Mr. William
Meakin, Mr. Richard Whitfield, Mr. Thomas Goodall, Mr. John Heatley, Mr.
Thomas Heatley, Mr. William Palmer, Sir R. Leicester, Rev. Thomas H.
Jones, William Barber, Esq., John Tayleur, Esq., are also landowners.
Rateable value of the township, £4,429. 7s. 6d. Stoke-upon-Terne was
anciently the manor and estate of the Verdon family, and was in after
times carried by marriage to the Ferrers. The village takes its name
from its situation on the river Tern. THE CHURCH is an ancient
structure, dedicated to St. Peter, consisting of nave, south aisle, side
chapel, and chancel, with a castellated tower, ornamented with grotesque
figures, and containing five bells. The side aisle is separated by
pointed arches rising from octagonal pillars. At the east end of the
side aisle is the Corbet chapel, built in 1782. It contains a
magnificent altar tomb of alabaster, elaborately ornamented with two full
length figures in the costume of the times of Sir Reginald Corbet and his
lady, lying in a recumbent posture. On the sides of the tomb are figures
of eleven children, six sons and five daughters, with the date when each
child was born; but several of the figures have been mutilated. The
children were all born between the years 1549 and 1564. Sir Reginald
Corbet was a judge of the Common Pleas in the time of Queen Elizabeth. A
beautiful marble tablet, very chastely designed, has been erected against
the north wall, in memory of the Cotton family. The living is a rectory,
valued in the king’s book at £20; incumbent, Rev. John Gladstone, who
resides at the RECTORY, a good residence, a little east by north from the
church, rebuilt in 1844 upon the site of the old rectory. The tithes
have been commuted for the sum of £949. 10s. A short distance west by
south from the church, near the banks of the Tern, is an antique house,
composed of timber and plaster, called PETSEY; in one of the windows is
the date 1511. THE GRANGE, an extensive farm of between 600 and 700
acres, is the property of Richard Corbet, Esq., and residence of Mrs.
Charlotte Lea. The Tern takes its course a little south from the church,
and at the distance of about a quarter of a mile turns a corn mill.
CHARITIES.—_Andrew Turner_ left £20, the yearly interest to be expended
in bread, and distributed to the poor of the parish the first Sunday in
every month, after Christmas day, Easter day, and Whit-Sunday. _James
Talbot_ directed twelve penny loaves to be distributed on the same day as
Turner’s charity. In respect of this gift there is 15s. per annum paid
out of an estate in Stoke, called The Mount. There is also paid the
yearly sum of 10s., from an estate called Stoke Park, which is also
distributed in bread. The parish officers are in possession of a parcel
of ground, containing between two and three acres, on which a workhouse
has been built, and also of about half an acre of ground, with six small
tenements, and gardens attached to each. It is not known how the parish
became possessed of these premises; but it is supposed that they may have
been purchased with the benefactions of Thomas Burrowes, William
Burrowes, and Henry Bunbury, each of whom formerly gave £50 to the poor.
EATON
is a small township, two miles and a quarter S. from Stoke-upon-Tern,
which in 1841 contained 28 houses and 127 inhabitants. Rateable value,
£916. 16s. The principal landowners are Mr. Robert Heatley, Mr. John
Heatley, Mr. Richard Heatley, and Mr. John Topham.
OLLERTON,
a small township in Stoke-upon-Tern parish, one mile and a half S.E. from
the church, in 1841 had 31 houses and a population of 135 souls.
Rateable value, £735. 13s. The landowners are Viscount Hill, Mrs.
Whitfield, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Pointon, and Mr. Freeman. There is a small
INDEPENDENT CHAPEL here, erected in 1838. The congregation is under the
pastoral care of the Rev. John Parker.
WISTANSWICK,
a township and small village, two miles N.E. from Stoke, and four miles
S.W. from Market Drayton, had in 1841, 46 houses and 200 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £621. 7s. The principal landowners are William Taylor,
Esq., Mr. Thomas Goodall, Mr. W. Adams, Mr. William Corfield, and Mr.
Robert Dawes; there are also a few smaller proprietors. THE INDEPENDENTS
have a small chapel here, of which the Rev. D. Dawes is the pastor.
STOKE-UPON-TERN, EATON, OLLERTON, AND WISTANSWICK DIRECTORIES.
Adams Thomas, farmer, Petsey Stoke
Benbow William, farmer, Ollerton
Blainey James, tailor, Ollerton
Dawes Robert, farmer, Wistanswick
Davies Robert, shoemaker, Stoke
Dutton James, shoemaker, Stoke
Evenson John, butcher, Wistanwick
Gladstone Rev. John, The Rectory, Stoke
Goodall James, farmer, Stoke
Goodall John, farmer, Wistanswick
Goodall Thomas, farmer, Wistanswick
Goodall William, farmer, Wistanswick
Gosnell Edward, farmer, Wistanswick
Gosnell Thomas, farmer, Wistanswick
Green Francis, saddler and harness maker, Ollerton
Griffiths Joseph, shoemaker, Ollerton
Harding George, farmer, Stoke
Hardy Daniel, wheelwright, Ollerton
Heatley John, farmer, maltster, and corn miller, Eaton
Heatley Robert, farmer, Eaton
Heatley Richard, farmer, Eaton
Jenkins Samuel, farmer, Stoke
Juckes Henry, farmer, Stoke
Keay George, blacksmith, Ollerton
Latham Thomas, blacksmith, Stoke
Lea Charlotte, farmer, The Grange, Stoke
Lea William, farmer, Stoke
Lester Robert, farmer, Ollerton
Massey James, wheelwright, Stoke
Massey John, farmer, Ollerton
Meakin George, farmer, The Bendles, Stoke
Meakin William, farmer, Woodhouse, Stoke
Mullock William, farmer, Stoke
Palmer William, farmer, Ollerton
Parker Rev. John, Independent, Ollerton
Pears William, shoemaker and shopkeeper, Wistanswick
Phillips Thomas, farmer, Wistanswick
Pitchford Joseph, weaver, Wistanswick
Powell Edward, farmer, Stoke
Powell John, farmer, Stoke
Powell Thomas, corn miller, Stoke
Preston George, farmer, Ollerton
Preston William, farmer, Stoke
Rodgers Elizabeth, shopkeeper, Eaton
Shaw Stephen, beerhouse-keeper, Wistanswick
Simon John, farmer, Stoke
Talbot Richard, tailor, Wistanswick
Taylor William, farmer, Heathcote, Stoke
Topham John, farmer, Eaton
Walley Samuel, farmer, Stoke
Whitfield Richard, farmer, The Manor, Stoke
Williams Ann, shopkeeper, Ollerton
STANTON-UPON-HINE HEATH
is a considerable parish, which comprehends the townships of Booley,
Harcourt, High Hatton, Moston, and Stanton-upon-Hine Heath, and comprises
5,490 acres of land, of which 263A. 2R. 3P. are in woods and plantations,
and 35 acres in roads and waste. The soil for the most part is a mixture
of sand and loam, in some parts highly fertile. The northern verge of
the parish presents a bold undulating surface, and in some instances the
hills rise to a considerable elevation, from which a fine view of the
country is seen. The farm houses are in general well built, and provided
with commodious out-premises. In 1801 the parish contained 579
inhabitants; 1831, 722; and in 1841 there were 127 houses and 669
inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £258. 15s. The village of
Stanton is pleasantly situated nine and a half miles N.E. by N. from
Shrewsbury, and at the census of 1841 had 50 houses and 264 inhabitants.
The township contains 1,698A. 3R. 28P. of land, of which 120A. 0R. 32P.
are in plantations. Rateable value, £1,655. 2s. When the tithes were
commuted for this township, £73 were apportioned to the vicar, £27. 15s.
to Sir Andrew V. Corbet, Bart., and £8. to Rowland Hill. THE CHURCH,
dedicated to St. Andrew, is an ancient Norman structure, with a square
embattled tower at the west end, of later date, containing five bells;
the pews are of oak, and have a very primitive appearance. The living is
a vicarage, valued in the king’s book at £5. 10s. l0d.; now returned at
£205.; in the patronage of Viscount Hill, and enjoyed by the Rev. D.
Holloway, B.A., who resides at the vicarage, a plain brick structure,
near the outskirts of the village. THE WOODLANDS, a delightfully
situated mansion, surrounded with pleasure gardens and park-like grounds,
is the residence of Mrs. F. Wood. Sir Andrew Vincent Corbet, Bart., is
lord of the manor, and the principal landowner. Viscount Hill, John F.
Wood, Esq., and the Rev. D. Holloway, are also proprietors. Stanton was
the birth place of JOHN BOYDELL, Esq., the liberal and spirited patron of
talented engravers. His father was a farmer, and his son was intended
for a land surveyor; when, however, about twenty years of age, he was put
apprentice to an engraver, in which art he soon excelled, and from the
profits derived from the sale of a book of 152 prints, engraved by
himself, he began to encourage the best English engravers, and presented
the public with a series of engravings of the works of the best masters,
which soon laid the foundation of an ample fortune. He was elected an
alderman in 1782, sheriff in 1785, lord mayor of London in 1790, and in
the same year master of the Stationers’ Company. He was the greatest
encourager of the art that this country ever had, and the English
engravings, which before were considered much inferior to those of
foreign nations, began from that time to be highly prized; and the
exportation of them became a valuable branch of commerce. He also was a
great encourager of the art of painting, and to this effect he undertook
the superb edition of the Shakspeare gallery, the expense of which was
enormous, and more perhaps than any individual had ever before embarked
for such an object. Mr. Boydell, in a letter to Sir John Anderson, says,
“I have laid out, with my brethren, in promoting the commerce of the fine
arts, £350,000.” To the charitable and benevolent institutions he was a
generous benefactor, and an attentive guardian. He died December 12th,
1804, and his remains were interred in great funeral state, in the church
of St. Olave, Jewry.
CHARITIES.—STANTON SCHOOL was endowed with £5 per annum by _Mrs.
Baddiley_, in 1721, who also left £40 towards the erection of the school
house. The site was given by _Sir Rowland Hill_, and nine other persons
subscribed towards the building of the school the sum of £14. 11s. 6d.
About twenty children now attend. The £5 per annum is paid out of lands
called Chealey Meadows and Chealey Wood, in Cheshire. Mrs. Baddiley left
£2. 12s. per annum for a distribution of bread to the poor. The amount
is paid out of the same land, and twelve penny loaves are given in the
church every Sunday.
_Richard Colley_, in 1717, left £50; _Joseph Smith_ left the interest of
£20; _Richard Smith_, clerk of the parish, £2. 2s.; and _Sir Andrew
Corbet_, in 1817, gave 25 guineas. These several sums, amounting to £98.
7s., together with £1. 13s. advanced from the poor rates, were placed in
the hands of Sir Rowland Hill, who gave a promissory note for the amount
to the churchwardens and overseers. Of the interest, £2 is laid out in
bread, which is distributed every Sunday, in respect of Colley’s charity,
9s. is laid out on Christmas day, and the same sum on Good Friday, as the
gifts of Richard and Joseph Smith. The remainder is given away in small
sums on St. Andrew’s day.
_Thomas Harper_, in 1828, gave £150, upon trust, and directed the
interest of £50 to be distributed among poor widows on St. Thomas’s day;
the interest of £50 among poor men; and the profits of the remaining £50
to be paid to the master or mistress of the Sunday school at Stanton.
This sum was placed in the hands of Sir John Hill, and secured by bond,
bearing date September 29th, 1813. The interest is divided into three
shares, and distributed according to the donor’s intentions.
Alford William, shoemaker
Astley William, farmer, Sowhatch
Besford Thomas, farmer, the Heath
Buttery William, farmer, the Heath
Faulkes William, farmer, the Heath
Ferrington James, shoemaker
Gollins William, shopkeeper, the Heath
Griffiths Thomas, farmer, the Heath
Hamer James, farmer, the Hazles
Hanmer Samuel, accountant
Hilditch John, farmer
Hollins John, vict., Lord Hill’s Arms
Holloway Rev. Dr. Jas. Thos., B.A., Vicarage
Jackson James, farmer, the Heath
Jeffries Jonas, farmer and corn miller, the Wood Mill
Jeffries William, corn miller, Stanton Mill
Lewis John, farmer, the Lodge
Massey Charles, farmer
Podmore Edward, Greenfields farm
Powell Caleb, farmer
Powell Samuel, farmer
Powell William, farmer, the Heath
Taylor John, blacksmith
Taylor Charles, shopkeeper, the Heath
Taylor John, shoemaker and shopkeeper
Thomason Richard, farmer
Tudor John, shoemaker, the Heath
Wood Mrs., Woodlands
Wood Thomas F., land and estate agent and valuer
BOOLEY, OR BOWLEY,
a township two and a quarter miles N.E. by N. from Stanton, contains,
conjointly with High Hatton and Greenfields, 2,978A. 3R. 11P. of land:
the soil is a mixture of sand and loam. The land in this locality has
generally a bold and irregular surface; the scenery is beautifully
diversified. The rateable value of Booley is £2,247, 9s. Sir Andrew
Vincent Corbet, Bart., is the principal landowner, who, with St. John C.
Charlton, Esq., are the impropriators of the large tithes, which are
commuted for £20 for the above townships; the vicarial tithes are
commuted for £78. 10s. Mr. George Dale is also a freeholder.
The principal residents are Mrs. Ann Betton; Thomas Betton, farmer; James
Cadman, farmer; John Hendley, farmer; Thomas Lewis, quarry master;
William Phillips, farmer; Benjamin Powell, farmer.
HARCOURT
is a small township with a few houses, picturesquely situated one and a
half mile north from Stanton. The township contains 234A. 3R. 34P. of
land, the owners of which are John Faulkner Wood, Esq.; Sir Andrew
Vincent Corbet, Bart; and Mrs. Wood. Rateable value, £373. 16s. The
rectoral tithes have been commuted for £55. 10s., of which £48 are paid
to the impropriators, John F. Wood, Esq., and Sir A. V. Corbet, Bart.
The vicar of Stanton receives £7. 10s. HARCOURT PARK HOUSE is a good
building of stone.
The principal residents here are William Dale, farmer; The Park farm; and
John Powell, The Mill.
HIGH HATTON,
a township and pleasant village, situated two and a half miles east from
Stanton-upon-Hine Heath, in 1841 contained 34 houses and 201 inhabitants.
The area of this township, conjointly with Booley, is 2,837A. 1R. 4P.
The land is generally fertile, and there is some strong soil; in other
places there is a mixture of sand and loam. Sir Andrew Vincent Corbet is
lord of the manor and the principal landowner. The rent charge of this
township is included in the return for Booley. Rateable value, £2,095,
1s. St. John Charlton, Esq., is the landowner.
DIRECTORY.—William Betteney, farmer; John Espley, blacksmith; John
Gollins, farmer, Greenhurst; Ann Heatley, farmer; William Heatley,
farmer, the Hall; William Stephen Hoole, farmer, the Wood; Ibbs Margery,
farmer; Richard Rodenhurst, farmer, the Heath; Charles Taylor, farmer and
shopkeeper.
MOSTON
township is situated two miles north from Stanton, and contains 639A. 0R.
23P. of land, which is the property of Viscount Hill, who is also lord of
the manor. The tithes have been commuted for the sum of £16. At the
census of 1841 there were 11 houses and 61 inhabitants. Rateable value
£960.
The principal residents in Moston are Robert Cartwright, beerhouse
keeper; Thomas Chidley, farmer; George Dale, farmer and maltster; Samuel
Forrester, boot and shoemaker; William Harris, farmer; William Ikin,
farmer, Pool farm.
WEM
is a market town and considerable parish, which embraces the chapelries
of Edstaston and Newtown, and the townships of Ashton, Cotton, Horton,
Lacon Lowe and Ditches, Northwood, part of Sleap, Soulton, Tilley and
Trench, Wem and Wolverley, which together contain an area of 13,841A. 1R.
10P. of land, of which 193A. 2R. 6P. are in roads and waste. Gross
estimated rental, £26,594; rateable value, £24,944. In 1841 there was a
population of 3,919 souls, of whom 1,952 were males and 1,967 females, at
which period there were 832 inhabited houses, 40 uninhabited, and two
houses building. The tithes have been commuted for £2,100. The town of
Wem is pleasantly situated near the banks of the river Roden, 11 miles
north from Shrewsbury; the streets are irregularly formed, and many of
the houses have an ancient appearance; there are, however, many good
houses and shops, and several respectable private residences of more
modern erection, particularly in those parts of the town called
New-street and Islington. The township contains 1,202A. 3R. 30P. of
land, of which 14A, 3R. 24P. are in roads and waste. Rateable value,
£6,428. 5s. Wem is a place of considerable antiquity, and was anciently
written _Wemme_. At the Domesday survey it was held by William Pantulph,
or Pantulf, of Earl Roger, when there were “_four geldable hides and an
airy of hawks_.” At this time most of the land about Wem lay waste,
covered with a vast pool, or overgrown with woods. When William the
Conqueror deprived the English of their estates he gave the greatest part
of Shropshire to Roger de Montgomery, and he shared it out among the
principal officers that commanded under him, on condition that they
should pay him homage, fight for him, not dispose of their daughters in
marriage, nor their goods by will without his leave; that their heirs
whilst minors should be in wardship to him, and pay a relief for
admission to their estates when they came of age. On these terms Earl
Roger granted to William Pantulph 28 towns or manors in the county of
Salop, whereof Wem being one of the chief places Pantulph made it his
seat, and the head of his barony. In the 7th of King John, A.D. 1205,
Warin Fitzgerald procured the grant of a market to be held weekly, and a
fair yearly at his manor of Wemme. It has therefore been a market town
646 years. The market was then held on Sunday, as was then commonly done
in other places. This continued till the 24th of Edward III, when Simon
Islip, archdeacon of Canterbury, forbid the going to market on the Lord’s
day for the future, and the market was subsequently held on Thursday, on
which day it still continues to be held, and is numerously attended by
the farmers who reside in the surrounding district. Fairs are held on
the first Thursday in March, May 6th, Holy Thursday, June 29, last
Thursday in September, and November 22nd.
The barony of Wem was of considerable extent; on the north it stretched
to Whitchurch, on the east it took in Tilley and Cresswell, in
Staffordshire, on the south it bordered on the Clive, and on the west on
the parish of Ellesmere. The first baron was William Pantulph, who had
great estates in Normandy, which he held of his superior lord Roger de
Montgomery, a relation of one of the generals of William the Conqueror.
By his tenure he was obliged to attend this Roger in war, and came over
with him in the expedition against England. Shortly after the battle of
Hastings Roger de Montgomery bestowed 28 manors in this county upon the
said Pantulph, to be held by military service. These manors consisted of
as many knight’s fees as composed a barony, the head of which Pantulph
fixed at Wem, which he chose for the place of his residence. The Earl of
Shrewsbury, A.D. 1102, engaged in a rebellion against the king, and
required William Pantulph, his vassal, to aid him with such a number of
men as he was obliged to furnish by his tenure. On his refusing he
disinherited him of all his lands and possessions in Shropshire, upon
which the king made him governor of Stafford Castle. The king having
resolved to beseige Shrewsbury, William Pantulph attended the king on
this expedition, and finding the roads bad and narrow and the country
full of woods lined with archers, the king employed 6,000 soldiers in
cutting down the woods and opening the roads. On the royal troops
appearing before Shrewsbury the king threatened to hang all that he
should take therein, and shortly after the town was surrendered. The
Earl of Shrewsbury by his treason having forfeited his honour and estate
to the crown the barony of Wem was henceforth held immediately by the
king, and hence the lords thereof had a right to sit in the great
councils of the realm. William Pantulph lived to a great age and died
beyond sea. The last of this family who held the barony was William
Pantulph, who died in the 7th of Henry III., A.D. 1233. About this
period a perambulation was made to settle the boundaries of the manor of
Wem and that of Prees; the latter belonged to the bishop of Lichfield and
Coventry. On the death of the above William Pantulph, his father-in-law,
Fulk Warine, gave the king 6,000 marks for the wardship of his lands and
heir, with the benefit of her marriage. This Fulk was one of the barons
that in 1214 confederated against King John, and who was subsequently
excommunicated by the pope. On the marriage of Maud, the heiress of
William Pantulph, with Ralph de Boteler, he settled at Wem, and in 1370
the barony was carried by an heiress of the Botelers into the family of
Ferrars, and afterwards in like manner to the Greystocks, a noble family
whose principal seat was Greystock Castle, in the county of Cumberland.
Ralph Lord Greystock, the second baron of this family, left a
granddaughter, who married Thomas Lord Dacre; this family had their chief
seat at Dacre Castle in Cumberland. The fourth baron of this name,
George Lord Dacre, being a minor at the death of his father, Thomas Duke
of Norfolk obtained the wardship of him, but had not enjoyed it long
before this young lord died, and his three sisters became co-heiresses.
Ann married Phillip Earl of Arundle, and Elizabeth Lord William Howard,
son of the Duke of Norfolk, but Mary died unmarried. Thomas Duke of
Norfolk, on the death of his third wife, formed the project of marrying
Mary Queen of Scotts. In the 15th of Elizabeth, however, he was beheaded
for what his peers adjudged to be treason. By his attainder his eldest
son Philip, having lost his titles of honour that were to have descended
to him from his father, assumed the style of Earl of Arundle in right of
his mother, who was daughter to Henry Fitzallan, the last Earl of Arundle
of that family. In the 25th of Elizabeth the court of Wem was first
called in the name of Philip Earl of Arundle, and of lady Ann, his wife.
His zeal for popery, and the resentment he was supposed to entertain for
the hard usage of his family, rendered him suspected by the government,
and he was eventually condemned to imprisonment during the queen’s
pleasure, and fined £10,000. In the 31st of Elizabeth the court at Wem
was first called in the name of the queen, on account of the attainder of
Philip Earl of Arundle, but as he had held the barony and manor of Wem in
right of his wife, by his attainder he forfeited them only during his own
life, so that on his decease they reverted to the Countess Dowager Ann,
on whose death, Thomas Howard, her only son, succeeded to the dignity of
baron of Wem. On the accession of James I. to the throne, this Thomas
was restored in blood, with the title of Earl of Arundle and Surrey, and
put in possession of the estates forfeited by his grandfather’s
attainder, thus he had a great fortune by descent, and a much larger one
with his wife, who was the heiress of the great house of Shrewsbury. In
1611 he was made knight of the garter, and in 1621 he was created Earl
Marshall of England, with a pension of £2,000 per annum. In the 8th of
Charles I. we find the court baron of Wem called in the name of the Right
Honourable Thomas, Earl of Arundle and Surrey, premier, Earl of England,
Lord Howard, Fitzallans, Maltravers, Mowbray, Segrave, Bruse, and Wem,
Earl Marshall of England, knight of the most noble order of the garter,
and one of the lords of the king’s honourable privy council. He is said
to have been a proud man, and his expenses always exceeded his revenue;
he was the greatest encourager of painting, sculpture, designs, carving,
and building that the age produced, and he employed persons many years in
Italy and Greece to collect rarities for him; his statues and paintings
were equal in number and value to those in the houses of most princes,
and he provided the most sumptuous and magnificent entertainments. The
barony was subsequently held by the Playters, Onslows, Wycherleys, and
Jeffreys. On the death of John Lord Jeffreys, in 1720, the barony and
manor of Wem descended to his daughter, then a minor, and shortly after
the barony of Wem and the manors of Wem and Loppington, and the land and
tenements thereto, were sold to Henry Lord Newport, afterwards Earl of
Bradford, for £12,000. In 1730, Lord Newport, by will, devised all his
real estate, in trust, for Mrs. Ann Smith, and his natural son by her,
John Harrison. He took the name of Newport; but losing the use of his
reason, his mother conveyed the estate after his death to William
Pulteney, Earl of Bath, from whom it has descended to the present
proprietor, the Duke of Cleveland. A court leet and baron is held yearly
in October. Jonathan Scarth, Esq., steward; Thomas Griffiths, bailiff.
Formerly at these courts causes were tried for debts or trespass in
actions under 40s.
The freeholders at Wem are numerous, among whom are William Egerton
Jeffreys, Colonel Wynn, Thomas Dickin, Esq., the Trustees of Wem Free
School, Jonathan Forgham, Mr. John Jenks, Mr. Craig, Mr. John Rodgers,
Mary Llewellin, Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Phillips, William Owen, Esq., William
Barber, Esq., Mr. James, Mr. Leek, Mrs. Kynaston, H. J. Barker, Esq.,
Mrs. Burd, Mrs. Gwynn, John Everall, Esq., Mr. George Clay, Mr:
Glazebrook, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Holding, Mr. Robert Gough, Mrs. Tyler, Mr.
John Basnet, Mr. Snape, Mr. Edward Broomfield, Mr. Breakspear, Mr. Drury,
J. H. Walford, Esq., Mr. John Boughey, Mr. Poole, and upwards of forty
others.
THE CHURCH is a venerable structure dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul,
consisting of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with a heavy square tower
sixty-nine feet high, in which are six musical bells; on the west side
stands the statue of a man, as large as life, with a truncheon in his
hand, supposed to represent Ralph, lord Greystock, baron of Wem, who
probably was at the charge of building the steeple; on the east side is
the statue of a lady, with the model of the church in her right hand, and
a cross in her left hand. The north porch, and the lower part of the
walls are built of red sand stone, coarsely worked, and are perhaps the
remains of the first church erected here in Saxon times. The tower and
upper part of the walls, and most of the buttresses are of the Grinshill
free stone. The vestry was built before the great fire which burnt the
roof, then covered with shingles, the gallery, and all the timber work,
damaged the walls and melted the bells. The west window and the tower
were built in 1667, and the west end of the church, the roof, and the
pews, in 1678. The chancel was built about the year 1680: since that
period the frequent reparations and alterations have left but little of
the ancient character of the church remaining. The bells were cast in
the same year, and a clock and chimes added in 1726. The communion plate
are of large size, and consist of chalice, pattin, flagon, and basin,
which were the gift of Gerrard Shelley, and Cicely his wife in 1707. The
accommodation in the church was increased by building two new galleries,
one on the north and another on the south side, and altering the pews in
the old gallery at the west end in 1840, when 274 additional sittings
were obtained, which are free and unappropriated, in consequence of a
grant from the incorporated society for building and enlarging churches.
There are also 703 appropriated sittings. There are tablets to the
Smiths, Wycherleys, Fields, Traceys, and others. The living is a
rectory, valued in the king’s book at £26. 4s. 4½d.; in the patronage of
the Duke of Cleveland, and incumbency of the Rev. John Charles D. Merest,
M.A., who resides at the rectory, a pleasantly situated mansion, built by
the late rector, who exchanged the old rectory, and obtained a grant from
Queen Anne’s bounty, towards the erection of the present structure. Dr.
Henry Aldrich, an eminent divine and polite scholar, was rector of Wem.
He was born at Westminster, in 1647, and educated under the famous Busby.
In 1662 he was admitted into Christ Church College, Oxford and having
passed through the gradations of bachelor of arts in 1666, and master in
1669, he took orders and became an eminent tutor in his college. In 1681
he was installed canon of Christ Church, and in the same year took the
degrees of bachelor and doctor of divinity. During the reign of James
II. he published several tracts on the popish controversy, which are said
to have shown a clearness of arguing and depth of learning far beyond
anything that had at that time appeared in our language. In order to
excite and cherish a taste for polite literature, he annually published
some piece of an ancient Greek author, as a new year’s gift for the
students of the college. He wrote a system of logic, entitled “Artis
Logicæ Compendium,” Oxon, 1691, 8vo.; and “Elements of Geometry,” in
Latin, never published. He was also concerned in Gregory’s Greek
Testament, printed at Oxford in 1703, folio; and Havercamp’s edition of
Josephus. By his skill in architecture he improved the buildings of the
college; and that part of it called Peckwater quadrangle, deservedly
admired, was designed by him. His abilities as a musician rank him, in
the opinion of competent judges, among the masters of the science; and
although he chiefly applied himself to the composition of sacred music,
yet he occasionally diverted himself by producing pieces of a lighter
kind. For the entertainment of smokers, to which fraternity he belonged,
he composed a smoking catch, to be sung by four persons while they were
smoking; and he was also the author of “Hark! the merry Christ church
bells.” He died at his college in 1710, leaving an order to be buried,
without any memorial, in the cathedral. “His modesty and humility, his
easy pleasantry, his attention to academic business, and to the credit of
his college, his exertions for the encouragement of learning, and the
proofs which his memoirs afford of reputable talents, various
accomplishments, and amiable qualities, unite to transmit his name with
honour to posterity.” THE INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, situated in Chapel street,
is a considerable building of brick, fronted with freestone. The
interior has a neat and chaste appearance, and is provided with a
circular gallery. It was built in 1834, and will accommodate five
hundred hearers. The congregation is under the pastoral care of the Rev.
Joseph Pattison. There is a Sunday school in connection with the chapel,
with about 150 scholars. The Independents have another chapel in Noble
street, where the Rev. John Saddler is the pastor. THE PRIMITIVE
METHODIST CHAPEL is a neat structure in Chapel street; and the BAPTISTS
have a chapel in Cripple street. THE IRVINGITES have a meeting house in
Noble street.
THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.—_Sir Thomas Adams_, the founder of the free school at
Wem, was born in the year 1586; he was the son of Thomas Adams, a
respectable tanner at Wem, who had his tan pits where the school now
stands. His son received a liberal education at the university of
Cambridge, and was afterwards brought up a draper in London. In 1639 he
was elected sheriff of London, on which he gave up business, and devoted
his time entirely to the duties of his office, and the good of the
citizens. He was elected Lord Mayor of London 1645, which office he
filled with the greatest disinterestedness. About this time the enemies
of Charles I., who were then coming into power, thought proper to search
his house, in pursuit of that unfortunate monarch, knowing his strong
attachment to the royal cause; in the year 1647 he was committed to the
tower, where he remained some time. He, however, continued his
attachment to the royal cause, and is said to have carried his zeal so
far as to have remitted ten thousand pounds to Charles II. while in
exile. On the accession of that monarch to the throne, Sir Thomas was
advanced to the dignity of baronet. Amongst the documents belonging to
the free school there is a copy of the orders and statutes prescribed by
him for the government of the same, purporting to have been made March 4,
1650. By these orders it is declared Rowland Hill, Esq., and fourteen
others, should be enfeoffed of the lands and hereditaments appertaining
to the school. That the said school should be for all children within
the parish of Wem, except the children of those parents who being of
ability should not have contributed towards the advancement of the said
school. The statutes also contain regulations for the internal
management of the school, and directions that prayers should be read
every morning and evening, and the scholars catechised in the principles
of the Christian religion. The gross annual income derived from the
school property when the charity commissioners published their report
amounted to £336. 15s., out of which the head master received a salary of
£160 per annum, the second master £70, and the third master £70 per
annum. The school is free to all boys of the parish of Wem for
instruction in classics and English grammar; each scholar pays a small
entrance fee, and if they learn writing or accounts they pay for such
instruction from 7s. 6d. to 10s. 6d. per quarter. A portion of the
income of the school arises from lands purchased by the first Feoffees of
the school, who were instrumental in raising upwards of £370, which sum
was laid out in the purchase of land for the general benefit of the
school. The principal object of the foundation was evidently the
instruction of free scholars, but when the charity commissioners
published their report there were only two on the foundation, and there
were only six when our agent visited Wem. The Rev. William Boulton is
the head master.
THE BRITISH SCHOOL, a neat brick structure pleasantly situated, was
erected in 1839, at the cost of about £800; it is capable of
accommodating 200 boys and 200 girls, and consists of an upper and lower
room; the latter is occupied by the boys, and the entrance is from
Dark-lane, and the former by the girls, who have an entrance from Chapel
street. At the present time 130 boys and 90 girls attend the school,
which is chiefly self-supporting. The Privy Council on Education gave
the sum of £200 towards the erection of the school. Thomas H. Taylor and
Mrs. Taylor are the teachers.
THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, a commodious brick building situated in an open
situation, consists of two spacious rooms, which were erected at an
expense of about £1,000, including the cost of the site. Thomas Grainge
and Mary Ebrey are the teachers.
THE INFANT SCHOOL, situated in Chapel-street, has an attendance of about
120. Mary Green is the teacher.
THE WEM UNION HOUSE, situated on the Whitchurch road, near to Islington,
is a spacious brick structure erected to accommodate 200 inmates. The
union comprehends twelve parishes, and has an area of eighty square
miles. The average annual expenditure of the three, preceding the
formation of the union, was £4,018. The following are the parishes in
the union, viz.:—Wem, Broughton, Clive, Grinshill, Ightfield, Lee
Brockhurst, Loppington, Moreton Corbet, Prees, Shawbury, Stanton upon
Hine Heath, Weston under Red Castle, and Whixall. _Clerk and
Superintendent Registrar_, William Owen, Esq.; _Relieving Officer_,
Thomas Hanmer; _Master and Matron_, Mr. and Mrs. Rowley.
THE COUNTY COURT for law proceedings on actions and claims not exceeding
£50 comprehends the following places, viz.:—Wem 4, Preston Brockhurst 3,
Grinshill 4, Clive or Cliff 3, Yorton 4, Tilley 1, Sleap 2, Nunnerley 2,
Loppington 3, Northwood 5, part of Whixall 8, Newtown 4, Ightfield 8,
Corra 8, Prees 5, Darliston 6, Marchamley 6, Weston under Red Castle 4,
Lee 3, Aston 1, Lacon 1, Edgboulton 6, Stanton 6, Shawbury 6, and Burton
6. The figures refer to the mileage from Wem. _Judge_, Uvedale Corbet,
Esq., Aston Hall, near Shiffnal; _Treasurer_, William B. Collis, Esq.;
_Clerk_, Henry John Barker, Esq.; _High Bailiff_, Mr. Thomas Griffiths,
jun.
THE LOCK-UP is a small brick structure situated in Grove-street;
prisoners on committal are sent to Shrewsbury. William Freeman is the
superintendent.
THE MARKET HOUSE is a brick fabric with stone finishings, supported by
arches and pillars in the front. The county court is held in the
spacious room over the market. Mr. Thomas Griffiths is clerk of the
markets.
THE STAMP OFFICE is in Market-street. Mr. George W. Poole, distributor.
THE EXCISE OFFICE is at Mrs. Sand’s, the White Lion Inn, High-street.
THE COURT HOUSE for magisterial purposes is situated in Noble-street; the
magistrates who usually attend the petty sessions here are Sir Robert
Chambre Hill, Bart.; Sir Andrew Vincent Corbet, Bart.; A. C. Heber Percy,
Esq.; Thomas Dickin, Esq., and George Bowen, Esq. William Lucas, Esq.,
is clerk to the magistrates.
THE GAS WORKS are situated in Grove-street; they were established in 1835
by Messrs. Thomas and Burton, since which they have been transferred to
the mortgagee, Mr. Craig. The gasometer will hold 4,000 cubic feet of
gas. A charge of 10s. per 1,000 cubic feet is made to the consumer for
this luminous vapour. Mr. John Brown is the secretary and manager.
THE NATIONAL PROVINCIAL BANK OF ENGLAND has a branch bank here, situated
in High-street. Mr. John Daniel Lloyd is the manager.
The traffic of Wem is facilitated by a branch of the Ellesmere canal,
which terminates near to Edstaston, about two miles from Wem. It is
chiefly used for the conveyance of coal. Mr. John Brown, coal, slate,
lime, and guano merchant, has a wharf here.
The Wem corn mill is an extensive modern erection of brick, situated on
the river Roden; the machinery is of a superior construction; it is
occasionally worked by steam power, but the water power is constructed so
as to work the machinery without any delay after the rise of the water.
Mr. J. Boughey is the proprietor.
The following account of the state of Wem during the civil war is chiefly
extracted from Garbet’s interesting history of that town. When the war
broke out in 1642 the populace were in general in favour of royalty; the
persons of most distinction in the county who supported the parliament
were Mr. Mitton, Mr. Mackworth, and Thomas Hunt, Esq., M.P. for
Shrewsbury. The above gentlemen, attended by Richard Baxter, a famous
dissenting minister, having got a small body of troops about the latter
end of August, 1643, settled a garrison at Wem, being the first which the
parliament had in this county. To fortify the town a rampart or wall of
earth was thrown up, which began at Drayton gate, and ran along the side
of Sandland’s yard, and about fourscore yards into Cordwell, where it
formed an angle, defended by a wooden tower; then it turned towards the
mill, crossing a meadow and a road just below Oliver’s well, and passed
along the side of the parsonage garden, till it came to the Shrewsbury
gate. It then crossed the alleys to the corner of the school garden,
whence it turned through the tan pits on the east side of the brook to
Ellesmere gate. Thence it extended along the Noble-street garden to two
houses, then in the fields where a guard was kept, and from those houses
to the Whitchurch gate, and thence over Shenton’s field it came up to
Drayton gate. The ditch was about four yards wide and of a proportionate
depth, but probably narrower in those places where the land could be
flooded, for the low grounds were laid under water from Woodhouse’s croft
to Cordwell. The earth thrown out of the ditch made the wall or rampart,
which was strengthened by palisades placed so thick that a whole coppice
in Lacon was cut down for this purpose. All the houses and buildings
without the rampart were burnt to prevent their giving shelter to the
enemy. As soon as the king had notice of a garrison having been placed
at Wem, he sent Lord Capel to Shrewsbury, as lieutenant-general of
Shropshire; the parliament sent Sir William Brereton, a Cheshire
gentleman, to oppose him. Lord Capel, at the head of 5,000 men, made an
attack upon Wem before its works were finished. At the same time Sir
William Brereton, with his Cheshire forces, drew near the town to support
and defend it. By a manœuvre Lord Capel induced General Brereton to
return to Nantwich, and in the meantime he attacked Wem, which was but
ill provided against an assault, the gates were without hinges, being
only reared up, and only forty soldiers remained in the town, the rest of
the forces consisted of the rabble of the town, among whom a number of
women particularly distinguished themselves, and gave occasion for the
following rhyme:—
“The women of Wem and a few musketeers,
Beat the Lord Capel and all his cavaliers.”
The principal attack was made at Drayton gate; and old Vicars, in his
“God’s Ark overtopping the World’s Waters,” says, “The great slaughter
and execution which were performed upon the enemy when they set upon Wem,
there being six cart loads of dead men carried away at one time, besides
the wounded; and as it is said, there were fifteen found buried in one
grave. Little execution was done upon our men; we lost not above three
in the town—Major Marcow, one soldier, and one boy.” Of the king’s party
he enumerates Colonel Wynn, slain; Major Vaughan, wounded; one of
Winter’s captains shot in the back; Captain Davison, taken prisoner,
since dead; Captain Manley, Captain Ellis, and Colonel Scriven, wounded.
As the troops of Brereton approached, Lord Capel drew off his forces and
returned to Shrewsbury. In 1644 the garrison of Wem seems to have been
better provided for their defence. Prince Rupert, on his march to
Chester, seemed determined to attack Wem; but having taken a view of the
place from the Trench farm, he slighted it, saying, “It is a crow’s nest
that will not afford each of my men a piece of bread.” At this time the
greater part of Shropshire was for the king; but after the fatal battle
of Naseby he lost ground in almost every part of the kingdom.
Major-general Mytton was governor of Wem, the garrison whereof took
Ercall House, belonging to Lord Newport; Apley Castle, belonging to Mr.
Charlton; Moreton Corbet House, belonging to Sir Andrew Corbet; and
Shrawardine Castle, the seat of the Bromleys. The plunder brought into
Wem during these unhappy disturbances contributed greatly to induce an
appearance of prosperity.
The dreadful fire which happened March 3rd, 1677, is a remarkable era in
the history of Wem. It was occasioned by a girl suffering a lighted
caudle to ignite the thatch of her parents’ dwelling. The season being
dry and the wind boisterous, the devouring flames were speedily carried
along the High street, Cripple street, and the Horse Fair, consuming
every edifice except the free school. In Noble street it extended as far
as the Draw well house, and in Milk street as far as the Rector’s barn.
The church, the market house, seven score houses, and treble the number
of outbuildings were burnt. The wind blew the burning thatch and
shingles to a vast distance, so that in one hour the town was completely
enveloped in flames. The loss of the property consumed was estimated at
£23,677. 3s. 1d.
Among the eminent individuals of which Wem has been the birth place or
residence, may be enumerated the benevolent Sir Thomas Adams, before
mentioned, the founder of the Grammar School. WYCHERLEY, one of the most
eminent wits and comic poets of his day, was born here in 1640; he
married the Countess of Drogheda, but after her death, from law suits
with her relatives, he became embarrassed in his circumstances. He
married a second wife a few days before his death, which happened in
September, 1815. JOHN ASTLEY, Esq.: This artist, from the peculiarity of
his good fortune, rather than by his exertions as an artist, has obtained
a memorial in biographical history. He was born at Wem, and when of age
to assume a profession he was sent to London, and placed as a pupil under
Mr. Hudson; when he left him he visited Rome, and on his return from
thence he went to Dublin, where he practised as a painter for about three
years, and in that time acquired three thousand pounds by his pencil. On
his coming over to England, and painting his way back to London, in his
own post chaise, with an outrider, he loitered, with a little pardonable
vanity, in his native neighbourhood, and visiting Knutsford assembly with
another gentleman, Lady Daniel, a widow then present, was at once so won
by his appearance, that she made arrangements to sit for her portrait,
and then made him the offer of her hand; a boon which he did not think it
prudent to refuse. This lady, by marriage articles, settled the whole of
the Duckinfield estate upon him, after the death of her daughter by Sir
William Daniel. Mr. Astley eventually became possessed of these estates,
and died at his house, Duckinfield Lodge, Cheshire, November 13th, 1787,
and was buried at the church in that village. JOHN IRELAND, the author
of “Illustrations of Hogarth,” and other esteemed works, was also born at
Wem.
CHARITIES.—_Francis Chambre_, by his will, dated December 26th, 1676,
charged certain lands with the payment of 40s. per annum, to be disposed
of for the benefit and repairs of the chapel at Newton, or for the
augmentation of the salary of the third school-master at Wem, or to both,
at the discretion of his kinsman, George Chambre of Loppington, and the
Rev. William Chettoe, and their heirs for ever. The premises charged
with this payment are now the property of Mr. Dickin, who pays £2 to the
schoolmaster and chapel warden every alternate year.
In 1703 _Richard Corbet_, _Esq._ granted a yearly rent charge issuing out
of two farms at High Hatton, and directed that £4 thereof should be laid
out every alternate year in buying six cloth coats or gowns for six poor
people, four to be chosen from the parish of Wem, and two from
Loppington; the said persons to be housekeepers reduced to poverty by
misfortune; that £4 should be laid out every alternate year in clothing
three poor boys of the parish of Wem, to be set out apprentices to
husbandry; that 20s. per annum be paid to a writing master for teaching
four poor boys writing and arithmetic. And he further directed, that
every alternate year the said rent charge of £10 should be laid out in
binding two boys, of the parish of Wem, apprentices to handicraft trades.
The sum of £9 to be disposed of in one year, and £11 the next year, and
so on from year to year. The yearly sum of £10, with some additions
thereto, varying according to circumstances, is paid by Sir Andrew
Corbet, the owner of the estate at Hatton. The objects of the charity
are selected by the trustees, who meet about February every alternate
year for the purpose, and 21s. is paid on that day towards the expenses
of such meeting.
_William Hinton_, and _Dorothy_, his wife, in consideration of £101. 1s.
6d., conveyed to certain trustees and their successors two pieces of land
in Whixall, called the Stanley End Pieces, to the use of the poor of the
parish of Wem. Of the above, £50 was the gift of _Thomas Spendelow_
during his lifetime, who directed the proceeds thereof should be laid out
in bread every Lord’s day for the poor inhabitants of the parish. There
has been no subsequent conveyance to trustees, and the churchwardens have
from time to time let the property, which consists of two fields,
containing rather more than seven acres, now let at a good rent of £12
per annum. There is also an allotment on Whixall Moss, given in lieu of
a right of turbury, which is let for 5s. per annum. The rents are
carried to the account of the churchwardens of Wem quarter, and out of
this account there is paid, in respect of the rents above mentioned, and
for Sir Andrew Corbet’s charity hereafter mentioned, 4s. a week,
amounting to £10. 8s. per annum, which is disposed of in bread, and £3 of
which is distributed in money. The sum of £3 is divided by the
churchwardens and vestry clerk, together with £2 paid in respect of the
Hon. Richard Hill’s charity, in small sums among the poor.
_The Hon. Richard Hill_, in 1726, bequeathed £100 to the poor of the
parish of Wem, to be applied as the minister and churchwardens should
think fit.—_Rowland Whittingham_, in the same year, bequeathed £10 for
the objects of the said charity. With these two sums, and £2 advanced by
the overseers, three messuages were purchased adjoining the church-yard.
These premises were pulled down in the year 1822, and the site added to
the church-yard. Before this period, the rents never exceeded £5 or £6 a
year. The sum of £2 has been since paid out of the church-rate collected
for Wem quarter, and £1 out of the rate collected for each of the other
three quarters. When the charity commissioners published their report
there was a sum of £40 in the hands of Thomas Wilkinson, which is
understood to have been left many years ago by Mr. Minshull of Tilley.
Mr. Wilkinson pays 40s. yearly as the interest thereof, of which 20s. is
paid to the minister of Whixall, 10s. among the poor of Wem, 5s. among
the poor of Tilley and Trench, and 5s. to the poor of Hollingwood End.
_Sir Richard Hill_, by his will bearing date January 1st, 1808,
bequeathed £300 in trust to pay the interest of £100 to the poor of each
of the parishes of Hodnet, Prees, and Wem, in such proportions as his
brother John Hill, during his life, and after his decease, the owners of
his mansion house, at Hawkstone, should think fit. The interest on the
sum of £100 is paid by Sir Rowland Hill to the poor of each of the
parishes of Hodnet and Prees. Nothing however was paid when the charity
commissioners visited Wem, in respect of the legacy for Wem, nor had they
any evidence to show the principal had ever been paid. If the payment of
the principal cannot be proved, we apprehend that Sir Rowland Hill is
accountable for it as the representative of the testator.
_Sir Andrew Corbet_, in 1817, gave the sum of 25 guineas, the interest to
be given to the poor of the parish. This sum was applied in rebuilding
the church, and the sum of 25s. is paid out of the church-rate as the
interest thereof, which sum is expended in bread for the poor.
_Mary Hankey_, by will 1818, bequeathed £40, to be placed out at
interest, and laid out in bread, to be distributed every Easter Sunday
among poor housekeepers of the parish of Wem, at the discretion of the
churchwardens.
Upwards of two hundred years ago there were three common fields belonging
the town: they consisted of arable land, and were divided by stones or
other land marks, so that each proprietor knew his own ground, which he
ploughed and sowed, but when harvest was gathered in, their cattle ranged
in common and fed promiscuously. The cross field took its name from a
cross erected on that road, as was usual in popish countries. The chapel
field extended towards Horton, and the middle field towards Edstaston
road.
A LIST OF
STREETS, LANES, AND PLACES IN THE PARISH OF WEM.
Back street, High street
Bank house, Ireland
Bow street, Market street
Brunswick house, Islington
Brunswick row, Islington
Chapel street, Market street
Church street, Mill street
Court house, Market street
Cripple street, Noble street
Crown street, Back street
Dark lane, High street
Draw well lane, Back street
Ellesmere road, Ireland
Grove house, Grove street
Grove street, Bow street
High street, May pole end
Hibernia cottages, May poll end
Ireland, Grove street
Islington, Whitchurch road
Islington cottages, Islington
Islington crescent, Islington
Islington house, Islington
Islington row, Islington
Maiden lane, High street
Market street, High street
Market house, Market street
May pole end, Drayton and Aston road
Mill street, Salop road
New street, Islington
Noble street, Back street
Roden lodge, Mill street
Rose cottage, New street
Salop road, Tilley
Union Buildings, Market st
Wembrook place, Islington
Well house lane, Dark lane
Whixall road, Ireland
POST OFFICE.—_At Miss Jane Deakin’s_, _Market-street_. Letters arrive at
6 20 A.M. and are despatched at 7 20 P.M.
* * * * *
Aston John, gentleman, Market street
Barker Henry John, Esq., Salop road
Barker Charles Frederick, Esq., Market st
Barker Mr. Thomas, Salop road
Barlow Henry, tallow chandler and soap boiler, Market street
Beetenson Charles, Esq., Noble street
Boughey John, Salop road
Boulton Rev. William, Grove street
Brown Thomas Dickin, Esq., New street
Burd Mrs., Bow street
Cartwright Miss, Church street
Cotgrave Miss, Chapel street
Clay George, gentleman, New street
Deakin Miss Jane, Market street
Dickin Roger Spencer, Esq., Grove street
Dickin Thomas, Esq., Noble street
Dickin Mr. Thomas, Grove street
Dickin Mr. Richard Parker, Grove street
Dixon Rev. Wm., Noble street terrace
Edwards Edward, bookkeeper, Market st
Everall John, gentleman, Grove street
Ferrett Henry, inland revenue officer, Back st
Forgham Mrs., Noble street
France Thomas, Noble street
Gough Mrs., Back street
Gough Robert, gentleman, Back street
Gough Mr. Samuel, Market street
Greenwood Joseph, gentleman, Chapel st
Griffiths Henry, porter dealer, Market street
Griffiths Richard, draper, High street
Gwynn Edward, Esq., Noble street
Gwynn Samuel Betten, Esq., Noble street
Gwynn Miss, Grove house
Hanmer Thos., relieving officer, Wem union
Heatley William, Esq., Market street
Ireland Mrs., Islington house
Jones William, Chapel street
Jones Miss, Chapel street
Jones Samuel, cattle salesman, Back street
Kindillow Wm. Nail, governor union house
Kynaston Mrs. Mary, High street
Lee Henry, Esq., Chapel street
Lee Mrs. Mary, Chapel street
Leeke Miss Mary Ann, New street
Littlehales Fred., clerk, county court office
Lloyd John Daniel, gentleman, High street
Lucas William, Esq., Noble street
Mason John, skinner, Ireland
Meredith Charles David, registrar, Islington
Meredith Mrs., Islington
Meredith Rev. Charles David, Crescent
Merest Rev. John William D., The Rectory
Morris Henry, gentleman, Islington Crescent
Morris Mrs., Islington Crescent
Nickson Mrs., Chapel street
Oldham Charles, Esq., Tilley house
Owen William, Esq., New street
Parkes Mrs., The Crescent
Parkes Mr. Richard, Islington Crescent
Pattinson Rev. Joseph, Islington villa
Pearson Mrs. Sarah, Grove street
Phillips Mr. George, May pole end
Poole Mr. George Wright, Market street
Prince Captain Charles, Market street
Pritchard Rev. Mr., Chapel street
Ravenshaw Richard, bank clerk, New street
Sadler Rev. John, Islington
Smith Mrs. Wycherley, New street
Smith John, tea dealer, Noble street
Snape Walter, gentleman, Creamore road villa
Stockhall Henry, attorney’s clerk, Market st
Thomas Thomas, gentleman, Islington
Walford John Henshaw, Esq., Roden lodge
Walker Mrs., Back street
Walmsley Thomas, Esq., Cripple street
Walmsley George, gentleman, Hawkstone rd
Walmsley Mr. John, Hibernia cottage
Wilkinson Mr. William, Ellesmere road
Williams Sir John Bickerton, Knight, The Hall
Wilson Joseph, Esq., New street
Academies.
_Marked * take boarders_.
British School, Dark lane, Thomas Hickson Taylor, master; T. H. Taylor,
mistress
* Cooke Miss, Noble street
* Foncier Miss, Noble street
* Grammar, Grove street, Rev. William Boulton, M.A., principal; Benjamin
Burd, English master
Infants’, Chapel street, Mary Green
* Meredith Mrs. Hannah, Bow street
National, Back street, Thos. Grainge, master; Mary Ebrey, mistress
* Strutt Miss, Noble street
Accountants.
Burd John, Mill street
Wycherley Thomas, Noble st
Attorneys.
Barker Charles Frederick, Market street
Barker Henry John, clerk to county court; office, Market street
Brown Thomas Dickin, New street
Burd Jonathan, Market st
Lucas William, clerk to magistrates, Noble street
Owen William, clerk to the Wem union, and superintendent registrar, New
street
Auctioneers & Valuers.
Burd John, Mill street
Franklin Josiah, Market st
Wycherley Thomas, and appraiser for the Wem county court, Noble street
Bakers & Flour Dealers.
Astley Mary, Back street
Harris George, Grove street
Kynaston Charles, Market st
Vaughan Thomas, High st
Watkin Sarah, High street
Weever George, Market st
Bankers.
_The National Provincial Bank of England Company_, draw on the London
Joint Stock Bank, John Daniel Lloyd, manager
Blacksmiths.
Humphreys Wm., Noble st
Rogers Robert, Ireland
Watkin Thomas, Dark lane
Watkin William, Grove st
Wilkinson John, Market st
Booksellers, Bookbinders, and Stationers.
Cooke Mary, Draw well ter
Franklin Josiah, & printer, Market street
Boot & Shoemakers.
_Marked * dealers only_.
Bannister John, Back street
Forgham Jonathan, May pole end
Higgins Williams, Rookery, Ireland
Jenkins George, Grove st
Jenks John, Market street
* Owen Miss Ann, High st
Robins Henry, Market st
* Tomlins Charles, Market st
Watkin Richard, Chapel st
Weaver John, High street
* Wilkinson Thomas, Market street
Braziers & Tin Plate Workers.
Barlow Henry, Market street
Edge John, Bow street
Edge Samuel, Union place
Brewer.
Cooke Joseph, Draw well brewery
Bricklayers.
Beckett William, Cripple st
Hewes William, Back street
Morris John, New street
Richards William, Back st
Tomey Jonathan, Back st
Brick and Tile Merchants.
Barker Henry John, Northwood
Brown John, Grove street
Maddocks Samuel, Barker’s green
Builders.
Beddoe John, Wem brook pl
France Thomas and Son, Noble street
Prince Frederick and Son, Church street
Walton Thomas, Salop road
Butchers.
Astley Thomas, Noble street
Davies Benjamin, Grove st
Deakin Henry, Market street
Elkes George, Market street
Hales William, Bow street
Parkes John, High street
Watkin James, High street
Weaver Charles, High street
Weaver George, High street
Weever Frederick, Market st
Cabinet Makers.
Broomhall John, foreman, Cripple street
France Thomas, Noble st
France Thomas, jun., Noble street
Lee John, New street
Prince Frederick and Son, Church street
Carriage Builders.
Eaton George, May pole end
Prince John, Church street
Cheese Factors.
Richards John, Market st
Vaughan Thomas, High st
Chemists and Druggists.
Bickerton Samuel, High st
Lee Thomas, Market street
Micklewright George, Market street
Onslow Richard, & dispensing, Cripple street
Clothes Dealer.
Huntington John, Market st
Coal Agent.
Brown John, Grove street, and Edstaston wharf
Coal Dealers.
Jenkins George, Grove street
Ralphs Jane, Noble street
Wilkinson Thos., Dark lane
Confectioners.
Kynaston Charles, Bow st
Stockall John, Market street
Vaughan Thomas, High st
Watkin Elizabeth, High st
Weaver George, High street
Coopers, Turners, and Dealer in Bendware.
Crewe Joseph, High street
Drury William, Noble street
Corn Factor.
Richards John, Market street
Curriers & Leather Cutters.
Everall John, Grove street
Gough Robert, Noble street
Gough Samuel, Market st
Dyer—Silk, Woollen, & Cotton.
Yoad Samuel, High street
Farmers.
Barber Wm., May-pole-end
Clay George, New street
Cooke Joseph, Draw-well lane
Everall John, Lowe-hill lane
Forgham Thomas, Foxley
Forgham Wm., Well-house farm
Griffiths Thomas, Soulton lane
Jenks John, Market street
Jones John, Noble street
Parkes John, Market street
Richards John, Market street
Snape Walter, Creamore road
Farm Tillage Dealers.
Brown John, Edstaston wharf, and guano merchant
Lowe Thomas, New street
Richards John, Market street
Fire and Life-office Agents.
The Agriculturists Cattle Insurance Compy., Benjamin Burds, Market street
Legal and Commercial, John Everall, Grove street
Pelican, Family Endowment and Manchester Fire, Wm. Owen, New street
Salop Fire, Josiah Franklin, Market street
Shropshire and North Wales, Messrs. Barker, Market st
Fishmonger.
Salt William, Market street
Glass, China, and Earthenware Dealers.
Franklin Josiah, Market st
Green Jane Charlotte, High street
Robins Henry, Market street
Grocers and Tea Dealers.
Heatley Wm., Market street
Kynaston Charles, High st
Kynaston Henry, Market st
Lee Thomas, Market street
Onslow Richard, Cripple st
Poole & Wilkinson, Market st
Richards John, Market street
Vaughan Thomas, High st
Wilkinson Andrew, High st
Hairdressers.
Green Samuel, Bow street
* Jenkins Richard, and perfumer, Market street
Hatter.
Howard Andrew, High street
Hosier & Berlin Repository.
Russell Lucy, Noble street
Hotels, Inns, and Taverns.
Black Lion, Thomas Nevett, Market street
Buck’s Head, Martha Higley, Church street
Bull’s Head, James Russell, Bow street
Castle, Commercial & Posting House, Robt. Higley, High street
Corbet Arms, John Lewis, Chapel street
Crown, Frederick Wycherley, Market street
Dickins’ Arms, John Jones, Back street
Fox Robert Rogers, Ireland
Hawkstone Arms, Richard Wire, Islington
Horse and Jockey, Robert Davies, Bow street
Lord Hill’s Arms, Thomas Lloyd, High street
Plough, Thomas Griffiths, Market street
Royal Oak, Mary Llewellin, May-pole end
Seven Stars, John Jenks, Market street
Shropshire Arms, Oliver Snape, Bow street
Talbot, Richard Darlington, High street
White Horse Hotel, Commercial & Posting House, Thomas Griffiths, Market
street
White Lion, Ann Sands, and Excise-office, High street
Ironmongers.
Kynaston Henry, Market st
Wilkinson Andrew, Market street
Joiners and Builders.
Beddow John, Islington
Francis Thomas and Son, Noble street
Prince Frederick and Son, Church street
Walton Thomas, Market st
Jewellery & Cutlery Dealers.
Franklin Josiah, Market st
Jenkins Richard, Market st
Land & House Agent.
Francis Thomas, Noble st
Lime Dealer.
Brown John, Grove street
Linen & Woollen Drapers Silk Mercers.
Heatley William, Market st
Huntington John, Market st
Poole & Wilkinson, Market st
Livery Stable-keepers.
_Marked * are Licensed to Let Post Horses_.
* Burd Benjamin, Noble st
Griffiths Thomas, Market st
Higley Robert, High street
* Owen Joseph, High street
Maltsters.
Abbott William, Noble street
Barber John, High street
Barber William, May-pole end
Cooke Joseph, Draw-well terrace
Elkes John, Ireland
Higley Robert, High street
Wilkinson Sarah, High street
Merchants.
Francis Thomas (timber), Noble street
Onslow Rd. (hop), Cripple st
Miller and Corn Factor.
Boughey John, Wem Steam and Water Mills
Milliners and Dressmakers.
Green Sarah, New street
Phillips Eliza, Union Buildings
Williams Ann, Chapel street
Painter, Glazier, and Paper-Hanger.
Worrall George, High street
Plumbers, Glaziers, & Painters.
Davies Samuel, Mill street
Parsonage Frederick, New st
Shenton William, High st
Shenton William, Market st
Rope Makers.
Green John, High street
Fowles James, Bow street
Saddlers and Harness Makers.
Stockall John, Market street
Tomlins Charley, Market st
Seedsmen and Gardeners.
Bickerton Samuel, Market st
Llewellin Mary, High street
Newnes John, Back street
Richards John, Market street
Shopkeepers and Provision Dealers.
Green Jane Charlotte, High street
Harris Ellen, High street
Harris George, Grove street
Jackson Sarah, Bow street
Jones Richard, High street
Owen Joseph, Market street
Stockall John, Market street
Sherratt William, New street
Vaughan Thomas, High st
Watkin Sarah, High street
Skinners & Leather Dressers.
Everall John, Grove street
Mason John, Ireland
Slaters and Plasterers.
Hughes William, Back street
Richards William, Back st
Smallware Dealers.
Burd Benjamin, Market st
Harris Ellen, Market street
Spirit Vaults.
Griffiths Thomas, Market st
Ireland Richard, Market st
Onslow Richard, Cripple st
Stays Makers.
Owen Mrs. & Miss, Market st
Surgeons.
Gwynn Edward, Noble street
Gwynn Samuel Betten, Noble street
Lee Henry, Chapel street
Walmsley Thomas, Market street
Wilson Joseph Green, New street
Surveyor (Land).
Burd John, Mill street
Tailors.
Butter Richard, Market street
Cartwright John, Backstreet
Cartwright William, New st
Drury John, Noble street
Edwards John, Backstreet
Parsonage John, New street
Powell Joseph, High street
Tallow Chandler.
Barlow Richard, May-pole end
Tanners.
Everall John, Grove street
Gough Robert, Noble street
Veterinary Surgeon.
Burd Benjamin, Market st
Burd William, Noble street
Upholsterers.
Francis Thos., Noble street
Prince Frederick and Son, Church street
Watch and Clock Makers.
Butler Henry, High street
Hill Thomas, Market street
Wheelwrights.
Eaton George, May-pole end
Phillips Samuel, Bow street
Watkin John, May-pole end
Wine and Spirit Merchants and Porter Agents.
Ireland Richard, Market st
Onslow Richard, Cripple st
Carriers.
To SHREWSBURY—Thomas Harris and Joseph Owen, Wednesdays & Saturdays.
ASTON
is a scattered village and township one mile E. from Wem, which contains
1,460A. 0R. 25P. of land, the soil of which in some parts is clay, in
other parts a mixture of mould, gravel, and sand prevails; the strong
soils produce excellent wheat. At the census in 1841 there were 47
houses and 212 inhabitants. Rateable value, £2,107. There are 15A. 3R.
37P. in roads and waste. The principal landowners are Viscount Hill,
Major Dickin, John H. Walford, Esq., and Thomas Holly Cooke, Mrs. James,
Mrs. Nickson, the Duke of Cleveland, Sir Andrew Corbet, Bart., Mrs.
Griffiths, Mr. Caleb Powell, and the executors of the late Mr. Gwynn and
Mr. Hassall are also proprietors; Major Dickin is lord of the manor. At
the survey in 1561 there was only one estate that was freehold in the
township, and that was the property of John Astley. The river Roden
intersects the township, and is crossed by bridges to Lee Brockhurst and
Aston. Barker’s Green in this township is noted for clay which makes a
superior kind of bricks. Hill Cop Bank is also in this township. ASTON
HALL, an ancient structure built of timber and plaster, is now occupied
as a farm homestead. At the Domesday survey the Astleys were seated
here, from whom are descended the Astleys, of Ashton; the estate was then
of much larger extent. It was afterwards sold to the Wilkinsons, and
about the year 1680 Lord Chancellor Jeffreys purchased this estate; it is
now the property of Mr. Thomas Holley Cooke. It is stated on the table
of benefactions that Ralph Wilkiss, of Aston, left to the poor
housekeepers of that township four nobles a year, charged on Shaw’s land
in the said township. The yearly sum of £1. 6s. 8d. is paid out of the
said land now vested in the executors of Mr. Hassall, and is distributed
in small sums among the poor.
DIRECTORY.—_Farmers_, Thomas Holly Cooke, The Hall Farm; Thomas Harris,
The Old Hall Farm; Thomas Kempster, Brook Farm; Edward Morgan, Moat
House; Thomas Powell Brookhouse, and John Woodfin; Thomas Abbott,
shopkeeper; William Hewes, maltster and beerhouse keeper; Edward
Williams, blacksmith and agricultural implement maker.
COTTON,
a pleasantly situated village and township three miles N. from Wem, is
variously written in ancient records as Cotton, Coton, and Cooton, being
derived from the Saxon, _cot_, a small house, and _ton_, a town. The
name may import that it was a town consisting chiefly of small houses,
such as were usually built about woods by the poorer sort of people for
the conveniency of fuel. The township contains 1,703A. 3R. 7P. of land,
and is separated by four small brooks from the townships that border on
it; there are 30 acres in roads and waste. At the census in 1841 there
were 95 houses and a population of 439 souls. Rateable value, £2,774.
The soil is a mixture of mould and clay, naturally poor, but of late
years has been much improved by draining and superior cultivation; marl
abounds in the township, which is much used for top dressing the land.
This was one of the 28 lordships which Roger de Montgomery, Earl of
Shrewsbury, gave to William Pantulph. Cotton wood was one of the five
woods within the lordship of Wem. It is about three miles in
circumference, and still retains the name of wood, although there is
scarce a tree left on it. The chief landowners are Viscount Hill, George
Bowen, Esq., Mrs. Cooper, V. Dolphin, Esq., the trustees of Wem school,
Mr. Robert Sandland, Mr. John Rodenhurst, Mr. Thomas Ashley, and Mr.
William Ikin. COTTON HALL in the time of Edward IV. belonged to the
Maddox family, and in the reign of Elizabeth we find it possessed by
Richard Ward, who in 1614 obtained license to eat flesh in Lent. The
following is a copy of the indulgence granted by Richard Sankey, rector
of Wem, as found in the parish register:—“For that Richard Ward, of
Cotton, in the parish of Wem, and county of Salop, gentleman, is
notoriously sick, and enforced for the recovery of his health to eat
flesh for the time of his sickness. Therefore I, Richard Sankey, parson
of the said parish, forasmuch as in me lieth by force of authority to me
given by the statute in the fifth year of our late sovereign lady
Elizabeth, do license the said Richard Ward to eat flesh according to the
contents of the said statute, by me, Richard Sankey, rector of Wem.
Registered according to the statute in presence, and with the consent of
the churchwardens for the time being, March 22nd of the same month, by
reason of the continuance of the forementioned sickness.” Cotton Hall is
now a good brick mansion, the residence and property of George Bowen,
Esq., J.P. On the west side of Hill-lane stands the ancient residence of
the Cotons, who took their name from this township, and are branched out
into several families of respectability. Ralph Coton, a draper, and lord
mayor of London in the 1st. of Charles I., was of this family.
Bowen George, Esq., J.P., Cotton Hall
Ashley James, shopkeeper
Ashley Thomas, farmer
Bather Thomas, farmer, Wood End House
Bather Wm., farmer, Rookery
Bather William, farmer and corn miller
Bennett Benjamin, farmer
Boote William, farm bailiff, The Hall
Calcott John, watch & clock maker
Cartwright Joseph, farmer
Cooper Henry, farmer, Bank Farm
Cooper Mrs., farmer, Bank House
Cotton Thomas, farmer
Davies Abraham, bailiff to V. Dolphin, Esq.
Dickin Thomas, farmer, Common
Dickin William, farmer and butcher
Hall Richard, shoemaker
Higgins John, farmer, Common
Rodenhurst John, farmer
Ruscoe George, farmer, shopkeeper, & wharfinger
Ruscoe Messrs., lime works
Sandland Robert, farmer
Sparks John, farmer, The Brook
Tasker Francis, vict., Bull and Dog
Williams Thos., blacksmith
EDSTASTON,
anciently written EDSTANTON, signifying the town of Edstan. This Edstan
may probably have been the founder of the chapel here, and had his seat
on the north side of it, where the site of an ancient building is still
visible. The fine north door of the chapel is opposite it, and was
probably made for the convenience of the family that resided there.
Edstaston is a township, chapelry, and considerable but scattered
village, two miles N.N. by E. from Wem, having in 1841 95 houses and 452
inhabitants; in 1821 there was a population of 397 souls. The township
contains 2,018A. 1R. 2P. of land, of which 28A. 3R. 36P. are in roads and
waste. Rateable value, £3,385. 5s. The soil for the most part is a cold
clay, it has been greatly improved by draining, and there is some good
land for grazing purposes. The tithes are commuted for £298. 9s. 10d.,
payable to the rector of Wem. The township is intersected by the Wem and
Whitchurch turnpike road, and a branch of the Ellesmere and Quino brook
canal. The principal landowners are Daniel Boote, Esq., V. Dolphin,
Esq., E. H. Chamberlain, Esq., Misses Knights, Mr. Edward Holding, Mr.
Edward Groom, Mr. Godfrey Lewin, Mr. Samuel and James Lea, Mr. Walter
Snape, Sir John Williams Bickerton, Knight, Mr. John Walmsley, Henry John
Barker, Esq., Mr. Samuel Calcott, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Nickson, and others;
the Duke of Cleveland is lord of the manor. The new park was formerly
reckoned one of the five woods within the bounds of this township, but it
has been so well cleared of trees that no remains of a wood are left. It
was formerly enclosed with pales and stocked with wild beast of chase.
Chetal wood in 1561 was held by Arthur Mainwaring, at the rate of 6s. per
annum. There were formerly three common fields, the greater part of
which was enclosed upwards of two hundred years ago.
THE CHAPEL, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, in ancient writings is
usually called our Lady’s chapel of Edstaston. The festival of the
nativity of the blessed Virgin being on the 8th of September, is the day
appointed for holding the feast or wake, if that day happen on Sunday; if
not, on the Sunday following. Mr. Garbet is of opinion that this was a
free chapel built by Edstan, for the health and welfare of his own soul,
as it lost its endowment at the time of the general suppression of
religious houses in the reign of Henry VIII. In the times of popery mass
was sung here every day for the advantage of the deceased, and on Sunday
the usual church service was performed for the living. It was not only
independent of the rector of Wem, but also free from the visitation of
the bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, who neither instituted nor inducted
the incumbent, so that in this respect it was much on the same footing as
a donative. The structure has a very ancient appearance, and is 23 feet
wide and 82 feet in length. It is entered by a spacious porch of
elaborate workmanship, built in 1710, exhibiting the Norman style of
architecture. It is neatly pewed with oak sittings, and there is a
gallery at the west end, erected by private subscriptions and a grant
from the Diocesan Society amounting to £84. 4s., in consequence of which
the sittings are free and unappropriated for ever. There are some relics
in the chancel of the superstition of popish times; on each side of the
altar are stands cut in stone, to bear the tapers that usually burn
there; on the east wall is a stone jutting out, on which stood the image
of the blessed Virgin, the patroness of the chapel; near the altar is a
recess probably used for the preservation of the consecrated host, and in
each of the side walls is a stone basin to hold holy water. On the north
side of the altar there formerly stood a sacristy, or vestry where the
sacred utensils and priestly vestments are kept. In 1723 a part of the
west end wall of the chapel fell down, and the roof was so much decayed
that it was found necessary to take the greatest part of it down. To
lessen the charge, a license was obtained from the bishop, to make the
chapel ten or eleven feet shorter than it had been. On the south side is
a window beautifully foliated and ornamented with the family arms in
stained glass, in memory of Admiral George Bowen and his wife, of Cotton
Hall. In the chancel is an ancient mural tablet in memory of Richard
Goldisborough; another to John Knight, Esq., and one to Thomas Payne,
gentleman, with the date of 1760; a brass memorial remembers Richard
Chambre, Esq. The living is a curacy annexed to the rectory of Wem. The
Rev. John Stewart is the incumbent, and resides at EDSTASTON HOUSE, a
handsome mansion of brick, delightfully situated, and beautified with
pleasure grounds and shrubberries.
CREAMORE HOUSE is a good residence, occupied by John Unsworth, Esq. In
Saxon times it belonged to a person of consideration, whose mansion house
stood at some distance from the present dwelling, the site of which is
overgrown with brushwood; but the broad and deep moat that surrounded it
may still be traced. EDSTASTON HALL, a residence of considerable
antiquity, formerly the seat and property of the Mainwarings, is now the
residence of Daniel Boote, Esq. There are several other respectable
houses, which our limits will not allow us to notice. THE INDEPENDENTS
have a chapel at Quino Brook, and at QUINO BROOK WHARF there are
extensive lime works, and a coal depôt.
Boote Daniel, Esq., the Hall
Brown John, coal merchant, Park Bridge wharf
Chamberlain, E. H., Esq., the Park
Cliff Thomas, vict., Canal Tavern, Quino Brook
Cowley John, farm bailiff to Sir John Bickerton, Knight, Foxholes Farm
Davies Abraham, farm bailiff to Vernon Dolphin, Esq.
Dickin Edward, farmer, the Park
Groome Edward, farmer and shopkeeper
Hayward John, coal agent
Holding Daniel, tailor
Holding Thomas, shopkeeper, Quino Brook
Hope Thomas, wheelwright
Jebb William Thomas, Creamore cottage
Jebb and Son, farmers and corn millers
Kynaston John, Bank house
Lea James, farmer, High field
Lea Joseph, farmer, High field
Lea Samuel, farmer, High field
Matthews John, farmer, Rye bank
Nicholas Edward, shopkeeper
Richards Thomas, vict., Duke of Wellington, and agent and canal clerk for
the Shropshire Union Railway and Canal Company
Rogers Edward, blacksmith and vict., the Harp
Ruscoe George and Abraham, dealers in coal, slate, tile, brick, lime, and
general tillage merchants’ warehouse, Quino Brook
Stewart Rev. John, curate
Taylor William, farmer, Pepper street
Unsworth John, Esq., Creamore house
Unsworth William, Esq., Creamore farm
Walmsley John, farmer and maltster, Creamore bank
Walmsley Thomas, Rye bank farm
Wallace William, farm bailiff to E. H. Chamberlain, Esq.
Wilkinson William, farmer, Pepper street
Withington George, Foxholes farm
HORTON,
a small township one and a half mile north-west from Wem, contains 496A.
1R. 20P. of land, of which 8A. 3R. 34P. are in roads and waste. Rateable
value, £725. 5s. In 1841 there were 20 houses and 86 inhabitants. The
principal landowners are Thomas Dickin, Esq.; Mrs. Lawrence; Mrs. Young;
and the devisees of the late Mr. Nickson; and Mr. Ireland. The Duke of
Cleveland is lord of the manor. The tithes are commuted for £88. 13s.
2d. About the middle of the sixteenth century the Husseys were the
largest landowners here; the Moodies were the next considerable family;
the Chettoes, Allens, and Tylers, were also families of consequence. The
Ellesmere and Wem turnpike road crosses this township.
DIRECTORY.—_Farmers_: Ann Kynaston, John Onslow, Caleb Powell, and Philip
Ratcliff.
LACON,
a small township one and a half mile north-east from Wem, in 1841 had 12
houses and 84 inhabitants. It contains 398A. 3R. 5P. of land, of which
5A. 0R. 36P. are in roads and waste. The soil is various; in some places
sandy, in other parts clayey; with portions of moss land prevailing in
other places. From the latter large quantities of oak and fir timber
have been raised, from a depth of from sixteen to twenty feet below the
surface. The Wem and Market Drayton turnpike road intersects this
township. The Duke of Cleveland is lord of the manor and sole owner.
Rateable value, £1,017. 15s. The tithes are commuted for the sum of
£122. 5s. Ralph Bannister was lord of the manor of Lacon in the reigns
of Edward IV. and Richard III. He had been brought up by Humphrey
Stafford, the great Duke of Buckingham, and put in places of trust above
all his servants. To his house the duke retreated when he was deserted
by his army in 1483. He was proclaimed a traitor by the king, and lands
of the value of one hundred pounds a year; and a thousand pounds in ready
money were offered for his discovery. This no doubt tempted the cupidity
of Bannister to betray his master, and John Mytton, Esq., sheriff of the
county, coming suddenly with a strong body of armed men, apprehended the
duke, disguised in the garb of a peasant. Tradition says that the duke,
falling on his knees, cursed Bannister to the tenth generation. Sir
Thomas Moore, in his history of these times, takes notice of the
vengeance of heaven which soon after fell on this family, and observes,
“Bannister’s son and heir lost his senses, and died mad in a hog-stye;
his eldest daughter, of excellent beauty, was suddenly stricken with foul
leprosy; his second son became a deformed cripple; a younger son was
drowned in a small puddle; he himself, in his old age, was arraigned and
found guilty of murder, and saved only by his clergy.” Joseph Bannister,
Esq., was the last of the family that resided here, or was possessed of
this lordship, which he sold to Sir Richard Newport, from whom it has
descended, with other estates, to the present proprietor, the Duke of
Cleveland.
The resident farmers are William Cooke, William Holding, Abraham Ruscoe,
and Thomas Woodfin, Lacon Hall.
LOWE AND DITCHES,
a township one mile north-west from Wem, contains 668A. 2R. 38P. of land,
of which 10A. 0R. 36P. are in roads and waste. In 1841 there were 16
houses and 98 inhabitants. Rateable value £992. 15s. This place takes
its name from its situation on rising ground; _low_, in Saxon, signifying
a little hill; hence the tumuli, or mounds which the Danes raised over
the dead bodies of their famous men were called “lowes.” The name of
“Ditches” may have arisen from some remarkable fosses or ditches, of
which there are no remains or certain tradition. The soil is a reddish
clay or marl, with a mixture of mould. The principal landowners are
Lewin Jeffreys, Esq.; Mr. James Lea; Mr. George Craig; Mr. John Richards;
Mrs. Langford; Mrs. Nickson; Mr. Forgham; Rev. Mr. Parkes; and the
devisees of the late Mr. Watson. The Duke of Cleveland is lord of the
manor. THE DITCHES HALL, an antique erection chiefly composed of wood,
was the seat of the Twyfords, a family of consequence upwards of two
centuries ago. It is a commodious, lofty structure, now in the occupancy
of Mr. Edward Elkes, farmer. THE LOWE HALL, formerly a place of
consideration, was the residence of the Baron family. The coat of arms,
still in good preservation, has the date of 1489. In the 5th of Henry
VII., William Baron of the Lowe was of the _Homage extra barram_, or
country jury. THE PYM FARM takes its name from the circumstance of one
Pym, at the beginning of the civil war, having been murdered in a field a
little below the house, which was then covered with brushwood. He was
the tenant of this farm, which will probably bear his name when all the
ancient landlords are forgotten. This township is crossed by the Wem,
Ellesmere, and Loppington turnpike road.
DIRECTORY.—_Farmers_: Edward Elkes, Ditches Hall; Thomas Elkes, Lowe
Hall; George Greaves, Pym Farm; Thomas Hamlet; James Lea; Ann Kynaston;
John Richards, Lowe farm.
NEWTOWN
is a chapelry and small village, four miles N.W. from Wem, which in 1841
contained 16 houses and 79 inhabitants. The township contains 639A. 0R.
26P. of land, of which 12A. 1R. 20P. are in roads and waste. Rateable
value, £844. 15s. The Rector of Wem receives the tithes, which are
commuted for £87. 14s. 6d. The chief landowners are Mrs. Maddocks, Henry
John Barker, Esq., Thomas Dickin, Esq., and Arthur Dickin, Esq.; besides
whom are several smaller proprietors. The Duke of Cleveland claims the
manorial rights. The roads to Whixall, Northwood, Edstaston, and Wem,
intersect the township. About two centuries ago, the inhabitants of
Newtown, Wolverley, and Northwood, being at a great distance from the
parish church, agreed to have a CHAPEL OF EASE, and for this purpose
purchased a private house, which was fitted up for divine worship, and
procured a minister, to whom the Rector of Wem gave a liberal stipend.
The register of Wem mentions the baptism of a child in Newtown chapel,
April 17th, 1659. In 1665 the owners of land consented to settle £10 per
annum on a minister, and charged that sum on their lands for ever. The
Governors of Queen Anne’s Bounty, in 1754, made a grant of £200 to this
chapel, which was subsequently laid out in the purchase of freehold
lands. It is remarkable, that Andrew Barton, who was the last person
born here when it was a private house, was the first person that was
buried here when it became a consecrated chapel. He died, November 10th,
1666. In the year 1836, the ancient structure was taken down, and a neat
edifice of brick erected on the site, at a cost of £417. 12s. raised by
subscriptions, which sum includes the expense of fittings. It consists
of nave, transepts, and square tower, in which is one bell. The
patronage is vested in the inhabitants of the above townships which form
the chapelry. The living is returned at £50 per annum, and is enjoyed by
the Rev. William Dixon, of Wem.
CHARITIES.—There is an estate at Newtown, charged with the payment of £2.
10s. yearly, to be given in bread to the poor attending divine service at
the chapel there. The donor of this gift is unknown. _Arthur Harper_,
in 1787, bequeathed £90, upon trust, to place the same out at interest,
and apply the produce of £50 thereof in the relief of industrious
housekeepers of the townships of Newtown, Wolverley, and Northwood; and
the produce of £40, the residue thereof to be distributed by the
churchwardens and overseers of the parish of Prees, in the township of
Darliston, on St. Thomas’s day. This legacy had never been invested as
directed by the testator, but was in the hands of William Matthews, the
surviving executor, when the charity commissioners published their
report. Mr. Matthews pays interest for it at the rate of 4½ per cent.
DIRECTORY.—Francis Burd, gentleman; _Farmers_: John Hales; Mrs. Matthews,
The Hall; John Matthews; Thomas Parks; John Tagg; and Samuel Wollan.
NORTHWOOD
is a small rural village, on the borders of Flintshire, four miles N.W.
from Wem, which takes its name from the large wood that was formerly here
and its situation in respect of Lineal Wood, which was south of it. The
township contains 1,409A. 1R. 16P. of land, and in 1841 had 47 houses and
233 inhabitants. There are 21A. 1R. 14P. of land in roads and waste.
Rateable value, £1,824. The tithes are commuted for £181. 15s. The soil
in some places is sandy, with a mixture of gravel; in other places a clay
soil prevails, and there is a small portion of moss. In 1561 the
township contained six small tenements and four cottages. The great wood
was cut down during the reigns of Henry VIII. and Elizabeth, so that
nothing remains of it now but the name. The principal landowners are
Lord Kenyon, George Bowen, Esq., Mr. James Rodenhurst, Mrs. Wilkinson,
Mr. Bickerton, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Groome, John Barker, Esq., the Devisees of
the late Mr. Watson, the Trustees of Wem School, Mrs. Maddocks, Mrs.
Hassel, Mr. Edward Dickin, Mr. Edward Phillips, Mr. Thomas Windsor, and
Mr. Walter Hales; others are also proprietors. The Duke of Cleveland is
lord of the manor. This township lies contiguous to the Betchfield and
Whixall mosses, where many of the labouring population are employed in
cutting the moss and raising the submerged timber, which they carry to
the surrounding towns for fuel; immense quantities of oak and fir trees
are constantly got up. This and the neighbouring townships are noted for
producing fine dairies of cheese, and the farms are occupied by practical
and intelligent agriculturists. Considerable flocks of sheep are kept on
the borders of Flintshire. The Redfellis brook has its rise on the fens
of Whixall moss, passes through Northwood, and enters Newtown with a
considerable stream, which, after heavy rains, overflows its banks, and
covers the adjacent meadows. The Blackford brook divides Northwood from
Flintshire. NORTHWOOD LAWNS, the residence of Mrs. Wilkinson, is a
pleasantly situated house, surrounded with tasteful pleasure grounds.
THE HALL is occupied as a farm residence.
POST OFFICE—_At Mr. Joseph Davies’s_. Letters arrive from Ellesmere by
gig mail at 7.30 A.M., and are despatched at 6.45 P.M.
Bowen George, farmer, The Pinfold
Brown Mr. John
Clay George, farmer
Darlington Thomas, farmer
Davies Elizabeth, grocer and shopkeeper
Davies John, farmer
Davies Joseph, victualler, Horse and Jockey Inn, and postmaster
Davies J. and Son, boot and shoemakers
Davies Thomas, blacksmith
Dobel John, cheesefactor and farmer
Dobel Thomas, cheesefactor
Ebrey John, farmer
Groom Edward, shopkeeper
Haycocks Richard, gamekeeper
Heighway John, farmer
Kynaston Arthur, butcher
Law Robert, The Border Farm
Madeley Wm., butcher and farmer
Madeley Wm., sen., farmer
Phillips Edward, Esq., agent to Lord Kenyon
Stocks James, farmer
Stocks John, wheelwright
Windsor Edwd., shopkeeper
Wilkinson Mrs., Northwood lawn
Wilkinson Mr. John
Wilkinson Rchd., gentleman
Williams John, Pinfold house
SLEAP,
a small township, two miles and a half S.W. from Wem, contains 407A. 3R.
32P. of land, of which 6A. 1R. are in roads. In 1841 there were seven
houses and 57 inhabitants. Rateable value, £580. 10s. Of the above, one
house and eleven persons were returned at the census of 1841 as in the
parish of Middle and in the Pimhill hundred. The tithes have been
commuted for £72. 4s. 10d., and apportioned to the rector of Wem. The
trustees of the late Duke of Bridgewater are lords of the manor. The
principal landowners are William Groom, Esq., Henry John Barker, Esq.,
Mrs. Thomas Betton, and the representatives of Miss Lloyd. The soil is
for the most part sandy or peaty earth on a gravelly sub-soil. In the
reign of Henry II. Richard de Sleap had a grant of all the village at a
fee-farm rent of 16s. per annum. The vassals of the said Richard de
Sleap and his heirs were obliged to grind their corn at the lord of the
manor’s mill at Wem, to assist at drawing the mill stones, and cleansing
the pond, and to help Hugo Pantulph, then the lord, to make his castle.
The reserved rent of 16s. is still paid; but homage ceased with the
forest, the repair of the castle at its demolition, working at the mill
upon its alienation, and the serving the king in his wars, upon the
change of all tenures by knights’ service into common socage. In 1738,
Sleap was laid in ashes by a sudden fire, which spread with such
rapidity, that three houses and all the outbuildings were consumed. A
brief was obtained for the unfortunate sufferers.
The resident farmers are Benjamin Adams, John Chidlow, Thomas Kent, John
Phillips, and Robert Whall.
SOULTON,
a small township two miles north-east from Wem, contains 672A. 0R. 15P.
of land, and at the census of 1841 had 3 houses and 34 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £796. The soil in some parts is of a sandy nature; in
other places a clayey soil prevails. There are five and a half acres in
roads and waste. The tithes have been commuted for £96. 9s. 5d., and
apportioned to the rector of Wem. Viscount Hill is lord of the manor,
and sole proprietor. There are several thriving plantations here,
covering upwards of thirty acres of land. The Wem and Market Drayton
turnpike road intersects the township. SOULTON HALL is a brick structure
of considerable extent, exhibiting a fine specimen of antique
architecture; the exterior has an imposing aspect, and the summit is
surrounded by a parapet. It was formerly a seat of the Corbets, whose
arms are carved over the entrance: it is now occupied as a farm
residence, and near it are extensive farm premises, chiefly of modern
erection, and on the granary is the date 1783.
The residents are George Bell, farmer, the Brook; Henry Dakin, farmer,
the Hall; and Thomas Williams, farmer, Dairy House.
TILLEY AND TRENCH
is a considerable village and township, situated one mile south-west from
Wem, which contains 1,636A. 3R. 36P. of land; and in 1841 had 80 houses
and 352 inhabitants. Rateable value, £2,418. 5s. The rent charge
payable to the rector of Wem amounts to £263. 15s. 1d. The roads and
waste in this township occupy 25A. 2R. The soil is various: the Trench
farms are generally of a cold, reddish clay; in other parts a loam and
gravelly soil predominates. Marl of a superior quality is found here in
great abundance. This place no doubt took its name from Sire Tillie, who
is mentioned in the list of great men who came into this country with
William the Conqueror. In the Trench farm there is a close called the
Castle Stead, that is, the place of the castle, whence it appears a
castle had been built there, which must have been in Saxon times, for
Pantulph the Norman fixed on Wem for the site of his castle, and no other
was built in this parish by his ancestors. On an eminence a little above
Tilley Green are the remains of a Roman camp: it is an oblong square, and
contains about two acres of ground; the rampart and trench on every side
may still be traced. This was probably the site of the manor house, for
the Saxon lords frequently built their castles on Roman camps, on account
of the strength of such places and the fortifications already raised. No
doubt the Roman vallum occasioned this to be called the Trench farm. The
river Roden bounds the township, and is crossed by a substantial bridge
at Wem Mills. The Duke of Cleveland is lord of the manor. The principal
landowners are William E. Jeffreys, Esq.; Sir Andrew Corbet, Bart.; C.
Howard, Esq.; Mr. John Boughey; Colonel Wynn; A. D. Watkiss, Esq.;
William Groom, Esq.; Mr. George Kynaston; Charles Oldham, Esq.; Mr.
Samuel Heatley; Mr. William Kilvert; Mr. Bowers; Mr. Thomas Davies; Mr.
Thomas Wood; Mr. William Evans; Mrs. Richards; the executors of S.
Wycherley; and William Brooks, Esq. There is a noted mineral spring in
this township, which is reckoned good for sore eyes and all cutaneous
eruptions. William Price, a mason, is said to have flagged the well in
consideration of having been cured of rheumatism by bathing in it. The
old park, Roowood, the property of Lord Hill, and Palm’s Hill, are in
this township. The poor of this township have 28s. yearly, from the
bequest of _Sarah Higginson_, in 1727, who left £28, which was laid out
in the purchase of a rent charge of 28s. per annum: the amount is now
paid from land the property of Major Dickin.
Abbot Alfred, farmer
Barnet Thomas, farmer
Burgess Ed., farmer, Trench
Davies William, farmer, Park
Dowler Richard, farmer
Ebrey Thos., farmer, Trench
Evans William, farmer, Palm’s hill
Heatley Samuel, farmer
Jones Thomas, farmer
Kilvert Richard, farmer, Palm’s hill house
Kynaston William, farmer, Woodhouse
Leeke Wm., farmer, Roowood
Lewis Robert, farmer
Lloyd Miss Ann, Trench
Lloyd Wm., farmer, Trench
Menlove Mrs. Mary
Morris Rd., vict., New Inn
Oldham Charles, Esq., Tilley house
Owen James, farmer
Simons Stephen, Wain house farm
Wood Charles, gentleman
WOLVERLEY,
anciently written WOLFORDELEY, took its name from the proprietor of it in
Saxon times. It is a pleasantly situated village and township on the
road from Wem to Ellesmere, three miles north-east from the former place.
The township contains 716A. 0R. 20P. of land, of which 8A. 1R. 9P. are in
roads and waste. Rateable value, £1,050. 5s. The tithes are commuted
for £104. 10s. 2d. The river Roden intersects the township, on the banks
of which is some fine meadow land, enriched by that river occasionally
overflowing its banks. The Duke of Cleveland is lord of the manor. The
principal landowners are Thomas Dickin, Esq.; Mrs. Maddocks; Mr. Edward
Windsor; and Edward Dickin, Esq. WOLVERLEY HALL, in the year 1404, was
the residence of William de Wolferdeley. In 1561 it was the seat of
Thomas Sturry, Esq., and it subsequently came into the possession of the
Corbets and Menloves. There was anciently a small domestic chapel
attached to the hall. WOODLANDS HOUSE, the residence of Mrs. Maddocks,
is a square brick structure, pleasantly situated, and beautified with
pleasure grounds and shrubberies, tastefully laid out, and ornamented
with choice flowers.
DIRECTORY.—Joseph Cooke, farmer, Wolverley Hall; Lewis Cook, farmer, the
Leys; Joseph Harper, farmer; Mrs. Mary Maddocks, Woodlands House; John
Pitchford, farmer; William Williams, farmer.
WHITCHURCH
is a parish and respectable market town salubriously situated in a
picturesque country, twenty miles N.N. by E. from Shrewsbury, and 161
miles N.W. from London. The town is well built, and stands on a gentle
eminence, embracing many fine points of view in the vicinity; there are
many good inns and shops and respectable private residences, but some of
the cottages have a mean appearance. The principal traffic is in grain
and malt, and commercial intercourse is facilitated by the Ellesmere and
Chester canal, and its contiguity to the Chester and Crewe railway. The
fairs and markets are well attended by the agriculturists of the
surrounding neighbourhood, both of Shropshire and Cheshire. The populous
township of Dodington, of which a separate directory is given, may be
considered a suburb to Whitchurch. From the ancient name of this place,
which was _Album Monasterium_, or _Blancminster_, it is supposed that a
monastery formerly existed here. Of this no account has been handed
down, and no traces of the building have ever been discovered. Bishop
Tanner says, “Here was an hospital of several poor brethren, to which
John le Strange in the reign of Henry III., gave the town of Winelecote,
which, together with the hospital, was afterwards annexed to the abbey of
Haughmon.” Whether this refers to a hospital at this place or at
Oswestry (since the Fitzallans, lords of Oswestry, were founders of the
abbey of Haughmon) is submitted to the reader’s determination. In the
7th of Edward III., John le Strange had the liberty of free warren here,
and in the 36th of the same reign a fair was granted to John, son of John
le Strange de Whitchurch, on the vigil, the feast, and the morrow of the
apostles St. Simon and St. Jude.
The parish of Whitchurch comprehends the townships of Alkington, Ash
Magna, Ash Parva, Black Park, Brougnall, Chinnel, Dodington, Edgeley,
Hinton, Hollyhurst, Tilstock, Whitchurch, Woodhouses New, and Woodhouses
Old, which together in 1801 contained a population of 4,618 souls; 1831,
5,902, and in 1841 there were 1,243 houses and 6,373 inhabitants. Acres,
14,237. The parish is divided into four quarters or divisions, viz.,
Whitchurch quarter, which contains 2,033 acres; rateable value, £6,196.
Dodington quarter, 3,186 acres; rateable value, £5,281. Tilstock
quarter, 5,558 acres; rateable value, £5,809, Broughall quarter, 3,497
acres; rateable value, £3,089. The tithes of Whitchurch are commuted for
£1,351, and of Marbury, Norbury, and Wirswell an appendage to the rectory
of Whitchurch for £398, making a total of £1,749. The township of
Wirswell, although in the county of Cheshire, is in the parish of
Whitchurch. The town has a high steward, and inferior officers; the
former is appointed by the lord of the manor, and holds a court leet and
court baron. The land in general has a gentle undulating surface, and
there is a considerable extent of pasture land in this locality of a
superior quality, which produces fine dairies of cheese, and is generally
considered as good as the celebrated Cheshire cheese of the neighbouring
county. The soil is various, on the low grounds it is of a peaty nature,
in some places a sand and gravelly soil prevails, and in other parts a
strong clay predominates; marl is found in some places, which is used for
improving the surface soil. The township of Whitchurch contains 2,867
acres of land, and in 1841 had 668 houses and 3,403 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £5,698. 10s. The tithes of this township are commuted
for £247. 16s. The principal landowners are the trustees of the late
Earl of Bridgewater; Thomas Boycott, Esq.; George Harper, Esq.; R. Parry
Jones, Esq.; Thomas Jebb, Esq.; William Halstead Poole, Esq.; Archibald
Worthington, Esq., besides whom there are upwards of two hundred small
freeholders. The trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater are lords of
the manor. The market is held on Friday, when the town is well supplied
with butchers’ meat, butter, poultry, and other provisions, of excellent
quality and abundant in quantity. The corn market is very numerously and
respectably attended by the farmers of North Shropshire, Cheshire, and
the county of Flint, the town lying on the verge of Shropshire is central
for an extensive and fine agricultural district in the three counties.
Fairs are held the second Friday in April, Whit-Monday, Friday after the
2nd of August, February 23rd, and December 1st.
THE CHURCH is a noble structure of the Tuscan order, built in the reign
of Queen Anne, at an expense of about £4,000, and will accommodate about
2,000 hearers. It is dedicated to St. Alkmund, and considered by the
best judges to be almost a perfect model of what a church ought to be; it
consists of nave, chancel, side aisles, and lofty square tower adorned
with pinnacles, and is built of red free stone; the tower contains a peal
of eight musical bells, and is ornamented with a clock and sun dial,—the
whole has an imposing appearance, and for elaborate workmanship and
chasteness of design, is seldom equalled. The side aisles are separated
from the nave by arches rising from circular pillars. The chancel is
lofty and supported by fluted columns, and paved with black and white
marble. The communion table is of mottled alabaster, with an oak frame
beautifully carved. The organ is a fine toned instrument, which was
renovated and greatly improved in the year 1849 by public subscription.
The sittings are neat and appropriate, and admirably arranged, so that
almost every member of the congregation has a view of the officiating
minister. The church stands on the site of a former edifice, which was
in the gothic style of architecture, and which fell down from age and
decay, on July 31st, 1711. The monuments of the Talbots were removed
from the ruins of the old structure into the present edifice, which was
completed in the year 1713. Among the most remarkable of these monuments
is that to our _English Achilles_, _Sir John Talbot_, the first Earl of
Shrewsbury of this family, who was so renowned in France that no man in
that kingdom dared to encounter him single handed. The venerable old
warrior is represented in a recumbent posture, clad in armour, partly
covered by his mantle of the garter; his hands are closed and uplifted,
as if in prayer; his feet rest on a tablet, while his head, encircled by
a coronet, reposes on his brassart. Around the tomb is the following
inscription in black letter:—
“Orate pro anima prænobilis viri, Domini Joanis Talbot quandam
Comitis Salopæ; Domini Furnival, Domini Verdun, Domini Strange de
Blackmere et Marechalli Franciæ; qui obiit in bello apud Berdews. 7
Julii, MCCCCLIII.”
The earl was buried on this spot by his own express desire, and tradition
gives the following interesting story for the circumstance:—In one of his
battles in France, he was struck by an arrow from one of the cross-bows,
and fell severely wounded from his horse. As he was some distance from
any considerable body of his troops, the French soldiers rushed furiously
to seize as a prisoner their most formidable and most dreaded enemy; him
alone whose name carried terror into every castle and cottage through the
broad realm of France;—or, if foiled in that, to finish if possible the
campaign and his career at one blow. His faithful body guard, however,
which was composed of his own immediate followers, those who held lands
of him in Shropshire by feudal service, seeing the danger of their
beloved chief, flew like roused lions to the rescue. A terrific conflict
ensued around, and even over the old warrior who was still lying on the
field. The struggle was maintained with undiminished fury for a
considerable period. The shout of “St. George for Merry Englande,” was
fiercely answered back by the cry of “St. Denis for France.” Each party
fought hand to hand; the casques of the combatants rang with the heavy
blows of the battle-axe. Not only the fate of the present battle, but of
the whole campaign, the war itself depended on the result of the isolated
combat. Many a stalwart Shropshire yeoman shouted from his hoarse throat
his leader’s war cry, “A Talbot, to the rescue!” threw aside his weapon,
which in the thronged _melee_ he had not space to use, and springing
furiously at his adversary, seized him with an iron grip, from which
death alone could liberate him. The conflict ended at last in the entire
defeat of the French; and the earl, to show his gratitude to his brave
followers, many of whom had lost their lives in defending his, told the
survivors that in memory of their courage and devotedness that day, his
body should be buried in the porch of their church; that, as they had
fought and strode over it while living, so should they and their children
for ever pass over and guard it when dead. Sir John Talbot was created
Earl of Shrewsbury by King Henry VI. He was twenty years in the king’s
service abroad, and for his valour had many signal honours bestowed on
him. At the siege of Chastillion his horse was shot under him, and he
being dangerously wounded, died July 20th, 1453, and was buried at Roan
in Normandy, but afterwards removed to Whitchurch.
There is an altar tomb, with a full length alabaster figure in clerical
robes, in memory of Sir John Talbot, rector of Whitchurch, which was also
taken out of the old church. There are various memorials and tablets,
elegantly designed, which our limits will not allow us to notice, in
memory of the Boycotts, Fowlers, Balls, Chetwoods, Sandfords, Longs, and
others. A mural monument remembers Philip Henry, M.A., father of Matthew
Henry, the commentator. The font is of curious workmanship, and dated
1661. The Book of Martyrs, chained to the wall, was the gift of Mr.
Thomas Yates, in the year 1701, for the instruction and use of the
public. An oil painting of the royal arms of England is very ancient;
and there is a fine specimen of embroidery of the arms of England, with a
portrait of Queen Anne, beautifully executed in needlework. The church
is heated by a most perfect hot water apparatus, admirably contrived.
The living is a rectory, with that of Marbury annexed; valued in the
king’s book at £44. 11s. 8d.; now returned at £2,004; in the patronage of
the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater, and incumbency of the Rev.
William Egerton, M.A.; curates, Rev. Edward Pickering, Rev. John Thomas
Nash, and Rev. Robert R. Turnbull; clerk, Richard Crosse. The rectory is
a commodious and pleasantly situated residence, a short distance from the
church, with pleasure grounds and shrubberies tastefully laid out. There
are 35A. 0R. 17P. of glebe land.
THE BAPTIST CHAPEL stands a little back from the road, near to Greenend
street, and will hold about three hundred hearers. The interior is
neatly pewed, and provided with a gallery. This place of worship is
respectably attended. THE METHODIST CHAPEL, situate in St. Mary’s
street, is a commodious structure which will hold six hundred
worshippers. It is neatly pewed and fitted up with galleries. There is
a Sunday school in connection with this place of worship, which is
numerously attended. The Baptists have also a Sunday school in
connection with their chapel.
THE FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL and residence for the master is a noble pile of
buildings, situated in Bargates street, and was erected in the year 1548.
The school is a chaste and elegant structure, ornamental to the town, and
highly creditable to the feoffees under whose auspices it was erected.
The school was founded in 1550, and we find in the preamble to the
schedule of a deed of feoffment, bearing date 16th September, 1550, that
Sir John Talbot, late parson of Whitchurch, was resolved to have founded
in his lifetime a free school in the town of Whitchurch, at his own
expense, for the bringing up of youth in virtue and learning; and that he
had delivered into the hands of Thomas Cotton the sum of £200 towards the
erection and establishment of the said school, but that the said Sir John
Talbot died before the accomplishment of the same; and that with the said
sum and other moneys given by charitably disposed persons, there had been
purchased a messuage called Cow Hall, to the intent that they should
observe the several articles contained in the deed of feoffment. The
substance of the statutes contained in this deed is,—That the feoffees,
with the parson of the parish, if he should be inhabiting there, should
within six weeks after the death, departure, or removal of any
schoolmaster appoint another unmarried man, if he could be conveniently
provided, and if not a married man—honest, virtuous, and well learned in
Latin and literature—to be schoolmaster there, such schoolmaster to be
presented, within eight days after his election, to the diocesan or his
chancellor to be examined, and if he should be thought competent on such
examination, then to be admitted. That if the feoffees and parson should
not appoint within six weeks, the Earl of Shrewsbury should appoint a
master. That if any of the feoffees should depart out of the parish and
reside elsewhere, he should release his interest to the other feoffees.
The master was to receive £10 per annum, and to have the appointment of
the usher, who was to receive five marks yearly. That the feoffees
should not demise any of the premises for more than ten years, and that
they should yearly account in the parish church of Whitchurch for the
rents and profits of the same. If the rents and profits should at any
time exceed the sum before appointed to be paid to the schoolmaster and
usher, the feoffees should deliver the overplus to the churchwardens, to
be kept in a chest in the said church, for the repairs of the
schoolhouse, and for the relief of such schoolmaster as should have
laudably taught in the said school, until by sickness or age he should
have given over, or have been removed from his place, and for the relief
of poor fatherless and friendless scholars. That after the death or
removal of a schoolmaster, the usher should be elected in his place if he
should be thought by the parson and feoffees learned and meet for the
same. That there should be taught in the school children of “all
countries that will come.” William Thomas, in 1662, conveyed 16 acres of
land in the parish of Ubley, in the County of Somerset; two thirds of the
rent to be paid to the master of this school and one third to the usher.
Edward Beddon and Ann, his wife, left certain lands, the rents to be
employed to the sole use of the school at Whitchurch. All the real
estates above-mentioned, with the school and other premises held
therewith, have from time to time been conveyed to new trustees. In 1725
proceedings in Chancery took place between the master and usher and the
then trustees. The matters in dispute were the amount of the salaries to
which the schoolmaster and usher were entitled, the right of the master
to take any payments from the scholars, and the right of the trustees to
remove the master from his office. By a decree, made 16th December,
1725, it was ordered that the schoolmaster should have only £10 per
annum, and the usher five marks from the Cowhall estate; that the rest of
the profits should go to the uses mentioned in the statutes; that the
rents of the Ubley estate should be divided as directed by the donor; and
the rent of the Beddow estate in like manner; and it was declared that it
was the intention of the donor that all people’s children should be
taught in the said school gratis, and that the rector and feoffees had
power to remove the master. In a subsequent cause, between the
Attorney-General, at the relation of the Bishop of Hereford, it was
decreed, on March 21st, 1747, that there should be paid to the head
master £13. 6s. 8d., and to the usher £6. 13s. 4d. in addition to their
former salaries, and so much as should remain after the payment of
repairs and other incidental expenses relating to the school should be
deposited in the chest; that whenever £100 should have arisen from such
surplus, the same might be placed out on government securities for the
augmentation of the salaries of the master and usher, in the proportions
of two thirds to the former and one third to the latter, until such time
as there should be a decayed master or poor scholar entitled to a
subsistance according to the donor’s intention. The Cowhall estate is
situate at Backford, in Cheshire, and consists of 153A. 3R. 37P. of land,
with a farm house and suitable outbuildings, let at a yearly rent of
£200, but the trustees, in 1822, agreed to allow the tenant £20 per
annum, to be laid out in manure. In the year 1822, timber was cut from
this farm and sold for £200, which was partly applied in repairing the
farm premises: the residue, £80 13s. 10d., was paid to the trustees. The
Ubley estate, near Bristol, consists of 26A. 1R. 4P. of land, and is let
for £30 a year. There is also a yearly sum of £52 arising from lands the
gift of Edward Beddow. The trustees, when the charity commissioners
published their report, were possessed of £6,400 in three per cent.
consols, which has arisen from the investment of surplus rents, in
accordance with the decree of Chancery. The gross annual income amounts
to £454, from which the master had a salary of £210. 8s. 6d., and the
usher £97 per annum. Upon application being made to the trustees, on
behalf of orphan or friendless children, such as are considered fit
objects, are appointed at a meeting of the trustees, they also receive
clothing and are supplied with books. The Rev. James R. Peake, M.A., is
the master.
THE NATIONAL SCHOOL is situated in New street, Dodington. THE BRITISH
SCHOOL is also in Dodington, where they will be found noticed. THE
CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL is a modern erection of brick, situated near the
church. THE INFANT SCHOOL, in Claypit street, is a neat building,
erected in 1848.
THE SAVINGS’ BANK is situated in St. Mary’s street. The capital stock of
the bank on November 20th, 1850, amounted to £52,954. 0s. 4d., at which
period there were 1,489 separate accounts, of which nine were charitable
societies, having deposits amounting to £518. 3s. 4d., and nineteen
friendly societies, with deposits amounting to the sum of £6,898. 2s.
10d. Of the total number of accounts there were 790 depositors, whose
respective balances did not exceed £20; 385 were above £20, and not
exceeding £50; 187 were between £50 and £100; 62 above £100 and not
exceeding £150; 33 above that sum, and not exceeding £200; and four above
£200. _President_: The Right Hon. George Lord Kenyon. _Secretary and
Actuary_: Mr. S. H. Parker. The bank was established in the year 1818.
THE HOUSE OF INDUSTRY, situate on Deer Moss, was established in 1794, and
is under the management of twelve directors or guardians, who nominate a
chairman. They constitute a board for the regulation of the house and
the paupers belonging to the fourteen townships of the parish of
Whitchurch, which are embraced in the jurisdiction of the board. The
house will accommodate 150 inmates; the present number on the books is
63. _Chairman_: Archibald Worthington. _Vice-Chairman_: Mr. Thomas
Andrews. _Treasurer_: George Corser, Esq. _Surgeon_: Mr. Thomas Groom.
_Clerk_: Mr. Robert B. Jones. _Governor_: Thomas Huxley. _Matron_: Mrs.
Huxley. _Relieving Officer and Assistant Overseer_: Thomas Huxley.
_Schoolmistress_: Mary Price.
THE COUNTY COURT OFFICE for the recovery of debts, not exceeding £50, is
situated in St. Mary’s street. The court embraces within its
jurisdiction the following townships and places, viz.:—Whitchurch,
Alkington 2, Ash Magna 3, Ash Parva 3, Dodington 1, Black Park 2,
Broughall 3, Edgeley 2, Hinton 2, Hollyhurst and Chinnell 2, Tilstock 3,
New Woodhouses 4, Old Woodhouses 4, Ightfield 4, Hanmer 7, Betisfield 8,
Bronington 6, Halghton 9, Tybroughton 6, Wellington 9, Iscoyd 6, Agden 4,
Chidlow 4, Chorlton 8, Cuddington 8, Malpas 5, Newton by Malpas 7, Old
Castle 7, Overton 7, Church Shocklach 11, Shocklach Oviatt 11, Stockton
6, Whichaugh 7, Wigland 5, Threapwood 10, Audlem 10, Bickley 6, Buerton
11, Dodcot and Wilkesley 8, Hampton 7, Macefen 4, Marbury with Quoisly 3,
Norbury 5, Tushingham with Grindley 3, and Wirswall 3. _Judge_: Uvedale
Corbet, Esq., Aston Hall, near Shiffnal. _Clerk_: Mr. Benjamin Lakin.
_Assistant Clerk_: Charles Foulkes. _High Bailiff_: Mr. Thomas
Whittingham, jun. _Bailiff_: William Baxter, _Auctioneer and Broker_:
Mr. William Lakin. The figures refer to the mileage from Whitchurch.
THE NEWS AND READING ROOM is held in a commodious and neatly fitted up
room in the Market Hall; it is under the management of a committee of
gentlemen, and supported by annual subscriptions.
THE MARKET HALL, situate in High street or Market street, is a spacious
building of brick, with stone finishings and supported by stone pillars.
Underneath the hall is a spacious area, where the corn-market is held.
Here the farmers assemble in considerable numbers on the market day,
which has a business-like and animated appearance while the market
continues.
THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS is at the Victoria Inn, High street.
THE THEATRE is a small structure, situated in Mill street.
THE STAMP OFFICE is in High street, Mr. Thomas Joyce distributor.
THE EXCISE OFFICE is at the Lord Hill Hotel, in Watergate street. The
Pensioners’ and Corn Returns Offices are at the same place.
THE GAS WORKS were established in 1826, by Messrs. Edwards and Smith, and
are now the property of Mr. William Smith, engineer. There are two small
gasometers, which will hold conjointly 3,600 cubic feet of gas. A charge
of about 10s. per 1,000 cubic feet is made to the consumer.
THE CIRCULATING LIBRARY is at Mr. Robert Barrow Jones’s, in High street
PETTY SESSIONS are held for the Whitchurch division on the last Friday in
every month. Magisterial business is also transacted at the office in
St. Mary’s street, on Mondays at nine o’clock, A.M., and on Fridays at
eleven, A.M. The magistrates who usually attend are Sir Robert Chambre
Hill, Bart., John W. Dod, Esq., M.P., William H. Poole, Esq., and George
Bowen, Esq. _Clerk_: Benjamin Lakin. _Deputy Clerk_: Charles Foulkes.
The religious and charitable institutions, which have for their object
the promotion of Christian knowledge and to ameliorate suffering
humanity, are liberally supported in Whitchurch. The members of the
Established Church and the various sectarian communities have their
respective Bible, Missionary, and Tract Societies. The Depository of the
British and Foreign Bible Society is at Mrs. Clutton’s, in Bargate
street. The Dispensary is at the Market Hall. The Depôt for Coals for
the poor is in Watergate street. There is a Library of Miscellaneous
Works at the National School, which has been established for the benefit
of the humbler classes of society. For Benefit and Sick Societies the
town stands pre-eminent; they are efficiently conducted, the members are
very numerous, and several of the societies have a very considerable
accumulated capital. The Whitchurch Old Friendly Society, established in
1754, in 1850 had 264 members and a capital stock of £1,667. 17s. 11½d.
Mr. John Fowles is secretary, and Mr. Henry Corser treasurer.
THE LOCK-UP AND POLICE-OFFICE, situated in Clay-pit street, was built in
1850. It consists of two cells for the reception of prisoners before
committal by the magistrates; and also a residence for the superintendent
constable.
THE BOWLING GREEN, in St. John’s lane, affords healthful and amusing
recreation to the residents of the town, is supported by subscription,
and under the management of a committee of gentlemen and tradesmen.
There is an ALMSHOUSE for six poor decayed housekeepers, liberally
endowed, as will be seen on reference to the charities of the parish. A
School-house adjoins the almshouse, and here about fifty children are
instructed.
The commodious premises, formerly occupied as a silk-mill here, have been
purchased by Mr. Thomas Burgess, an extensive cheese-factor and
corn-merchant, and are now converted into a warehouse. There is a wharf
at the bottom of Mill street, on the banks of the Chester and Ellesmere
canal, which is now the property of the Shropshire Union Canal and
Railway Company. Goods are forwarded to London, Manchester, Liverpool,
and Chester by the company; who are also general carriers to all parts of
England. Of the Castle at Whitchurch, which stood upon Castle-hill, not
a vestige remains. Some portion of the walls are said to have been
standing in the year 1760.
During the years 1830 and 1831, the inhabitants of Whitchurch and the
neighbourhood were held in constant alarm by a succession of incendiary
fires. On the 14th of December the first fire commenced on the premises
of a poor man of the name of Heath. On the following day the
out-buildings of the Swan Inn burst into flames; and on the 21st the
out-premises belonging to Mr. Nunnerley, of Prees Heath, were destroyed.
On the 7th of January, 1831, Mr. Moss, of Heath lane, had a stack burnt;
and on the day following the barn of Mr. G. T. Whitfield and two cottages
were destroyed. On the 12th, a barn belonging to the same gentleman was
discovered to be on fire. A stack was fired belonging to Mr. Huxley on
the 2nd of February. On the 10th of March, a second fire broke out on
the premises of Mr. Nunnerley, of Prees Heath, and so rapid were the
flames that the whole of the out-buildings were entirely destroyed before
the arrival of the fire-engines from Whitchurch. Five cows, two horses,
and ten pigs, were also destroyed. The next fires which took place were
the stacks of Mr. Bradbury. On the 4th of April, the farm buildings of
Mr. Huxley, of Tilstock, and a great quantity of grain, were entirely
consumed. The same evening, a range of buildings, on the road from Prees
Heath to Tilstock, burst into flames, and the fire proceeded with so much
rapidity that no efforts could check them. On the 13th of September, a
stack belonging to Mr. Nunnerley, of Prees Heath, was consumed. The
stack-yard and out buildings of Mr. Booth, and the stacks of Mr.
Darlington, were in flames at the same time, and very great damage
sustained. Shortly after this the incendiaries were brought to justice,
and Richard Whitfield, a farmer and maltster, was transported for life,
at the Shropshire Spring Assizes of 1832, and James Lea and Joseph
Grindley were executed.
Whitchurch was the birth place of Dr. TYLSTON, an eminent physician in
1663. He was admitted into Trinity College, Oxford, and his brilliant
talents adorned by a deportment in all respects exemplary soon attracted
the notice of Dr. Bathurst, then president of the college, whose able
directions much assisted him. When about Bachelor’s standing, his
inclinations suggested the study of physic, as the employment for life,
and having by an acquaintance with natural philosophy laid a good
foundation for medical enquiries, he speedily turned the course of his
reading into that channel. After he had left college he removed to
London, where he studied industriously under Sir Richard Blackmore. On
his return he commenced his professional career at Whitchurch, and though
young, quickly obtained celebrity. At the request of many friends in
Chester he quitted his native town for that city in the year 1690, and by
successful practice continued to increase in fame. His mental powers
rose above the ordinary standard, and in the prosecution of an enquiry he
regarded the opinions of others rather as guides to direct than
authoratitives to govern the efforts of his own mind. After his
attainments had become considerable, such was his thirst for knowledge
that he redeemed for study all the time his professional engagements
would allow. The writings of antiquity, especially those of Cicero,
Seneca, and Plutarch, afforded him great delight. In the works of Pliny
he took much pleasure, and shortly before his death read with great
satisfaction the writings of Lactantius. Passages which illustrated any
portion of Scripture he transcribed into an interleaved Bible, or other
repository. In his professional pursuits he was as remarkable for
charity to the poor as for diligence, fidelity, and concern for his
patients. The Scriptures he perused with unfeigned delight, and was
influenced by their authority as a supreme rule. By frequent meditation
he became conversant in an unusual degree with the instructive doctrines
and sublime mysteries of the Gospel. When a subject particularly
interesting filled his attention, he clothed his conceptions in writing;
these have survived him, and not only show the evidences of erudition,
but of an experimental acquaintance with revealed religion. He died on
the 8th of April, 1699, in the 36th year of his age. The celebrated
Matthew Henry bears honourable testimony to his worth, in a letter to a
friend shortly after his death, from which the following is an
extract:—“I find it easy to say a great deal to aggravate the affliction
we are under in the death of Dr. Tylston, whom we miss daily. What
improvement I have made in learning of late years has been owing as much
to my converse with him as to any one thing. He was the ornament of our
congregation, and a great reputation to us.”
This town was the residence of Nicholas Barnard, a man of great learning,
chaplain to Archbishop Usher, and Dean of Armagh. In the time of the
rebellion in Ireland he was a great sufferer, and often in danger of his
life; he consequently fled to England, and was presented with the rectory
of Whitchurch, where he lived till his death in 1661. Abraham Wheloch, a
person of great learning, and noted as a linguist of distinguished
abilities, was born in this town. He was author of a Persian translation
of the New Testament, which task he undertook in the hope that it might
open the way for the conversion of the natives of Persia to Christianity.
He greatly assisted Dr. Brian Walton in his Polyglot Bible, and published
an edition of the works of the venerable Bede. He was fellow of Clare
Hall, Cambridge, library keeper, Arabic professor, and minister of St.
Sepulchre’s. His death took place in 1654.
There are 333A. 3R. 0P. of waste land called WHITCHURCH HEATH, which has
a barren and sterile appearance. It has a flat surface, covered with
gravel, and incapable of cultivation.
CHARITIES.—_Samuel Higginson_, by will, bearing date 28th September,
1697, devised certain lands in Whixall, and gave the sum of £200 in
trust, for the erection of an almshouse, and the benefit of poor persons
appointed as inmates; and if any poor relations of the family or kin
should apply, he directed that they should be first admitted to receive
the benefit thereof. Jane Higginson, widow of the above Samuel
Higginson, by her will, in 1707, gave £5 per annum to five decayed
tradesmen’s widows in Ludlow, in consideration that the five poor widows
should take care to keep the chancel in Ludlow church clean. She also
gave to the rector of Ludlow and his successors £5 per annum. And she
gave all her lands and tenements in the counties of Salop, Flint, and
Chester, in trust, and after payment of certain legacies, she gave for
the use of her own and her husband’s almhouse in Whitchurch £12 per
annum, charged upon her estate at Ash, in the county of Chester, the
necessary repairs of the almshouse to be first deducted thereout; and she
directed that the sum of £7. 10s. per annum, given by her daughter for
the support of the said almshouse, should also be paid out of her estate
at Ash. She also gave to the poorest and most necessitous children of
the parish of Hanmer the sum of £6, payable once in five years, whereof
20s. was designed for their clothing, and the rest to be bestowed for the
benefit of the children, and £6 in like manner to the parish of
Ellesmere. And she gave the debts due to her to build a schoolhouse upon
the piece of ground lying between her almshouses and those of the town,
and bequeathed £10 per annum to the teacher, and 20s. yearly to buy
English books. She directed her trustees to meet on the 24th June,
yearly, to settle the accounts, and left 30s. yearly for their expenses,
and 10s. to the minister to preach a sermon on the same day.
Under the will of Samuel Higginson, an almshouse was built consisting of
six tenements, and also a schoolhouse. These premises, with small
gardens attached to the almshouses, comprise the whole of the property
devised by him in Whitchurch, except a small parcel which was sold to the
parish for £10, for the purpose of building other almhouses thereon. The
Whixall estate consists of about 22 acres of land, producing a yearly
rental of £42. The property devised by Mrs. Higginson consists of a
messuage and land containing 110A. 2R. 20P. let at a rent of £140.
Certain lands and a house at Milton Green, comprising in the whole 40A.
3R. 30P., producing a yearly rental of £40. The trustees took no estate
at Ash in the county of Chester, and the yearly sum of £12 left as
payable out of the Ash estate to the almspeople is considered as payable
out of her other estates. The rents above mentioned amounts to £252 per
annum, out of which each of the almspeople receive £4. 4s. yearly at
Midsummer, and £2. 2s. on each of the other quarter days. The sum of £6
is transmitted every fifth year to Hanmer; and a yearly stipend of £10
and an allowance of £2 for coal is paid to the master of the national
school, who teaches the boys in a school erected by subscriptions for
that purpose; the girls are taught in the school adjoining the almshouse,
built according to the directions of Mrs. Higginson. Out of the residue
£15. 15s. is distributed among the poor of Great Ash, Little Ash, and
Tilstock, and a considerable amount is given in small sums to the poor of
Whitchurch and the vicinity.
_Thomas Benyon_, in 1707, charged certain premises in the township of
Alkington with the payment of 40s. per annum, for the benefit of the
preaching minister of the then new erected Presbyterian meeting house in
Dodington, to continue so long as such minister should officiate there
and no longer, and that the residue of the yearly rents should be applied
in educating so many poor children of the parish of Whitchurch as could
be conveniently taught therein; and he directed that if preaching at the
said meeting house should cease, or none be there by a Presbyterian
minister, the said payment of 40s. should cease, and be applied for
educating the said poor children. The property devised by Mr. Benyon
contains 22A. 1R. 14P., and is let for £50 per annum. The nomination of
the free scholars is left to the members of the Presbyterian
congregation, instead of being appointed by the trustees, as directed by
the testator.
_Mary Whetton_, by her will, bearing date March, 1811, gave to the rector
of Whitchurch £100, navy five per cents., in trust, to pay the interest
half yearly among the widows of Higginson’s almshouses. A portion of
this stock having been sold for the payment of the legacy duty, and the
navy five per cents. having been converted into new four per cents.,
there is now in respect of this charity £94. 10s. new four per cents.,
standing in the name of certain trustees. The dividends, amounting to
£3. 15s. 6d., are distributed as directed by the donor.
_Phillip’s Charity_.—The particulars of James Phillip’s charity for the
providing a lecture every Thursday in the parish church of Whitchurch,
and for the supplying the poor with flannel, will be found in the account
of the charities for the town of Shrewsbury.
_John Gossage_, by will, 1671, gave to the poor of the parish of
Whitchurch the sum of £2. 12s. per annum, to provide twelve pennyworth of
bread every Lord’s day. He also gave a similar bequest to the poor of
the parish of Plumstead, in Kent, and for the payment of the same he
charged his lands in Plumstead and Erith, and gave the residue of the
proceeds to St. Thomas’s Hospital. This rent charge is received from the
treasurer of St. Thomas’s Hospital, and distributed to the poor in bread.
_Ralph Brereton_, haberdasher, of London, by his will, date May 1st,
1630, among other charities bequeathed £250 to purchase a yearly dole for
ever for the poor of Whitchurch. In 1635 this bequest was laid out in
the purchase of 21 acres of land in Edgeley, and this land was sold in
the year 1804 for the sum of £1,230. This sale was supposed to have been
authorized by an act of parliament, passed 32nd George III., for building
a house of industry at Whitchurch, whereby it was enacted that all lands,
rents, hereditaments, and sums of money, and all charitable gifts,
legacies, and benefactions belonging to the parish of Whitchurch, and
applicable to the relief of the poor, not being directed by the donors to
be applied to any private person, or for the relief of any particular
poor, should be invested in the directors who were thereby incorporated.
And it was thereby declared that it should be lawful for them to dispose
of the same, and apply the money for carrying on the purposes of the act,
or otherwise in aid of the poor’s rate. At the time the property was
sold it was let for £17 a year, and this sum has been paid annually by
the directors of the house of industry to the churchwardens, to be
disposed of as the charity of Ralph Brereton. The amount is added to the
yearly sums of £2 12s. paid from Gossages charity, £1 from Griffith’s
charity, and £8 from the church rate, probably in respect of some
benefactions which were applied many years ago in rebuilding the church.
From this fund eleven dozen penny loaves are distributed every Sunday,
ten penny loaves in Tilstock chapel, and the remainder in the parish
church.
A yearly sum of £1, left by Morris Griffith, is charged on land called
the Green Field, an estate belonging to Mrs. Ann Brown, whose tenants pay
the amount, which is added to the produce of Brereton’s charity. Several
sums of money left at different periods and by various donors, amounting
in the whole to £340, were held by the church-wardens and overseers for
the use of the poor; of this sum £300 was laid out in the purchase of a
rent charge issuing out of certain land in Alkington. The yearly sum of
£15 is paid to the treasurer of the house of industry, and it is applied
for the general purposes of that establishment in pursuance of the
provisions contained in the act of 32nd George III., already noticed in
the account of Brereton’s charity. Of the above sum £55 was the gift of
John Taylor, in consideration of which one dozen of penny loaves are
distributed every Sunday, according to the intentions of the donor. The
residue of the sum of £340 was probably laid out with other money, as
hereafter mentioned.
The churchwardens and overseers of the poor, in the year 1699, purchased
an estate in Broughall, with the sum of £100, the gift of _Edward
Williams_, and a further sum of £110, part of the poors’ money. It does
not appear what specific benefactions were comprised in the sum of £110
above mentioned. There are, however, a great number of gifts and
legacies recorded in the church, to the amount of £492; and in the
purchase of the Broughall and Alkington estates, before mentioned, £410
is accounted for. It is probable that the residue, with some other
money, was laid out in re-building the church, and was the origin of the
payment of the sum of £8 from the church rates, which is distributed in
bread, as already mentioned under the head of Brereton’s charity. The
estate at Broughall consists of 14 acres, and is let at a rent of £21 per
annum, one-fourth of which has always been paid to the master of the
grammar school, and three-fourths to the account of the directors of the
house of industry, under the provisions of an act to which we have before
alluded.
At a court held for the manor of Whitchurch, 26th January, 1630, John
Rawlinson D.D., and Catherine his wife, surrendered certain lands to the
use of Richard Alport, and Joyce his wife, in tail, and for want of
issue, to the use of Richard Alport and his heirs, they paying £12 yearly
out of the said lands to the churchwardens of Whitchurch, to the use of
the poor of the said parish. The estate thus charged with the yearly
payment of £12 lies near the town of Whitchurch, and is now called
Alport’s land. It was in the possession of the assignees of Samuel
Fowles, when the charity commissioners published their report. The
amount is distributed among the poor of the parish on St. Thomas’s day.
It is stated in the parliamentary returns of 1786, that a Mr. Cotton left
a rent charge of £4 yearly to the poor of Whitchurch. The sum of £4 is
now paid in respect of this charity from the Alkington hall estate. The
churchwardens receive £9 annually, about November, from the Company of
Drapers in London, as the amount of the gifts of _Roger Cotton_, _William
Cotton_, and _Sir Allen Cotton_. Thirty-two sixpenny loaves are given
away to poor persons as the charity of Mr. Evans, on Good Friday.
_Clement Sankey_, _D.D._, rector of Whitchurch, by his will bearing date
27th September, 1706, gave to the poor of this parish the sum of £100, to
continue under the care of the overseers of the poor and their
successors; half the interest to be disposed of in bread every Lord’s
day, at their discretion, and the remainder to be distributed on St.
Thomas’s day. The amount of this legacy was paid to the churchwardens in
1714, and applied towards the building of the church; half the interest
is paid from the church rate, and the other half from the poors’ rate.
_Elizabeth Turton_, in 1794, bequeathed £500 in trust, to be laid out in
government or other securities, as her trustees should think fit, the
profits thereof to be distributed among poor persons belonging to the
parish of Whitchurch. By a codicil to her will, dated 1796, the
testatrix directed that the residue of her estate and effects, subject to
the payment of her debts and legacies, should be converted into money,
and the produce paid to the same trustees, for the benefit of the poor.
John Hand, one of the trustees named in her will, gave £200 upon the same
trusts, and in augmentation of the charity. From the legacy of £500
bequeathed, £30 was deducted as legacy duty, and the residue was invested
in 1801, in the purchase of £839. 8s. 4d. three per cent. consols. The
following stock has been subsequently purchased, with the produce of the
residuary estate, viz., November, 1801, £200; January, 1805, £800; July,
1816, £100; November, 1816, £200; and in 1818, in order to make £2,200,
£60. 11s. 8d. was purchased. For the distribution of these charities,
the trustees meet annually, three weeks or a month before the 19th of
January, and select such poor widows, poor housekeepers, and other poor
persons belonging to the parish of Whitchurch, and not receiving
parochial relief, as they think the most fit objects of charity. Each
poor person receives from 5s. to 20s., according to the necessities of
the case.
_Richard Woollam_, by his will, bearing date June 23rd, 1801, bequeathed
£500 in trust, to place the same out on real or personal security, and to
dispose of the produce weekly in threepenny loaves, to be distributed by
the churchwardens every Sunday morning, after divine service, in the
parish church. When the trustees, by death or removal from the parish,
should be reduced to two, the testator directed the survivors to assign
the trust money to three other persons resident in the parish of
Whitchurch. This legacy has been invested in the funds, and the
dividends are disposed of as directed by the donor.
_Brereton Grafton_, in 1811, bequeathed £300 stock in the three per cent.
consols, upon trust, to apply the produce weekly in the purchase of
threepenny loaves, to be disposed of in like manner with Woollam’s
charity. In respect of this and Woollam’s gift, there is £1,120. 2s, 7d.
three per cent. consols standing in the name of trustees, and the
dividends, amounting to £33. 12s. per annum, are disposed of in the
purchase of bread, which is given away every Sunday.
_Francis Henry Egerton_, _Earl of Bridgewater_, by his will, bearing date
29th August, 1828, bequeathed to the overseers and churchwardens of
Whitchurch-cum-Marbury, £2,000, to be by them laid out in the public
funds, and the dividends thereof to be expended by the rector for the
time being, according to his sole will and pleasure, without being
subject to any control whatsoever, for the use, benefit and relief of the
poor of the said parish.
POST OFFICE, St. Mary’s street. _Mr. Richard Crosse_, postmaster.
Letters arrive from London and various parts of England at 5.30 A.M., and
are despatched at 7 P.M.; letters from Chester and the west of England
arrive at 7 A.M., and are despatched at 7.30 P.M.
Ackers Ann, shopkeeper, Watergate street
Allen Benjamin, builder, Newtown
Allen Charles, butcher, Watergate street
Allenson William, shoemaker, Claypit street
Allwood and Andrews, drapers and silk mercers, High street
Amson John, blacksmith, Grindley brook
Arden Edwin, coach proprietor, High street
Arrowsmith Thomas, cabinet maker, Green-end street
Baker Thomas, straw-bonnet dealer, High st
Barber William, hosier, Watergate street
Bass Charles, draper, High street
Bate John, flour dealer, High street
Bather John, beerhouse, Watergate street
Batho George, shopkeeper, Bargates street
Baxter William, shopkeeper, Green-end st
Beacall Mrs., Watergate street
Bebbington John, shopkeeper, Newtown st
Beck Edward, chemist, Watergate street
Bolas Susannah, milliner, Back street
Bottwood William, hairdresser, Watergate st
Boughey Elizabeth, dressmaker, Castle hill
Boughey William, cabinet maker, Newtown
Bradbury Thomas, cattle dealer, Claypit st
Bradbury Francis, victualler, Coach and Horses, High street
Bradshaw George, victualler, Swan Hotel and Commercial House, Watergate
street
Bradshaw John, watchmaker, High street
Bradshaw John, shopkeeper, High street
Breeze William, shopkeeper, Newtown
Brereton George, currier, Watergate street
Bright William, confectioner, High street
Brookes and Lee, solicitors, Dodington
Brookes Miss, Green-end street
Bromfield John, surgeon, Green-end street
Broster John, shopkeeper, Green-end
Brown John, surgeon, Claypit street
Brown Sml., victualler, Eight Bells, High st
Brown William, grocer, High street
Burgess Ralph W., factor, Newtown
Burgess and Son, corn and cheese factors
Burgess Thomas, Esq., Small-brook Lodge
Caldecott Thomas, seedsman, High street
Cartwright Mary, stay-maker, Sherrunans, High street
Cartwright William Andrew, registrar and veterinary surgeon, Watergate
street
Carver William, fish & game dealer, High st
Churton George, timber merchant, High st
Churton John, cabinet maker, High street
Churton William Parker, auctioneer, High st
Clay Charles, Esq., Newtown
Clay Charles, jun., solicitor, Newtown
Clay Mrs. Broughton, Claypit street
Clutton Mrs., Missionary Bible Repository
Clutton Thomas, whitesmith, Green-end st
Colclough Sarah, pot dealer, High street
Cooke George, Josh., and Henry, coopers, High street
Cooke Miss, boarding-school, St. Mary’s st
Cooper Edward, shopkeeper, High street
Corser George, Esq., St. Mary’s street
Corser Henry, gentleman, High street
Corser Miss Letitia, St. Mary’s street
Corser, the Misses, St. Mary’s street
Corser The Misses, Green end
Cotgreave Richard, saddler, High street
Cotton Captain, R.N., Allport Cottage
Cox John, wheelwright, Mill street
Crosse George, tailor & draper, St. Mary’s st
Crosse Richard, postmaster, St. Mary’s street
Crosse Thos., tailor and draper, Claypit st
Crosse Thomas, painter, Bargates street
Davy The Misses Mary & Betsey, St. Mary’s street
Davies William, shopkeeper, Newtown
Dawson Thomas, victualler, Fox and Goose, Green-end street
Dimmock The Misses, Bargates
Dodd George, plumber, High street
Done James, draper, High street
Dunning John, shopkeeper, Watergate street
Eastham Rev. Theophilus, M.A., St. Mary’s street
Edge John, woodturner, Green end
Edge John, clog and patten maker, Pepper st
Edge William, beerhouse, Newtown
Edwards John, Brick-kiln lane farm
Edwards Thomas, plumber, High street
Egerton Rev. William Henry, M.A., The Rectory
Elliott James, Allport farm
Elliott Thomas, cheese factor, Tarporley road
Etches James Goulburn, solicitor, St. Mary’s street
Evans William, currier, Green-end street
Evans Thomas, blacksmith, Carlow’s yard
Evanson late, (Simms John, manager,) chemist and druggist, High street
Farrell Edward, fishmonger, Pepper street
Fenna Thomas, Wickstead farm
Foulkes Charles, clerk, County Court
France William, The Moss farm
Gaskin Miss Ann, Chester road
Godsal P. L., Esq., Iscoid Park
Goodall Mr. John, Belvedere house
Gorse James, grocer, High street
Grafton John, shoemaker, Castle hill
Green Charles, victualler, Victoria Hotel, High street
Green Thomas Fallows, shoemaker, High st
Griffiths Samuel, confectioner, Newtown
Griffiths Thomas, baker, Green-end street
Griffiths William, beerhouse, Yardington
Groom Samuel, surveyor, Claypit street
Groom Thomas, surgeon, St. Mary’s street
Hanmer Sir John, M.A., Bettisfield Hall
Hales Philip, Denston’s farm
Harper George, grocer and glover, Watergate street
Harper and Parry Jones, solicitors, St. Mary’s street
Harris Thomas, victualler, Bull’s Head, Watergate street
Harrison Robert, inland revenue officer, Green end
Hassall John and William, High street
Hassall Thomas, Hadley farm
Hassall William, maltster, Castle hill
Henshall Robert, victualler, Greyhound, Bargates street
Hesketh John, shoemaker, Green-end street
Hesketh William, patten maker, Green-end st
Hewitt Ann, shopkeeper, Claypit street
Hewitt Ann, school, St. John’s street
Hewlett Richard, shoemaker, High street
Hinton Catherine, Watergate street
Hinton Elizabeth, milliner, Green-end street
Hogan John, fruiterer, Claypit street
Hort Edward, horse-breaker, Claypit street
Howell Edward, brazier, High street
Hughes Richard, gentleman, Beech cottage
Humpstone John, canal clerk, Wharf
Huxley Thomas, Deer-moss house
Jackson Lucy, seminary, Dodington street
Jarvis James, victualler, George and Dragon, Green-end street
Jarvis John, clockmaker, Green-end street
Jarvis William, victualler, Golden Ball, Pepper street
Jebb Thomas, Corn miller, Wrexham road
Jenkins George, architect, Green-end street
Johnson Robert, china and glass dealer, High street
Joinson John, coach builder, Green-end
Jones Barrow, wine merchant, Pepper street
Jones Edward, wine merchant, St. Mary’s st
Jones Edward, shopkeeper, Green-end street
Jones John, gunmaker, Watergate street
Jones John, victualler, Star Inn, Watergate street
Jones Miss Ann, Watergate street
Jones Mrs. Honor, hotel-keeper, Watergate street
Jones Robert Barrow, gentleman, Pepper st
Jones Robert Barrow, printer, High street
Jones Richard Parry, Esq., Church street
Jones Thomas, butcher, High street
Jones William, shoemaker, Yardington
Joyce Thomas and Son, jeweller, High street
Keable Wm. Clarke, commercial academy, Chester road
Keay Samuel, veterinary surgeon, Green-end street
Kempster Benjamin, hairdresser, Watergate street
Kempster Mr. Thomas, Claypit street
Kent Martha, victualler, Red Cow, Pepper st
Kent William, gentleman, Green-end street
Kent William Corbet, Esq., Green-end street
Kenyon Lord, Gredington Hall
Lakin Benjamin, solicitor, St. Mary’s street
Lakin William, auctioneer, High street
Large James, victualler, Black Bear, High st
Lee Joseph, Esq., Red-brook house
Lee John, Clap-gates farm
Lee John, victualler, Black Lion, High street
Lee Thomas Wood, Esq., Oak bank
Lewis Edward, shoemaker, High street
Lewis William, chandler, Watergate street
Lomax John, Laurel-bank house
Lowe John, Esq., bank, High street
Lowe John, draper, High street
Lowe Thomas, bone and coal dealer, Pepper street
Maddocks John, plumber, Green-end street
Maddocks Thomas, The Lodge farm
Mellor Thomas, flour dealer, High street
Milnes Joseph, butcher, Bull ring
Miller Mrs., Girls’ Free School
Morris Henry, bank accountant, High street
Morris John Harper, High street
Moyle Richard, draper, High street
Nash Rev. John, St. John’s street
Newling Henry, printer, Bull ring
Nokes Thomas, clothier, High street
Nunnerley Thomas, The Fields farm
Ormiston William, bank clerk, High street
Oulston Eliza, milliner, Bargates
Oulton Samuel, builder, Bargates
Overton Charles Griffiths, grocer, High street
Overton Thomas, Mill-bank farm
Parker Samuel H., bank manager, St. Mary’s street
Parton Jeremiah and William, wire workers, Pepper street
Peake Rev. James Roome, M.A., Grammar School
Pearson Mr. Henry, St. Mary’s street
Peak Thomas, shoemaker, High street
Peters John, marble and stone mason, Old Wharf
Phillips Ann, confectioner, Bull ring
Piggott Mrs., Chester road
Poole Mary, flour dealer, Watergate street
Poole William, Esq., county magistrate, Jerrick Hall
Porter George, saddler, Green-end street
Porter Richard, shopkeeper, Green-end street
Poston John, whitesmith, Watergate street
Price Ann, vict., Lord Hill Hotel, Mill street
Price John, farmer, Watergate street
Price Robert, grocer, High street
Purcell John, tailor, Bargates
Rawson Robert Wm., schoolmaster, Bargates
Read Thomas, tailor, Bargates
Reddrop Mrs., Claypit street
Roberts John, bone merchant, Canal Wharf
Roberts Thos., steam corn mill, Canal Wharf
Roberts Thomas, vict., Lamb Inn, High st
Robinson Jonathan, brazier, Bargates
Rogers Ann, shopkeeper, Watergate street
Rogers William, painter, Watergate street
Roome Mrs., Chester street
Ruscoe Eliza, shopkeeper, Pepper street
Ruscoe John, victualler, George & Commercial Hotel, High street
Ruscoe Thomas, confectioner, High street
Sadler Peter, The Mount farm
Sadler John, beerhouse, Watergate street
Sandford Elizabeth, victualler, Horse and Jockey, Claypit street
Sandford Holland, Bargates
Sandford The Misses, Church street
Savage Josh., blacksmith, Green-end street
Saxton William Charles, professor of music, Dodington street
Shone John, draper, Green-end street
Shone Joseph, ropemaker, Green-end street
Skidmore James, painter, High street
Smith Joseph, innkeeper, Green-end
Smith Mr. Charles, Green-end street
Stevens Rev. George Henry, Bargates street
Summer William and Daniel, pumpmakers, Dodington street
Tetlow John Richard, Grove Cottage
Thelwall Thomas, hosier, High street
Tilston, Smith, and Co., dealers in tillage, salt, slates, &c., &c.,
Canal
Totherick Robert, methodist minister, St. Mary’s street
Tudman Edward, spirit dealer, High street
Turnbull Rev. Robert, M.A., Allport Cottage
Venables Samuel, confectioner, High street
Venables Richard, gentleman, St. Mary’s st
Walmsley and Parson, drapers, High street
Wardle Joseph, Fenshall farm
Welsh Benjamin, omnibus proprietor, Green-end
Whittingham Thos., timber merchant, Green-end street
Whittingham Thos., jun., bend-ware manufacturer and accountant, Green-end
street
Williams John, coal agent, Old Wharf
Williams William Chaloner, nurseryman, High street
Wood Mrs., straw-bonnet maker, High street
Wood Thomas, shoemaker, High street
Woodward William, Wirswall Hall farm
Worthington Archibald, Esq., The Mount
Wright George, shopkeeper, Mill street
Wycherley Hannah, beerhouse, Green-end st
Wycherley John, saddler, Bull ring
Youd Thomas, dyer, Bark Hill
Academies.
_Marked * are Boarding Schools_.
* Cooke Miss, St. Mary’s st
* Dupre Lucy, Dodington
* Grammar School, Bargates street; Rev. James R. Peake, principal
Hewitt Ann, St. John street
* Jackson Miss, Dodington
Keable William Clarke, commercial, Chester street
National, Clay pit street; Ann Miller, teacher
Accountants.
Parker Samuel H., St. Mary’s street
Whittington Thomas, jun., Green end
Architects & Surveyors.
Groom Samuel, Clay pit st
Jenkins George, Green end street
Smith William, Dodington
Attorneys.
Brookes & Lee, Dodington
Clay Charles, New town
Etches James Gouldburne, St. Mary’s street
Harper and Parry Jones, St. Mary’s street
Lakin Benjamin, and clerk to magistrates and county court, St. Mary’s
street
Auctioneers & Valuers.
Churton William Parker, High street
Churton John, High street
Churton George, High street
Lakin William, High street
Bakers.
Bright William, High street
Mellor Samuel, High street
Phillips Ann, Bull ring
Poole Mary, Watergate st
Ruscoe Thomas, High street
Venables Samuel, High st
Banks.
_The National Provincial Bank of England_, High street; George Corser,
Esq., manager
_Savings Bank_, St. Mary’s st; S. H. Parker, secretary and actuary
_The Whitchurch and Ellesmere Banking Company_, High street, (draw upon
the London Union Bank), John Lowe, Esq., manager
Blacksmiths.
Hampson John, Grindley brook
Evans Thomas, Barlow’s yd
Hudson John, Blue gates
Poston John, Watergate st
Savage Joseph, Green end
Booksellers, Printers, Bookbinders, and Stationers.
Jones Robert Barrow, and circulating library, High street
Newling Henry, and print seller, Bull ring
Boot & Shoemakers.
Allinson William, Clay pit st
Carker John, Pepper alley
Cooper Thomas, Venables yd
Dakin Samuel, Green end
Grafton Thos., Venables yd
Green Thomas, High street
Hesketh John, Green end st
Hewlett Richard, High street
Jones William, Yardington
Lewis Edward, High street
Montford Thomas, Pepper st
Newbrook John, Watergate st
Penk Benjamin, Chester st
Penk Thomas, High street
Plant Thomas, Clay pit st
Scott Samuel, Green end
Wood Thomas, High street
Bone & Guano Dealers.
Lowe Thomas, The wharf
Parker Samuel H., The wharf
Roberts John and Son, The wharf
Braziers & Tin Plate Workers.
Gill Robert, Watergate st
Howell Edward, High street
Robinson Jonathan, Bargates street
Brewers.
Brown William, High street
Jones Edward, Alkington rd
Bricklayers.
Edmunds William, Bargates street
Jarvis James, Green end st
Jarvis William, Pepper st
Street Samuel, Green end
William Edward, Castle st
Brick and Tile Merchants.
Brown John, Canal wharf, and agent for Minton, Hollins, and Co.,
encaustic tyle, of Stoke-upon-Trent, & dealer in slates, bearers, slabs,
laths, draining pipes, blue flags, grave stones, &c.
Churton William Phillips, Turnbridge yard
Halsall Thomas and Wm., High street
Tilotson, Smith, and Co., Old wharf
Builders.
Allen Benjamin, Newtown
Jenkins George, Green end st
Oulton Samuel, Bargates st
Butchers.
_Those with * affixed are country butchers who stand in the market in
High street_.
Allen Charles, Watergate st
* Bradbury John, High street
* Cooke Joseph, High street
* Davies Thomas, High street
* Davies William, High st
* Day James, High street
* Dickin William, High st
* Dickin William, jun., High street
* Ebrey John, High street
* Ebrey Robert, High street
* Gostage Thomas, High st
* Hall James, High street
* Hollowood Thomas, High st
* Hudson John, High street
* Jones John, High street
Jones Thomas, High street
* Littler William, High st
Milnes Thomas, Bull ring
* Paling John, High street
* Reeves Jeremiah, High st
* Roberts Edward, High st
* Thomas George, High st
Cabinet Makers and Upholsterers.
Arrowsmith Thomas, Green end street
Boughey William, Newtown
Burrowes Thos., Havannah buildings
Churton Messrs. W. P. & J., High street
Lakin William & Abraham, High street
Chandlers.
Brown William, High street
Lewis William, Watergate st
Cheese Factors.
Burgess Messrs. Thomas & R. W., Newtown
Bromfield William, Green end street
Elliott Thomas, Tarporley rd
Lythgoe Thomas, High gate road
Chemists and Druggists.
Beck Edward, Watergate st
Evanson late Executors of, High street
Coach Maker.
Joinson John, Green end st
Coal Agents.
Roberts John, Victoria wharf
Williams John, New wharf
Lowe Thomas, Whitchurch wharf
Wright George, Mill street
Confectioners.
Bright William, High street, and dealer in British wines
Griffiths Samuel, Newtown
Gorse James, High street
Griffiths Thomas, Green end street
Phillips Ann, Bull ring
Ruscoe Thomas, High street
Venables Samuel, High st
Coopers.
Cooke George and brothers, High street
Dawson Thomas, High street
Wright George, Newtown
Corn Factors.
Burgess Thomas and Son, High street
Chester George, Bark hill
Lythgoe Thomas, High st
Cutlery Dealers, &c.
Bradshaw George, High st
Corser Henry, High street
Hassall John and William, High street
Joyce Thomas & Son, High street
Curriers & Leather Cutters.
Brereton George, Watergate street
Evans William, Green end st
Wycherley John, Bull-ring
Farmers.
Churton William Parker, High street
Edwards John, Brick kiln lane farm
Elliott James, Allport farm
Fenna Thomas, Wickstead farm
France William, Moss farm
Hales Philip, Denston’s farm
Hassall Thos., Hadley farm
Jebb Thomas, Wrexham road
Joinson John, Green end st
Jones Thomas, High street
Joyce Thomas, Hinton hall farm
Lee John, Clap gates farm
Lee Joseph, Redbrook farm
Maddocks Thos., Lodge farm
Nunnerley Thos., Fields farm
Overton Thomas, Mile bank farm
Price John, farmer, Prospect place
Sadler Peter, Mount farm
Wardle Joseph, Fens hall farm
Fire and Life-office Agents.
Agricultural, Wm. Andrew Cartwright, Watergate st
Atlas, Robert Barrow Jones, High street
Birmingham, Thomas Wood Lee, Oak bank
British, Richard Thomas, New street
Farmers, Thos. Whittington, jun., Green end street
Farmers and Graziers, Thos. Whittington, jun., Green end street
Legal & Commercial, Samuel H. Harker, St. Mary’s st
Manchester & Pelican, Rd., Crosse, St. Mary’s street
Norwich Union, Wm. Parker Churton, High street
Phœnix, William Lakin, High street
Provident, Thomas Joyce, High street
Royal Exchange, John and William Hassall, High st
Star, Robt. Smith, Dodington
Sun, Walmsley and Pearson, High street
Fishmongers & Dealers in Game.
Carver William, High street
Farrell Edward, Pepper st
Flour & Bread Dealers.
Bate John, High street
Griffiths Thomas, Green end street
Mellor Thomas, High street
Morgan Mary, Watergate st
Poole Mary, Watergate st
Ruscoe Thomas, High street
Venables Samuel, High st
Wright George, Canal street
Fruiterers.
Farrell Edward, Pepper st
Hogan John, Clay pit street
Glass and China Dealers.
Colclough Sarah, High street
Johnson Robert, High st
Grocers and Tea Dealers.
Brown William, High street
Corser Henry, High street
Gorse James, High street
Harper Robert, Watergate st
Hassall John and William, High street
Overton Thomas Griffith, High street
Price Robert, High street
Venables Samuel, High st
Gun Maker.
Jones John, Watergate st
Hair Dressers.
Bottwood Wm., Watergate st
Foulkes Wm., Watergate st
Kempster Benjamin, Watergate street
Hardware & Toy Dealers.
Green Thomas Fallowes, High street
Harper Robert, Watergate st
Hosiers and Glovers.
Barber William, Watergate st
Harper Robert, Watergate st
Thelwell Thomas, High st
Hotels, Inns, and Taverns.
Anchor, Robt. Barrow Jones, Pepper street
Black Bear, James Large, High street
Black Lion, John Lee, Tarporley road
Bull’s Head, Thomas Harris, Watergate street
Coach and Horses, Francis Bradbury, High street
Eight Bells, Samuel Brown, High street
Fox and Goose, Thomas Dawson, Green end street
George and Commercial Hotel, John Ruscoe, High street
George and Dragon, James Jarvis, Green-end street
Golden Ball, William Jarvis, Pepper street
Greyhound, Robert Henshall, Bargates
High Gate, Richard Bradshaw, High gates
Horse and Jockey, Elizabeth Sandford, Claypit street
Lamb, Thomas Roberts, High street
Lord Hill, and Commercial, Ann Price, Watergate street and Mill street
Red Cow, Martha Kent, Pepper street
Star, John Jones, Watergate street
Swan (commercial and posting), George Bradshaw, Watergate street
Victoria (and commercial), Charles Green, High street
White-Bear, John Lee, High street
White Lion (commercial and posting), Mrs. Honor Jones, Watergate street
Beerhouses.
Boote William, High street
Butler John, Watergate street
Edge William, Newtown
Griffiths Wm., Yardington
Lloyd John, Yardington
Morgan Mary, Watergate st.
Sadler John, Watergate st.
Smith Joseph, Greenend st.
Welsh Benjamin, Greenend street
Wycherley Hannah, Green-end street
Ironmongers.
Brown William, High street
Corser Henry, High street
Hassall John and William, High street
Howell Edward, High street
Overton Charles Griffiths, High street
Iron Merchants.
Hassall John and William, High street
Joiners and Builders.
Allen Benjamin, Newtown
Churton Messrs., Newtown
Foulkes Thomas, Greenend street
Jenkin George, Greenend street
Oulton Samuel, Bargates
Woodhall John, St. John st
Land, Estate, and House Agents.
Parker Samuel H., Back st
Whittingham Thomas, jun., Greenend street
Lime Merchant.
Brown John, Grindley brook
Linen Drapers and Silk Mercers.
Allwood and Andrews, High street
Bass Charles, High street
Done James, High street
Lowe John, High street
Moyle Richard, High street
Shone John, Greenend street
Walmsley and Parson, High street
Licensed to Let Horses and Gigs, &c.
Bradshaw George, Watergate street
Cox John, Mill street
Dawson Thomas, Greenend street
Joinson John, Greenend
Jones Mrs. Honor (and mourning coaches), Watergate street
Welsh Benjamin, Greenend
Maltsters.
Brown William, High street
Burgess and Son, Prospect place
Dawson Thomas, Greenend street
Grindley George, New street
Hassall John and William, Castle hill
Jones Edward, Alkington road
Joyce Thomas, High street
Lea Edward, Greenend street
Merchants.
Burgess and Son (corn), Factory buildings
Garratt Sarah (timber), Havannah
Tilston Smith and Co. (salt, &c.), wharf
Whittingham Thomas (timber and maw skin manufacturer)
Whittingham Thomas (timber and bend ware manufacturer)
Millers.
Jebb Thomas, New mill
Roberts John, Lower wich
Roberts John (steam), Canal side
Milliners and Dressmakers.
Bate Harriet, High street
Baxter Jane, Bark hill
Bolas Susannah, St. Mary’s street
Boughey Elizabeth, Newtown
Chester Hannah, Bark hill
Gorse Alice, High street
Heath Mary, Bargates street
Hinton Jane and Elizabeth, Greenend
Morgan Ann, Bark hill
Oulton Miss Elizabeth, Bargates
Savage & Carter, Pepper st
Nail Makers.
Evanson William, Watergate
Hamer William, Mill street
Hassall John and William, High street
Nursery and Seedsmen.
Bayley William (nurseryman), Ledge ford
Brown William (seedsman), High street
Calcott Thomas (seedsman), High street
Grisdale Richard (nurseryman), High street
Hassalls Messrs. (seeds and hop), High street
Williams William Chaloner, High street
Painters and Gilders.
Crosse Thomas, Bargates st.
Rodgers William, Watergate street
Skidmore James Stephen, High street
Wragg Isaac, Bark hill
Plasterers and Slaters.
Griffith Wm., Yardington
Lee John, Claypit street
Ruscoe John, High street
Ruscoe William, Pepper st.
Plumbers and Glaziers.
Dodd George, High street
Edwards Thomas, High st.
Kent John, Claypit street
Maddocks John, Greenend street
Slayney William, Dodington street
Porter Dealers.
Bradshaw George, Watergate street
Jones Edward, St. Mary’s street vaults
Jones Barrow, Pepper street vaults
Tudman Edward, High street
Provision Dealers.
Baxter William, Greenend street
Bradshaw John, High street
Caldecott Thomas, High st.
Carver William, High street
Cooper Edward, High street
Newbrook John, Watergate street
Rope and Cover Makers.
Batho Richard, attends from Tilstock
Barrass John, Alkington road
Shone Joseph, Greenend street
Saddlers & Harness Makers.
Cotgreave Richard, High st.
Porter George, Greenend st.
Wycherley John, Bull ring, & dealer, Weigh machine
Shopkeepers and Dealers in Sundries.
Ackers Ann, Watergate street
Barber William, Watergate street
Batho George, Bargates street
Baxter William, Greenend street
Bradshaw John, High street
Davies William, Newtown
Griffiths Widow, Greenend street
Donning Robert, Watergate street
Rodgers Ann, Watergate st.
Ruscoe Eliza, Pepper street
Silversmiths and Jewellers.
Bradshaw John, High street
Joyce and Son, High street
Spirit Vaults.
Bradbury Francis, High st.
Jones Barrow, Pepper street
Jones Edward, St. Mary’s st.
Tudman Edward, High street
Straw Bonnet Makers.
Baker Thomas (dealer only), High street
Baxter Jane, Bark hill
Hinton Elizabeth, Greenend street
Howlett Rebecca, Bargate st.
Johnson Elizabeth, St. Mary’s street
More Mary Ann, Dodington street
Phillips Mary, Pepper street
Smith Elizabeth, Sherriman’s hill
Venables Mary, High street
Wood Eliza, High street
Surgeons.
Bromfield John, Dodington street
Brown John, Claypit street
Groome Thomas, St. Mary’s street
Marsh Thomas Palmer, Dodington street
Swinnerton John, Prospect place
Surveyors.
Groome Samuel, Claypit st.
Lee and Son, Red brook
Tailors.
Catherall John, Claypit street
Chester Joseph, Watergate street
Chidlow Richard, Dodington street
Crosse Richard, St. Mary’s street
Crosse Thomas, Claypit street
James George, Greenend st.
Jones John, Mill street
Nokes Thomas, High street
Purcell John, Bargates street
Read Thos., Bargates street
Trantum William, Greenend
Tailors & Woollen Drapers.
Crosse Richard and George, St. Mary’s street
Crosse Thomas, Claypit st.
Nokes Thomas, High street
Tallow Chandlers.
Brown William, High street
Lewis William, Watergate street
Tanners.
Hassall John and William, Castle hill
Turners and Chair Makers.
Edge John, Greenend street
Millwood James, Castle st.
Veterinary Surgeons.
Cartwright William Andrew, Watergate street
Keay Samuel, Greenend st.
Watch and Clock Makers.
Bradshaw George, High st.
Bradshaw Joseph, High st.
Calcott Thomas, High street
Jarvis John, Greenend street
Joyce and Son, (and church turret and spring clock makers and general
dealers)
Wharfingers.
Brookes John, Sherriman’s hill
Humstone John. Sherriman’s hill
Roberts John, Victoria wharf
Lowe Thomas, New Canal wharf
Wheelwrights.
Higgins William, Yardington
Joinson John, Greenend st.
Read Thos., Grindley brook
Whitesmiths.
Clutton Thomas, Greenend
Poston John, Watergate st.
Wine and Spirit Merchants.
Jones Barrow, Pepper street
Jones Edward, St. Mary’s st
Carriers by Canal and Railway.
Shropshire Union Railway and Canal Company’s boats from the wharfs to
Chester
Liverpool and Ellesmere docks, from which places goods are forwarded to
all parts of the kingdom—John Humstone, agent
Omnibuses and Cars, &c.
_To Chester_, Edwin Arden, from the Victoria Inn, every Monday,
Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, at 7 a.m., and return at 4 p.m.
_To Beeston Railway Station_, Benjamin Welsh, Greenend, leaves Whitchurch
at 8 o’clock a.m., on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
_To Crewe_, daily, John Joinson’s coach leaves Whitchurch 30 min. past 8
a.m.
_To Wem_, Joseph Owen, on Monday and Friday
Carriers.
_To Burslem_, James Green, on Friday, returns on Wednesday, to the
Victoria Inn
_To Crewe_, John Welsh, from the Fox and Goose, Whitchurch, on Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday
_To Wem_, Joseph Owen, from the Lord Hill Inn, on Monday and Friday
_To Wem_, Robert Harris, from the Swan Inn, on Monday and Friday
ALKINGTON,
a small but pleasantly situated village and township, two miles
south-west from Whitchurch, contains 1,144A. 1R. 7P. of land, the soil of
which is various, and consists of a mixture of peat, sand, and gravel.
The principal landowners are the trustees of the late Earl of
Bridgewater; Samuel Yate Benyon, Esq.; Miss Benyon; William Lee Brookes,
Esq.; Rev. George Richard Downward; Mr. John Goodall; Francis James
Hughes, Esq.; and Mrs. Wood; besides whom there are several other smaller
proprietors. Rateable value of the township, £1,240. 16s. The rectoral
tithes have been commuted for £121. 18s. At the census of 1841 there
were 23 houses and 135 inhabitants.
DIRECTORY.—James Bennion, farmer, Spring hill; Randle Bennion, farmer;
Thomas Cooke, farmer; John Griffiths, farmer, Heath lane; George Heath,
farmer; John Hinton, farmer; William Hokenhull, farmer; John Holland,
farmer; Mrs. Jones, farmer; John Keay, beerhouse keeper; James Lee,
farmer, Dernford hall; Stephen Oliver, blacksmith; Mrs. Wilson, farmer;
Thomas Wilson, farmer, Alkington hall.
ASH MAGNA
is a township, chapelry, and village, pleasantly situated on an eminence
two and a half miles south-east from Whitchurch. The village is
straggling, and the farm buildings are mostly of brick, with convenient
out-premises, and occupied by respectable agriculturists. Several of the
farms are of considerable extent. The township contains 626A. 3R. 14P.
of land; and in 1841 there were 39 houses and 204 inhabitants. Rateable
value £893. 2s. The tithes have been commuted for £86. 9s. The soil is
variable; in some places it is light and sandy, and in other places loam
and clay prevail. The scenery is beautifully diversified, and the high
grounds command prospects of unbounded extent. The principal landowners
are Samuel Yate Benyon, Esq.; John Goodall, Esq.; William Lee Brookes,
Esq.; Mrs. Groom; and Mr. James Hughes. There are also several small
freeholders.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to our Saviour, is a brick structure, simple in its
design of architecture, and has a tower at the west end, which contains
one bell. It was erected in 1836, at an expense of £1,556. 19s. 10d.,
including the cost of the parsonage house, and consecrated August 31st,
1837. Of the above sum, £856. 19s. 10d. was raised by voluntary
subscriptions; the Rev. C. M. Long and family gave £450, and the Diocesan
and Church Building Society granted £250. The internal arrangements are
neat and appropriate, and there is a gallery at the west end; the roof is
pitched, and supported by groined timber. It contains three hundred and
sixty sittings, of which two hundred and fifty are declared free and
unappropriated for ever, in consequence of the grant from the
Incorporated Society for Building and Enlarging Churches. It contains
several neat marble monuments, one of which remembers Samuel Yate Benyon,
Esq., and his wives, Elizabeth and Constance, and also of twin sisters,
Elizabeth and Mary Benyon, daughters of the said Samuel Benyon, all of
whom were interred at the Presbyterian chapel in Whitchurch, but have
been exhumed and removed from thence, and are now deposited in a vault in
this churchyard. There is also a brass plate in memory of Eliza, the
wife of Thomas M. Griffiths, Esq., of Ash grove. There is also a family
vault to the Langfords, in which are deposited the remains of the late
Mrs. Elizabeth Langford, who bequeathed £500 three per cent. consols, in
augmentation of the endowment of the living. The communion plate and
clock were the gift of Joseph Booth, Esq.; the stone font was the gift of
the Rev. John Brookes; the communion cloth and cushions were given by
Mrs. Hughes. In the churchyard are altar tombs of beautiful workmanship
to John Gregory, gentleman, of the Ash Acres; and to Joseph Brown, Esq.,
of Drayton. The living is a perpetual curacy, returned at £100, in the
patronage of the Rector of Whitchurch. Incumbent, Rev. William Bryans,
who resides at the PARSONAGE, a pleasantly situated house, a short
distance from the church, which commands some fine views of the distant
country. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, with a residence for the schoolteacher,
was erected in 1848. It is a brick structure, and will accommodate 120
scholars; 68 now attend. It is chiefly supported by voluntary
subscriptions, but each scholar pays a small sum weekly. The premises
are also used for a Sunday school. The turnpike road to Nantwich, Market
Drayton, and Whitchurch, intersects the townships.
DIRECTORY.—Frederick Bailey, farmer, Ash Hall; Rev. William Bryans, The
Parsonage, John Cliffe, blacksmith and beerhouse keeper; William Eardley,
farmer, Ash Farm; William Morton, shopkeeper and shoemaker; William
Moreton, wheelwright; George Parry, blacksmith and victualler, Lion; John
Ravenshaw, farmer, The Grove; Robert Ravenshaw, farmer; Jane Mary
Thackaberry, schoolmistress.
ASH PARVA
is a township, with a scattered population, situated three miles S.E. by
S. from Whitchurch, which contains 2,377A. 2R. 27P. of land, mostly a
fine tract of country, studded with respectable farm-houses, with
commodious outbuildings adjoining. The soil is variable; in some places
a rich loam is found, in other places a strong soil, which produces good
crops of grain, and in other parts it is a mixture of sand and gravel.
In 1841 there were 36 houses and 208 inhabitants. Rateable value,
£2,079. 12s. The tithes are commuted for the sum of £224. 19s. The
principal owners of land in this township are the Devisees of the late
Ashton Beckett, Esq., Samuel Yate Benyon, Esq., George Brookes, Esq.,
Joseph Hares, Esq., Viscount Hill, Wm. Church Norcop, Esq., Mrs.
Whitfield, Richard Hughes, Esq., Mrs. Groom, Miss Becks, and Mr. Hewes.
DIRECTORY.—Captain Henry Bertles; John Bishop, parish clerk; James
Blackshaw, farmer, Ashfield; William Dale, farmer, Twemlows; William
Darlington, farmer, Twemlows; Charles Davies, shopkeeper and wheelwright;
Mrs. Mary Groom, Ash House; Jas. Hamnett, farmer, Ashwood; Joseph Hares,
Esq., Ashacres house; Henry Hewes, farmer, Ashwood; William Hickman,
farmer and land-surveyor; John Hough, boot and shoemaker; Rev. William
Jones; William Nield, farmer, Ashwood; John Ravenshaw, farmer, Twemlows;
Ann Whitfield, farmer, Lee Hall.
BLACK PARK
is a township and small village, in a pleasant situation, two miles and a
quarter N.E. from Whitchurch. The township contains 1,334A. 2R. 25P. of
land, and in 1831 there were 13 houses and 46 inhabitants. Rateable
value, £1,379. 16s. The tithes are commuted, and included in the returns
given of the town of Whitchurch. There are several good residences here;
the farm premises are extensive, and the farms of considerable extent.
Large quantities of superior cheese are made in this district, which is
quite equal to the best Cheshire cheese. The Trustees of the late Earl
of Bridgewater are owners of the whole township.
BLACKMERE, or BLETCHMORE, one mile and a half N.E. from Whitchurch, is
noted as the birth-place of John Talbot, the first Earl of Shrewsbury.
He was the second son of Sir Richard Talbot, of Goodrich Castle, in
Herefordshire; and on the death of his elder brother, he became heir to
that family. John Talbot, who was called to Parliament by Henry IV. by
the title of Lord Furnival (having married the eldest daughter of that
nobleman), was appointed Lord Chief Justice of Ireland in 1412, and Lord
Lieutenant in 1414. In 1420 he accompanied Henry V. to France, where he
remained till the death of that monarch. He afterwards served in France
under the Regent (the Duke of Bedford), and by his exploits rendered his
name more terrible to the foe than that of any other English officer. He
was afterwards raised to the rank of general, and commanded the troops
which were sent into the province of Maine to the succour of the Earl of
Suffolk, and made himself master of Alencon. He joined the Earl of
Salisbury at the siege of Orleans, which failed through the intervention
of the celebrated Maid of Orleans, under whose guidance the French
recovered their lost courage, became assailants in their turn, and
defeated the English at Patai, where Talbot was taken prisoner. He
obtained his liberty by ransom, and raising fresh troops, recrossed the
sea, and defeated the French in several engagements. For these and other
services he was raised to the dignity of Marshal of France, and the title
of Earl of Shrewsbury was conferred upon him. He was a second time sent
to Ireland as lord lieutenant, and the earldom of Wexford and Waterford
in that kingdom was added to his honours. In 1541, the English influence
in France continuing to decline, Talbot was again sent thither, and
constituted Lieutenant General, with extraordinary powers. His presence
restored success; he took Bordeaux, and brought back several other places
to their allegiance to the English crown. He afterwards marched to the
relief of Chastillon, and made an attack on the enemy, when he was shot
in the thigh by a cannon ball, and soon after died, at the age of eighty
years. In this engagement one of his sons was slain, the English were
defeated, and the consequence was their total expulsion from France. The
remains of this celebrated general were interred at Whitchurch, where a
splendid monument was raised to his memory, which has been previously
noticed. Blackmere is a noted and extensive sheet of water in this
township, well stocked with fish.
DIRECTORY.—George Bradshaw, farmer; Arthur Dickin, farmer, The Yockings;
John Edwards, farmer; Thomas Maddocks, farmer, The Lodge; James Price,
farmer; William Reddrop, farmer; Joseph Savage, blacksmith.
BROUGHALL.
a township in Whitchurch parish, one mile S.E. from the parish church,
contains 818A. 2R. 9P. of land, the soil of which is a mixture of sand
and stiff loam. In 1841 here were 44 houses and 203 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £1,024. 10s. The tithes have been commuted for the sum
of £82. 4s. The chief landowners in this township are Mr. John Weaver,
Mr. Robert Tudman, Misses Ann and Mary Beckett, Mr. Thomas Overton, Mr.
John Brookes, William Lee Brookes, Esq., George Harper, Esq., Mrs.
Hopley, the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater, William Palmer
Churton, Esq., Archibald Worthington, Esq., William Worthington, Esq.,
and Mrs. Jones; there are also several other proprietors. The Methodists
have a neat chapel in this township.
The chief residents are the Misses Ann and Mary Beckett; John Brookes,
farmer; Peter Caldecott, farmer; Thomas Caldecott, farmer; Rev. Mr.
Colley; Arthur Dickin, farmer; William Etchess, farmer, Broughall House;
John Fox, boot and shoemaker; Thomas Goodall, farmer; George Hales,
farmer, The Fields; Mr. Jones, farmer, Broughall Cottage; William Edward
Jones, gentleman; Richard Nickson, farmer; Thomas Palmer, carpenter and
joiner; John Pennill, farmer; John Weaver, farmer; William Vicars,
wheelwright.
CHINNEL, OR CHIMNEL,
is a small township in the parish of Whitchurch, one and three quarters
of a mile N. from the parish church, which contains 240 acres of land,
three houses and sixteen inhabitants. Rateable value, £296. 4s. The
tithes have been apportioned, and are returned in the amount given with
Hollyhurst township. The freeholders are Viscount Combermere, Lord
Kenyon, Domville Halstead Cudworth Poole, Esq., Mr. Thomas Overton, and
Mr. Sarah Saddler. The residents are Thomas Overton, farmer, Chinnel
farm; and Ann Tomlinson, farmer.
DODINGTON
is a township and populous chapelry half a mile S. from Whitchurch, and
may be considered a suburb to that town. In 1841 there were 211 houses
and 1,010 inhabitants. Rateable value, £3,406. 8s. The township
contains 1,626A. 3R. 14P. of fine land, highly productive both the arable
and pasture; the soil is a mixture of sand and loam, and there are some
good farm houses with commodious out premises, and farms of considerable
extent. There are also several respectable family mansions and neat
villa residences scattered over the township. The principal landowners
are the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater, William Lee Brookes,
Esq., Rev. George Richard Downward, George Harper, Esq., John Lowe, Esq.,
John Faulkner Wood, Esq., Mr. Thos. Burgess, Mrs. Kirkpatrick, besides
whom there are 39 smaller freeholders. The tithes are commuted for £130.
3s., and apportioned to the rector of Whitchurch-cum-Marbury.
THE CHURCH of St. Catherine is a commodious structure of brick, with an
elegant front of white free stone, exhibiting the Grecian style of
architecture, and was erected in the year 1836 by the late Countess of
Bridgewater, at a cost of upwards of £8,000. The church has a noble
appearance, and is ornamented with some very elaborate workmanship; it is
very beautifully fitted up with oak pews, and has a gallery supported by
iron pillars; it consists of nave, chancel, and side aisles. The
solemnity of the whole is greatly heightened by the chastened light
entering from the richly stained glass window in the chancel, which has a
most pleasing and magnificent effect. The living is a curacy subordinate
to the rectory of Whitchurch, the ministers of which perform divine
service here.
THE INDEPENDENT CHAPEL is a handsome, lofty, and commodious edifice of
brick, fronted with free stone, and ornamented with a portico supported
with pillars of the doric order; the whole has a chastened and beautiful
appearance. It was built in 1846, and cost upwards of £2,000. The
interior fittings are neat and appropriate, and there is accommodation
for more than 500 hearers. The structure stands partly on the site of a
former edifice, which was erected in the year 1796. There is a
respectable and increasing congregation, under the pastoral care of the
Rev. William Tiler. In connection with the chapel there is a flourishing
Sunday school.
THE UNITARIAN CHAPEL is now being enlarged and remodelled. A previous
chapel was built here by the congregation under the pastoral care of the
Rev. Phillip Henry, of Broad Oak, father of Matthew Henry, the celebrated
commentator. This chapel was the place of sepulchre of many of the
descendants and friends of the pious Henry’s—the Benyons, and others.
THE BRITISH SCHOOL, formerly the Unitarian chapel, is under the
management and inspection of the dissenting bodies in this place. It was
endowed by Thomas Benyon, in 1707, a particular account of which will be
found in general account of charities of this parish, noticed with the
town of Whitchurch. The property devised by Mr. Benyon produced £50 per
annum when the charity commissioners published their report; out of the
income, however, he bequeathed 40s. per annum to the Presbyterian
minister. About 140 children attend the school. It is also used as a
Sunday school, and numerously attended; Mr. and Mrs. Sandland are the
teachers.
THE NATIONAL SCHOOL is a commodious structure, situate within the bounds
of this township, measuring sixty feet by thirty feet, and will
accommodate 300 scholars; the average attendance is about 150. It is
supported by subscriptions and donations, and a charge of one penny per
week from each scholar. The income is about £60 per annum. There are
three government pupils placed here as teachers. Charles Frederick Bird
is the master. THE GIRLS’ NATIONAL SCHOOL, in Clay pit street, has an
attendance of 85 scholars. The above are also used as Sunday schools,
and numerously attended. There is a PAROCHIAL LENDING LIBRARY in the
national school, which contains a considerable number of valuable and
instructive publications. It was established for the benefit of the
humbler members of society, to whom the books are lent without any
payment. MOSS FIELD HOUSE is a commodious structure of brick, with
projecting gables, and a noble portico of free stone supported by massive
pillars. The pleasure grounds and shrubberies are extensive, and laid
out with great taste, and the park-like grounds and beautiful scenery add
much to the interest of the place. Messrs. Lee and Brookes are stewards
of the courts leet and baron, which are held for the manor. A branch of
the Ellesmere and Chester canal intersects this township, and terminates
near to New-street.
Andrews Thomas, gentleman
Arrowsmith Rev. Aaron
Baxter Jane, milliner, Bark hill
Bayley William, gentleman, The Nursery
Benson Mrs. Mary
Bird Charles Frederick, schoolmaster
Boughey Joseph, farmer, Blackoe
Boughey Mrs. Ellen, High street
Boyes Robert, vict., New Inn, High street
Bradshaw Richard, vict., High gate
Brett Miss, High street
Bromfield John, surgeon
Bromfield The Misses Elizabeth and Mary
Brookes George, Esq., High street
Brookes William Lee, Esq., High street
Burgess Thomas, Esq., The Hall
Burrows John, Bark hill
Burston Mrs., High street
Cartwright Mary, stay maker, Sherriman’s hill
Carver Captain Daniel, High street
Chester George, farmer, Bark hill
Chester Hannah, milliner, Bark hill
Chidlow Richard, tailor, High street
Churton William Phillip, Turnbridge
Clarke Thomas, bricklayer, Alkington road
Cureton John, farmer, Blackoe
Currie Mrs. Mary, High street
Currie William F., Esq., High street
Dupre Mrs. Lucy, Ladies’ seminary
Evanson Joseph, shopkeeper, High street
Foulkes Charles, deputy registrar, Bark hill
Finn Thomas, furniture dealer, Bark hill
France William, farmer
Garratt Mrs. Sarah, High gate
Gould Mr. William
Grindley William Thomas, New street
Griffiths Wm., beerhouse, Sherriman’s hill
Harper George, Esq., Moss field
Hassall Thomas, farmer, Hadley farm
Hinton Thomas, farmer, Fields farm
Humpston John, canal clerk
Jackson Lucy, boarding school
James George, shoemaker, Bark hill
Jarvis John, painter, &c., High street
Jarvis Thomas, grocer, tea dealer, & draper High street
Jebb Thomas, gentleman, Wrexham road
Jones Edward, maltster, Alkington lane
Keay John, vict. and farmer
Kempster Thomas, gentleman, High street
Kirkpatrick Edward Brace, Esq.
Kirkpatrick Miss Lousia, gentlewoman
Lea Edward, maltster, Bark hill
Lee John, Esq., High street
Lee Robert, tailor, High street
Lowe Thomas, wharfinger, New wharf
Lyth Richard, Hadley farm
Lythgoe Thomas, factor, High gate
Maddocks Joseph, beerhouse, Sedge ford
Marsh Thomas Palmer, physician
Morgan Ann, dressmaker, Bark hill
Morgan Charles, cabinet maker, Bark hill
Morrall Rev. John, Bark hill
Morray William, beerhouse, Havannah
Nunnerley Thomas, gentleman, The Farm
Pace John, tailor, High street
Pickering Rev. Edward, High street
Podmore John, gentleman, High gate
Roberts John, Danston’s yard
Roberts John, The Dairy Farm
Roberts Thos., cabinetmaker, Alkington ln
Sadler John, beerhouse, Bark hill
Sadler John, jun., blacksmith, Bark hill
Sandland Stephen, schoolmaster
Sanders Mr. S., High street
Saxton Charles, gentleman
Sharkes Mary, Blackoe farm
Slaney William, plumber, High street
Smith Joseph, beerhouse keeper
Smith Robert, iron founder
Smith William, engineer
Smith William, tailor, New street
Sumner William and Daniel, pump makers
Swinnerton John, surgeon, New street
Tiler Rev. William, Independent minister
Turner The Misses
Watkiss Miss, High street
Wood John Foulkner, Esq., High street
Woollam John, parish clerk
Woolley William, farmer, New street
Wragg Isaac, vict., Bark hill
Wright Elizabeth, vict., Royal Oak, High st
Yond Thomas, dyer, Bark hill
Academies.
Dupre Mrs. Lucy, Ladies’ boarding
National, New street; Charles Frederick Bird, master
British, High street; Mr. & Mrs. Stephen, Sandland
Accountants.
Parker Samuel H., Saving’s bank
Smith William, High street
Architect.
Smith William, High street
Attorneys.
Brookes and Lee Messrs., High street
Harper George, Moss fields
Kirkpatrick Edward Bruce, High street
Auctioneer.
Churton William Parker
Baker & Flour Dealer.
Poole Mary, Watergate street
Blacksmith.
Saddler John, Bark hill
Boot & Shoemaker.
James George, High street
Brewer.
Jones Edward, The brewery
Brick and Tile Merchant.
Roberts John, New wharf
Cabinet Makers.
Burrows Thos., Havannah buildings
Lakin William, New street
Cheese Factors.
Burgess Messrs. Thomas and Ralph; warehouses, The Factory buildings,
canal side, and Prospect row, canal head
Lythgoe Thomas, High gate
Civil Engineer.
Smith William, High street
Coal Agents.
Lowe Thomas, New wharf
Roberts John, New wharf
Wright George, New street
Corn Factors.
Burgess Messrs. T. R. W., Prospect row, and Factory buildings
Farmers.
Boughey Joseph, Blackoe
Chester George, Bark hill
Cureton John, Blackoe
France Wm., Dodington lane
Hassall Thos., Hadley farm
Hinton Thomas, Fields farm
Keay John, Dodington
Lyth Richard, Hadley
Nunnerley Thos., The fields
Podmore John, High street
Roberts John, Dairy farm
Sharkes Mary, Blackoe
Woolley William, New street
Fire and Life-office Agents.
The British Empire Fire & Life, Richard Thomas, Prospect place
The Star and General Insurance Company, Robert Smith, Dodington
Grocer and Draper.
Jarvis Thomas, High street
Inns and Taverns.
Boyes Robert, High street
Bradshaw Richard, High gate
Wragg Isaac, Bark hill
Wright Elizabeth, High st
Beerhouses.
Griffiths Wm., Sherriman’s hl
Maddocks Joseph, Sedge ford
Murray William, Havannah
Sader John, Bark hill
Ironfounders.
Smith Wm. & Son, Dodington
Land & Estate Agents.
Brookes and Lee, High street
Lime & Guano Dealers.
Lowe Thomas, New wharf
Roberts John, New wharf
Machine Makers.
Smith Wm. & Son, High st
Maltsters.
Burgess & Son, New street
Jones Edward, Alkington rd
Lea Edward, Bark hill
Millers.
Jebb Thomas, Old mills
Roberts John, Steam mills
Painters.
Jarvis John, High street
Wragg Isaac, High street
Plumber & Glazier.
Slayney William, Dodington
Professor of Music.
Saxton Charles, High street
Surgeons.
Bromfield John, Dodington
Marsh Thos. Palmer, High st
Swinnerton John, New street
Tailors.
Chidlow Richard, High st
Morray William, High street
Smith William, High street
Timber Merchant.
Garratt Mrs. Sarah, High st
Wharfingers.
Brooks John, Sherriman’s hl
Humstone John, Sherriman’s hill
Lowe Thomas, New wharf
Roberts John, New wharf
Wheelwrights.
Davies William Augustus, Dodington
Smith William, Doddington
EDGELEY,
a small township with 416A. 0R. 24P. of land situated 1½ miles S.E. by S.
from Whitchurch, in 1841 contained seventeen houses and seventy-three
inhabitants, the soil is in general strong, with a portion of sand and
gravel. Rateable value £583. 14s. The tithes are commuted for the sum
of £37. 10s. The freeholders are William Lee Brookes, Esq., Wm.
Worthington, Esq., Samuel Alexander Duff, Esq., John Goodall, Esq., Peter
Soole Taylor, Esq., John Lowe, Esq., Archibald Worthington, Esq., and Mr.
Richard Weaver. The BAPTISTS have a neat chapel with a residence for the
minister and a school attached. It is situated in the lane leading from
Edgeley Moss to Ash, near the verge of the township, and was built and
endowed by Mr. Brown. The school is open for the instruction of the
children residing in the surrounding townships; those that are admitted
free must belong to the children who attend the chapel, and prefer the
Baptist faith. The master has an income of £30 per annum, which is now
paid by Mrs. Brown. The pastor of the congregation also teaches the
school. There is a small plot of ground used as a burial place for
members of the congregation. EDGELEY MOSS, usually called Brown Moss,
contains 77A. 2R. 7P. and is now chiefly covered with water. EDGELEY
HOUSE, the residence of John Lowe, Esq., is a modern erection of brick,
stuccoed. It is delightfully situated, and beautified with shrubberies
and park-like grounds.
The principal residents are John Lowe, Esq., Edgeley House; William Poole
Churlton, farmer; James Harding, farmer; Rev. William Jones, Baptist
minister.
GRINDLEY BROOK is a detached hamlet on the high road from Whitchurch to
Malpas, a mile and a half north-west from the former place. It lies on
the verge of the county, and is separated from Cheshire by the Grindley
brook, a small stream which is here crossed by a stone bridge. The
Whitchurch, Ellesmere, and Chester Canal takes its course near the
village, and near to the wharf are extensive lime works carried on by Mr.
John Roberts. The chief freeholders are the trustees of the late Duke of
Bridgewater, Mr. James Hancock, Mr. Robert Roe, Mr. Joseph Rycroft, Miss
Harper, Mr. Parry Jones, and Mr. George Blanton.
DIRECTORY.—Mr. Joseph Beddoe, toll collector at the canal locks and
tonnage clerk; Mr. Richard B. Briscoe, Brookhouse; Thomas Cliff,
beerhouse and shopkeeper; Philip Hales, farmer, Denston; William Hassall,
Esq., land and estate agent, Bubney House farm, Thomas Peake, boat
builder; John Roberts, lime merchant; George Seaman, victualler, Canal
Inn; James Whittingham, victualler, Horse and Jockey.
HINTON,
a township one and a quarter miles north from Whitchurch, in 1841 had six
houses and forty-one inhabitants: the township contains 498A. 0R. 36P. of
land the soil of which is a mixture of gravel and loam; the principal
land owner is Thomas Boycott, Esq. William H. Poole Esq., and George
Harper, Esq. are also proprietors. The district here has a bold
undulating surface. The tithes payable to the rector of Whitchurch have
been commuted for the sum of £51. 15s.
The residents are Thomas Chester, farmer; Thomas Joyce, farmer, the Hall;
W. H. Poole, Terrick Hall; Joseph Vernon, farmer, the Field.
HOLLYHURST,
a small township with a few scattered houses one mile and three quarters
north-east from Whitchurch, contains 241 acres of land, and in 1841 had
seven houses and thirty-eight souls. The rateable value is included in
the return of the township of Chinnel, and the tithes with those of
Chinnel have been commuted for £22. 9s. 6d., which is paid to the
incumbent of Whitchurch. The land owners are Lord Combermere, John
Nickson, Esq., Mrs. Sarah Sadler, and Domville Poole, Esq.
The principal residents are John Sadler, farmer; Sarah Sadler, farmer;
and Thomas Venables, farmer.
TILSTOCK
is a chapelry and populous village delightfully situated one and a half
miles south from Whitchurch; the township contains 2,549A. 2R. 20P. of
land, and at the census of 1841 there were 136 houses and 637
inhabitants; the soil is a mixture of sand and loam, with a portion of
gravel, considered good turnip land; the country around is pleasingly
diversified with rural scenery, and there are some extensive farms, with
good farm houses occupied by intelligent and respectable
agriculturalists. The township is intersected by the Ellesmere and
Chester Canal, and the Wem and Whitchurch turnpike road. The principal
land owners are the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater, George
Corser, Esq., John Goodall Esq., Rev. Geo. Richard Downward, Francis Jas.
Hughes, Esq., Daniel Kempster, Esq., Rev. William Renton, Mr. John
Whitfield, and Mrs. Wood. There are also several other freeholders.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to our Saviour, is a neat erection of brick, with a
small square tower ornamented with stone finishings. It was built in
1835, not far from the site of a former edifice which was dedicated to
St. Giles; the cost of the structure was about £2,000, which was defrayed
by the munificence of the late Countess of Bridgewater. It consists of
nave, chancel, and side aisles; the body of the church will accommodate
303 hearers, and there is a gallery which will hold 100 persons; the
whole has a neat and tasteful appearance. The living is a perpetual
curacy endowed with a grant from Queen Anne’s bounty, and funds given by
the Bridgewater family which were laid out in the purchase of land
situated in Wales. The value of the living is returned at £120. The
rector of Whitchurch is the patron; the Rev. William Renton, M.A. is the
incumbent. Tilstock was formed into a district parish for ecclesiastical
purposes in 1844. The church, the parsonage, and the national school,
have all been erected during the incumbency of the present minister.
There is a vestry attached to the church in which are kept two volumes of
Jones’s Book of Martyrs. The Parsonage House, a neat and commodious
residence near the church yard, was built at a cost of £1,000 given by
the munificent family who also built the church. The tithes have been
commuted for the sum of £244. 11s. which is paid to the rector of the
parish. The WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a neat place of worship, which was
built in the year 1837, adjoining which is a small burial ground.
THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, a modern erection of brick, with a residence for the
teacher, stands on the site of the old church, and was built by
subscription and a grant of £60 from the National Society. Among the
most liberal donors towards its erection were the Countess of
Bridgewater, who gave £60, the Rev. Charles M. Long, rector of
Whitchurch, £60, and Lord Farnborough £20. About 100 children attend the
school, which is chiefly supported by the incumbent of the church and a
few benevolent individuals. The minister and his lady assiduously
superintend the school.
_Samuel Austin_ bequeathed £10, and directed the interest to be
distributed to the poor every St. Thomas’s day. Ten shillings per annum
is now paid from a farm in the township of Tilstock, which belongs to G.
S. Corser, Esq. The amount is given among the poor by the officiating
minister with the sacrament-money at Christmas. The poor also
participate in a bread charity, noticed with Whitchurch.
Allen Joseph, inland revenue officer
Allmark Joseph, victualler (Horse Shoe) and wheelwright
Batho Richard, rope maker
Batho Stephen, farmer, rope maker, and shopkeeper
Bayley John, farmer
Bayley Thomas, farmer
Beckett William, maltster, farmer, and beerhouse-keeper
Bennett John, blacksmith
Bennon Randle, farmer
Bolton John, castrator
Broomhall John, maltster, farmer, and victualler, Black Lion
Catterall William, tailor
Cliff Ann, dressmaker
Cliff Joseph, blacksmith, The Heath
Darlington Abraham, shopkeeper and shoemaker
Dudleston Ann, farmer, The Park
Dudleston Richard, farmer, The Park
Dutton Ann, schoolmistress
Eaton Thomas, farmer, Wood-lane Farm
Edwards George, schoolmaster
Edwards John, shoemaker
Fenna William, grocer and ironmonger
Groome Joseph, wheelwright & parish clerk
Hinton James, farmer
Hinton Thomas, butcher and grazier, and victualler, Red Lion
Jones Daniel, shoemaker
Jones Samuel, shopkeeper
Kempster Mr. Daniel, Ivy House
Kempster Miss Mary
Massey Samuel, Tilstock-park Farm
Morris John, tailor
Parbutt John, shopkeeper
Parry John, farmer, The Hollins
Reece John, farmer
Renton Rev. William, M.A., The Parsonage
Roberts John, lime-master, maltster, and farmer, Brick-walls
Watling John, drill-machineman
Wenlock William, farmer
Whitfield John, farmer, Tilstock Park
WOODHOUSES (NEW),
a pleasant but scattered village and township, two miles and a half S.E.
from Whitchurch, containing 714A. 3R. 11P. of land, had in 1841, 27
houses and 115 inhabitants. The chief landowners are the Trustees of the
late Earl of Bridgewater, Mr. Richard Bellington, Mrs. Gretton, Samuel
Yate Benyon, Esq., Mrs. Beckett, Mr. John Cookson, Viscount Combermere,
W. L. Brookes, Esq., Mr. John Moore, and Mr. Edward Nickson; besides whom
there are several other freeholders. This township has a bold undulating
surface, and the soil is strong and clayey.
DIRECTORY.—James Goulbourn Etches, Esq., Oak Villa; William Bather,
farmer; Martha Beckett, farmer; Prudent Blundell, beerhouse and
shopkeeper; Mrs. Mary Boulton; Richard Boulton, farmer; John Leeveley,
farmer; John Lewis, farmer; John Moore, farmer; George Robinson, farmer,
Old Wood; Thomas Stringer, farmer; Thomas Unett, farmer; Daniel
Warrington, farmer, Fir Tree House; James Weston, farmer; Joseph Wright,
farmer.
WOODHOUSES (OLD),
a small village and township, three miles N.E. from Whitchurch, contains
391A. 2R. 37P. of land, and at the census of 1841 had 13 houses and a
population of 62 souls. The soil in some places is a strong loam, in
other places it is sandy. Viscount Combermere is owner of the whole
township. There is a fine sheet of water near here, which covers a
considerable surface, called Comber-mere.
The principal residents are John Ellis, farmer; William Evans, boot and
shoemaker; Richard Hassall, carpenter and joiner; James Reddrop, farmer,
The Grove.
WIRSWALL, OR WIRSHALL,
is a township and village in Whitchurch parish, situated in the county of
Cheshire, two miles north from Whitchurch. In 1841 there were 17 houses
and 91 inhabitants. The principal landowners are John Goodall, Esq.,
George Harper, Esq., Rev. C. W. Ethelstone, Charles Robert Cotton, Esq.,
and the Representatives of the late John Parsons, Esq. The tithes are
commuted for £70. The Earl of Shrewsbury had land here from the time of
Henry VI. to the reign of Philip and Mary; and the manorial rights are
divided between this family and Viscount Combermere. BELVIDERE is a
handsome house, the property and residence of John Goodall, Esq. The
situation is delightful, and the prospect most extensive and diversified.
DIRECTORY.—Joseph Cliffe, blacksmith; Samuel Davies, cattle dealer; James
Goodall, farmer, The Grange; John Goodall, Esq., Belvidere; Robert
Goodall, farmer, Dairy-house; Mr. William Hale; Mrs. Mary Harrison, Wood
Cottage; John Nunnerley, farmer; Miss Reddrop; John Smith, farmer; John
Wood, farmer; Wm. Woodward, farmer.
THE SOUTH BRADFORD HUNDRED.
The South Bradford Hundred is bounded on the north by North Bradford
Hundred, on the east by the county of Stafford, on the south by the
Brimstree and Condover Hundreds and the Wenlock Franchise, and on the
west by Albrighton Division and the Shrewsbury Liberty. The hundred is
divided into the Newport and Wellington Divisions. The Newport Division,
in 1841, contained 2,111 inhabited houses, 61 uninhabited, and five
building. At the same period there were 10,929 inhabitants; of whom
5,446 were males and 5,483 females. The Wellington Division at the same
period contained 5,959 inhabited houses, 211 uninhabited, and 43
building; and 30,938 inhabitants; of whom 15,856 were males and 15,082
females. The hundred of Bradford at the Domesday survey was divided into
the hundreds of Odenet and Recordin, and are now distinguished by North
and South Bradford. These names in early times had a certain meaning,
and were given either by reason of the importance or situation of a
place, or in respect of some remarkable circumstance—as the name before
us, _Bradan Forde_ (that is, Broad Ford), is said to have its name from a
ville named Bradford, situate on the river Tern, near Ercall, and long
since destroyed.
_The South Division_ contains the several parishes of Bolas Magna,
Chetwynd, Edgmond, Kinnersley, Lilleshall, Longford, Newport,
Preston-upon-the-Wild-Moors, and Woodcote Chapelry.
_The Wellington Division_ contains the parishes of Atcham, Buildwas,
Dawley Magna, Eaton Constantine, Ercall Magna, Eyton-upon-the-Wild-Moors,
Leighton, Longdon-upon-Tern, Roddington, Stirchley, Uppington, Upton
Magna, Upton Parva, Wellington, Withington, Wombridge, Wrockwardine, and
Wroxeter.
ATCHAM, OR ATTINGHAM,
is a parish in the Wellington Division of the South Bradford Hundred,
comprising 3,491 acres of land, mostly a fertile undulating district,
richly timbered, and watered by the rivers Severn and the Tern. The soil
in some parts is a strong fertile loam, producing good wheat and barley;
in other parts it is of a lighter nature, and the meadow lands are very
fertile. Rateable value, £6,126. In 1801 there were 430 inhabitants;
1831, 463; and in 1841, 95 houses and a population of 513 souls. The
parish comprises the townships (for highway purposes) of Chilton,
Cronkhill, and Emstrey, on the south-west bank of the Severn, and of
Berwick, Atcham, and Uckington, on the north-east side of that river.
The village and township of Atcham is delightfully situated in a
salubrious district richly adorned with sylvan beauty, and contains
Attingham Hall, the princely seat of the Right Honourable Richard Noel
Hill (Lord Berwick), and several handsome villa residences. THE HOTEL is
a noble pile of buildings, and affords every accommodation to the
numerous visitors who resort here in the summer season to enjoy the
fishing as well as the beautiful views of this interesting locality. The
river Severn is crossed near to the hotel by a magnificent stone bridge
of seven arches, and is about one hundred and thirty-four yards long.
The river Tern has a bridge across it of beautiful workmanship, which is
forty-four yards across. It is ornamented with an open balustrade of
fine chiselling, upon which is engraved, “This bridge was erected at the
expense of the county, in 1780, and decorated at the expense of Noel
Hill, Esq.” The great Holyhead and London turnpike road which intersects
the township is in an admirable state of repair. The village is three
miles and six furlongs south-east from Shrewsbury. The Right Hon. Lord
Berwick is lord of the manor and the principal landowner. Robert Burton,
Esq. and others are also proprietors. A branch of the Shrewsbury,
Birmingham, Chester, and Shropshire Union Canal passes through Atcham
parish, where there is a tunnel of about a mile in length.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Hyatia, and situated in a sequestered spot
near the banks of the Severn, is built of free stone, and consists of
nave and chancel, with a square tower. It was built in 1665, and has
recently undergone a complete reparation. The sittings are of oak, and
the pews of Lord Berwick and those of the Burton family are elaborately
adorned with carved work. The interior has a very chaste appearance,
which is much heightened by the subdued light admitted through the richly
stained glass windows. The altar is of the most elaborate workmanship.
The central window on the south side is a stained glass memorial of
superb workmanship, in memory of Blanch, daughter of Henry Milnes Parry,
Esq., who held the appointment of “chief gentlewoman of Queen Elizabeth’s
privy chamber,” whom she served from the birth of her majesty, and died
at court on the 18th of February, 1589, aged 82. There are also two
beautiful windows of stained glass, embodying the arms of the Burton
family. On an altar tomb, with two full length figures in memory of
deceased members of this family, is a brass plate, on which is
engraven—“This monument was removed from a pew belonging to the estate of
Longnor, in the parish church of St. Chad, Shrewsbury, on the fall of
that church, July, 9th, 1788.” There are also several beautiful mural
tablets in memory of the Burtons and others. The living is a vicarage
valued in the king’s book at £11. 6s. 8d., now returned at £300 in the
patronage of Robert Burton, Esq. Incumbent, Rev. Henry Burton, M.A. The
vicarage is situated near to the church.
The manor, vicarage, and lands in Attingham, otherwise Atcham, together
with other property of great extent, were given to the monastery of the
blessed Virgin Mary, of Lilleshall, by persons of the name of Blemies, in
honour of God and the Virgin Mary. This was subsequently confirmed by
King John. In the reign of Henry III., the abbot of Lilleshall was
questioned as to his right in taking toll at the bridge of the Severn of
passengers that travelled that way. In the 53rd of the same reign the
abbot had a grant of a fair to be kept at Attingham on St. Giles’s day,
and two days after. In the 4th of Edward I. the said abbot had a grant
of another fair in the month of May, to be held on the feast of St.
Augustine, and the two following days. On the dissolution of religious
houses the manor and tithes of Attingham were granted by the crown to
Thomas Palmer, Knight, but Sir Thomas subsequently became convicted of
treason, and his lordship and estate was forfeited to the crown, and was
soon after granted to Sir John Gage, Knight. In 1693 it was possessed by
the Gowers, and the lordship is described as containing twenty messuages,
three water mills, twenty gardens, 200 acres of land, forty acres of
meadow, 200 acres of pasture, ten acres of wood, twenty acres of furze,
and the fishery of the Severn. In the 1st year of Queen Anne, William
Gower obtained an act for the sale of the manor, when it was conveyed to
Rowland Hill, Esq., for the sum of £3,413. His descendant, the Hon.
Richard Hill, in consideration of his affection and regard for his
sister, Margaret Harwood, wife of Thomas Harwood, Esq., conveyed the
manor of Attingham to the use of his sister Margaret for her life, with
remainder to Thomas Harwood, the younger, who afterwards took the name of
Hill, on whose decease this property descended to his son, Noel Hill, who
was created a baron by the title of Baron Berwick, of Attingham, in the
year 1784, on whose decease it came to his eldest son, Thomas Noel Lord
Berwick, who dying in 1833 without issue the manor and domain of
Attingham descended to his brother, William Noel Hill Lord Berwick, and
is now held by the Right Hon. Richard Noel Hill Lord Berwick, whose
princely seat is ATTINGHAM HALL, one of the most extensive and elegant
mansions in the county. It was built from a design by Stewart, and
consists of a centre adorned with a magnificent portico of the composite
order, supported by four circular pillars upwards of forty feet in
height, and two wings connected with the main building by corridors. The
situation of the mansion is peculiarly fine, and the extensive park by
which it is surrounded is beautifully enriched with wooded scenery; the
waters of the majestic Severn and the river Tern adding much to the
picturesque beauty of the whole. The interior of the mansion is
magnificently furnished, and contains a fine gallery of pictures, chiefly
by the early Italian masters, also a fine collection of Etruscan vases
and other antiquities from Herculaneum. In the picture gallery is a
curious model of Mount Vesuvius, upon a large scale, made of the
materials of the mountain by the late traveller Dr. Clarke. The park is
stocked with deer. Attingham hall has not been occupied for several
years, the present noble lord having chiefly resided at Cronkhill, on the
opposite side of the Severn.
BERWICK MAVASTON is a lordship within the parish of Atcham, and was
bestowed on Malvesyn, “one of those two hundred and sixty knights famous
in the conqueror’s army,” who fought in his cause at Hastings, and by
whose means he won the crown of England. Malvesyn having braved all the
dangers, and therefore having a right to share the spoils of victory,
would be eager to fix his residence on some of the conquered lands. His
valour was rewarded by the grant of the lordship of Rideware, which was
probably held by this Norman knight, under the Earls of Shrewsbury by the
knightly tenure of bearing arms against the Welsh. He got possession of
other lands about the same period, among which was the lordship of
Berwicke Juxta Attingham, which he held under the same barony, by
military service; and as the leading branch of this family gave their
name to the seigniory of Manvesin Rosny, in France, so we find the
younger branch communicated the same name to the respective lordships of
Manvesin Ridware, and Manvesin Berwick, in England, where this family
flourished in the days of our Henrys and Edwards—a knightly race in an
age of gallantry; foremost like their Norman kindred in deeds of arms and
works of piety. The situation, however, not being very distant from the
borders of Wales, and holding the domain by the tenure of border service,
his descendants found it no easy task to defend what their common
ancestor had won by the sword. In the reign of Henry IV. John Malvesyn
being slain at a hunting match, with men of Shropshire, at the Wrekin,
and dying without issue, his niece Editha carried the Berwick estate into
the family of Wydcomb, from whom it passed in like manner to the
Hambrooks, and was purchased from them by the ancestor of the present
proprietor, Lord Berwick.
CHILTON, CRONKHILL, and EMSTREY are three small townships for highway
purposes, in the parish of Atcham on the western side of the river
Severn, near the Holyhead and Shrewsbury turnpike road. The land in
Chilton is chiefly the property of Robert Burton, Esq. Cronkhill is the
property and seat of the Right Hon. Richard Noel Hill Lord Berwick, whose
principal seat is Attingham hall. The house at Cronkhill is a plain
stuccoed structure. EMSTREY is situated about two miles and a half from
Shrewsbury, and has upwards of 500 acres of land, which is the property
of Lady Tyrwhitt. UCKINGTON township is situated on the eastern side of
the Severn; the land is the property of the Duke of Cleveland, who is
also the impropriator.
CHARITIES.—_Joseph Jones_, by will, 1729, directed that six o’clock
prayers in St. Alkmund’s church, Shrewsbury, should be continued for
ever, for which purpose he gave a yearly rent charge of £7. 10s., issuing
out of his tenement and lands in Astley, £6 thereof yearly to be paid to
the vicar or curate of the parish of St. Alkmund, or St. Mary, or on
their neglect to such other minister of the church of England as should
read prayers in either of the said churches about the hour of six o’clock
in the evening, and 20s. to the clerk, and 10s. to the sexton for
officiating on such occasions; and in case of neglect or refusal, he gave
the said legacy to the poor of the parish of Atcham, to be applied in the
education of poor children, or in the maintenance of decayed
housekeepers; and he further directed that the payment of 20s. yearly,
for the instruction of two poor boys or girls in the charity school of
Shrewsbury, should be continued for ever, if his wife should think fit.
And as to the residue of the rents of the lands in Astley, he bequeathed
the same to his wife, with liberty for her to sell a parcel of land
called the Wood Meadow; and after her decease, without issue, he decided
that she, by her will or otherwise, should dispose of the remainder of
the rents reserved upon the lease to such charitable uses as she should
think fit; but for want of such appointment after his wife’s decease, he
directed that as there was divine service in the chapel of Astley only
every third Sunday in the month, 10s. monthly should be paid to a
minister to read prayers and preach in the said chapel every first and
last Sunday in the month; but in case of neglect or refusal, he gave the
rent charge to the poor of Atcham and Astley, or for educational
purposes, at the discretion of the trustees. As executor to Thomas Cox,
Mr. Jones had in his hands a legacy of £5, given for the poor of Atcham,
and a sum of £30 entrusted to him by the Bromley, to buy coals for the
poor of Shrawardine; for securing the payments of 5s. and 30s. as
interest of the above, Mr. Jones charged his lands in Astley and Coleham
with the payment thereof. Elizabeth Jones directed the six o’clock
prayers should he continued in the parish of St. Alkmund as mentioned in
her husband’s will; and the yearly sums of £6. 20s., and 10s. paid as by
him directed; and she appointed 40s. to be paid to the said minister to
provide candles during the winter, in case the parish should refuse, and
£5 yearly to be paid to the organist of St. Mary’s. The estate at Astley
contains 58A. 2R. 6P., and when the charity commissioners published their
report, produced a yearly rental of £60, out of which £6 is paid to the
minister of Astley, £5 to the organist of St. Mary’s, and £1. 10s. to the
poor of Shrawardine. Though the last-mentioned payment, and the interest
of £5 as Cock’s legacy, were charged upon the testators’ estates in
Shrewsbury and Coleham, as well as that in Astley, the Shrewsbury and
Coleham estates have been sold or passed to different hands as being
exonerated from the charge. Nothing has been paid for many years for
maintaining prayers in the church of St. Alkmund, or St. Mary’s,
Shrewsbury, the duty required not having been performed. The interest of
Cock’s legacy is to be considered as included in the portion of the
residue paid to the parish. After the payment of the several sums above
mentioned, and any incidental expenses that may be incurred, the residue
is divided between the parish of Atcham and the township of Astley, £40
generally to the former, and £10 to the latter. The Atcham portion is
disposed of with the produce of other charities, in money or clothing, on
St. Thomas’s day, chiefly among such of the poor as do not receive
parochial relief.
_Thomas Burton_, _Esq._, of Longnor, in 1730, bequeathed £10 per annum
for the use of the poorest inhabitants of this parish, and charged an
estate in Berwick with the payment of the same. The amount is given away
with the produce of Jones’s charity.
_The Countess of Harborough_, in 1765, left to the poor of this parish
the sum of £200, the interest to be annually distributed by the patron
and minister of Atcham. This sum was laid out, in the year 1792, in the
purchase of £193. 11s. 6d. stock, four per cent. annuities, and in the
year 1803 the sum of £44. 2s. 10d., which was raised by suffering the
dividends to accumulate, was laid out in the purchase of additional stock
to make up the sum of £250. The dividends, amounting to £8. 15. per
annum, together with £1. 5s. added by the vicar to make up the deficiency
occasioned by the reduction of the dividends, is also disposed of with
the produce of Jones’s charity.
_Margaret Thompson_, in 1751, gave £6, the yearly interest to purchase
bibles and prayer books for poor children. This sum is in the hands of
the vicar, and he applies the interest according to the donor’s
intentions.
_Thomas Hill_, in 1779, bequeathed £100 to the vicar, churchwardens, and
overseers of Atcham, on trust, to apply the interest in relieving the
necessities of the poor not receiving parochial relief. This gift is in
the hands of Lord Berwick, who distributes annually a quantity of meat
and provisions, exceeding the amount of the interest.
In 1666 _John Cox_ left £20 to the poor of the parish. _Joan Blakeway_,
in 1684, left a yearly sum of 6s. to be distributed among the poor.
_John Calcott_, in 1698, charged a tenement in Worthen with the payment
of 12s. and 7s. a year, to be distributed among poor housekeepers of
Atcham. He also charged the same premises with the legacy of Joan
Blakeley, of 6s. yearly. It is supposed that something was paid in
respect of these charities by Scarlet Lloyd, Esq., who died about fifty
years ago. Nothing, however, has been paid since that period; and though
some pains have been taken to discover the tenement in Worthen subject to
the payment of the charities, no satisfactory information has been
obtained.
_Richard Cox_ gave £5, and directed the interest to be expended in bread
and given to the poor on Easter day. The sum of 5s. was paid in respect
of this charity for several years, by Robert Burton, Esq., of Longnor,
supposing it to be charged on property taken by him from one of the
Calcott family, in exchange for other lands. On examining the title
deeds at a subsequent period, no such charge is mentioned, and he
therefore declined paying in any longer.
_Dorothy Whitcome_ left £10 for the benefit of the poor. In 1742, this
gift, by some means which we are unable to account for, was reduced to
£4. 7s. 8½d., and at a parish meeting held in that year, it was agreed to
distribute the principal among the poor.
ATCHAM, BERWICK, CHILTON, CRONKHILL, EMSTREY, AND UCKINGTON DIRECTORIES.
The Right Hon. Richard Noel Hill, Lord Berwick, Attingham Hall and
Cronkhill
Adams John, farm bailiff, Cronkhill
Burgwin Thomas, blacksmith, Atcham
Burton Rev. Henry, the Vicarage, Atcham
Casewell Thomas, shoemaker, Atcham
Clayton John, farmer, Berwick
Cotterill Edwin, farmer, the Grange, Atcham
Ditcher Joseph, farmer, Uckington
Hand Ann, vict., Berwick’s Arms, commercial and boarding house
Higgins John, farmer, Berwick
Hughes Hannah, vict., Horse Shoe, Uckington
Leigh Edward, coal agent, to Shropshire Coal Company, Atcham
Linell Henry, farmer, Emstrey
Lowe James, farmer, Uckington
Mancell Ann, shopkeeper, Atcham
Mason Robert, wheelwright, Atcham
Miller William, farmer, Uckington
Nunnerley William, coal agent to Hazledine and Co., Atcham
Peach Miss, boarding school, Chilton
Peach William, maltster & saddler, Atcham
Price John, farm bailiff, Berwick
Price William, farmer, Chilton
Rose John, farmer, Emstrey
Vaughan John, Esq., Chilton grove
Weatherby Robert, registrar, Atcham
BOLAS MAGNA, OR GREAT BOLAS,
is a parish and small rural village, in a retired part of the country,
seven miles W. by N. from Wellington. The houses are in general
scattered, but pleasantly situated on the banks of the river Tern, which
divides this parish from Little Bolas. The parish contains 1,784 acres
of land; mostly a bold undulating district, the soil of which is a
mixture of sand and loam. The meadow lands are highly fertile. In 1801,
there were 207 inhabitants; 1831, 255; and in 1841, 55 houses and a
population of 228 souls. Rateable value, £2,682. The principal
landowners are John Taylor, Esq., Thomas Taylor, Esq., Joseph Ogle, Esq.,
and Mrs. Pooler, besides whom there are several smaller proprietors. The
Newport, Preston Brockhurst, and Wellington turnpike roads cross the
township. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, is a brick
structure, except the chancel which is of stone, situated on a gentle
eminence near the banks of the river Tern. It has a square tower, which
contains two bells. The interior has a neat appearance; it is pewed with
oak sittings, and has a small gallery. In the chancel is a neat tablet
in memory of John Ogle, Esq., and his wife, dated 1840. Another mural
tablet remembers Thomas Griffith, and several members of that family, and
is dated 1745. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £7.
9s. 4½d. Gross income, £368. 14s, in the patronage of Viscount Hill,
incumbent, Rev. John Hill, M.A., who resides at THE RECTORY, a pleasantly
situated house, on elevated ground, near the banks of the river Tern.
The rectory was built a few years ago by the present incumbent, in aid of
which a grant was obtained from the governors of Queen Anne’s Bounty.
There are 46 acres of glebe land. A small organ was purchased for the
church in 1843; the cost of it, £63, was raised by subscriptions, chiefly
given by the family of Hill. There is a SCHOOL in the village, where 20
children are educated free; other children are admitted on the payment of
a small sum weekly. BOLAS HOUSE, the residence of John Taylor, Esq., is
a spacious brick structure, surrounded with neat pleasure grounds and
park-like enclosures. BURLEIGH VILLA, a good house, with projecting
gables, is approached by an avenue of trees, and delightfully situated,
is the property and residence of Thomas Taylor, Esq. Bolas is celebrated
as the place where the late Marquis of Exeter domiciled for a time under
the assumed name of Mr. Jones, courted, and married Miss Sarah Hoggins,
and finally raised her to the rank of a British peeress. At the time Mr.
Cecil visited Great Bolas, Mr. Hoggins had a farm and kept a small shop.
One evening, just as the day had closed, a stranger presented himself at
the door, and stated that he was benighted in a strange part of the
country, and would be grateful for the accommodation of a bed, or, in
case that would be inconvenient, to rest on a chair or otherwise. Mrs.
Hoggins, however, very abruptly gave a refusal, but Mr. Hoggins expressed
it as his opinion that it was their christian duty to befriend the
stranger; to which Mrs. Hoggins eventually assented. In the morning, the
stranger arose, and went to survey the farm premises and stock; but the
principal object that attracted his attention was the farmer’s daughter,
Sarah, feeding the poultry. She was a handsome girl, with a lively and
cheerful countenance, bespeaking sensibility and happiness. The heart of
the stranger was no longer his own, but he determined not to be too
premature, and therefore made an agreement to become an inmate of the
farmer’s dwelling. He employed his leisure hours in assisting Mr.
Hoggins in the rural affairs of his farm, and in domestic matters as
occasion occurred, frequently visiting Wellington in the market cart.
Mr. Jones eventually began to manifest a degree of partiality for Miss
Hoggins, and placed her at a school at Wellington. This circumstance did
not escape the notice of the neighbours, and the mysterious stranger was
the talk of the surrounding district. Most people could discover that he
was no ordinary person, and various were the suppositions as to his real
character; but generally the idea prevailed among the gossips of the
neighbourhood that he was captain of a gang of robbers, and this opinion
was strengthened by the occasional visit of strangers and the absence of
Mr. Jones every now and then for a few days, after which he had always
plenty of money. He finally made proposals of marriage to Miss Hoggins,
whose heart had from the first felt a kindred flame, and he was
accordingly accepted. He then pressed his suit with the parents, but the
cautious mother sternly refused, and thought there might be some truth in
the supposition of her neighbours as to the real character of her guest;
but the father had observed their mutual attachment, and the
conclusiveness of his reasoning, “Has he not plenty of money to keep
her?” eventually prevailed with the good old dame. After his marriage
with Sarah, he engaged masters in every branch of polite education to
accomplish his bride. In the course of time the lovely bride had a
daughter, which died, and was buried at Bolas. Her second child,
Brownlow, became the Marquis of Exeter. On the demise of his uncle, in
December, 1793, he became entitled to the honours and estates of the
Earldom of Exeter; he, therefore, found it necessary to repair to London.
He accordingly set out, as on a journey of pleasure, taking his wife with
him, and on the route called at several noblemen’s houses, where, to the
astonishment of his wife, he was welcomed in the most friendly manner.
At length they arrived at the beautiful patrimonial seat of his lordship
(Burleigh, in Northamptonshire), and on approaching the house he asked
his wife, with an air of unconcern, whether she would like it to be her
home; which she immediately assenting to, he then said, “My dear Sarah,
it is yours!” and on making his appearance in front of the house, he was
instantly recognised, and received with acclamations of joy by the family
and domestics.
His lordship shortly afterwards returned to Bolas, discovered his rank to
his wife’s father and mother, put them in a house he had built there, and
settled on them an income of £700 per annum. He also amply provided for
the brothers and sisters of his countess; and generously pensioned all
the servants and workpeople of the villa. The countess, from her
pleasing and unassuming manners, was received with the greatest
cordiality in the high circle of her noble husband, and was introduced to
her majesty, the late Queen Charlotte. She, however, lived but a short
period to enjoy her exalted station, dying in child-bed January 8th,
1797.
MESSON is a small township, in Great Bolas parish, about half a mile S.E.
from the church, the acres of which are returned with the parish. The
landowners are the Duke of Cleveland, Joseph Ogle, Esq., Mr. Collier, Mr.
Samuel Miner, Mr. William Flemming, Mr. William Wild, and Mr. Thomas
Wild. At the census in 1841 the township contained 17 houses and 85
inhabitants. MESSON HALL is now occupied by Mr. Joseph Ogle, as a farm
residence.
CHARITIES.—_Elizabeth Walker_, in 1723, bequeathed £20 to the poor of
this parish, the interest to be expended in bread, and given every Lord’s
day among the poor. _John Whitfield_, who had lived 55 years a servant
in the family of Sir Rowland Hill, and who died in 1747, left £10 for a
distribution of bread on St. John’s day.
BOLAS DIRECTORY.—William Oxon, farmer; John Betley, farmer; John Blanton,
farmer; Samuel Brasenell, shopkeeper and victualler; Fox and Hounds;
Samuel Buckley, farmer and corn miller; Richard Cherrington, shoemaker;
Richard Fox, farmer; Rev. Matthew Kinsey, curate, The Rectory; Benjamin
Phillips, wheelwright; John Taylor, Esq., Bolas House; Thomas Taylor,
Esq., Burleigh Villa.
MEESON DIRECTORY.—Thomas Bellingham, farmer, Shrey-hill; Thomas Blanton,
farmer; William Flemming, tailor; Samuel Miner, farmer; Joseph Ogle,
farmer, Meeson Hall; Thomas Wild, shoemaker; William Wild, farmer.
BUILDWAS
is a parish township and small rural village delightfully situated near
the banks of the Severn, four and a half miles N.E. from Much Wenlock.
The parish contains 2,152 acres of land, of which 350 acres are in woods
and plantations, the remainder is about equally divided in arable and
pasture or meadow lands; the soil is mostly heavy, and produces good
wheat and barley. In 1801 there was a population of 258 souls; 1831,
240, and in 1841 there were 59 houses and 273 inhabitants. A beautiful
iron bridge of one arch 130 feet span was erected by the Coalbrook-dale
Company over the Severn at this place in 1796, at an expense of £6,034.
The rise of the bridge is 24 feet, and as the road-way could not be
carried to a greater height, advantage was taken of the Schaffhausen
principal by making the ribs rise to the top of the railings, and
connecting them to the lower ribs by means of dove-tailed king posts.
The old bridge, which had narrow arches that impeded the navigation of
the river, was carried away by a flood in 1795. Walter Moseley, Esq., (a
minor), is landowner, lord of the manor, and impropriator of the tithes,
which are commuted for £350. The incumbent of the parish has a payment
of £16. 2s. 6d. issuing out of certain lands contiguous to the abbey.
THE CHURCH is a small structure of free stone, dedicated to the Holy
Trinity, and consists of nave and chancel, with a wooden turret; it was
rebuilt in 1720. It contains several neat marble tablets, one of which
on the north wall remembers Margaret Smitheman, who died 1818; another on
the south side remembers John Smitheman, and is dated 1809; Humphrey
Wheeler and his four sons are also remembered on a neat mural tablet
dated 1739, besides which there are several others. The living is a
donative in the patronage of W. Moseley, Esq. Incumbent, Rev. John
Bartlett, M.A., who resides at Marn Wood, a pleasantly situated residence
just within the bounds of Madeley parish. The poor of this parish enjoy
the benefit of a rent charge of £5 per annum, the benefaction of Miss Ann
Lacon. The annuity is received by the churchwardens, who distribute in
equal moieties at Michaelmas and Lady-day among four poor widows in
shares of 12s. 6d. each. Near to the bridge there is a respectable inn,
conducted by Mr. William Jones.
BUILDWAS ABBEY.—The magnificent ruins of Buildwas abbey are situated in a
picturesque vale, near the banks of the river Severn, whose silvery
waters are here crossed by a noble cast iron bridge, having a span of 130
feet. The massive walls of the abbey, with the grey pillars and arches,
present a fine contrast to the rich verdure which surrounds them, and
being environed with high grounds crowned with timber, it presents one of
the most lovely spots for conventual retirement that can well be
imagined. The outer walls of the abbey church are almost entire. The
structure was cruciform with a massive tower in the middle, which rested
on four pointed arches. On each side of the nave are seven pillars, with
indented capitals, from whence spring arches with obtuse points. Above
is a clerestory with small round headed windows. The side aisles, the
transept, and the chapel of the choir are entirely in ruins. Under the
north wing of the transept is the crypt, the whole of which has evidently
been groined with stone, and was supported by circular and diagonal
pillars. Over the chapter house and other apartments forming the east
side of the cloister are the remains of a second story, which was
probably the dormitory. A little eastward of the cloister are probably
the remains of the refectory. The view of this venerable structure from
the west end is peculiarly striking: the huge pillars with their bold
arches and projecting capitals, the lofty arches which supported the
tower, and the windows of the gloomy choir, contrasted with the rich
verdure, and the luxuriant ivy mantling the walls, altogether form a
solemn spectacle of fallen grandeur. The abbey was founded by Roger de
Clinton, in 1135, for monks of the order of Savigny, who were afterwards
united to the Cistercians. The house was dedicated to St. Mary and St.
Chad, and the foundation was confirmed by King Stephen, in the year 1139.
Leland in his itinerary says, “Matilda de Bohun, wife of Sir Robert
Burnell, was founder of Buildwas abbey,” but among the charters of the
monasticon there is no mention of this Matilda, and the foundation is in
two or three places ascribed to Roger de Clinton, Bishop of Chester.
Rustandus, the pope’s legate, with the assistance of the bishop of
Hereford, extorted large sums of money from the clergy; the legate
summoned the abbots of the Cistercian order to meet at Reading, when he
demanded supplies for the use of the pope and the king, which amounted to
the value of their wool. The abbots made answer that the tax was very
grievous, and therefore could come to no resolution without the consent
of their convents. Rustandus incensed at that answer acquainted the king
that the Cistercians refused to grant him supplies. The king swore that
those who refused to submit to his demands should feel the effects of his
power. There was then at court the abbot of Buildwas, whom the king
reprimanded after this manner, “What is the meaning, abbot, that you
refuse to supply my necessities; am I not your patron?” To whom the
abbot replied, “I would to God, sir, you were our patron, our father, and
defender; but it does not become your majesty to extort money from those
who can only assist you with their prayers; let the exemplary piety of
the king of France be a precedent to your majesty in this respect.” The
king replied, “I demand both your money and your prayers.” “How is that
consistent,” said the abbot, “for one of them you must be without.” At
the suppression here were twelve monks who, according to Dugdale, were
endowed with £110. 19s. 3d. per annum, but Speed estimates the value at
£129. 6s. 10d. The site, with all the land in Shropshire, Staffordshire,
and Derbyshire, were granted to Edward Lord Powis in the 29th of Henry
VIII.
An extraordinary phenomena occurred on the 27th of May, 1775, at a place
called the Birches, situated between Buildwas and Ironbridge, which will
be found noticed with the latter place.
Moseley Mrs. Elizabeth, Buildwas Park
Moseley Walter, Esq., Buildwas Park
Bartlett Rev. John, M.A., Marnwood
Birkin Charles, farmer
Eveson Thomas, farmer and gardener
Francis Thomas, farmer
Hewlett John, farmer, Lawleys Cross
Intone Thomas, blacksmith
Jones William, maltster, farmer, and vict. Bridge Inn, Buildwas
Lewis William, farmer, Abbey farm
Nickless Enoch, farmer & builder; residence, Iron bridge
Nunn Rev. John, B.A., curate, Wire Hill Cottage
Pothan William, farmer
Ridley Edward and Samuel, farmer and corn millers
CHETWYND
is a parish which includes the townships of Chetwynd and Howle, part of
Pickstock and part of Sambrook; the latter will be found noticed in
Cheswardine parish, and Pickstock is given with Edgmond in which parish
it is chiefly situated. The hamlet of Pixley noticed with Hinstock
contains 89A. 1R. 28P. of land in this parish. The parish of Chetwynd
contains 3,803A. 0R. 30P. of land, and in 1801 had 594 inhabitants, 1831,
766, and in 1841, 760. The village of Chetwynd forms the northern suburb
to the town of Newport, on the line of road leading from that town to
Market Drayton, but the church, the hall, and the rectory are situated on
the same line of road nearly two miles north from Newport. The township
contains 1,727A. 2R. 5P. of land, and in 1841 had 109 houses and 543
inhabitants. John Charles Burton Borough, Esq., is the principal land
owner and lord of the manor; Robert Fisher, Esq., Thomas Collier, Esq.,
the Rev. William Dalton, are also land owners. The CHURCH, a plain brick
structure dedicated to St. Michael, has been built about one hundred
years; it consists of nave and bay, and has a square tower in which are
six bells; there is a gallery at the west end built in the year 1841 by
voluntary subscriptions. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s
book at £10. 16s. 3d., now returned at £775. in the patronage of J. C. B.
Borough, Esq.; incumbent, Rev. Rev. Thomas Whateley, M.A., who resides at
the rectory, a good residence near the church. The tithes are commuted
for £742. 4s. 11½d. The HALL is an ancient structure near the east end
of the church, which appears to have been built at different periods; in
the low grounds in front of the hall, the river Meese, an inconsiderable
stream takes its course. The park comprises about 300 acres of land, and
is situated on the west side of the turnpike road leading from Newport to
Market Drayton; it has a bold undulating surface, well timbered and
stocked with about two hundred head of deer; a fine sheet of water covers
about thirty acres. The NATIONAL SCHOOL is situated about midway between
Newport and Chetwynd church; there is a residence for the teacher, and
the number of scholars that attend average about seventy.
CHARITIES.—In 1717 a house and croft situated in High street, Newport,
was conveyed in trust for the benefit of the poor of Chetwynd, in
consideration of £80 paid to James and Thomas Liversage, whereof £50 was
money given by Honor Dryden and others for charitable uses. This house
has been unfortunately long lost to the charity, and there is no evidence
to show that the poorhouse ever derived any benefit from it. Of the
croft in Chetwynd a small part, about a rood, was taken upwards of fifty
years ago for the site of a house of industry, for which no compensation
had been made when the charity commissioners published their report. The
remainder of the land produces about £3 per annum.
There is a piece of land containing about three acres known by the name
of Lady meadow, the rent of which was received by the parish officers as
early as the year 1625, but there is no trace of the source from which
the land was derived. The sum of £1 0s. 4d. was the rent paid from the
above year down to 1820, although the premises were then worth about £8
per annum. There are certain premises in the parish of Edgmond now
consisting of three cottages with gardens and about nine acres of land,
which were purchased in 1728 with certain benefactions left by Ann Pigott
and Robert Pigott for the benefit of the poor of Chetwynd; the rents from
these premises amount to £28 per annum.
There is reason to believe from entries in the parish books, that the
land at Hinstock consisting of about ten acres, was purchased for the use
of the poor of Chetwynd about the beginning of the 18th century, but
there is no evidence to show what was the amount of purchase money, or
from what particular source it was derived. It first appears in the
parish books in the year 1700 at a rent of £2. 10s., which continued
without increase until 1760. In 1783 it was let for £4. 15s. and the
amount has since been raised to £14. 14s.
_William Unite’s_ charity of five penny loaves weekly, and several sums
of money amounting to £30 left by several benefactors, have been applied
to the use of the parish, and the parish officers now pay £2. 11s. 8d. as
the interest thereof.
The gross income of the several charities above mentioned amounts to £49.
6s. per annum, and at the time the charity commissioners visited
Chetwynd, was expended in the following manner: £1. 14s. applied in aid
of the church rates, £5. 6s. 8d. in distributions of bread, £4 in the
purchase of coal, and £38. 10s. was carried to the poor’s rates. The
latter, we conceive, is an objectionable mode of applying money left for
charitable uses, and totally at variance with the donors’ intentions. It
was intended, however, by the parishioners, to have a fresh application
of the charitable funds, and to apply a portion towards the support of a
school.
_Robert Pigott_, who died in 1746, left the sum of £50, the interest to
be distributed among poor housekeepers. Certain benefactions, recorded
on tables in the church, left by twelve several donors, amounting to £68,
in the absence of any account of their disposal, may be presumed to have
formed the purchase money of the lands, of which there are no documents
to trace their origin.
The inhabitants of Chetwynd End are entitled to participate in the
benefits of the Grammar School and other charities at Newport.
_Those names with * affixed are at Chetwynd End_.
Boroughs John Charles Burton, Esq., Chetwynd hall
* Allen Harry, spirit merchant
Allmen George, blacksmith, Pilson
* Bailey Robert, maltster and farmer
* Brittain Thos., corn miller
* Cobb John, builder and architect
* Cockayne Miss Sarah
* Cockerill Thomas, Esq.
Collier Thos. Esq., Beech hill
* Derrington Thomas, Chetwynd villa
Emberey Mrs. Ann, Summerhill house
Fisher Robert, Esq. Chetwynd lodge
Ford William, woolstapler
* Franklin John, vict., King’s Arms
* Geates Joseph, gardener
* Hector Miss Elizabeth
Holt David, gamekeeper
* Icke Mrs. Mary
Ingram George, land agent
* Jellicore Mrs. Mary
* Matthews Charles veterinary surgeon
* Morris Thomas, seedsman
Myatt Richard, farmer
* Palin Mrs. Jemima
* Pickworth Mrs. Elizabeth
Podmore Thomas, farmer
* Pritchard Mary Ann, boarding school
* Randal John, architect
Rowley Andrew, schoolmaster and parish clerk
* Rylands Mrs. Jane
* Stevens Mary Ann, schoolmistress
Thompson Mark, woolstapler
Veitch John, farmer
* Washbourne William, Esq., solicitor, Chetwynd house
* Watkin Watkin, timber merchant
* Weate William, farmer and butcher
Webb Joseph, farmer, New house
* West Samuel, shopkeeper
Whately Rev. Thomas, M.A., the Rectory
HOWLE
is a small township with a scattered population, five miles north-west
from Newport, and three miles north-west from Chetwynd. The township
contains 765A. 1R. 28P. of land; and at the census in 1841 there were 18
houses and 102 inhabitants. The land here has an undulating surface, and
is highly fertile. Arthur Mountford, Esq., is the principal landowner,
and farms most of the land. THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a small chapel
in the township.
The chief residents are Arthur Mountford, Esq.; and Messrs. Dawes and
Whitfield, corn millers.
DAWLEY MAGNA,
a populous parish busily engaged in the extensive iron works and
collieries with which the vicinity abounds, is situated four miles S.E.
from Wellington. The parish comprises the townships of Dawley Magna,
Dawley Parva, and Malinslee. In 1801 there was a population of 3,869
souls; 1831, 6,877, and in 1841 there were 1,716 houses and 8,641
inhabitants, of whom 4,490 were males, and 4,151 females. The township
of Dawley Magna contains 997A. 1R. 21P. of land, and in 1841 had 904
houses and 4,485 inhabitants. R. A. Slaney, Esq., is lord of the manor
and a considerable landowner; Beriah Botfield, Esq., the Coalbrook Dale
Company, Robert Burton, Esq., and the Langley Field Company, are also
proprietors. The collieries vary from 150 yards to 200 yards in depth,
and the seams of coal from two feet to four feet in thickness; the coal
is of a very superior quality, and got in immense quantities. The
Coalbrook Dale Company give employment to upwards of 3,500 hands, and the
quantity of coal raised by this firm in the parish of Dawley alone
amounts to 8,500 tons per month, or 102,000 tons per annum, of ironstone
42,000 tons a year. The same company also make 17,880 tons of pig iron,
at the Horse Hay Works in this parish, besides 14,200 tons of finished
merchant iron yearly. A very ingenious contrivance is adopted at the
Horse Hay Works, by means of which 100 tons of coal per month are saved.
Attached to the furnace chimnies where the iron is made are pipes by
which the gas is brought down under the immense steam engines which are
necessary for raising the coal and ironstone from the mines contiguous to
the works. On the gas uniting with the atmospheric air under the engines
it immediately ignites, and thus an immense saving and power is acquired
which is generally neglected in other establishments. At the time we saw
the works there was a surplus supply of gas thrown off, which would have
put in motion an engine of 100 horse power. The Horse Hay Works took
their name from the circumstance of this place, in former days being the
depository for hay, when the minerals were carried on pack horses from
Ketley-bank to Coalbrook dale—this was a half-way house where the horses
were fed, and hence the name Horse Hay Works. Each of the adult workmen
employed at this extensive establishment pays 1s. per month, which forms
a fund for educational purposes and funeral expenses.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is a handsome structure of
free stone, erected in 1845, at a cost of about £3,000, raised by
subscriptions and grants from the church building societies. The stone
was got from a neighbouring quarry. It consists of nave, chancel and
side aisles, with a tower at the west end, in which are six bells. The
interior has a chaste appearance: the nave is separated from the side
aisles by four lofty arches; on the north side of the chancel is a neat
stone pulpit, and there is a gallery at the west end, upon which there is
a superior organ erected in 1851 at a cost of £200. The pews are uniform
in character, and there are 831 sittings, of which 664 are free and
unappropriated. The living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of the
Messrs. Phillips. Incumbent, Rev. William Richards, M.A. The parsonage
is about half a mile N.W. from the church. The rectoral tithes are
commuted for £82. 10s. Messrs. Phillips are the impropriators. The
incumbent receives £1. The parish register dates from the year 1666.
The old church stood a little S.E. of the present edifice; it was a small
structure of primitive simplicity, and had a short tower at the west end.
On the east side of the church yard stands the old parsonage, an antique
fabric of wood and plaster with a thatched roof; it is much dilapidated
by time, and is expected shortly to be taken down. The WESLEYAN CHAPEL,
Dawley Green, is a plain octagonal structure, which will hold about 400
hearers. The Wesleyans have also a spacious chapel at Dawley Bank, built
in 1846. The WESLEYAN NEW CONNECTION CHAPEL is a spacious structure at
Dawley Green, which will hold about 1,000 persons. The PARTICULAR
BAPTIST CHAPEL is a small structure situated at Dawley Bank. The
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL is a spacious structure capable of holding
about 1,000 persons, situated in Dawley Green-lane. DAWLEY GREEN is a
most densely populated part of the parish, and is about half a mile from
the church; in High street are many good houses and shops in all the
different branches of the retail trade. POOL HILL SCHOOL is a noble pile
of buildings, erected at a cost of upwards of £3,500, defrayed by the
munificence of different members of the Darby family. The interior is
spacious and lofty, and the roof is of groined timber stained in
imitation of oak. There is a good library containing upwards of 400
volumes. The school has been built for the education of the children of
workmen belonging to the Coalbrook Dale Company, and is partly supported
from a fund into which each workman pays 1s. per month for educational
purposes and funeral expenses of deceased members; the residue necessary
for the support of the school is paid by the Coalbrook Dale Company. The
NATIONAL SCHOOL is a plain structure, erected in 1841, and situated near
the parsonage house. About 100 children attend. It is supported by
subscriptions and the pence of the children. FINGER LANE is a scattered
district to the east of the church.
DAWLEY PARVA,
a township situated near a mile W. of Dawley Magna, comprises 900A. 1R.
38P. of land, and in 1841 had 270 houses and 1,435 inhabitants. The
canal and roads occupy 30A. 1R. 8P. The tithes of Dawley Parva have been
commuted, and £146 apportioned to Messrs. Phillips, the impropriators,
and £6 to the incumbent. THE CHURCH is a neat structure, dedicated to
St. Luke, and consists of nave and bay, with a belfry at the west end,
built of hewn stone of very beautiful workmanship. The roof is of
groined timber, and there is a gallery at the west end. The cost of the
fabric was about £1,300, which was raised partly by grants from the
church building societies and partly by subscriptions. There are 507
sittings, which are all free and unappropriated. The church was built
under Sir Robert Peel’s act, and is endowed with £150 per annum. The
patronage is vested in the crown and the bishop of Lichfield alternately.
The Rev. James Morris is the incumbent. The vestry is used as a Sunday
school for girls, and the boys are taught in the church. The parsonage
is a neat residence situated near the church. THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS
have a spacious chapel, built in 1837. HOLYWELL LANE is a populous
district, chiefly of cottage residences, which take their name from a
well here called Holy Well. At HINKHAY are a number of scattered
cottages.
MALINSLEE
is a township in the parish of Dawley, situated about a mile N. from the
parish church, which comprises 736A. 1R. 9P. of land, and in 1841 there
were 510 houses and 2,721 inhabitants, Robert H. Cheney, Esq., is the
principal landowner; Beriah Botfield, Esq., is also a proprietor. The
Shropshire union canal occupies 34A. 1R. 31P., and there is 1A. 2R. 20P.
of glebe in the township. Malinslee forms a part of the great Shropshire
coal field; ironstone is found in large quantities, and the iron and coal
works of Beriah Botfield, Esq., are of considerable extent. The Old Park
coal works are celebrated for superior coal. THE CHURCH is an octagonal
structure, erected in the early part of the present century; it is built
of free stone, and will accommodate about 800 persons. The expenses of
the erection were defrayed with money left by J. H. Browne, Esq., of
Burton-upon-Trent. The patronage is vested in the incumbent of Dawley
Magna; the living is a perpetual curacy enjoyed by the Rev. William
Harris. MALINSLEE HOUSE is a good brick residence, built about sixty
years ago by the late William Botfield, Esq. It is now occupied as
offices by the clerks of B. Botfield, Esq. About 150 yards from the
house are the ruins of a small religious house called Malinslee Abbey.
This may have been subordinate to some of the larger abbeys in the
vicinity, but of which we find no record. The ruins consist of a small
oblong square with walls at each end about twenty feet high, and on each
side from six to nine feet in height, having traces of the Saxon style of
architecture.
CHARITIES.—_Richard Hodden_, by will, dated 19th June, 1684, devised his
land of inheritance, situated in Dogpole-street, Shrewsbury, and also his
lands lying in Middleton-on-the-Hill, in the county of Hereford, to
Richard Hodden and his heirs, on condition that he should (among other
things) pay an annuity of £7 to the poor of Dawley Magna. The premises
in Dogpole-street, Shrewsbury, mentioned in Hodden’s will, cannot now be
identified, but the annuity is paid by Mr. Bird, the occupier, and part
owner of the premises of Middleton, which consists of a farm and
buildings, and about seventy acres of land. The amount is divided among
poor widows, who are relieved according to their necessities.
_Rebecca Walthall_, who died in 1756, bequeathed to the churchwardens of
Dawley £40, and directed the interest to be distributed yearly to the
poor of Malinslee. This money was in the hands of the late William
Botfield, Esq., who distributed 40s. as the interest thereof among poor
widows. When the charity commissioners published their report Mr.
Botfield had also a further sum of £50 in his hands, left as he believed
by Rebecca Walthall, for which he paid interest to the incumbent of
Dawley.
In the year 1738, by deed, dated 14th of April, Richard Styche, in
consideration of £20 paid to him by Edward Forsbrook, with the consent of
the parishioners, for placing the said money at interest for the benefit
of the poor of the parish, assigned a cottage at Madeley Wood, which had
been granted to him in 1732, by George Yorke, for securing the repayment
of £30 advanced by him to Yorke, and of which £10 had been since paid
off. And by a memorandum at the back of the deed the parties agreed that
interest at four per cent. should be paid for the £20. On the 7th March,
1857, the said George Yorke, by endorsement on this deed, acknowledged to
have borrowed of the parish officers of Dawley the sum of £13, which sum,
with interest at the rate of 10s. a year, he agreed should be payable
from the said premises, making the whole principal sum £33. We could not
ascertain with certainty the origin of this poor’s money, but find that
Enoch Cooper, in 1721, left a sum of £20 to the use of the poor of Great
Dawley, and this sum probably formed the first amount advanced on this
mortgage. In the returns of the commissioners under the act of the 26th
of George III., there is mention of a benefaction by another person of
the name of Cooper of £13, which agrees with the further sum advanced on
the mortgage in 1757, but we have not found any other trace of this
donation.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. Samuel Deakin’s_, _High street_. Letters arrive at
8 A.M., and are despatched at 5 30 P.M. Money orders are granted at this
office.
_Those names with_ 1 _affixed are in High street_; 2 _Chapel lane_; 3
_Dawley Green lane_; 4 _Dawley Bank_, 5 _Horse Hay_; 6 _Finger lane_; 7
_The Wickets_. _Those marked * are Dawley Magna_; _and_ † _in
Malinslee_.
4 Bailey Edward, farmer
1 Bailey George, grocer, seedsman, and ironmonger
1 Bailey Henry, butcher
2 Bailey John, relieving officer
1 Bailey Michael, shopkeeper
5 Bailey Robert, cashier
2 Bailey William Henry, surveyor of highways, accountant, assistant
overseer, and agent to Birmingham District Fire Office
1 Barclay John Brown, shopkeeper
* Barker John, cabinet-maker, registrar of births, deaths, and marriages,
and vict., Crown Inn
3 Barnes Richard, inland revenue officer
1 Bason Edward, grocer and tea dealer
1 Baugh John, saddler
1 Belshaw Robert, draper and hatter
† Blakemore Thomas, victualler, Stag Inn
† Bishton William, victualler, Plough Inn
† Bishton Geo., accountant, Malinslee House
† Botfield Beriah, Esq., ironmaster
1 Bradbury Thomas, chemist and druggist, & agent to the Royal Farmers &
Medical, Legal, and General Insurance Office
5 Bratton John, accountant
6 Bray and Garbett, timber dealers
6 Bray Moses, shoemaker
6 Bray Thomas, victualler, Queen’s Arms
4 Brown Richard, butcher
4 Broom William, shoemaker
1 Brown William, butcher
1 Burroughs James, watch and clockmaker
1 Carver James, joiner and builder
1 Chilton Joseph, beerhouse
1 Chirm Jane, shopkeeper
3 Clarke John, tailor
4 Clarke William, wheelwright
3 Clemson William, maltster and victualler, King’s Arms
1 Cooke Henry, grocer, maltster, corn-miller, and seedsman
4 Cox Rev. Alfred (Baptist)
5 Dobbs James, boot and shoemaker
1 Davies George, surgeon
Darby and Co. (Colebrook Dale Company), ironmasters, Horse Hay
3 Deakin Catherine, beerhouse
1 Deakin Samuel, plumber, glazier, painter, and postmaster
* Deakin Thomas, grocer and draper
1 Deakin Wm., painter, glazier, & beerhouse
* Dixon Thomas, farmer
4 Done James, grocer and draper
1 Egerton Joseph, butcher, and beerhouse
1 Egerton Samuel, victualler, Angel Inn
1 Evans Thomas, victualler, Crown Inn
2 Faulkner Richard, beerhouse
Finley Jane, schoolmistress, Pool-hill school
* Fletcher George, farmer
3 Franklin Francis, shoemaker
3 Garbett and Bray, timber dealers
1 Garbett John, draper
2 Garbett Matthew and Benjamin, charter masters
* Garbett Michael, clerk of St. Luke’s
5 Garbett William, victualler, Peacock
1 Gill Robert, brazier
3 Green Charles H., surgeon, The Terrace
* Greenhalgh Robert, grocer
1 Greenhalgh William, grocer, draper, and hop and corn dealer
3 Gregory Mary, bonnet maker
1 Gun Robert, shoemaker
4 Guy Mary, grocer and victualler, Queen’s Head
1 Guy Thomas, pork butcher
6 Harris James, blacksmith and chainmaker
† Harris Rev. William, curate, Parsonage
3 Hayward George, shoemaker & beerhouse
1 Heaford Jonathan, tailor and draper
3 Hewlett Jane, shopkeeper and beerhouse
† Hudson William, accountant, Dark-lane House
1 Hudson William, timber dealer & builder
Hughes Andrew, butcher, and victualler, Red Lion
James Joseph, police constable
1 Jones Benjamin, ironmonger
4 Jones George, blacksmith
3 Jones John, charter master
3 Jones Phillip, beerhouse
1 Jones Thomas, confectioner
2 Jones William, charter master
1 Kirby Samuel, tailor
Langley Field Coal Company
1 Lane Rosannah, beerhouse
* Leigh Randle, beerhouse
1 Lewis George, butcher
3 Lewis James, butcher and grocer
2 Lord Mrs. Mary Ann
1 Lloyd Robert, shoemaker
* Mancell Thomas, shoemaker
3 Mason Thomas, shoemaker
† Mason William, tailor, Church lane
5 Maun James, victualler, Labour in Vain
6 Merrington Charles, blacksmith, iron-fence and chain maker
1 Millington John, beerhouse
1 Millman Richard, wheelwright
1 Mogg William, earthenware dealer
7 Morgan Thomas, blacksmith
3 Morgan Jeremiah, grocer and victualler, The Lamb
* Morris Rev. James, The Parsonage
3 Onions Enoch, shopkeeper and beerhouse
5 Owen Mary, victualler, Craven Arms
* Nightingale Saml., farmer & vic., Unicorn Inn
3 Parish Joseph, spade maker
7 Parsons John, vict., Wickets Inn
1 Pearce Richard Reynolds, leather dealer
3 Pickin James, hair dresser
4 Pierson John, hair dresser
† Poole James, boiler, chain, and nail maker, and vict., New Wickets Inn
1 Poole and Son, hair dressers
† Poole Robert, ground bailiff
1 Poole Sarah, dress maker
3 Poole William, tailor
4 Poole William, charter master
* Powell Matthew, farmer
4 Powis George, shoemaker
3 Pritchard Charles, shoemaker
6 Pritchard George, vict., Peter’s Finger
4 Pursell Lancelot, butcher
Richards Rev. William, M.A., Parsonage
5 Roden Benjamin, rolling mill manager
1 Roum Alice, beerhouse
1 Roum Maria Louisa, bonnet maker
1 Russell Joseph, draper and hatter
6 Sandlands John, saddler
Sides John James, schoolmaster (National)
1 Simms John, tailor
6 Smallman William, beerhouse and grocer
1 Slater Joseph, stationer, and at Ironbridge
5 Stanley William, grocer and draper
Stewart Elizabeth, beerhouse
Smart Rev. John, Wesleyan
Summers Thomas, maltster, farmer, and vict., Hinkshey
Taylor John Joseph, maltster and vict., Dun Cow
1 Taylor Richard, grocer, maltster, and draper
* Taylor William, farmer
4 Teece James, tailor and draper
4 Tipton Henry, charter master and vict., Red Lion
† Tipton Mark, manager to B. Botfield, Esq.; residence, Mossy Green
1 Tranter Sarah, maltster & vict., Elephant and Castle
1 Tranter William, vict., Lord Hill
* Trigger Elizabeth, farmer
3 Vaughan Thomas, charter master
3 Walford John, tailor
3 Walford Mary, dressmaker
3 Walkis Miles, joiner
1 Webb Mathew, surgeon
5 Wilkes Thomas, mine agent
5 Wilkes Mark, furnace and forge manager
5 William Edward, vict., Pudlers’ Arms
* Wright Peter, farmer
EATON CONSTANTINE,
is a parish and delightfully situated village, near the Wrekin Hill,
seven miles S.E. from Shrewsbury, and five miles S.W. from Wellington.
The parish comprises 874A. 0R. 10P. of land, the principal owners of
which are the Duke of Cleveland and Mrs. Maun, besides whom Mrs. Langley,
Mr. Samuel Dalloe, Mr. George Davies, and Mr. William Langley, are also
proprietors. The Duke of Cleveland is lord of the manor. In 1801 Eaton
parish contained 204 inhabitants; 1831, 244, and in 1841 59 houses and
294 souls. THE CHURCH, a neat stone edifice dedicated to St. Mary,
exhibits the gothic style of architecture, and was almost wholly rebuilt
during the years 1847–8, at a cost of £775. Of this sum £490 was raised
by subscriptions, £125 was granted by the Diocesan Society, £60 by the
Incorporated Society for Enlarging and Building Churches, and £100 was
raised by a parish rate on the parishioners. It is considered a free
chapel or rectory, in the patronage of the Duke of Cleveland; incumbent,
Rev. Henry Beckwith. The tithes are commuted for £176, of which £46 is
paid to the vicar of Leighton, and the residue is paid to the incumbent
of Eaton Constantine. There are 25 acres of glebe land. THE NATIONAL
SCHOOL is a modern structure erected at the cost of £190, and situated
near the church. The Privy Council on Education granted £40 towards the
erection, the Diocesan Society £20, the National Society £15, and the
residue was raised by public subscriptions. The average attendance of
children is about sixty.
There is belonging to the poor of this parish the sum of £20, the origin
of which is not known. It is secured on the Atcham House of Industry,
and the interest, amounting to 18s. per annum, is distributed among four
of the poorest parishioners. William Warham, in 1806, bequeathed after
the decease of his wife the interest of £100, and directed the same to be
distributed among five of the poorest parishioners of the parish. The
testator’s widow died in 1826, and £90 (£10 having been deducted for the
legacy duty), was laid out in the purchase of £114. 2s. 1d. three per
cent. consols. The dividends, amounting to £3. 8s. 4d. per annum, are
divided on Candlemas-day among five poor men residing in the parish.
DIRECTORY.—The Rev. Henry Beckwith, The Parsonage; John Bullock,
carpenter; Samuel Dalloe, carpenter; John James, carpenter, Longwood;
Maria Langley, beerhouse keeper; John Morris, blacksmith; Henry Smith,
grocer; Zechariah Smith, farmer; Robert Thomas, farmer; Thomas Ward,
carpenter.
EDGMOND
is a considerable parish, comprising the townships of Adeney, Butterey,
Calvington, Caynton, Cherrington, Chetwynd Aston, Church Aston, Stanford,
Tibberton, and part of Pickstock. The parish contains 5,026A. 0R. 31P.
of land; gross estimated rental, £9,227. 16s. 1½d.; rateable value,
£7,854. 8s. 11½d. Population in 1801, 1,699; 1831, 2,300, and in 1841,
2,471. The village of Edgmond is pleasantly situated on elevated ground,
about a mile W. from Newport; it contains several good residences, and
commands some pleasing prospects of the surrounding country. The
township contains 1,933A. 2R. 27P. of land, and in 1841 there were 174
houses and 792 inhabitants. Rateable value, £3,741. 4s. 9¼d. The lands
are intersected by the Shropshire union canal, which covers 20A. 0R. 32P.
of land. The principal landowners are Thomas Bayley, Esq., Mr. John
Cooke Hill, Rev. John D. Pigott, Rev. William Dalton, Mr. John Moore, Mr.
John Alcock, Mr. Thomas Harper Adams, and Mrs. Dewson; J. C. H. Borough,
Esq., is lord of the manor.
THE CHURCH is a fine old castellated structure, dedicated to St. Peter,
consisting of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with a square tower in
which are six bells; four pointed arches rising from octagonal pillars
divide the nave from the side aisles. The chancel is spacious and
covered with tesselated pavement. Above the altar is a beautiful stained
glass window, added a few years ago at the expense of the present rector;
it contains figures, chastely executed, representative of St. Peter, St.
James, and St. John, the other compartments being richly ornamented with
gothic tracery. The west window has also been beautified with stained
glass by the liberality of the parishioners. In the centre aisle is a
brass with two full length figures, the armorial bearings of the family,
and figures of thirteen children, in memory of the Young’s, a family of
consequence in this locality in former days. A neat tablet in the south
aisle remembers William Briscoe, Esq., of Caynton, who died in 1828; near
to it is another tablet to the memory of John Bayley, Esq., who died in
1833. The font has been re-hewn, but the original characters have been
preserved. An alabaster slab, recently removed from the chancel to the
west end of the church, remembers Nicholas Peckell, supposed to have been
the last Roman Catholic rector of this place. The church was anciently
appropriated to the abbey of Shrewsbury. In the 10th of Henry VII., the
advowson was given to the Carthusian priory at Shortly, near Coventry.
The patronage is now vested in the Rev. John Dryden Pigott, B.A., who is
also the incumbent. The tithes have been commuted for £2,400, and there
are 62A. 2R. 25P. of glebe land. The rectory is a very ancient building
on the south side of the church yard; it was no doubt built for the
reception of some of the religious orders in Catholic times. A low
doorway and some other small fragments are all that remain of the ancient
fabric. EDGMOND HALL, a handsome brick residence pleasantly situated a
little south from the church, is the property of Mr. John C. Hill, but
unoccupied when our agent visited Edgmond. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, situated
a little west from the church, has an attendance of 54 boys and 46 girls.
THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a small chapel built in 1835.
CHARITIES.—In 1699 certain lands were purchased with the sum of £70,
which is supposed to have been derived from some of the numerous
benefactions which are recorded on a tablet in the church, and for the
greater number of which, amounting to £211, no permanent mode of
application is there designed. In the purchase deeds it is directed that
six penny loaves should be distributed in the parish every Sunday, from
which it is inferred that John Moreton’s gift of £26 formed part of the
purchase money, the interest of which at five per cent. would exactly
suffice for the weekly distribution of six penny loaves. These lands,
with an allotment of about three-fourths of an acre made in respect of
them some years ago, contain in the whole 13A. 0R. 22P., and now produces
a yearly rental of £12. There are also about twelve acres of land
situate in the parish of Edgmond, and belonging to the poor of the
parish, which are supposed to have been purchased with other of the
benefactions recorded upon the tablet in the church, but there are no
deeds or documents now extant indicating the source from which the
property was derived, or the trusts on which it is held. There are four
pieces of land which together are let for £26. 12s. per annum; from this
fund, and £4. 10s. added from the rents of the Hinstock estate, 7s. worth
of bread is distributed every week among the poor of Edgmond, and 14s.
worth is sent every Easter to Tibberton. £1. 19s. is distributed among
the poor of Edgmond on St. David’s-day in sums of 6d. each, as the gift
of David Oliver. The residue of the fund amounting to £10. 5s. is
expended in warm clothing for the poor during the winter season.
_The Rev. Dryden Pigott_, in 1734, bequeathed £200, and directed the
interest thereof to be employed in clothing and schooling, and for books
for such poor boys inhabiting the village of Edgmond as his executor and
the rector of Edgmond, their heirs and successors, should judge to be a
sufficient number for the purpose; the said boys to be clothed and kept
at school so long as the said trustees should think fit. This legacy in
1806 was invested in the purchase of £258. 8s. 3d. four per cent. stock,
and the dividends, which amount to £10. 4s. 8d., are employed in the
clothing and education of seven or eight boys.
_John Smith_ left £100, the interest to be given upon St. John’s-day to
the poor of Edgmond. _Robert Pigott_, in 1746, left £50, the interest to
be given to the poor of Edgmond and Adeney. An annual sum of £7. 10s. is
paid by the Rev. John D. Pigott as the interest of these two
benefactions. The amount is given away in half-crowns to the poor of
Adeney and Edgmond on St. John’s-day.
Adams Thomas Harper, farmer, Anceller House
Alcock John, gentleman
Bayley Thomas, gentleman
Blakemore John, farmer
Bolas Benjamin, shoemaker
Bolas John, shoemaker
Bratton Thomas, tailor
Buckley Thomas, tailor
Casewell William, farmer
Davies William, wheelwright
Dewson Mrs. Catherine, Hill House
Evans Edward, shoemaker
Harper John, tailor and vict., Lion Inn
Hill Capt. Clement, Summer Hill
Hill John Cooke, farmer
Hollins Mr. John
Icke Mrs. Elizabeth Glover, Edgmond Grove
James John, shopkeeper
Large John, shopkeeper and carpenter
Lewin George, schoolmaster
Littleton Ben., blacksmith
Mansell Thomas, blacksmith
Moore John, farmer
Morris William, tailor
Patrick James, shoemaker
Phillips John, wheelwright
Pigott David, shoemaker
Pigott Rev. John Dryden, B.A., The Rectory
Pigott William, wheelwright
Pinson William, shoemaker
Pooler Richard, butcher
Sillitoe John, farmer
Sillitoe Thomas, farmer
Tomlins Rev. Richard, M.A.
Vigers Peter, carpenter
Wainwright Abrm., road surv.
Wiggin Thomas, farmer and vict., Old Lamb
Williams John, farmer
Yeomans John, maltster, butcher, and vict., New Inn
ADENEY, OR ADNEY,
is a small township in the parish of Edgmond, situated about a mile W.
from the parish church; the township contains 618A. 2R. 22P. of land, the
soil of which in some places is light and sandy, and in other parts a
strong fertile loam. The Shropshire union canal intersects the township,
and occupies 15A. 0R. 2P. of land; Lady Tyrwhitt is the owner of the
land, the gross rental of which is £1,175. 13s. 3d. Rateable value,
£982. 2s. 7½d. At the census in 1841 there were ten houses and a
population of 71 souls.
The principal residents are Richard Asterley, farmer; George Hammond,
farmer and surveyor; and John Pooler, farmer, and brick, tile, and
draining pipe manufacturer.
BUTTEREY
is a township with only one house, partly situated in the parish of
Edgmond and partly in that of Lilleshall; in the former are 239A. 3R.
38P. of land, and in the latter about 30 acres. The rateable value of
the land in Edgmond is £354. 16s. 5d. The Shropshire union railway
crosses the township and occupies 5A. 2R. 6P. There is a considerable
extent of low marsh land, which is used for grazing purposes. The Duke
of Sutherland is the proprietor. Mrs. Sarah Masefield, farmer, occupies
the land, and resides at a good residence near the banks of the canal,
about two miles S.W. from Edgmond.
CAYNTON,
a township two miles N.W. from Edgmond, has 670A. 0R. 17P. of land, which
is the property of George Briscoe, Esq. Rateable value, £995. 12s. 6d.
At the census of 1841 there were 14 houses and 51 inhabitants. CAYNTON
HOUSE is a handsome brick residence pleasantly situated, in the occupancy
of Mr. Thomas Paddock, farmer. There is a corn mill here situated on a
small stream, which has its confluence with the river Tern in the parish
of Ercall Magna. CALVINGTON, returned as in the township of Caynton at
the census of 1841, is held as a separate township by the parish
officers. It contains 339A. 2R. 18P. of land, which is the property of
Mr. Charles Morris. Rateable value, £464. 0s. 1½d. STANFORD, a good
farm two miles N. from Edgmond, has 221A. 0R. 23P. of land, which is the
property of the Rev. William Dalton. Rateable value, £228. 17s. 1d.
DIRECTORY.—Thomas and William Paddock, farmers, maltsters, and corn
millers, Caynton; Thomas Paddock, farmer, Caynton House; Sarah Pooler,
farmer, Calvington; Edward Banton, farmer, Stanford Hall.
CHERRINGTON
is a township in the parish of Edgmond, three miles and a quarter from
the parish church, comprising 1,035A. 1R. 12P. of land, mostly a light
fertile loam, about equal portions arable and in pasture lands. The Duke
of Sutherland is lord of the manor and owner of the whole township,
except 29A. 1R. 20P. of land, which is the property of Mr. Joseph Ogle.
In 1801 there were 173 inhabitants; 1831, 192; and in 1841, 39 houses and
189 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,522. 12s. 4d. The farms here are of
considerable extent, and the land has been much improved by superior
cultivation.
_John White_ gave the sum of £20 to the poor of Cherrington, and directed
the interest to be distributed by the minister, churchwardens, and
overseers of the parish, among the most deserving objects of charity.
This gift is now in the savings’ bank, and the interest is usually
distributed among old men or widows of Cherrington. There are traces of
the distribution of this charity for more than a century back; and an
entry in the churchwardens’ book for the year 1788, describes it as money
left by the late Captain White.
The principal residents are Thomas Browne, farmer; Henry Green, farmer,
Day House; Sarah Palin, farmer, Cherrington Manor; William Podmore,
farmer; William Fletcher, joiner and builder; William Harper, shoemaker;
Richard Hobson, shoemaker; Thomas Jones, shoemaker; Richard Middleton,
rope maker; Benjamin Rea, corn miller; and John Williams, shopkeeper and
vict., Four Crosses.
CHETWYND, OR FIELD ASTON,
is a township in the parish of Edgmond, situated near the eastern verge
of the county, about a mile south from Newport. The township is
intersected by the railway, and the Newport station is within the bounds
of this township, situated about half a mile from the church. The
township contains 1,244A. 0R. 8P. of land. Gross estimated rental,
£3,051. 11s. 3d. Rateable value, £2,670. 7s. The principal landowners
are the Duke of Sutherland; John Cotes, Esq.; John Tayleur, Esq.; Miss
Elizabeth Slaney; Lilleshall Company; Mr. Phillips; and Mr. Stoneley.
The population of this township in 1801 was 268; 1831, 246; and 1841,
385; at the latter period there were 82 houses, which are for the most
part straggling, and form in part the southern suburb to the town of
Newport, and stretch on the turnpike road as far as Pave Lane, upwards of
a mile and a half.
PAVE LANE is a hamlet on the turnpike road, where the Lilleshall company
have a depôt for coal, which is brought by canal from the extensive
collieries of the Duke of Sutherland, which are leased by the Lilleshall
company. The town of Newport is almost wholly supplied by the coal
brought hither, which is of very superior quality, and varies in price
from 6s. 3d. to 10s. 10d. per ton.
Allman John, shoemaker and blacksmith
Baddeley Charles, farmer, Aston cottage
Baleson Rev. John, curate of Church Aston
Birks Thomas, beerhouse
Bridgwood Mr. William
Brittain Richard, farmer
Brittain Thomas, farmer and corn miller
Collier Joseph, commercial academy
Cheadle James, agent to Lilleshall company, Pave Lane
Goodwin Joseph, wheelwright
James John, farmer, Pave Lane
Hall John, station master
Humphreys Joseph, farmer and butcher
Lawley Thomas, shoemaker
Lilleshall Company, coal & lime merchants
Mancell Walter, maltster and vict., Fox and Duck, Pave lane
Mancell William, vict., Horse and Jockey, Pave Lane
Nevett John, toll-gate contractor
Paddock James, farmer
Slaney Miss Elizabeth, Holly grove
Slaney Elizabeth, farmer
Stoneley James, brick maker and farmer
Tomkinson Joseph, tailor
Treasure John, land agent, surveyor, and builder, Aston villa
CHURCH ASTON
is a chapelry and small village, with some genteel residences, pleasantly
situated about a mile south from Newport, and a mile and a half east by
south from Edgmond. The township contains 720A. 2R. 37P. of land. Ralph
M. Leeke, Esq., is the principal landowner and lord of the manor.
William Underhill, Esq.; John Treasure, Esq.; Miss Elizabeth Slaney; and
Charles B. Brown, Esq., are also proprietors. Gross estimated rental,
£2,769. 9s. 6d. Rateable value, £2,459. 11s. 1d. In 1801 there was a
population of 451 souls; 1831, 451; and 1841, 512, at which period there
were 110 houses. THE CHAPEL is a neat brick structure, consisting of
nave, bay, and transepts, with an octagonal tower surmounted by a vane.
The chapel was enlarged in 1823, by which means 200 additional sittings
have been obtained; and in consequence of a grant from the Society for
Promoting the Enlargement and Building of Churches and Chapels, 150 of
that number are free and unappropriated for ever, in addition to 50
sittings formerly added; it is provided with galleries, has a small
organ, a neat font, and the east window is beautified with stained glass.
The living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of the rector of
Edgmond; the Rev. John Baleson is the officiating minister. ASTON HALL
is a handsome stuccoed mansion, embosomed in foliage, and has been built
about twenty years; it is the property of R. M. Leeke, Esq., and seat of
Ralph Ormsby Gore, Esq. Mr. Underhill has recently built a neat villa
residence on elevated ground a short distance from the village, which
commands a pleasing view of the country. The township is crossed by the
Newport and Wellington turnpike road, by the Shropshire Union railway,
and the canal formed by the Lilleshall company, for the conveyance of
coal and lime; of the latter large quantities are made in this township;
it is extensively used for agricultural purposes. There is a large
reservoir in this township of excellent water, which partly supplies the
town of Newport. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL is a brick structure, where about
eighty children are educated.
CHARITIES.—_Mrs. Mary Broughton_, by will, 1728, gave to Robert Pigott
and Henry Jervis the sum of £650 in trust, and directed the rents or
profits thereof to be applied to the following uses, viz., 20s. to be
laid out in bread and distributed among the poor of the village on the
28th July; 20s. to be laid out yearly, and distributed in like manner on
the day of the month on which she should happen to die, and the residue
of the yearly profits to be applied by the trustees in educational
purposes, and in apprenticing poor children of this township. By a
decree of the Court of Chancery, made the 7th of May, 1752, in a cause in
which the Attorney-general, at the relation of Adam Jervis and Richard
Jervis plaintiffs, and Robert Pigott defendant, it was decreed that £650
should be laid out in the purchase of stock, which was accordingly
invested in the purchase of £611. 15s. 4d south sea annuities. The costs
of the suit were paid out of a sum of £136. 5s. 8d., which had
accumulated as interest before the stock was purchased. The trusts of
this charity had been very inefficiently carried out when the charity
commissioners published their report. The amount expended up to the year
1819 was for bread, £103. 15s.; schooling and books, £115. 5s. 10d.;
apprenticing, £120; extra charges on the charity estate, £59. 14s.,
making a total of £398. 14s. 10d., whilst the dividends to October 1820
amounted to £688. 2s. 4d.
A sum of £20, supposed to have been the gift of _Francis_ and _Elizabeth
Watson_, is placed in the Newport Savings’ Bank. The interest is
distributed among the poor, with other sums collected for the same
purpose from the parishioners, at Christmas. An annual sum of 5s. is
expended in bread for the poor on Good Friday.
Brown Charles Baldwin, Esq.
Bullock Elizabeth, vict., The Last
Crump Mr. Thomas
Doody Mrs. Elizabeth, Aston grove
Felton Joseph, farmer
Gore Ralph Ormsby, Esq., Aston hall
Icke James Joseph, farmer, and corn and guano merchant, Vanx hall
Jackson William, farmer
Kittridge William Smith, schoolmaster
Lowe William, shopkeeper, winnowing and thrashing machine and general
agricultural implement manufacturer
Norris Mrs. Martha
Underhill William, Esq.
Vaughton Thomas, Esq., Ashton villa
Ward George Joseph, timber merchant
Williams Mrs. Sarah
PICKSTOCK
is a township and small village in the parish of Edgmond, situated on an
acclivity near the eastern verge of the county adjoining Staffordshire,
about three miles north-east from the parish church. It is a detached
part of the parish separated from the rest of Edgmond by the parish of
Chetwynd intervening. The township contains 1003A. 0R. 14P. of land, the
principal owners of which are Robert Gardener, Esq., William Justice,
Esq., Rev. William Dalton, Mr. Pooler, and Mr. Joseph Smith. Gross
estimated rental, £1,298. 13s. 0½d. Rateable value, £1,087. 15s. 5d. At
the census in 1841 there were 29 houses and 157 inhabitants, of which
three houses and fifteen persons were returned as in Chetwynd parish.
DIRECTORY.—William Bevan, farmer and corn miller: John Firmstone, farmer;
Richard Hazledine, farmer; John Rudge, farmer; John Stokes, farmer and
butcher; Mary Maria Stokes, farmer; Richard Wright farmer; Theodore
Wright, farmer.
TIBBERTON
is a chapelry, township, and small village three miles W.W. by N. from
Edgemond, which contains 1418A. 1A. 22P. of land, the soil of which is
chiefly a cold clay, in some parts it is of a light loamy nature, and
highly fertile, having been much improved by superior cultivation. The
farms here are of considerable extent, the land held by fourteen
different tenants within memory of man, is now held by three farmers;
nearly the whole of the land is the property of the Duke of Sutherland,
there are, however, three small freeholders, viz., the Rev. J. D. Pigott,
Mr. J. Brittain, and Mr. J. Fletcher. Rateable value of the township,
£2,410. 5s. 5d. At the census in 1801 there were 289 inhabitants; 1831,
351, and in 1841 72 houses and 329 souls. THE CHAPEL is a small
structure of free stone, and consists of nave and chancel, with a square
tower. It stands near the site of a former edifice which had become
dilapidated. The Rev. George Pigott is the officiating minister. There
are several handsome monumental tombs in memory of members of some of the
principal families in the neighbourhood in the cemetery which surrounds
the chapel. A NATIONAL SCHOOL has been built in the village; about sixty
scholars attend. THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a small chapel here,
built in the year 1842. The paper mill of Mr. J. Brittain is situated
near the church. THE SPRAY HILL is an eminence planted with a clump of
Scotch pine trees, which is a conspicuous object for many miles round.
The poor of this township receive 14s. worth of bread out of the rents of
the poor’s lands at Edgmond. In the returns of charitable donations made
to parliament under the act 26th George III. there is mentioned a legacy
of £40 by one Mr. Matthews, to poor housekeepers at Tibberton, which is
stated to be then in the hands of William Fletcher, rendering an annual
interest of £1. 12s. There is no evidence to show what become of the
ultimate destination of this gift, but its benefits have long been lost
to the poor.
DIRECTORY.—The farmers are Thomas Green, Day House; Thomas Jones and
William Taylor, Tibberton Grange; the other principal residents are
Robert Bates, wheelwright; John Booth, butcher; John Brittain, paper
manufacturer; Henry Cotton, blacksmith; John Crawford, shoemaker;
Theophilus Fletcher, shoemaker and beerhouse keeper; William Howle,
tailor; William Lawley, schoolmaster; Mary Morgan, beerhouse keeper;
Elizabeth Podmore, schoolmistress; Robert Simpson, wheelwright.
ERCALL HIGH, OR ERCALL MAGNA,
is a considerable parish in the Wellington division of the South Bradford
hundred, comprehending the townships of Cold Hatton, Cotwall and
Mooretown, Cruddington, Ellerdine, Ercall Magna, Haughton, Isombridge,
Osbaston, Poynton, Rowton, Sleap, Tern, and Walton, together containing
11,152 acres of land, of which 179A. 3R. 24P. are in woods, roads, and
waste, and there are 39A. 1R. 11P. of glebe. The parish in 1801
contained 1,091 inhabitants; 1831, 2,048, and in 1841 there were 364
houses and a population of 1,999 souls. Rateable value, £14,140. 19s.
6½d. The houses are in general built of brick, and slated; the cottages
are also of brick, and in many instances the occupants have a small
allotment of ground. The ancient residences of the gentry are in most
instances converted into farm dwellings; there are, however, many neat
villa residences in the modern style of architecture, of a respectable
character, surrounded with park like enclosures. The soil is chiefly a
mixture of sand and loam, and the land is mostly used for arable
purposes, in some instances large dairies of cheese are made, and the
district is celebrated for a fine breed of sheep. The land is chiefly
tithe free, the tithes on the rest of the parish were commuted in 1841
for £829. 15s. The village of High Ercall is pleasantly situated eight
miles N.E. from Shrewsbury and five and a half miles N.N.W. from
Wellington. Here are several good shops and respectable residences; the
air is salubrious, and the country around beautifully diversified with
picturesque scenery. The township contains 1,589A. 1R. 18P. of land, and
in 1841 had 42 houses and 213 inhabitants. Rateable value, £2,453. Few
districts possess so good a soil; the farms are extensive, and in most
cases the land has been greatly improved by superior cultivation, and
removing the fences and throwing the land into large enclosures. The
Duke of Cleveland is lord of the manor and owner of the whole township.
The turnpike roads to Newport, Shawbury, Wem, Whitchurch, Wellington, and
Shrewsbury, intersect the township. In the 51st of Henry III., John de
Ercalewe had a grant of a market here on a Monday, and a fair on the eve
and the feast of the nativity of the Virgin Mary and the day after.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, an ancient structure, consists of
nave, chancel, and side aisles, with a massive square tower containing
six bells, and a clock. The side aisles are separated from the nave by
four pointed arches rising from circular pillars; the church is neatly
pewed with oak sittings, and the pulpit and reading desk are of carved
oak of the most elaborate workmanship. The chancel is lofty and contains
several mural monuments, one of which remembers Sarah, the wife of Edward
Steedman, and children, dated 1834; another remembers the Rev. Henry
Wood, who died in 1795; there are also tablets to Cecil Frederick Juckes,
the Rev. Lawrence Gardener, and a full length figure, which exhibits a
fine specimen of chiselling, near the north end of the church. In the
church yard are many monumental tombs of fine workmanship, to some of the
principal families resident in the neighbourhood. The living is a
vicarage valued in the king’s book at £17. 6s. 8d., now returned at £290
in the patronage of the Duke of Cleveland; incumbent, Rev. Robert
Forester, M.A., who resides at the vicarage, a good brick building a
short distance from the church. Near the west end of the church are the
ruins of an ancient structure, which was formerly moated. Sir Richard
Newport, of High Ercall, Knight, by letters patent, bearing date at
Bridgenorth, 14th October, 18th Charles I., was advanced to the dignity
of baron of this realm, by the title of Lord Newport, of High Ercall.
That gentleman advanced six thousand pounds for the king’s use when at
Shrewsbury, by which means the artillery was put in a position to march
against the parliamentary forces, upon which followed the battle of Edge
hill. THE HALL, an ancient residence with projecting gables, was built
by Sir Francis Newport, Knight. This house is said to have been
garrisoned in the time of the civil wars. In levelling a mound near it,
Mr. Steedman’s labourers discovered about a thousand silver coins, the
greater part of the reign of Charles I., some of Elizabeth, and others of
the reign of Philip and Mary. The hall is now in the occupancy of Edward
Blakeway Steedman, Esq. ERCALL PARK is a handsome structure, the
residence of William Holt Midgley, Esq.; it is built in the Elizabethan
style of architecture, and beautified with shrubberies and pleasure
grounds tastefully laid out; the house is surrounded by large enclosures
containing some thriving plantations. SHERLOWE, the residence of George
Townsend Forester, is a modern structure built within the last three
years, with farm premises on a scale of considerable magnitude. THE
LODGE, another good residence of modern construction, is in the occupancy
of Mr. Thomas Jukes. The above houses have all very extensive out
premises, and all the modern appliances, with steam engines for carrying
out the operations of extensive farms in the most economical manner.
THE FREE SCHOOL was founded by Thomas Leeke, one of the Barons of the
Court of Exchequer, in 1663. In January, 1816, the Attorney-General, at
the relation of Ralph Leeke, filed an information against Rann Dolphin
Edwards, and John Douglas, for the purpose of setting aside a lease which
had been granted in 1772 for a term of 99 years, at the yearly rent of
£30, and for obtaining the directions of the court as to the future
application of the rents. The master by his report, made 18th February,
1828, and subsequently confirmed by the court, ordered that the school
should be for teaching English, writing, and accounts free, and also
Latin and Greek when required; the master to charge a guinea a quarter
and a guinea entrance for the latter; that the schoolmaster’s salary
should be £50 per annum, with liberty for the trustees to increase it at
their discretion; that no boys should be admitted until they are capable
of reading the New Testament; that any surplus which should arise from
the accumulations of rent during a vacancy, or from the annual income not
expended in the master’s salary, or repairs, should be expended in
rewards to four or more of the scholars at the examination, or who should
be reported by the master to the trustees as deserving thereof, or in
providing a library of useful books for the school: that the trustees
should have power to displace the master in case of incapacity,
immorality, or neglect, and that the trustees should have power to make
such orders as they should think necessary for the better government of
the school. The master, in a report made June 3rd, 1828, found that the
sum of £960 was due for rent up to Lady Day, 1828, out of which Mr.
Edwards was entitled to retain costs, leaving £831. 1s. from which £428.
2s. 8d. was paid for the costs of the other parties, leaving £402. 18s.
4d., which was ordered to be divided proportionably between the
representatives of the two schoolmasters who had officiated between
November, 1815, and December, 1827. The charity estate is situated near
Trefnanny, in the parishes of Guilsfield and Myford, in the county of
Montgomery, and produces a yearly income of £93. Out of the income of
the charity the master receives a salary of £50, and he also receives £6.
13s. 4d. per annum in respect of Stevinton’s gift. The school is
conducted according to the scheme established by the Court of Chancery,
except that the master makes a charge of 10s. 6d. for the entrance of
such boys as are not classical scholars, which appears to be contrary to
the directions of the court.
_Richard Stevinton_, by his will, in 1652, devised an annuity of £6. 13s.
4d., payable out of lands at Arleston, to be applied towards the
maintenance of a schoolmaster of High Ercall, who should teach children
resident in the said parish without any reward from the parents of the
children.
_The Hospital_ consists of seven dwellings, and each inmate has a room
above and a room below, and a small garden annexed. The hospital was
founded by the Newport family. The building is kept in repair at the
expense of the Duke of Cleveland, from whose agent the inmates receive £3
per quarter, with an additional payment of 21s. at Christmas, and 5s. at
Midsummer. The selection of these persons is not confined to the
parishioners or inhabitants of High Ercall, but are selected from
deserving objects residing in the neighbourhood, a preference being given
to those who have seen better days, and have been reduced by misfortune
to poverty.
_Poors’ Land_.—There are two closes in the township of Eaton, in the
parish of Stoke-upon-Trent, which have for a long period been let from
time to time by the churchwardens. The last lease was dated 29th August,
1795, and it was therein recited that the then churchwardens of High
Ercall were lawfully seized of the premises, in trust to distribute the
rents among the poor of the parish of High Ercall, two shillings every
fortnight in bread, and the remainder in money on St. Thomas’s-day.
There does not appear any documents in the parish to show from whom this
land was devised, or on what trust it is held. The two closes contain
together 3A. 3R. 4P. of land, and are let at a yearly rental of £8. The
amount is given away on St. Thomas’s-day.
Several sums of money, amounting in the whole to £199, left by eight
several donors, for the benefit of the poor of this parish, were for many
years placed out at interest on private security, and previous to the
year 1814 £40 of the above sum was lost. About that period the remainder
was called in, and with £20 advanced from the poor’s rates, was laid out
in the purchase of certain premises for a parish workhouse. Since 1814
the sum of £8 has been paid out of the poor’s rates as the interest of
this money, and distributed among poor persons in small sums, seldom
exceeding one shilling.
_Thomas and Edward Thomas_, each gave £100 in trust, to invest the same
for the benefit of the poor of the parish of High Ercall. These
donations were invested by the trustees in 1798 in the purchase of three
per cent. consols, which were increased in 1816 by the accumulation of
dividends to the sum of £500, when the stock was transferred to John
Colley and Edward Steedman. Of the sum of £193. 8s. 2d. received in 1816
for the arrears of dividends, after payment of expenses of recovering the
same, and the purchase of the additional stock, there remained in the
hands of Mr. Colley the sum of £74. 6s. 1d., out of which he disposed of
£38. 15s. to different charitable purposes, and in 1830 when the charity
commissioners published their report he had still £35. 11s. 1d. in his
hands. The principal part of the dividends is now applied in the
purchase of bread, which is distributed among poor persons of the parish,
a preference being given to widows, the remainder of the dividends is
given among the necessitous poor in money.
Mr. Henry Harris is the registrar of births and deaths for the High
Ercall district.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. Harris’s_. Letters arrive daily from Wellington by
a foot messenger at 9 45 A.M., and are despatched at 5. P.M.
Bates Richard, shoemaker and gardener
Blakeway William, farmer and victualler, Cleveland Arms.
Clarke Robert, farmer and maltster
Dingle Rev. John, schoolmaster and curate, of Upton
Forester George Townsend, Esq., Sherlowe
Forester Rev. Robert Townsend, M.A., The Vicarage
Harris Henry, grocer, druggist, seed, corn, hop, iron and steel merchant,
ironmonger, guano and tillage dealer, cheese factor, and nail maker
Jebb William, thrashing machine man
Juckes Mr. Thomas, The Lodge
Large Thomas, joiner and wheelwright
Midgley Mrs., Park House
Midgley William Holt, Esq., Ercall Park
Pigott Mr. John
Powell Thomas, farmer and corn miller
Steedman Edward Blakeway, Esq., The Hall
Steedman Mary, gentlewoman
Taylor William, blacksmith
Vaughan Elizabeth, tailor
Wilding Ana, gentlewoman
COLD HATTON,
a township and pleasant village four miles N.N. by E. from High Ercall,
is situated on a bold eminence, and commands extensive views over a
luxuriant country. The township contains 787A. 3R. of land, and at the
census of 1841 there were 51 houses and 253 inhabitants; the soil is for
the most part a mixture of loam and sand, producing good crops of barley
and turnips. There are 16A. 0R. 8P. in roads and waste. Rateable value,
£907. 6s. 2d. The tithes are commuted for £90, of which £84 has been
apportioned to the vicar of High Ercall, and £6 to the impropriator; the
chief part of the large tithes have been purchased by the owners of the
soil. The Duke of Sutherland and the Duke of Cleveland are the
landowners.
The principal residents in this township are George Colley, tailor;
Robert Hick, farmer; Richard Lewis, carpenter; William Morgan, pig dealer
and shopkeeper; George Nicklin, boot and shoemaker; John Nicklin,
wheelwright; William Pitchford, farmer; George Ridgeway, blacksmith;
Joseph Shakes haft, farmer; William Shakeshaft, farmer; John Webb, vict.,
Seven Stars.
COTWALL AND MOORETOWN,
is a township situated about a mile E. from High Ercall, which contains
925A. 3R. 13P. of land, the whole of which is the property of the Duke of
Cleveland, who is also lord of the manor. At the census of 1841 there
were nine houses and 65 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,237. 1s. The
land in this locality is pleasingly diversified with undulations; the low
lands produce a rich herbage, and the arable lands produce fine crops of
grain and turnips. The turnpike road from Newport to Wellington
intersects the township, and a small stream separates Mooretown from the
township of Rowton. The farm houses are well built, provided with
convenient and commodious out-premises, and the farms are of considerable
extent. The Cotwall farm, the residence of Mr. Richard Juckes, is
pleasantly situated on an eminence, and commands a fine view of the
country.
The principal residents are Thomas Allan, farmer, Mooretown; Robert
Atcherley, farmer, Mooretown, and Richard Juckes, farmer, Cotwall.
CRUDGINGTON
is a township in the parish of Ercall, two and a half miles E. from the
parish church, and four miles N. from Wellington. In 1841 here were 43
scattered houses and a population of 96 souls; this township and the
adjoining township of Sleap conjointly contain 1,450A. 1R. of land; the
soil is various, in some places a strong loam prevails, which produces
excellent crops of all kinds of grain, in other parts it is light and
sandy. Rateable value, £1,680. 2s. 8d. The Duke of Sutherland is the
sole landowner, in this and the adjoining township of Sleap, and is also
lord of the manor. SLEAP is a small township about the same distance E.
from High Ercall as Crudgington, which in 1841 had 17 houses and 85
inhabitants. The rateable value of this township is included in the
returns for Crudgington.
The following are the principal residents in Crudgington, viz.:—William
Rider, farmer; Thomas Lancelot Steward, farmer, The Leasows; William
Humphreys, blacksmith; Charles Madeley, beerhouse keeper, and Mrs.
Elizabeth Tudor. The principal farmers in Sleap are John Jenkinson and
Mrs. Prudence Davies.
ELLERDINE
is a township with a scattered population, three miles north-east from
High Ercall. The air in this locality is salubrious, and the land has a
fine undulating surface, the high grounds of which command extensive and
interesting views of the surrounding country. The township contains
1,329A. 1R. 27P. of land, the soil of which in some places is a strong
clay, in other parts sandy, and some places has a fertile loam. The land
has been much improved by draining and superior cultivation. The farmers
in general are respectable, and hold considerable breadth of land. At
the census in 1841 there were 57 houses and 300 inhabitants. Rateable
value of the township, £1,384. 10s. 3½d. The Duke of Cleveland is the
principal landowner and lord of the manor. The other freeholders are the
Rev. Henry Delves Broughton; Mr. George Adney; John Kilvert, Esq.; John
Taylor, Esq.; Mr. John Whitfield; and Mr. Harris. The tithes of this
township and that of Rowton are commuted for £376. 12s., of which £165.
12s. has been apportioned to John Kilvert, Esq.; £146 to Jonathan Scarth,
Esq.; and £65 to the vicar of High Ercall. OAK HOUSE, the residence and
property of John Taylor, Esq., is a neat modern structure of brick. The
situation is delightful, and the grounds are beautifully laid out. The
Wesleyan Methodists and Primitive Methodists have each a small chapel
here.
Butterey William, shoemaker and shopkeeper
Cliff Thomas, Heath farm
Cotterall Elizabeth, farmer
Cotterall John, Newhouse farm
Dickin Mrs. Margaret
Dickin Thomas Adney, the Hall farm
Foulkes Wm., vict., the Oak
Green Elizabeth, farmer
Green John, farmer
Hamer William, Windy Oak farm
Jones William, gardener and seedsman
Peplow George, shoemaker
Taylor John, Esq., Oak House
Wellings William, clock and watch maker
HOUGHTON,
a small township four miles south-west from High Ercall, in which parish
it is situated, at the census of 1841 contained five houses and
twenty-three inhabitants. The township contains 376A. 2R. 8P. of land,
of which 5A. 2R. 27P. are in woods and waste. The soil is mostly strong,
with a clayey sub-soil, some parts of which have been much improved by
draining, and other parts are undergoing the same process. The Duke of
Cleveland is the principal landowner and lord of the manor. Mrs. Ann
Corbet is also a proprietor in the township. Rateable value, £260. 9s.
The tithes of Houghton, and those of the township of Poynton, were
commuted in 1841 for £82. 5s.
The resident farmers in Houghton are Thomas Brisbourne and John Leeke.
ISOMBRIDGE,
a township and scattered village in the parish of High Ercall, at the
census of 1841 contained 38 houses and 94 inhabitants. The cottagers in
general hold a small portion of land, but the cottages in most instances
have a mean appearance, and are thatched. The township contains 567A.
1R. 37P. of land. The soil in some places is strong, and in other parts
a fertile loam prevails; the meadows produce a rich herbage, and are
chiefly used for pasturage. The township is intersected by the
Shropshire union canal, the river Tern, and the Wellington turnpike road.
There are 11A. 1R. 22P. in roads, water, and waste. The tithes have been
commuted, and £90 apportioned to the Duke of Cleveland, and £38 to the
vicar of High Ercall. The landowners are John Tayleur, Esq., Mr. John
Griffiths, and Mrs. Isabella Ickle. MARSH GREEN, and part of LONG WASTE
is partly in this township; at the former the PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a
small brick chapel, built in 1841.
DIRECTORY.—Richard Bevan, farmer, Mirelake; Jeremiah Bromley, farmer;
Richard Edwards, gardener and seedsman, Marsh Green; Harriet Dixon,
farmer, the Marsh; Joseph Nevols, beerhouse and shopkeeper, Marsh Green;
George Price, farmer; John Tudor, vict., Tayleur’s Arms, Long Green.
OSBASTON, OR ASBASTON
township is situated about a mile north-west from Ercall Magna, and in
1841 contained seven houses and fifty-seven inhabitants. The houses are
pleasantly situated on the turnpike road leading to Hodnet; the farm
houses are commodious, and provided with extensive and convenient
out-premises. The township contains 589A. 3R. 26P. of land, which is the
property of the Duke of Cleveland, who is also lord of the manor.
Rateable value, £705. 6s. 6d.
The chief residents in Osbaston are Thomas Bates, boot and shoemaker;
Sarah Brookes, farmer; Mrs. Sarah Colley, the Hall; and John Colley,
farmer.
POYNTON,
another small township in the parish of High Ercall, with a few scattered
houses pleasantly situated on the turnpike road leading to Shrewsbury,
three miles south-west from the parish church, contains 587A. 3R. 9P. of
land, principally a strong soil; some parts of the land have been much
improved by draining. Rateable value, £610. 4s. At the census in 1841
there were 20 houses and 95 inhabitants. The tithes of this township and
that of Houghton are commuted for the sum of £82. 5s. The Duke of
Cleveland and Mrs. Ann Corbet are the landowners: the former is lord of
the manor.
DIRECTORY.—William Breeze, farmer; Samuel Buttery, boot and shoemaker;
Robert Hamer, farmer; Thomas Madeley, farmer; Richard Morgan, farmer;
Eleanor Wainwright, farmer.
RODEN,
a township and small village in the parish of High Ercall, pleasantly
situated on the banks of the river Roden, two miles S.W. from the parish
church; the township contains 1,351A. 2R. of land, of which 26 acres are
in woods and plantations, and 14 acres water, roads, and waste; the soil
is variable, in some parts a cold clay prevails, and in other parts a
mixture of sand and loam. Rateable value, £1,331. 12s. The Duke of
Cleveland and Charles Orlando C. Pemberton, Esq., are the landowners, the
latter is lord of the manor; John Tayleur, Esq., is the impropriator of
the rectoral tithes, which have been commuted. A modus of £3. 3s. is
paid to the vicar of High Ercall. The Shrewsbury and Ercall turnpike
road passes through this township. At the census in 1841 Roden contained
33 houses and 161 inhabitants.
DIRECTORY.—Joseph Beddow, beerhouse keeper and maltster; John Birch,
farmer, Rodenhurst; Thomas Bourne, brickmaker; John Evanson, maltster;
Edward Jones, farmer; William Light, farmer; Elizabeth Marshall,
shopkeeper; William Taylor, farmer; Samuel Woodfin, farmer, New Farm;
Robert Yeomans, shopkeeper.
ROWTON,
a township, chapelry, and pleasant village situated on high ground, in a
pleasant part of the country, two and a quarter miles N.E. from High
Ercall. The township contains 800A. 0R. 33P. of land, and in 1841 there
were 26 houses and 181 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,118. 19s. 4d.
There are some good farm houses in this township with commodious
outbuildings, and the farms are of considerable extent; cattle and sheep
are extensively fed in this locality. THE CHAPEL OF EASE is a small
unpresuming edifice built of red free stone, and ornamented with a wooden
turret; the interior is neatly pewed, and there is a small gallery at the
west end; the Rev. Mr. Robinson is the officiating minister. The tithes
of Rowton and those of the township of Ellerdine are commuted for £376.
12s. The Duke of Cleveland is the principal landowner and lord of the
manor; Mr. Adney, Mrs. Dickin, Mr. Thomas Nicklin, and John Whitfield,
Esq., are also proprietors.
The celebrated nonconformist divine, Richard Baxter, was born at Rowton,
November 12th, 1615. His father was an honest and religious man, in
humble circumstances, but a small freeholder; his estate, however, was
very inconsiderable. His son is said to have given strong indications of
that piety and purity which appeared in his subsequent life and
conversation. He passed his infancy at Rowton, under the roof of his
grandfather, and in 1625, when about ten years of age, was removed from
Rowton to his father’s house at Eaton Constantine. He received the chief
portion of his learning at Ludlow, but had not the advantages of an
academical education; when at school he had the use of an excellent
library, which, by his great application, proved of infinite service to
him. His first engagements in life it appears was teaching a free school
at Newport, and he was afterwards appointed master of the free school at
Dudley, with an usher under him. While he taught the school there he
read several practical treatises, by which he was brought to a deep sense
of religion, and having an earnest desire to engage in the ministry, he
in 1638 addressed himself to Dr. Tharnborough, bishop of Worcester, for
holy orders, which, after examination, he received, having at that time
no scruples of conscience which hindered him from conforming to the
Church of England. He shortly after frequently preached at Dudley, and
the neighbouring villages, with great acceptance among his hearers, but
when the _et cætera_ oath came to be imposed, Mr. Baxter applied himself
diligently to study the case of episcopacy as in other instances, the
thing which was intended to fix him to the hierarchy, gave him a dislike
to it. In the year 1640 he accepted the invitation of the bailiffs and
feoffees of Kidderminster to preach there for an allowance of £60 a year.
In the memorable struggles of this period, he sided with the parliament,
and recommended the protestation they directed to be taken by the people.
This exposed him to some inconveniences which obliged him for a time to
retire to Gloucester, but be afterwards returned to Kidderminster and
resumed the work of the ministry. He hindered, as far as it was in his
power, the taking of the covenant, and preached and spoke publicly
against it. When Cromwell assumed the supreme power he was not afraid to
express his dissatisfaction at his tyranny, and in a conference which he
had with him afterwards, stated his views in terms not to be
misunderstood by the Protector. After the restoration he became one of
the king’s chaplains in ordinary, had frequent access to his royal
person, and was always treated by him with peculiar respect. At the
Savoy conference Mr. Baxter assisted as one of the commissioners, and
then drew up the reformed liturgy, which all allow to be an excellent
performance. He was offered the bishopric of Hereford by the Lord
Chancellor Clarendon, which he refused to accept. At this period he
would gladly have returned to his beloved town of Kidderminster, and have
preached there, but this was refused him. When he found himself thus
disappointed, he preached occasionally about the city of London, and
afterwards returned to Acton, in Middlesex, where he went to church every
Lord’s-day, and spent the rest of the day with his family and a few poor
neighbours, in explaining the Scriptures and prayer. His auditors
continued to increase, and shortly after, upon a warrant signed by two
justices, he was committed for six months to New Prison jail. After the
indulgence of 1672 he returned to London, and was one of the Tuesday
lecturers at Pinner’s Hall. He had a Friday lecture at Fetter-lane, but
only preached occasionally on the Sunday. In 1682 he suffered severely
on account of his nonconformity. One day he was suddenly surprised by an
officer, who apprehended him upon a warrant to seize his person for
coming within five miles of a corporate town; producing, at the same
time, five more warrants to distrain for £195 for five sermons. At this
time he lay on a sick bed, but he was dragged before five justices, and
took his oath that he could not go to prison without danger of death.
But the officers executed their warrants on the books and goods in the
house, and even sold the bed on which he lay sick. In 1684 he was bound
in a penalty of £400 to keep the peace, by the justices of Middlesex, and
in the year following he was committed to the King’s Bench prison, by a
warrant from the Lord Chief Justice Jefferies, for his paraphrase on the
New Testament; the trial took place on the 30th of May, when he was found
guilty, and received a severe sentence. In 1686 the king, by the
mediation of Lord Powis, granted him a pardon. After this he settled in
Charter house yard, contenting himself with the exercise of his ministry,
as assistant to Mr. Silvester. He died on the 8th of December, 1691, and
was buried in Christ Church. His remains were followed to the grave by a
large concourse of people of all ranks and qualities, who prudently paid
this last tribute of respect to a great and good man, whose labours
deserved much from true Christians of all denominations. Mr. Baxter was
in several respects one of the most eminent persons of his time; he
preached more sermons, wrote more books, and engaged in more
controversies than any other nonconformist of his age. He spoke,
disputed, and wrote with ease, and discovered the same intrepidity when
he reproved Cromwell, and expostulated with Charles II., as when he
preached to a congregation of mechanics. His works are extremely
voluminous, and they are still held in high estimation. An eminent
divine observes of them, that his practical writings were never mended,
his controversial, seldom refuted. The celebrated Doddridge, in a letter
to a friend in 1723, says, “Baxter is my particular favourite. It is
impossible to tell how much I am charmed with the devotion, good sense,
and pathos, which is every where to be found in him. I cannot forbear
looking upon him as one of the greatest orators, both with regard to
copiousness, acuteness, and energy that our nation hath produced.”
DIRECTORY.—Mrs. Elizabeth Adney, The Hall; John Adney, farmer and
grazier; William Edwards, shopkeeper; George Fowler, beerhouse keeper;
Charles Jukes, maltster and farmer; Samuel Nicklin, boot and shoemaker;
Thomas Nicklin, wheelwright; George Vickers, blacksmith and agricultural
implement maker; John Whitfield, Esq., The Villa farm, and chairman to
the Wellington Poor Law Board of Guardians.
TERN, OR TEARN,
a small township in the parish of High Ercall, with a few houses
delightfully situated two miles S.E. from the parish church, contains
487A. 3R. 13P. of land, of which four acres are in roads and waste; the
river Tern bounds the township on the S.E. At the census in 1841 there
were seven houses and 41 inhabitants. Rateable value, £659. 18s. The
Duke of Sutherland is lord of the manor and owner of the land. TERN
HOUSE, a commodious brick residence, occupied by Thomas Juckes, Esq., is
pleasantly situated on a gentle acclivity near the stream of the Tern;
the views it commands of the surrounding country are extensive and
pleasingly diversified. The farm buildings are of considerable extent,
and are provided with all the modern appliances for farming extensively
in the most economical manner.
The principal residents are George Jukes, solicitor, and Thomas Juckes,
Esq.
WALTON
is a township and parish of High Ercall, situated in a delightful part of
the country, about a mile W. by N. from the church; the township contains
855A. 0R. 8P. of land, and in 1841 here were 23 houses and 135
inhabitants; the houses are for the most part scattered on the turnpike
road leading from Ercall to Shawbury. The farm houses are good
residences, occupied by respectable agriculturists. Rateable value of
the township, £969. 12s. The Duke of Cleveland is the proprietor of the
whole township and lord of the manor. WALTON HALL, a structure of
considerable antiquity, composed of timber and brick work, was a place of
no mean pretensions in by-gone days, is now occupied as a farm dwelling.
DIRECTORY.—John Breeze, boot and shoemaker; George Brookes, farmer;
William Hughes, tailor; William Juckes, butcher; William Rogers,
shopkeeper; Edward S. Webster, The Hall Farm; Mrs. Jane Webster, The
Hall; James Wilding, farmer, New House.
EYTON-UPON-THE-WILD-MOORS,
a parish and small village, is pleasantly situated in a retired locality,
two miles and a half north from Wellington. The parish comprises 1,190A.
2R. 37P. of land, and in 1801 had 323 inhabitants; 1831, 350; and in
1841, 389; at the latter period there were 82 houses. Rateable value,
£2,187. 10s. THE CHURCH is a small brick fabric, dedicated to All
Saints. It contains an antique stone font; there is a small gallery at
the west end; the east window contains some fragments of stained glass;
the other windows are ornamented with armorial bearings of the Eyton
family. The living is a rectory united to the vicarage of Wellington.
The celebrated Edward Herbert, Lord Chirbury, was born at this place.
His lordship stood in the highest rank among the public ministers,
historians, and philosophers of the age in which he lived. Lord Herbert
was the first and most candid of our English infidels, and his system of
deism contains less of acrimonious censure of Christianity than that of
any other writer. He was created Knight of the Bath at the accession of
James I. He distinguished himself at the siege of Juliers; and, in 1616,
was sent ambassador to Louis XIII., but was recalled on account of a
dispute between him and the Constable De Luynes. In 1625 he was created
a baron of the kingdom of Ireland, and in 1631 was elevated to the
English peerage. His lordship left a History of Henry VIII., in folio; a
treatise, “De Religione Gentilium um and expedito Buckingami ducis in
Ream Insulam,” and an account of his own life. His lordship was born in
1581 and died in 1648. The present noble family of Powis is descended on
the female side from Lord Herbert, of Chirbury. Granger, in his
“Biographical History of England,” in speaking of his lordship, observes,
“It is hard to say whether his person, his understanding, or his courage,
was the most extraordinary. But the same man was wise and capricious,
redressed wrongs and quarrelled for punctilios; hated bigotry, and was
himself a bigot to philosophy; he exposed himself to such danger as other
men of courage would have carefully declined; and called in question the
fundamentals of a religion which none had the hardiness to dispute
besides himself.” EYTON HALL is a handsome stuccoed residence, with a
piazza in front supported by twelve pillars; it opens into a neatly laid
out garden, beautified with shrubberies; and in front of the hall is a
small park, stocked with deer. It is the seat and property of Thomas
Eyton, Esq., who is the principal landowner and lord of the manor; the
Trustees of Preston Hospital are also proprietors. This parish is
intersected by the Shropshire Union Canal. Among the gentlemen who
compounded for their estates during the Commonwealth, Sir Thomas Eyton,
of Eyton, paid £976.
DIRECTORY.—Thomas Eyton, Esq., The Hall; William Anslow, farmer; Samuel
Cartwright, farmer; Helena Cooke, farmer; Matthew Davies, farmer and
maltster; Richard Edwards, farmer and farm-bailiff to T. Eyton, Esq.;
Mary Jenkins, farmer; John Jones, gardener; Stephen Reynolds, corn
miller; John Robinson, blacksmith, agricultural implement maker, and
parish clerk; Thomas Shuker, saddler.
KINNERSLEY
is a parish and village, in a pleasant situation, three miles and a half
N.N.W. from Wellington, which in 1801 contained 210 inhabitants; in 1841
there were 49 houses and a population of 295 souls. The parish comprises
1,789A. 2R. 36P. of land. Gross estimated rental, £2,720. Rateable
value, £2,443. 3s. There are 104A. 3R. 14P. of woods and plantations,
and 75 acres of glebe land. The Duke of Sutherland is lord of the manor
and owner of the land. The village is surrounded by what is called
moor-land, which was enclosed about half a century ago. It has, however,
lost all the characteristics of a moor, and is now chiefly in large
enclosures, and generally good grazing land. About half a mile
north-east from the church there is a large mound, which encloses upwards
of twenty acres of land, and surrounds the premises of the Wall Farm.
This is supposed to have been a British encampment, and to have been
raised before the moors became boggy; for there is no trace of any road
across the moors by which this vast rampart of sand-rock could be
conveyed, which must have been the case, if the moss at those early
periods was as boggy as in after ages. The rampart measures 1,900 yards
in circumference, and is from sixteen to twenty feet in breadth.
THE CHURCH is a small structure, mantled with ivy, and dedicated to St.
Chad. It consists of nave and chancel, with a tower at the west end, in
which are three bells. There is also a small gallery at the west end;
and neat tablets have been erected in memory of the Marriot and Ogle
families. The body of the church is very ancient, but the tower was
erected in 1726. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at
£6. 1s. 8d., now returned at £494. Patron, Duke of Sutherland;
incumbent, Rev. Andrew Burn, M.A. THE RECTORY is an ancient residence,
on the west side of the church-yard. The tithes are commuted for £340.
There is a PAROCHIAL SCHOOL in the village, which is chiefly supported by
the Duke of Sutherland and the Rector.
DIRECTORY.—Rev. Andrew Burn, M.A., The Rectory; Thomas Brown, farmer;
John and Thomas Davies, shoemakers; John Felton, shoemaker; William
Gough, shoemaker; Thomas Hitchin, wheelwright; George Hooper, farmer;
William Hooper, farmer and maltster, Margaret Hughes, farmer, Wall Farm;
Richard Ogle, farmer, Manor House; John Taylor, farmer; William Weston,
farmer; William Weston, blacksmith; Richard Williams, farmer and
victualler, Crown Inn.
LEIGHTON
is a parish and delightful little village, situate on the banks of the
Severn, and near the foot of the Wrekin hill, nine miles S.E. from
Shrewsbury. In 1801 the parish contained 338 inhabitants; 1831, 360; and
in 1841, 80 houses and a population of 403 souls. Rateable value,
£2,691. Robert Gardner, Esq., and Sir George Harnage, Bart., are the
principal landowners. The soil is mostly of a superior quality, and
produces good crops of all kinds of grain. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St.
Mary, is a plain brick structure, situated a short distance from the
village, and consists of nave and chancel, with a small tower, in which
are three bells. In the chancel are several handsome tablets, chiefly in
memory of the Leighton and Kinnersley families, who formerly resided
here, and had large possessions in this locality. The living is a
vicarage, valued in the king’s book at £7. 12s. 6d., now returned at
£224, in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. Robert Maddocks. The
salubrious situation of Leighton and the vicinity is proverbial, and
several extraordinary cases of longevity among the inhabitants have
occurred. A short time ago, Stephen Davies was living at the advanced
age of 97 years. He recollected old Sarah Beech, who lived in this
parish, and died about the year 1738 at the age of 106 years, and who had
a sister that lived to the age of 103 years. Stephen Davies had then a
brother living at Wroxeter of the age of 96 years.
GARMSTONE is a hamlet, in the parish of Leighton.
CHARITIES—_Ann Lacon_, by her will, left £15 a-year for ever to the poor
of Leighton, Sheinton, and Buildwas, to be given to four poor persons of
each parish. This gift is secured on a messuage and lands at Much
Wenlock, and the moiety belonging to this parish is divided equally among
four of the poor inhabitants, _Richard Leighton_, _Esq._, left the sum of
£100, the interest to be distributed by the minister and churchwardens
for the time being among the poor of the parish on Candlemas-day. This
bequest, and several other legacies amounting to £8, were placed out
about sixty years ago upon the security of the tolls arising from the
turnpike road which passes through Leighton, the interest of which, £5.
8s., is distributed in small sums among the poor on Candlemas-day.
DIRECTORY.—John Bagley, tailor; John Barnet, victualler, Barnet’s Grove;
Job Basnett, farmer; Rev. Frederick Burd, curate; John Drury, farmer;
John Evans, corn-miller; Daniel Everall, farmer; Thomas Everall, farmer;
James Farmer, corn-miller; Robert Gardner, Esq., Leighton Hall; Thomas
Gervis, farmer, Garmston; Sir George Harnage, Bart.; Harry C. Jeffries,
farmer, Garmston; John Machin, farmer, Eye Farm; Thomas Richards, farmer;
Isaac Shepherd, farmer, Longwood; Thomas Tart, tailor.
LILLESHALL
is a parish in the Newport division of the South Bradford hundred, which
comprises the townships of Lilleshall, Donington, and Muxton, and
embraces 6,111A. 3R. 9P. of land. In 1801 the parish had a population of
2,060 souls; 1831, 3,596; and in 1841 there were 708 houses and 3,851
inhabitants. Rateable value, £12,034. 1s. 8d. The Duke of Sutherland is
lord of the manor, and owner of the whole parish, except about half a
dozen acres, the property of Mr. John Bradborn, in the township of
Muxton. The village of Lilleshall is pleasantly situated on the
acclivity of a hill, three miles south-west from Newport. The township
in 1841 contained 155 houses and 795 inhabitants; the houses are
scattered, and the population find employment in the extensive collieries
and iron works with which the vicinity abounds. THE CHURCH is a
venerable structure mantled with ivy, and dedicated to St. Mary; in the
tower is a peal of six bells. On the north side of the chancel is an
altar tomb, with two full length figures, in memory of dame Catherine
Leveson and Sir Richard Leveson: the former died March 31st, 1674, and
the latter June 2nd, 1661. The old font, about twenty years ago, was
used as a cistern to a pump at Lilleshall old hall; it was removed by the
late vicar, and now stands at the west end of the church. The living is
a vicarage, valued in the king’s book at £6. 17s. 11d.; now returned at
£338; in the patronage of the Duke of Sutherland; incumbent, Rev. Henry
George Bunsen; curate, Rev. Thomas Bucknall Lloyd. On Lilleshall Hill,
in this parish, a monument was erected in 1839, to the memory of the
first Duke of Sutherland; on June 20th, 1839, it was struck with
lightning, and sustained considerable damage; but it was shortly after
put in a state of complete reparation. On the north side is the
following inscription.—
To the memory of
George Granville Leveson Gower, K G
First Duke of Sutherland,
The most just and generous of landlords.
This monument is erected
by the occupiers of his Grace’s Shropshire farms,
as a public testimony that he
went down to the grave with the blessings
of his tenants on his head,
and left behind him upon his estates
the best inheritance which a gentleman of England
can bequeath to his son:
men ready to stand by his house
heart and hand.
On the south side of the monument is the inscription, “Let all the ends
thou aimest at be thy country’s, thy God’s, and truth’s.” It is related
that at the trial of Queen Caroline, the Lord Chancellor Eldon, in his
charge to the peers, told them to “Be just and fear not,” when the Duke
of Sutherland immediately rose from his place in the house and declared
that he echoed the sentiments of his noble and learned friend on the wool
sack, and would copy the immortal bard still farther by saying, “Let all
the ends thou aimest at be thy country’s, thy God’s, and truth’s.” This
was the occasion of the inscription being placed on the monument. The
obelisk was designed by Sir Francis Chantrey.
His Grace, in March, 1803, succeeded to the trust estates and canal of
his maternal uncle, the late Duke of Bridgewater, and in October in the
same year, by the death of his father, he became Marquis of Stafford, and
entered into possession of the paternal estates of the Leveson branch of
the family, in Staffordshire and Shropshire, and to the ancient patrimony
of the Gowers of Yorkshire. For some time he filled the office of
postmaster general, and was ambassador to the court of France at the
commencement of the revolution in that country. His titles were George
Grenville, Duke of Sutherland, Marquis of the County of Stafford, Earl
Gower, Viscount Trentham, Baron Gower of Sittenham, and a baronet. His
Grace was also a Knight of the Garter, and a Privy Councillor. Among the
near relations of the Duke of Sutherland may be enumerated the
distinguished families of Bedford, Rutland, Lansdowne, Marlborough,
Dorset, Kingston, Waldegrave, Jersey, Thanet, and Warwick. The
Shropshire estates of the Duke of Sutherland are upwards of 20,000 acres.
THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, a plain brick structure a little south from the
church, has an attendance of about eighty boys and sixty girls. It is
supported by the Duke of Sutherland and a small charge from each scholar.
There are about three roods of garden ground attached to the school,
which is divided into twenty allotments, and cultivated by twenty of the
senior scholars for their own benefit.
LILLESHALL ABBEY.—In a solitary and retired situation, about a mile south
from the church, may be seen the ruins of Lilleshall Abbey. At the great
western entrance is a fine Norman arch, richly recessed with ribs and
running foliage. The pillars and arches of the church have been entirely
destroyed, but the doors and windows still remain. The south door, by
which a communication was formed with the cloister, is doubtless one of
the most highly ornamented arches in the kingdom. A semi-circular arch,
overspread with ornaments peculiar to the Saxon and early Norman
buildings, is supported by clusters of slender shafts, some of which are
spiral, and others covered with lozenge work, having the intermediate
spaces embellished with mouldings. The east window of the choir has a
beautiful pointed arch of the fourteenth century, and the north and south
windows are narrow plain, and round headed. The walls of the refectory
have been converted into a residence. The church was cruciform, and had
probably two towers: one in the centre and the other at the west end; the
breadth of the nave is thirty-six feet, and the length two hundred and
twenty-eight feet. The boundary wall of the abbey encompassed several
acres, and in some parts is still entire. The ruins of the abbey are
scattered over a large space, and the walls, which in some parts are
mantled with ivy, are of considerable height, and the fragments of superb
workmanship still to be seen show it to have been a place of great
magnificence and architectural grandeur. The stalls of the choir at the
dissolution were removed to the collegiate church of Wolverhampton, where
they now remain. Richard de Belmeis, says Bishop Tanner, the last dean
of the collegiate church of St. Alkmund, in Shrewsbury, about the year
1145, with the consent of pope Eugenius and King Stephen, surrendered up
that church with all the lands and churches belonging to the same to the
use of some regular canons of the order of St. Augustine, who came from
Dorsetshire and began to build an abbey to the honour of the blessed
virgin, upon one of the prebendal estates, here in the wood of
Lilleshall, to which his kinsman, Philip de Belmeis was an early and
great benefactor. Other authorities state that in the time of the Saxon
dynasty a religious house was dedicated here to the use of secular canons
or prebendaries, and afterwards became a nunnery, which was reduced to a
state of desolation by the predatory incursions of the Welsh tribes, and
it so continued until about the year 1145. Among the principal
benefactors to this abbey were Alanta Zouche John le Strange, who gave
the church of Hulme; and Hillaria de Trussebut, the wife of Robert de
Bulders, who gave certain lands, and directed her body to be buried
within the precincts of the abbey. In the 34th Henry III. the abbot had
leave to grub up twenty-three acres in the woods of Lilleshall, and in
the 7th of Edward to make an assart of the wood near Watling street, in
the forest of Wombridge. In the 11th of Edward I. the abbot had leave to
make a park. The abbey was endowed at subsequent periods by different
pious individuals, and the annual income at the general dissolution of
religious houses was valued at £229. 3s. per annum. On account of the
situation of this monastery, near the Chester road, the abbots were
sometimes known to complain that their income was too scanty to entertain
the continual influx of visitors that travelled that road.
CHARITIES.—_Sir Richard Leveson_, by will, dated 5th of November, 1660,
gave to the poor people inhabiting the parish of Lilleshall a rent charge
of £5 per annum, issuing out of certain lands called Kainton Meadow. The
Marquis of Stafford pays this gift yearly, which is distributed on St.
Thomas’s-day by the minister and churchwardens. There is a piece of land
still called Kainton Meadow, which is no doubt the land charged by the
testator.
_Lady Catherine Leveson_, by her will, in 1670, devised to trustees her
manor of Foxley, in Northamptonshire, and directed the yearly proceeds to
be put to charitable uses; among others to the payment of £120 a year to
the maintenance of twelve poor widows, three of whom were to be
inhabitants of the parish of Lilleshall, and she directed that there
should be provided by the minister and parish officers, out of the £10
respectively allowed for their maintenance, a gown of grey cloth, upon
the breast of which gown the letters of K. L. in blue cloth should be
set, which gown should be constantly wore by the widows, and if any one
should refuse to wear them she should lose the benefit of the charity.
The testator gave a further sum of £100 yearly to be applied in putting
forth ten poor boys apprentices, two of whom should be children of the
inhabitants of Lilleshall. In respect of this charity £50 a year is
received by the churchwardens of Lilleshall, out of which £10 a year are
paid to three poor widows, appointed by the minister, churchwardens, and
overseers of the poor, a preference being given to such as have fallen
into poverty from better circumstances, and have not received parochial
relief. The gowns have not been provided for them for many years. Two
boys are usually apprenticed every year with premiums of £10 each. Upon
inspection of the parish books which commence in 1634, it appears that
various small benefactions have been given to the poor, which were placed
in the hands of different persons, who paid interest for them. These
sums appear to have passed in various proportions to other persons, and
the interest thereon to have fluctuated so as to afford no certain
information as to the amount or donation of the benefactions. In the
year 1718 the poor’s stock appears to have amounted to £40. In 1734 the
sum of £56 was put by the churchwardens into the parish chest for the use
of the poor. No further entry occurs till 1757, when a sum of £20
appears to have been in the hands of Charles Lawrence, and £15 in the
hands of Henry Barber. The £20 subsequently passed into the hands of
Robert Garmeson, who in 1786 gave his note of hand for the money, and
shortly after died insolvent. The entries of receipt of interest of the
£15 cease in 1800, for several years previous to which it appears to have
been paid by Mr. James Barber, about which time he died in bad
circumstances, so that this sum may also be considered as lost.
LILLESHALL HOUSE, the magnificent seat of the Marquis of Stafford, is
situated on a commanding eminence, from which extensive and beautiful
prospects of the surrounding country are seen. The mansion is about a
mile from the ruins of Lilleshall Abbey, within the bounds of the parish
of Sheriff Hales, and was erected by the late Duke of Sutherland; it is
built of beautiful white free stone, and exhibits a fine specimen of the
Tudor style of architecture, from designs by Sir John Wyattville. The
garden and pleasure grounds are laid out with admirable taste, and cover
between forty and fifty acres. The flower garden from its extent and the
beautiful order in which it is kept is surpassed by few in the kingdom;
the manner of planting the flowers of one particular colour so as to form
the greatest contrast with the beds contiguous to it has a most brilliant
and dazzling effect. An avenue in the garden, which stretches 300 yards
in length, has a very pleasing appearance; the frame work is of wood, to
which are trained roses, japonicas, the various sorts of clamitas, and
fruit trees, and in the delightful season when the clustering fruits hang
in profusion, enriched with the autumnal tints, among the beautiful
blossoms of the japonica and rose—the whole has a most enchanting
appearance. The terrace commands a fine view of the park, the woody
scenery in the vicinity, and a large tract of the country extending over
North Shropshire into Staffordshire, Cheshire, and the mountainous
district of Wales.
The village and parish of Sheriff Hales is mostly situated in
Staffordshire. The residents of a few scattered farms, and at the
mansion of Lilleshall House, are included in the following directory.
_Those with * affixed are in the parish of Sheriff Hales_, _and the rest
in Lilleshall parish_.
* Stafford The Marquis of, Lilleshall House
Adams John, assistant overseer & constable
Adams Thomas, nursery and seedsman
Bates William, parish clerk and bricklayer
Birch Thomas, surveyor
Bunsen Rev. Henry George, vicar, Lilleshall Old Hall
Diggens Emma, schoolmistres
Diggens William, schoolmaster
Duncalfe Rd., farmer, Honnington Grange
Edwards Thomas, vict., Red House
* Elliot Wm., gardener, Lilleshall House
Higgins Mr., farmer, Lubstree Park
Howle Jane and Mary, shopkeepers
Hughes George, cashier
Hunt John, farm bailiff
James Mary, farmer, Cheswall Grange
Jones John, farmer
* Johnson Thomas, farmer, Red Hill
* Leman Tubal Cain, butler, Lilleshall House
Lloyd Rev. Thos. Bucknall, curate, Vicarage
Maddings Thomas, corn miller & maltster
* Pearce John, farmer, Hinks
* Pearce Mary, farmer
Phillips John B., farmer, Brockton Leasows
* Phillips Joseph Taylor, farmer, Manor House
* Smith William, Esq., land agent to the Duke of Sutherland, Little Hales
Spearman Elizabeth, farmer
Timmis John, farmer, Abbey farm
West Francis, farmer, Lilleshall Grange
Wilde Edward, farmer, Lilleshall Hill
DONINGTON, OR DONINGTON WOOD,
is a considerable township with a scattered population, situated about a
mile W. from Lilleshall, and four miles S.W. from Newport. At the census
in 1811 there were 498 houses and 2,757 inhabitants, who are chiefly
employed in the extensive iron works, collieries, and ironstone mines,
with which this neighbourhood abounds. The collieries vary from 100 to
300 yards in depth, and there are twelve seams from which coal is got;
the mines from which the ironstone is procured are also of very great
depths; the country extending south and south west for several miles
present one vast field of collieries and iron works, and has a teeming
population, all busily employed in these and their subordinate
manufactures and employments.
THE CHURCH is a neat modern structure, situate at Donington Wood, built
about the year 1844, at a cost of £2,000. The seats are all free and
unappropriated. The living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of the
vicar of Lilleshall; incumbent, Rev. Thomas O’Regan. THE BAPTISTS have a
chapel here, which was built about twenty years ago. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL
was built at the expense of the Duke of Sutherland, who is also a
munificent contributor towards the support of the institution; Thomas
Townsend is the teacher. THE DONINGTON WOOD MECHANICS’ INSTITUTION was
established in February, 1851, for the object of providing useful and
intellectual entertainment for the numerous artisans and other
inhabitants of Donington; for this object a library and reading room has
been established, which is furnished with the leading London and
provincial journals and magazines. Toward the library the Duke of
Sutherland has kindly presented a large and valuable collection of books.
It is intended to employ lecturers on popular subjects, to which members
are admissable. The Lilleshall Company holds the collieries in this
locality in lease of the Duke of Sutherland.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. Samuel Hollis’s_. Letters despatched at 7 P.M. to
Newport.
Adams John, railway station master
Anslow James, shopkeeper
Bennett James, shoemaker
Bott John, shopkeeper
Bott Sarah, schoolmistress
Boycott William, farmer and corn miller
Bradbury Isaac, blacksmith
Bulger William, ground bailiff
Hollis Samuel, agent to Lilleshall Company and post master
Horton Charles, ground bailiff
Jarrett John, schoolmaster
Jones Edward, mining engineer and manager to Lilleshall Company
Morton William, agricultural implement manufacturer, &c.
O’Regan Rev. Thomas, incumbent
Roystone Thomas, painter, plumber, and glazier
Tipton Thomas, bookkeeper
Townsend Thomas, schoolmaster
Ward Joseph, spade tree maker
Wheeler James, engineer
Wheeler James Henry, engineer
MUXTON
is a township in the parish of Lilleshall, situate near a mile W. from
the church, and three and a half miles S.W. from Newport, the acres and
value of which are included with the parish. The land is the property of
the Duke of Sutherland, with the exception of about six acres, the
property of Mr. John Bradborn. At the census in 1841 there were 55
houses and 299 inhabitants. Mrs. Rebecca Walthall by will 1740
bequeathed £10 to the churchwardens of Lilleshall, and directed the
interest thereof to be distributed to the poor of Muxton on St.
Thomas’s-day. It does not appear that this legacy were paid to the
churchwardens of Lilleshall. An annual sum of 5s. was paid to them by
the late Isaac H. Browne, Esq., and is still paid by the agent of his
widow, which is supposed to be on account of the above benefaction, and
to have been charged on an estate derived from Mrs. Walthall by Mr.
Browne, which he sold some time ago in various lots. It is more probable
however that the money had been left at interest in the hands of the
residuary legatees, and that this 5s. was Mr. Browne’s share of such
interest. A similar sum was formerly paid by Mr. Walthall, the other
residuary legatee and administrator, who resided at Wistaston, in
Cheshire, but this payment has been discontinued many years. The 5s.
paid by Mrs. Browne is distributed among the poor of this township.
Bradborn John, maltster
Dawes Mary, farmer, Muxton bridge
Gaunt Edward, farmer
Greene John, surgeon
Hawkins Richard, butcher
Hitchin William, shoemaker
Johnson Jane, farmer, Woodhouse
Jones Richard, carpenter and joiner
Pearce George, maltster & vict., Holly Bush
Thursfield Richard, maltster
Tudor Samuel and William, farmers, Street Grange
Webb Richard, shoemaker
LONGDEN-UPON-TERN
is a parish and village in the Wellington Division of the South Bradford
Hundred, three miles and a half N.W. by W. from Wellington. The villager
is scattered, but pleasantly situated on elevated ground on the southern
banks of the river, and commands many interesting views of rural beauty.
In 1801 there were 102 inhabitants; 1831, 109; and in 1841, 15 houses and
99 inhabitants. The parish contains 796A. 1R. 32P. of land, and is
intersected by the Shropshire Union Canal, and the turnpike road from
Wellington to Shrewsbury. The river and its tributary streams are
crossed by two bridges—one of metal, the other of stone,—and the canal by
a brick structure. The canal is carried over the vale of the river by an
aqueduct of sixty-two yards in length. There are 6A. 1R. of land in
roads and waste. The soil is various: in some parts it is cold and wet.
Gross estimated rental, £1,522. 9s. 2d. Rateable value, £1,358. 8s. The
Duke of Sutherland is lord of the manor, and the principal landowner,
William Howard, Esq., is also a proprietor.
THE CHURCH, a small brick structure dedicated to St. Bartholomew, has a
square turret, containing one bell. The living is a perpetual curacy, in
the patronage of the Duke of Sutherland, and incumbency of the Rev.
Edward Meredith, M.A. The tithes are commuted for £110. THE PARSONAGE
is a neat brick residence, embosomed in foliage, and pleasantly situated
a short distance from the church. The minister receives a limited number
of young gentlemen as boarding scholars. THE HALL is a spacious
structure, of considerable antiquity, with lofty chimneys; it is built of
brick, with stone quoins and finishings, and is the property of William
Howard, Esq., and residence of Mr. Henry Stormont. Extensive and
conveniently arranged farm-buildings have recently been added to the
farms occupied by Mr. Peter Brisbourne and Mr. George Belliss. THE
SCHOOL is a brick structure, erected in 1849, at the expense of the Duke
of Sutherland, who also gave the site. It is partly supported by
subscription, but chiefly from the private resources of the minister, and
a small payment from the children that attend for instruction. There are
extensive corn mills on the banks of the river in this parish.
DIRECTORY.—George Belliss, farmer; Edward Brisbourne, farmer; Mrs.
Brisbourne; Peter Brisbourne, farmer; Joseph Cooke, corn miller;
Elizabeth Hatton, schoolmistress; John Jones, farmer; Rev. Edward
Meredith, boarding-school, and incumbent of the church; Thomas Paddock,
farmer and corn miller, Manor House; Henry Stormont, farmer, The Hall.
LONGFORD
is a parish, with a scattered population, situated about a mile and a
half west from Newport, which comprises 1,907A. 2R. 13P., and in 1801 had
182 inhabitants; 1831, 206; and in 1841, 209; at the latter period there
were 38 houses. The township of Longford contains 1,257A. 3R. 10P. of
land, and in 1841 had 24 houses and a population of 125 souls. Gross
rental, £2,774. 4s. 7d. Rateable value, £2,529. 14s. Ralph Merrick
Leeke, Esq., is lord of the manor, and owner of the whole township. THE
CHURCH is a small neat structure, dedicated to St. Mary, and consists of
nave and chancel, with a tower at the west end, built about forty years
ago. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £6. 2s. 8½d.,
now returned at £425, in the patronage of Ralph Merrick Leeke, Esq., and
incumbency of the Rev. John Kynaston Chorlton. The tithes have been
commuted for £144. About twenty yards north from the church is a small
structure, which was left standing when the old church was taken down.
This was a private chapel, built as an appendage to the old edifice, and
was the burial place of a branch of the Talbot family. The Talbots
formerly owned the Longford estate, which was subsequently inherited by
the Shrewsbury family, from whom it passed by sale; except the site of
this small structure, which still remains the freehold property of the
Earl of Shrewsbury. On the south side of this chapel is an elegant
marble monument in memory of a Lady Talbot, which is richly ornamented
with carved work and gilt embellishments. On the north side of the
chapel is an alabaster slab, but without date. LONGFORD HALL, the
residence and property of Ralph Merrick Leeke, Esq., is a spacious and
handsome mansion of free-stone, with a noble portico supported by four
massive pillars of the Doric order. The hall is delightfully situated on
a gentle eminence, and opens into a finely-timbered park of about a
hundred and fifty acres. Not far from the hall is a fine sheet of water,
which covers about seven acres.
BROCKTON is a hamlet, a little more than a mile south from the church,
which consists of two good farm residences and the rectory; near to which
is a farm called the Brockton Leasowes, but the house is just within the
bounds of Lilleshall parish. THE RECTORY is an ancient residence,
mantled with ivy. The soil in this township is highly fertile, and well
adapted for the growth of barley and turnips. A little north-west from
the church is a corn mill, which was unoccupied when our agent visited
Longford.
DIRECTORY.—Ralph Merrick Leeke, Esq., Longford Hall; Rev. John Kynaston
Chorlton, The Rectory; Clifford Firth, farmer, Brockton; George Veitch,
farmer, Longford Mill; James Veitch, farmer, Brockton; Thomas Clues,
gardener, The Hall; Robert Stevenson, gamekeeper; James Rowley,
blacksmith.
STOCKTON
is a small township, in the parish of Longford, three miles and a half E.
by S. from the church, and two miles and a half S.E. from Newport. The
township contains 649A. 3R. 3P. of land, and at the census of 1841 had 14
houses and 84 inhabitants. Gross estimated rental, £189. 18s. 7d.
Rateable value, £820. 16s. The tithes are commuted for £112. There are
eight acres of glebe land. All the land is the property of John Cotes,
Esq.
The principal residents are Humphrey James, farmer; and John Meredith,
farmer.
NEWPORT
is a parish and market town in the Newport division of the South Bradford
Hundred, pleasantly situated in the line of the ancient Watling Street,
and near the eastern confines of the county, eleven miles S. from Market
Drayton, seventeen E.N.E. from Shrewsbury, and 139 miles N.W. by N. from
London. The town principally consists of one spacious, handsome street,
stretching for about a mile in length, containing many good inns, private
residences, and respectable shops in all the different branches of the
retail trade. About the centre of the town, and in the middle of the
street, stands the venerable parish church, an ancient market house, and
a few dwellings, which are some of the oldest houses in the town of
Newport. The parish in 1801 contained 2,307 inhabitants; 1831, 2,745;
and in 1841 there were 553 houses and 2,497 inhabitants. The number of
acres the parish embraces is 567A. 0R. 25P., the chief owners of which
are Sir Thomas H. F. Boughey, Bart.; Thomas Collier, Esq.; John Morris,
Esq.; Mr. Wilde; Mr. Silvester; Miss Bennett; and the trustees of Newport
Marsh. Rateable value, £6,847. 13s. The inhabitants are supplied with
an abundance of excellent water, from large cisterns and wells in various
parts of the town, which are filled from a spring, about a mile distant,
by means of a water-course and pipes, the expenses of which are paid from
the income arising from the common lands. Newport was granted municipal
privileges as early as the reign of Henry I., which were confirmed by
succeeding sovereigns. The government is vested is a high steward,
deputy steward, two bailiffs, and twenty-five burgesses. John Cotes,
Esq., is the high steward; Robert Fisher, jun., Esq., deputy steward; and
William Washbourne, Esq., and G. H. Duncalfe. Esq., are the bailiffs.
Petty sessions for the Newport division of the hundred are held in the
town: the presiding magistrates are Sir Thomas Fletcher Fenton Boughey,
Bart.; John Charles Burton Borough, Esq.; and John Justice, Esq. The
principal features in the trade of Newport are the engineering
establishment and brass foundry of Messrs. Massey; the manufacture of
agricultural implements by Mr. Underhill; and those belonging to Mr.
Thomas Boughey and Mr. Lewis Atkins—ingenious establishments for the
manufacture of all descriptions of bendware, wood turnery, together with
hair sieves and dairy requisites of the most approved descriptions.
THE CHURCH is a venerable structure of red sand-stone, situated nearly in
the centre of High-street. It consists of nave, chancel, and side
aisles, with a square tower and an illuminated clock; the tower is dated
1,662; but this probably is the date of certain reparations, for the
upper and some other parts of the tower appear to have been re-faced.
The chancel and side aisles are of red brick, and were rebuilt in the
year 1728, previously to which the church exhibited a beautiful specimen
of the architecture of the fifteenth century. The interior has a
spacious and handsome appearance. The roof is of groined timber, and the
nave is separated from the side aisles by five pointed arches on each
side. It contains a small organ, and there are some neat mural tablets.
The living is a perpetual curacy, valued at £297, in the patronage of the
Lord Chancellor; incumbent, Rev. William Sandford, M.A. The Abbot and
Convent of St. Peter and St. Paul, at Shrewsbury, were patrons of the
church at Newport; from them it was purchased in the twentieth of Henry
VI., by Thomas Draper, citizen of London, who made it collegiate, placing
in it a warden, who was to be in priests’ orders, and four chaplains or
fellows, who were to pray for the King and the Royal Family, and for the
soul of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, (the King’s uncle,) and for the
fraternity of St. Marie’s Guild in the church of Newport.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, is situated at
the outskirts of the town, on the site of an ancient residence called
Salter’s Hall, which was long the inheritance of the Shrewsbury family,
adjoining which was a domestic chapel. The present structure was built
about twenty years ago by the Earl of Shrewsbury. The interior of the
structure presents a chaste and elegant appearance; the seats or benches
are all open and uniform in character, and the altar is richly carved and
gilt; on each side of it are beautifully carved figures of the Blessed
Virgin Mary and Joseph. The windows on each side of the altar are
adorned with representations of St. Peter and St. Paul, the patron saints
of the church. The Rev. Michael Trovell is the priest.
THE INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, situated on the Wellington road, is a neat
stuccoed structure, erected in the year 1817, at a cost of £1,300. It is
provided with galleries, and is calculated to hold four hundred hearers.
There is a flourishing congregation connected with this place of worship,
who enjoy the talented ministrations of the Rev. William Berkeley Leach.
The Sunday school in connection with the chapel is numerously attended.
The old Independent chapel, which stood in Beaumaris lane, has been
converted into two cottages.
THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHAPEL is a plain brick structure, of small
dimensions, situated in the Upper Bar, and was formerly used as a
theatre.
THE WESLEYAN NEW CONNEXION CHAPEL, a small brick fabric, is also situated
at the Upper Bar.
THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a small chapel on the Stafford road, built
in 1830.
The FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.—_William Adams_, of the city of London, devised
certain lands for the endowment of a grammar school and other charitable
uses, in Newport, in 1656. By an act of parliament passed in the 12th
year of the reign of King Charles II., after reciting the erection of the
school-houses and alms-houses by William Adams, and his settlement of
lands for the maintenance thereof, it was enacted that the master and
four wardens of the Company of Haberdashers in London for the time being,
and their successors, should be governors of the possessions of the Free
Grammar School of Newport; and that they should have a common seal, for
the sealing of their affairs, and hold all possessions granted by Mr.
Adams for the maintenance of the school and other charitable uses. Among
the objects of the trust Mr. Adams directed £20 yearly to be paid to the
minister of Newport, for his encouragement in the works of the ministry,
and upon the condition that the preacher for the time being should weekly
catechise the scholars, children, and servants of the town of Newport, or
such of them as for that purpose should repair to the parish church; and
if the preacher should wilfully neglect to perform the weekly duty, the
governors should apply the said £20 for the benefit of the poor, or in
such charitable uses as they should think fit. A yearly sum of £60 was
to be paid to the schoolmaster, and £20 to the usher; also £24 per annum
to the inmates of the four alms-houses which he caused to be erected, and
a like annual sum to be paid in apprentice fees, with various other
gifts. The estate which Mr. Adams devised is situated at Knighton, in
Staffordshire, and comprises 797A. 2R. 26P. of land. There is also a
farm situated at Woodseves, in the parish of Market Drayton, containing
85A. 1R. 38P., which was purchased with the sum of £500, obtained from a
sale of timber cut from the Knighton estate. In 1667 the testator
demised the premises at Knighton for a term of twenty-one years to Luke
Justice, at the annual rent of £175; and in 1714 the governors, on the
surrender of the lease, which had become vested in William Justice,
re-demised the premises to the said William Justice for another term of
seventy years, at the same rent. The provisions of the will in behalf of
Luke Justice were evidently intended as matter of favour to that
individual; but it is difficult to conceive that two successive terms,
embracing a period of 106 years, were in contemplation of the testator,
when he authorized the granting of a lease for so long a time. Upon the
expiration of the last lease the premises were let in several farms, on
leases of twenty-one years and a half, at rents amounting to £476. 14s.,
which considerably exceeded the amount of the several payments prescribed
by the founder; and it became necessary to obtain the directions of a
Court of Chancery as to the disposal of the surplus. In the course of
the proceedings which were instituted on that occasion, the heir-at-law
of William Adams interposed his claim to the surplus rents beyond the sum
of £175, the amount of the several charitable uses appointed by the
founder; but it was determined by the court that there was no resulting
trust in the charity estate for the said heir-at-law. By a decree made
November, 1797, and a subsequent decree made December, 1808, on the
occasion of a further advance of the rents to the sum of £768. 17s., a
scheme for the disbursement of the income was established, which
augmented the expenditure to £692 per annum. The leases having expired
in 1814, new leases were granted under the direction of the court, and
the advanced rents made the yearly income £957. 3s. 6d. From this fund
the head master receives £200 per annum, the second master £100, and the
third £100. The other principal items of expenditure are a sum of £60
per annum paid to the minister of Newport; to putting out three
apprentices yearly, £54; exhibitions to four scholars at the university,
£90; to the four alms-people, £78; to twenty-four persons free of the
Haberdashers’ Company, £75; an allowance for books, £10; repairs of the
school-house and alms-house, £10; to a boy for ringing the school bell,
£3; to a boy for sweeping the school, £3; to the clerk of the
Haberdashers’ Company, £6; to the two beadles, £3; Woodreave, £2; the
receiver, £21; besides which there are several small items for incidental
expenses.
The school premises is a spacious building situated a little back from
the High street, and is respectively appropriated to the use of the
school, and to the residence of the master and usher, as directed by the
founder. By the statutes of the school it was intended for the
instruction of eighty scholars; but the town of Newport and its
neighbourhood, to which a preference was given by the founder, not being
able to supply the full number, the scholars are admitted indifferently
from other parts; and to facilitate their admission, it has been left to
the head master to appoint them on their application to him, without the
intervention of visitors, on whom that duty was imposed by the statutes.
The course of education was intended to embrace the Hebrew language; but
it appears to have been hitherto confined in practice to Greek and Latin,
with the addition of writing and arithmetic. In December, 1850, there
were 59 scholars on the foundation. Charles Waring Saxon, D.D., is the
head master; Rev. William Sandford, M.A., second master; Mr. Richard
Crowther, third master. The particulars of the four exhibitions on
Careswell’s foundation will be found noticed with Bridgnorth Grammar
School. The alms-houses above mentioned are situated near the gates, at
the entrance to the Grammar School.
THE ENGLISH SCHOOL is a neat brick building, erected in 1843, and
situated on the Wellington road. This school appears to have had its
origin in a certain grammar school, which, by the certificate of the
commissioners under the statute of the 1st of Edward VI., now remaining
in the augmentation office, was certified to have been always kept by
Richard Robins, one of the Fellows of the college of Newport, to whom was
paid out of the revenues of that college the annual stipend of £5. In
the twenty-third year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, her Majesty
granted to Edmund Downing and Peter Ashton, “all that site of the late
college of Newport, in the county of Salop, late the possession of the
said college, with all rights, members, and appurtenances, rendering to
her said Majesty £15 yearly, to be paid for a salary or stipendary curate
of Newport, and school-master there—that is to say, to the curate £10,
and to the schoolmaster £5.” William Robson, in 1633, deposited £5,000
in the hands of the Salters’ Company for charitable uses, among which he
directed £5 per annum to be paid to the master of the free school at
Newport, and £10 per annum to a lecturer, and a like sum annually for the
benefit of the poor. William Adams gave to the bailiffs and burgesses of
Newport, and their successors for ever, all those two closes, situate at
Norbroom, upon trust, to apply the rents for the support of the English
school. William Barnfield, in 1665, gave “six days’ work of ground in
Norbroom, four tenements let for 16s. a year each, and a shop let for
30s. per annum, towards the support of the free school.” The total
income, when, the charity commissioners published their report, amounted
to £49. 1s., of which £24 arises from Adams’s gift, £15. 11s. from
Barnfield’s, £5 from Robson’s benefaction, and £4. 10s. from the
receiver-general. The school has long been confined to the instruction
of children in reading English, and we find it described by the name of
the English school as early as 1660. How long before that period it had
ceased to teach grammar we have not been able to discover; but it may
reasonably be conjectured to have been about the time when that branch of
education became otherwise so largely provided for by the establishment
of the Free Grammar School of William Adams. The school is free to the
children of the humbler classes of society for instruction in English:
fifty-four scholars now attend.
THE INFANT SCHOOL, situate on the Wellington road, was built in 1841 at a
cost of £250; the room is spacious and lofty, and has an average
attendance of 95 scholars. The Sunday school in connection with the
Independent Chapel is also situated on the Wellington road, and has an
attendance of 150 children.
THE GIRLS’ NATIONAL SCHOOL is a neat brick structure, situated in the
Workhouse lane; it was built in 1842, and has an average attendance of
seventy children.
THE TOWN’S ALMSHOUSES. In 1446 the burgesses or commonalty of Newport
granted to William Glover a plot of land between the church-yard and the
king’s highway, towards the north, between two stiles in the said
church-yard, that the said William Glover should build on the land a
hospital for the use of the poor. The almshouses are appropriated to the
use of four poor old women of the town of Newport, who are appointed from
time to time by the trustees, and retain their respective places for
life. The rents of lands and dividends of funded property, left by
various benefactors, produced a yearly income of £69. 14s. when the
charity commissioners published their report. Each inmate has a weekly
payment of 4s. 6d. from Lady-day to Michaelmas, and 5s. from Michaelmas
to Lady-day. They also receive 10s. each for coals, and a gratuity of
5s. each at Christmas. The present almshouse was built in 1836, and is
situate in Workhouse lane.
THE SAVINGS’ BANK, held at Mr. Silvester’s, High street, was enlarged in
1818, on November 20th; the capital stock of the bank amounted to
£36,221. 12s. 10d., at which period there were 1,450 separate accounts,
of which twelve were charitable and seven friendly societies. Of the
total number of depositors 963 had respective balances under £20; 268
were above £20 and less than £50; 135 did not exceed £100; 51 did not
exceed £150; 31 were above the latter sum and less than £200; and two
exceeded £200. Mr. Charles Silvester is the secretary.
THE COUNTY COURT OFFICE, for the recovery of debts, and in all pleas of
personal action where the damage does not exceed £50, is situated in High
street. The several parishes and places within the jurisdiction of the
court in Shropshire are Adney, Brockton, Caynton, Cherrington, Cheswell,
Chetwynd. Chetwynd Aston, Chetwynd End, Church Aston, Donington,
Donington Wood, Edgmond, Howle, Lilleshall, Longford, Littlehales, Lynn,
Muxton, Newport, Pave Lane, Pickstock, Pilston, Sambrook, Stockton,
Tibberton, Vauxhall, Woodcote. The places in Staffordshire are Adbaston,
Alston, Apeton, Aqualate, Batchacre, Beffcote, Bishops Offley, Bromstead,
Coton, Cowley, Flashbrook, Forton, Gnosall, Great Chatwell, High Offley,
Knighton, Knightley, Loynton, Meertown, Moreton, Norbury, Oulton,
Outwoods, Plardiwick, Shebdon, Sutton, Tunstall, Weston Jones,
Wilbrighton, and Woodseaves. _Judge_: Uvedale Corbett, Esq., Aston Hall.
_Clerk_: William Liddle, Esq., Newport. _High Bailiff_: George Hill
Townsend, Wolverhampton. _Appraiser and Auctioneer_: Joseph Doody, High
street, Newport. _Bailiff_: Thomas Roberts, Upper Bar, Newport.
THE NEWPORT UNION HOUSE, situated in Workhouse lane, a plain brick
structure, will accommodate about sixty inmates; the aged, infirm, and
the older children are sent to the union house of Gnosall, in
Staffordshire, which is connected with the Newport union, and this house
is for the reception of the able-bodied poor and very young children.
The several places comprised in the union in the county are Newport,
Chetwynd, Chetwynd Aston, Church Aston, Cherrington, and Edgmond. The
townships and places in Staffordshire are Adbaston, Forton, Gnosall, High
Offley, Norbury, and Weston Jones. _Chairman to the Guardians_: John
Cotes, Esq. _Clerk_: Henry Heane, Esq. _Chaplain_: Rev. William
Sandford. _Surgeons_: Mr. William Lindop, Mr. Godley, and Mr. John
Green. _Relieving Officer_: Mr. Benjamin Rees. _Master_: Samuel
Winnell. _Matron_: Emma Wellings.
THE MARKET HALL is an ancient structure, standing upon pillars, and
situate nearly in the centre of High street. The area between the
pillars is appropriated to a corn market; and here the farmers assemble
on a market day for the sale of corn and other grain, which is sold by
sample. The market is held on Saturday, when the town has a busy and
animated appearance. Above the corn market is a spacious room, which is
used for magisterial purposes. Here the petty sessions are held every
alternate Tuesday, and the official business of the county court is also
transacted here. An adjoining room is used as a Sunday school. The
Market Hall was chiefly erected at the expense of William Adams, the
munificent founder of the Grammar School, who “gave £550 towards building
a town house.” Near to the Market Hall is a butter market, a covered
area, which is of more modern construction. Under this covering is the
market cross, a structure of considerable antiquity, consisting of four
steps, and a fluted pillar broken at the top, the whole much dilapidated
by time.
FAIRS.—The chartered fairs at Newport have merged into the fortnightly
cattle market, held every alternate Tuesday, except the fair held on May
28th, which is still continued. These markets are well attended by the
farmers in the surrounding district, and considerable quantities of fat
and other stock are sold. Whether the growing importance of the
Shrewsbury cattle market, which is held on the same day, will not tend to
diminish the number of buyers at Newport remains to be seen.
THE GAS WORKS, situate in Marsh lane, were established in 1835 by a
company of shareholders with a capital stock of £1,800, since which £400
has been added to the capital. There are two gasometers, each of which
will hold about 8,000 cubic feet of gas. A charge of 7s. 6d. per 1000
cubic foot is now made to the consumer. The expense of lighting the
streets is paid from the income arising from the town lands, and the cost
of pitching the streets is also paid from the same source.
THE LOCK-UP, situate on the Stafford road, has been built within the last
few years. It is a small structure with two cells, and residence for the
constable.
THE RAILWAY STATION is situated about half a mile S.E. from the church,
within the bounds of the township of Field Aston. There are six trains
each way daily; an omnibus meets the different trains, and calls at the
principal inns in the town. Newport is distant 17½ miles from Shrewsbury
and 11½ miles from Stafford by railway.
Newport sustained great damage by a fire which broke out on the 16th May,
1655; it consumed 162 houses, the loss of which with what they contained
was estimated at £30,000. It is stated that a festival was formerly kept
on the 30th August, in memory of Mr. Adams, the founder of the Grammar
School and almshouses. Tradition says that Charles II., being informed
what large sums Mr. Adams had expended in charitable uses, expressed a
desire to see him when he was on a visit to the city; and Mr. Adams being
introduced to his Majesty, the King asked him whether he had not
straitened his fortune by his great benefactions. Mr. Adams replied that
he had not, and if his Majesty pleased he would present him with £1,000,
provided he would procure an act of parliament to exempt his land from
taxes, to which the king consented. How far the above may be true we are
unable to affirm; it is certain, however, that the estate at Knighton,
with which the Grammar School is endowed, is exempt from parliamentary
and parochial taxation.
THE MARSH TRUST.—By an Act of Parliament passed in the 4th of George
III., intituled “An act for dividing and inclosing a waste ground called
the Marsh, in the township of Newport, in the county of Salop, and for
applying the produce thereof to the several purposes therein mentioned;”
after reciting that there was within the said township a common waste
ground called the Marsh, containing 117 acres, or thereabouts, wherein
each householder in the said town had from time immemorial a right of
turning a milch cow, which privilege had proved of very little advantage
to the town, but rather an inconvenience, by increasing the poor thereof;
and that it was apprehended that the enclosing and improving the said
Marsh, and applying the profits thereof from time to time, after making
satisfaction to the lords of the manor for their respective rights
therein, in paving and keeping in repair the streets of the town of
Newport, and in keeping in repair the Market Hall and Cross there; and
also in establishing and encouraging some manufacture, and in
apprenticing the children of the poor parishioners of Newport, would be
of great advantage to the town in general, and might be a means of
extending a manufactory throughout the neighbourhood; it was enacted,
that certain persons therein named, and their heirs and successors
respectively should be trustees, for enclosing, improving, and dividing
the said Marsh, and for putting the said act into execution: and it was
further enacted, that from and immediately after passing that act, all
right of common or pasturage in or upon the said Marsh should cease and
be extinguished; and the trustees were authorized to set out to the Earl
of Shrewsbury such portion of the Marsh as two indifferent persons should
appoint, as a recompense and satisfaction for the said earl’s four
beast-gates upon the Marsh: and it was further enacted, that the residue
of the said Marsh, after the allotment so made, should be vested in the
said trustees and their successors, and be freed from all right, title,
and interest whatsoever, of the householders of the township.
A survey being made in pursuance of the directions of the act, the Marsh
was found to contain 111A. 3R. 31P., of which four acres being allotted
to the Earl of Shrewsbury for beast-gates, there remained 107A. 3R. 31P.
to be employed for the beneficial objects of the trust. This remainder,
the trustees then proceeded to inclose and subdivide; and as an effective
mode of providing for the fencing-in and improvement of the different
parcels, they granted leases for 99 years, determinable on three lives,
binding the lessees by covenants to plant and set the fences, within a
limited time, with good hawthorn sets; to make ditches of certain
dimensions; and otherwise to improve and properly manage the respective
parcels demised to them. The leases originally granted produced a yearly
income of £91. 7s.; but a considerable income may reasonably be looked
for on the falling of leases, determinable on three lives, the lands
being valued at upwards of £3 per acre, which would produce an annual
rental of about £350. The income is subject to a charge for land-tax of
£6. 2s.; chief rent, £1; and £5. 5s. to the collector of rents. In the
application of their annual rents, the trustees were in the first
instance called upon to defray the expenses attending the Act of
Parliament and the preliminary arrangements in execution of their trust,
which amounted to £663. 0s. 8d. These expenses being discharged, the
income was next applied, for several years, to the purpose of repairing
the streets and public buildings specified in the act; and having
appropriated to those uses, from time to time, the sum of £808. 3s. 5½d.,
the trustees had in hand, on the balancing of their accounts in April,
1785, the sum of £93. 8s. 7½d. In the year 1787 the benefits of the
trust were extended to the establishment of a Sunday school, and in 1790
to that of a stocking manufactory. This undertaking being found not to
prosper, was superseded in 1796 by the erection of a wind-mill for
grinding corn. This measure appears to have been loudly called for by
the inhabitants of Newport, as a means of protecting themselves against
what were deemed the extortionate demands of the millers of the
neighbourhood. The speculation, however, proved exceedingly ruinous, and
was finally abandoned in the year 1801; since which time the rents of the
premises have been applied, as before, to the repairs of the streets and
public buildings, as far as there has remained a surplus, after keeping
down the annual interest of the debts which these abortive schemes have
entailed upon the trust. It appears that £460 was expended in the
attempt to establish the manufacture of stockings, and the corn-mill cost
£2,000. The latter, however, was subsequently sold for £900. Previously
to the year 1799 debts had been contracted to carry on these schemes,
amounting to £2,300. This sum had been reduced to £1,100, when the
Charity Commissioners published their report, which had been secured by
mortgage of the Marsh, at five per cent. interest; so that there remained
an annual charge of £55 in respect of the debts which remained unpaid.
In addition to the debts contracted for the purposes above mentioned,
£192. 4s. 3d. was borrowed from the treasurer in 1811, for the benefit of
the public repairs, for which it was agreed to allow him five per cent.
interest until he should reimburse himself from the rents.
THE BRIDGE TRUST.—By an indenture, dated 5th May, 1749, purporting to be
made between the Earl of Shrewsbury and Earl Gower, lords of the manor of
Newport, and Robert Pigot, Esq., steward of the borough of Newport, and
the burgesses of the said borough, of the first part, and Robert Barber,
Esq., and others, of the second part, it was witnessed that the said
earls, steward, and burgesses, granted to the said Robert Barber, and
others, all those parcels of lands lying waste, but formerly covered with
water, called the Strine, or Newport Pool, and the Flags, with the
appurtenances, in trust, that, with the rent, issues, and profits
thereof, the Pool Dam, at the lower end of the town, should be repaired
and kept in good order; and if any surplus should remain, the same should
be appropriated to keeping in good order the pavement of the streets, or
in the reparation of the Market House or Town Hall. A subsequent
indenture was made, dated 17th October, 1750, granting the waste lands
called the Flags, and also a small parcel of land lying near the entrance
to the same, rendering the annual rent of 5s. The premises conveyed in
these indentures were found by a survey, made in 1804, to contain 2A. 2R.
21P. of land, which produced an annual rental of £18. The rent, after
deducting the 5s. reserved to the burgesses, and certain incidental
expenses, appears to have hitherto been confined to the repair of the
Bridge and Bridge-street; which not having exhausted the whole, the
surplus has been deposited, from time to time, in the Newport Bank.
CHARITIES.—_The Rev. Thomas Perkes_, by will, dated 26th March, 1734,
gave (after the death of his wife, Hannah) to the minister and
churchwardens of the parish of Newport, and their successors, the sum of
£200, to be laid out in lands, and the profits thereof (except the sum of
20s. to be paid to the minister, as a recompense for disposing of the
charity) to be expended in purchasing Holy Bibles, Books of Common
Prayer, and books intitled The Whole Duty of Man, to be yearly
distributed among the poorer sort of inhabitants of Newport; and when
such poor people should, in the judgment of the minister, be sufficiently
supplied with such books, then the yearly rent should be laid out in
clothing old people residing in and being parishioners of the town of
Newport. A preference to be given to those that should be of the most
religious and orderly life.
_Hannah Perkes_, wife of the above Mr. Perkes, who appears to have died
in 1766, bequeathed £600, to be put upon land or other good security, to
the intent that the interest should be duly applied towards the setting
out three poor boys, of the parish of Newport, apprentices in some place
of manufacture, to be elected annually by the minister, church-wardens,
head-schoolmaster, together with five men nominated by the parish
yearly,—especial regard being had that the boys so chosen should be able
to read the English tongue well. She likewise left £100, to be laid out
in land, or some other good security, the interest to be distributed
amongst the poorest inhabitants of the parish, upon St. Thomas’s day.
These several legacies, amounting together to the sum of £900, were laid
out in the purchase of £996. 1s. 9d. three per cent. reduced annuities,
producing annual dividends amounting to £29. 17s.; two-ninths of which
are annually paid to the minister on account of Mr. Perkes’s charity, and
on account of Mrs. Perkes’s charity six-ninths are annually applied on
apprentice fees, and one-ninth is expended in bread for the poor.
_Mrs. Mary Scott_ bequeathed £100, and desired the minister and two
masters of the free-school, whom she constituted trustees, to dispose of
the yearly produce in the relief of poor housekeepers of this parish,
except that every fourth year they should lay out the income in Bibles,
Common Prayer Books, and The Whole Duty of Man, which should be
distributed among poor children whose parents should not be able to
provide them. This gift, and a further legacy of £20, the gift of _Mrs.
Felicia Vyse_, was laid out on the 8th of March, 1786, in the purchase of
a plot of land, situated at Chetwynd End, called the Four-day Math, and
containing 3A. 0R. 36P., which land was conveyed to the then minister and
two masters of the grammar school, on trust, to apply five-sixths of the
rents to the charitable uses appointed by Mrs. Scott, and to pay the
remaining sixth among the poor of the parish. The land produces an
annual rental of £13. 17s. The rent is received by the minister, as one
of the trustees; but in the application of it the trusts do not appear to
have been duly kept in view, the rent having been paid to the
churchwardens for general distribution among the poor, without reserving
any portion for the purchase of books, as directed by the will of Mrs.
Scott.
DOLE CHARITIES.—By an indenture, dated the 23rd of March, 1675, certain
lands, situated at Little Aston, called the Foxhall lands, were conveyed
for the sum of £220 to William Harding, one of the churchwardens of the
parish, for charitable uses, subject to a yearly rent of 3s. 6d. to
Thomas Talbot, the lord of the manor. It does not appear from what
source the consideration money of this purchase was derived, but it is
probable that it arose from a stock of £161, recorded in an inquisition
as having been given by several donors, and the additional sum might be
the subsequent accumulations of interest upon it. The premises consist
of a cottage and garden, and three closes; containing in the whole about
13 acres of land. They were let under a lease of 14 years at Lady-day,
1814, at the annual rent of £82. It appears Mr. Leek was induced by
particular circumstances to offer the above mentioned rent, though far
exceeding the fair value of the premises.
_Robert Hawkins_, on the 15th December, 1660, charged a certain house in
Newport, with the payment of 13s. 4d. per annum, and directed the same to
be distributed to the poor.
_William Adams_; who died in 1690, gave a rent charge of 26s. per annum,
payable out of his lands and tenements in Newport, and directed the same
to be expended in bread, and given to the aged poor in sixpenny loaves
for ever, according to the discretion of the minister, churchwardens, and
overseers of the town. This charity is understood to be comprised in a
weekly supply of twelve penny loaves which has been for many years made
for the use of the poor, by the late Richard Marsh, Esq., as owner of
certain lands, at Norbroom. There does not, however, appear any mention
of such a charge in the title deeds, nor was Mr. Marsh able to give any
information as to the origin of the weekly supply, which, having been
made before his time, he had felt it proper to continue. There is no
charity to which the residue of this weekly supply might with any
likelihood be ascribed, except that of _Thomas Sprig_, who is recorded on
the benefaction table to have left six penny loaves, to be given to the
poor every Lord’s-day, and twelve every Sacrament-day.
_Richard Haynes_, in 1713, left to the poor of this parish six penny
loaves to be given every Lord’s-day. This benefaction appears to have
been charged upon a parcel of land which became the property of Mrs.
Humpherson some time ago, by whom a weekly supply of six penny loaves was
duly made. In 1713 Stephen Denston left £100 to the poor; and we also
learn from the churchwarden’s book of donations that Richard Fletcher, in
1721, left £30 to the poor, and that Mrs. Moreton by her will bequeathed
£20, the interest to be distributed in bread. These several sums,
amounting together to £150, were invested on the 2nd April, 1770, on a
mortgage of the tolls of the Forton and Lilleshall turnpike, producing at
five per cent. interest the annual sum of £7. 10s. It is also stated in
the churchwarden’s book that Felicia Vyse, who died in 1747, gave by her
will £20, the interest to be given yearly to the poor of the parish. We
have already shown that this legacy, in conjunction with Mrs. Mary
Scott’s, was applied in the purchase of the Four Math Meadow. The whole
rents having been paid over to the churchwardens for the same common
purpose, no severance has taken place in the application.
_Abraham Hadderton_, by will, dated 9th September, 1770, gave to the
minister, churchwardens, and overseers of the poor, and their successors,
£1,000 in trust, to keep the same at interest, and apply the proceeds
thereof for the benefit of the poor. This legacy was invested in the
purchase of £1,141. 8s. 6d. three per cent. reduced annuities, producing
the annual dividends of £34. 5s. 6d.
_William Brown_ gave a rent charge of 10s. yearly, payable out of a
certain house in Newport, which became the property of William Crump in
1820. The Dole charities above specified produce an annual sum of £156.
6s. 2d., and are administered by the churchwardens. £15. 7s. 8d. is
expended in bread, and distributed at different periods, and the residue,
£140. 12s. 5d., is given in money.
_Elizabeth Symonds_ gave a certain croft, the yearly rent thereof to be
applied to the benefit of the poor of Newport for ever. The croft thus
given contains about an acre and a quarter, which produces a yearly
rental of £7. 10s. The amount is distributed in small sums among the
poor not receiving parish relief.
_William Hawkins_, by will, 1724, gave to the poor of this parish £5 per
annum, charged on certain premises, the property of Mr. Collier. The
amount is expended in warm clothing, and given to the poor about
Christmas.
_John Hayley_ charged a certain house with the payment of 4s. yearly, to
be distributed in bread. It appears that Eleanor Richards, in 1758, paid
the sum of £4 into the hands of the then minister and certain other
persons, trustees for repairing the bridge, in order to exempt the house
from the annual payment of the said 4s. It seems reasonable to presume
that the sum thus paid to the trustees of the bridge was applied by them
to the purposes of their trust, which would create, we apprehend, a
liability on their part to pay the annuity of 4s. We do not, however,
find any instance of such a payment.
A rent charge of £5 per annum, left by John Staunton, payable out of a
tenement in Newport, has not been paid for many years; the premises
having passed to several successive owners without any mention of the
rent charge in the title deeds. A yearly sum of 6s. 8d., left by Roger
Simonds, has long been lost. The gift of £20 by Francis Wells, in 1680;
£20 by Mr. Edwards, and £30 by Mrs. Brayne, in 1713, recorded on the
table of benefactions, have also been lost.
POST OFFICE.—_High street_. _Miss Maria Justice Sillitoe_,
_postmistress_. Letters to London, Birmingham, Stafford, &c., are
dispatched at 6 40 A.M., and 10 40 P.M. Letters to Shrewsbury,
Wellington, South Wales, &c., are dispatched at 1 50 A.M., and 2 20 P.M.
_See also the Directories of Chetwynd_, _Chetwynd Aston_, _and Church
Aston_.
Adams Joseph Harrison, gentleman, High st
Adderley Thomas William, hair dresser, High street
Allen Harry, wine & spirit merchant, High street; residence, Chetwynd End
Allkins Lewis, turnery, bendware, and hair sieve manufacturer, Mill Works
Appleby Cowton, solicitor’s clerk, Beaumaris lane
Aston George, grocer, tea dealer, ironmonger, and chemist and druggist,
Lower Bar
Atkinson Frances, boarding school, High st
Baddeley Thomas Bernard, solicitor, St. Mary’s street; residence, High
street
Baddeley William Edward, surgeon, High st
Ballard John, cattle dealer, Beaumaris lane
Barber Charles, maltster & butcher, High st
Barber The Misses, High street
Barlow George, maltster and vict., Feathers Inn, High street
Barlow Mary Ann, vict., Bull’s Head, St. Mary’s street
Barlow Mary Ann, infant school teacher, Wellington road
Barlow Samuel, contractor and vict., White Horse Inn, High street
Beeston John, boot & shoemaker, Lower Bar
Bennett William, gentleman, High street
Blest Richard, shoemaker, Workhouse lane
Bolas Wm., boot & shoemaker, St. Mary’s st
Booth Richard, vict., White Lion, High st
Boughey Thomas, turnery, bendware, and hair sieve manufacturer, Mill
Works
Bowring Thomas, fishmonger and game dealer, St. Mary’s street
Bradbury Charles, soda water manufacturer, cigar & wine & spirit agent,
High street
Bradbury Charles, tailor and draper, High st
Bradbury Helen, school teacher, Upper Bar
Bradbury Samuel, ale, porter, and wine and spirit agent, High street
Breese John, tailor, High street
Breese Thomas, tailor, High street
Brittain Miss, milliner, High street
Brittain William, grocer, tea dealer, and agent to Salop Fire Office,
High street
Brookes Ambrose, solicitor, Upper Bar
Brown William, plumber, glazier, & painter, High street
Bryan Robt., inland revenue officer, Upper Bar
Chalmers Henry, chemist & druggist, High st
Chettar John, rope maker, Upper Bar
Clift Roger, hosier, Lower Bar
Cobb Samuel, cabinet maker & upholsterer, High street
Collier Mary Ann, milliner, High street
Cooke Joseph, blacksmith, Salthouse lane
Cooper Mrs. Mary Ann, Old Hall
Crowther Richard, third master, Grammar School, High street
Darley Matthew, vict., Old Star, High street
Davies Mr. David, Brown’s Cottage, Beaumaris lane
Davies Mr. David, St. Mary’s street
Davies Samuel, plumber & glazier, High st
Davies Thomas, brazier & tin plate worker, High street
Davieson Thomas, cabinet maker, High st
Dawes James, blacksmith, Stafford street
Dawson John, basket maker and vict., Plough Inn, High street
Dodd George, saddler and harness maker, Lower Bar
Doody John, solicitor’s clerk, High street
Doody Joseph, auctioneer, maltster, and ale and porter agent, High street
Duncalfe George, surgeon, St. Mary’s street
Duncalfe Thomas, chemist and druggist and veterinary surgeon, St. Mary’s
street
Eardley Thomas, saddler & harness maker, High street
Eccleshall John, cooper, Upper Bar
Edwards David, linen and woollen draper, High street
Edwards Joseph, beerhouse keeper, High st
Eldershaw Mrs. Jane, Upper Bar
Evanson Ann, bonnet maker, St. Mary’s st
Felton John, seedsman, St. Mary’s street
Fieldhouse Ann, milliner, High street
Fieldhouse Thomas, auctioneer & maltster, High street
Fieldhouse William, grocer, tea dealer, and tallow chandler, High street
Fisher Robert, jun., Esq., solicitor, and auditor of the Shropshire and
Montgomeryshire audit district, High street
Fisher and Washbourne, solicitors, High st
Fishwick Mary Ann and Alice, dressmakers, High street
Fishwick William, saddler and harness maker, High street
Fletcher Mrs. Helen, High street
Ford and Co., woolstaplers, Stafford street
Fowler Alexander, bank manager, High st
Fox William, beerhouse keeper, Upper Bar
Gater Charles, tailor, High street
Glover Alfred, beerhouse keeper, St. Mary’s street
Godby Augustus Hardy, surgeon, High st
Goodall John, vict., Fox & Grapes, St. Mary’s street
Gosnell John, butcher and shopkeeper, Lower Bar
Griffiths John, confectioner, & glass, china, and earthenware dealer,
High street
Guy Ann, schoolmistress, High street
Hall George, bookkeeper to Shropshire Union Canal Company, Canal Wharf
Harker Francis, shopkeeper, High street
Harrison Jas., vict., New Inn, Stafford road
Harvey Robert, hair dresser, High street
Haycock Thomas, vict., Bridge Tavern, Lower Bar
Heane Henry, Esq., solicitor, clerk to commissioners of property and
assessed taxes, clerk to poor law guardians, and superintendent
registrar, High street
Higgins Mr. Robert George, High street
Hickin Miss Catherine, St. Mary’s street
Holland John, auctioneer, St. Mary’s street
Hollins John, shopkeeper, High street
Horton Miss Mary Ann, High street
Hughes Robert, Esq., High street
Humphreys Miss Elizabeth, Stafford street
Hutchinson James, currier and leather cutter, High street
Hutchinson Mary Ann, milliner, High street
Huxley John, grocer, tea dealer, and general provision warehouse, Lower
Bar
Icke James Joseph, corn & guano merchant, Vauxhall
Icke and Yates, grocer, tea dealers, and chemists and druggists, High
street
James John, cooper, St. Mary’s street
James Lewis and Josiah, linen and woollen drapers, High street
Jenkins William, cabinet maker, St. Mary’s st
Jervis William, tailor, High street
Johnstone Moses, tailor, Lower Bar
Jones Edward, grocer, tea dealer, ironmonger, chemists and druggists,
Lower Bar
Jones John, inland revenue officer, High st
Jones and Aston, grocers, tea dealers, ironmongers, chemists and
druggists, and iron-hurdle makers, Lower Bar
Keeling John, tailor and draper, High street
Keeling Mrs. Sarah, High street
Keeling William, solicitor, High street
Kyffin Mrs. Margaret, High street
Lamonby George, vict., Swan Inn, High st
Leach George, boot & shoemaker, Upper Bar
Leach Samuel, farrier, Upper Bar
Leach Rev. William Berckeley (Independent), Upper Bar, Aston
Leech Ann and Elizabeth, dressmakers, Upper Bar
Leech and Humphreys, wood turners, Upper Bar
Lees John, schoolmaster, High street
Leigh Mary, vict., Pheasant Inn, High street
Liddle William, Esq., solicitor, and clerk to magistrates and county
court, High street
Lindop William, surgeon, St. Mary’s street
Littleton William, winnowing machine maker, Beaumaris lane
Lockley James, grocer, tea dealer, cheese factor, maltster, corn miller,
and vict., King’s Arms Inn, High street
Lockley George, vict., Old Bell Inn, High st
Lowe Edwin, painter, High street
Lowe Emma, bonnet maker, High street
Lowe Richard, clothes dealer and agent to Birmingham Fire Office, High
street
Macefield John, banker’s clerk, High street
Macklin Frederick, hair dresser, High street
Mansell Thomas, timber merchant and wheelwright, Stafford road
Massey William and George, engineers, millwrights, and iron and brass
founders, Lower Bar
May Edward, county police officer, Stafford road
Morgan Miss Elizabeth, High street
Morris John, Esq., High street
Morris Samuel, butcher, Stafford street
National Provincial Bank of England, High street; Alexander Fowler,
manager
Northwood James, watch and clock maker, High street
Oastler William, chemist and druggist, and agent to clerical and medical
assurance office, High street
Owen Ann, beerhouse keeper, Summer House
Owen William, shoemaker, Watery lane
Parsons Joseph, vict., George and Dragon, High street
Pearse John, supervisor of inland revenue, High street
Pember John, boot and shoemaker, High st
Pickin Peter, vict., Pig Fould Inn, High st
Plant Caroline, dressmaker, St. Mary’s street
Plant Stephen, boot and shoemaker, and leather cutter, St. Mary’s street
Plant Thomas, saddler and harness maker and beerhouse keeper, Lower Bar
Pooler Thos., boot & shoemaker, Upper Bar
Pritchard Edward, law stationer and agent to district fire and industrial
and general life offices, High street
Rees Benjamin, relieving officer and registrar of births and deaths for
Newport district, High street
Rees John, saddler & harness maker, High st
Rees Philip, butcher, High street
Rees Philip, butcher, Upper Bar
Roberts Thomas, bailiff to county court, Upper Bar
Rogers Elizabeth, tanner, Watery lane
Rogers Stephen, baker, St. Mary’s street
Rowley James, blacksmith, Upper Bar
Rutter Jane, vict., Crown Inn and Posting House, High street
Sandford Rev. William, M.A., Incumbent of Newport, the Grammar School,
High st
Saxton Rev. Charles Waring, D.D., head master of Grammar School, High
street
Scott Robert, gentleman, High street
Serjeant Elizabeth, shopkeeper, High street
Serjeant John, solicitor’s clerk, Lower Bar
Serjeant Peter, cabinet-maker & upholsterer, High street
Serjeant William, currier and leather-cutter, High street
Shaw Abraham Pierpont, bookseller, printer, stationer, bookbinder, patent
medicine vendor, and agent to Times Life and Assurance and Guarantee Co.,
High street
Shaw John, wheelwright, Workhouse lane
Sherry Richard, omnibus proprietor, and victualler, Anchor Inn, St.
Mary’s street
Sherry Thomas, maltster, High street
Shropshire Banking Company, High street, Mr. William Silvester, manager
Sillitoe Maria Justice, postmistress, High st
Sillitoe William, gentleman, Lower Bar
Silvester Henry Price and Charles, booksellers, printers, stationers,
bookbinders, musical instrument dealers, patent medicine vendors,
stamp-office, and patent machine rulers, High street
Silvester Mr. William, bank-manager, High street
Simpson Charles, town crier, High street
Skitt Mrs. Emma, St. Mary’s street
Slaney Henry, cabinet-maker & upholsterer, St. Mary’s street
Slaney William, grocer & tea dealer, High st
Smallwood Brooke Hector, Esq., solicitor, St. Mary’s st.; residence,
Chetwynd End
Smallwood George, shopkeeper, Stafford st
Smart Elizabeth, bonnet-maker, St. Mary’s st
Smart George, patten and clog maker, Upper Bar
Smart Richard, tailor, High street
Smith Mrs. Ann, High street
Smith Mr. Edward, High street
Steed Charles Christopher, boot and shoemaker, leather-cutter, and
toy-warehouse, High street
Steed George, boot and shoemaker and leather-cutter, High street
Steeple Thomas, accountant, Upper Bar
Steventon Charles and John, butchers, High street
Steventon Martha, shopkeeper, High street
Stokes Charles, shopkeeper, Upper Bar
Stokes John, surveyor of highways, collector of assessed taxes, and
manager of the gas works, Marsh lane
Stokes Thomas, maltster and victualler, Shakspere Inn, Upper Bar
Stokes William, maltster, Wellington road
Sturgess George, painter and shopkeeper, High street
Sturgess Sarah, bonnet-maker, High-street
Taylor Mrs. Frances, High street
Thomas Alexander, hosier, High-street
Thompson John, fishmonger, fruiterer, and game dealer, High street
Thurstan Thomas, Esq., St. Mary’s street
Tipping Richard, gun and pistol maker, Upper Bar
Tomlin Sarah, schoolmistress, Workhouse lane
Tomkinson James, cooper, High street
Tomkinson John, baker and shopkeeper, Stafford street
Tomkinson Job, shopkeeper, High street
Treasure John, land agent, surveyor, and builder, Chetwynd Aston
Trovell Rev. Michael, Catholic priest, Salter’s Hall
Underhill William Scott, grocer, tea dealer, ironmonger, brazier, and
tin-plate worker, nail, hurdle, and agricultural implement maker, High
street
Ventriss Rev. E. F., curate, High street
Waldron Joseph, victualler, Horse & Jockey, High street
Walker Emma and Elizabeth, milliners, High street
Walker William, victualler, Unicorn Inn, High street
Ward Elizabeth, victualler, Wharf Tavern, Canal wharf
Ward George, maltster and victualler, Barley Mow Inn, High street
Ward George Joseph, timber and tile merchant, Canal wharf; residence,
Church Aston
Ward John, maltster and victualler, Raven and Bell Inn, High street
Ward Martha and Elizabeth, milliners, High street
Warner John, linen and woollen draper and silk mercer, High street
Warner & Co., woollen drapers, clothiers, and hatters, High street
Washbourne William, Esq., solicitor, High-street; residence, Chetwynd
House
Watkin John, linen and woollen draper, clothier and hatter, High street
Watkin John, ironmonger, brazier, and tin-plate worker, High street
Westbrook Samuel, shoemaker, Wellington road
Whiston Joseph, watch and clock maker, High street
Whiston Thomas, watch and clock maker, Upper Bar
Whittingham Joseph, stone mason, Upper Bar
Wilde Martha, grocer and tallow-chandler, St. Mary’s street
Williams John, bricklayer, High street
Williams John, shopkeeper, Upper Bar
Williams William, joiner, Upper Bar
Woods William Barnett, accountant & paper-hanger, St. Mary’s street
Worrall Joseph, tailor and draper, High st
Wright Joseph, hatter, High street
Yale Elizabeth, dressmaker, High street
Yates John, grocer, tea-dealer, and chemist and druggist, High street
Academies.
Atkinson and Cooke, High st
Bradbury Helen, Wellington road
Catholic School, Mrs. Baldwin
Grammar School, High st., Rev. Chas. Waring Saxton, D.D., head master;
Rev. Wm. Sandford, M.A., second master; Mr. Rd. Crowther, third master
Guy Ann, High street
Infants’ School, Mary Ann Barlow, Wellington road
National School, (Girls), Sarah Tomlin, Workhouse lane
Royal Free School, John Lees, Wellington road
Agricultural Implement Maker.
Underhill Wm. Scott, High street
Ale, Porter, & Spirit Agents.
Bradbury Charles, High st
Bradbury Samuel, High st
Doody Joseph, ale & porter, High street
Attorneys.
Baddeley Thomas Bernard, St. Mary’s street
Brookes Ambrose, Upper Bar
Fisher & Washbourne, High street
Heane Henry, High street
Keeling William, High street
Liddle William, and clerk to magistrates, High street
Smallwood Brooke Hector, St. Mary’s street
Auctioneers.
Doody Joseph, High street
Fieldhouse Thomas, High st
Holland John, St. Mary’s st
Bakers.
Griffiths John, High street
Huxley John, Lower Bar
Rogers Stephen, St. Mary’s st
Tomkinson John, Stafford st
Banks.
National Provincial Bank of England, High st., (draws on London Joint
Stock Bank); Mr. Alex. Fowler, manager
Savings’ Bank, High, street, open every alternate Saturday from 10 A.M.
to 1 P.M.; Mr. Charles Silvester, secretary
Shropshire Banking Co., High street, (draw on Hanbury & Co., London); Mr.
William Silvester, manager
Blacksmiths.
Dawes James, Stafford street
Cooke Joseph, Salt house ln
Rowley James, Upper Bar
Booksellers, Printers, Stationers, Bookbinders, and Patent Medicine
Vendors.
Shaw Abraham Pierpoint, High street
Silvester Henry Price and Charles, High street
Boot and Shoemakers.
Beeston John, Lower Bar
Blest Richard, Workhouse ln
Bolas William, St. Mary’s st
Leech George, Upper Bar
Owen William, Watery lane
Pember John, High street
Plant Stephen, St. Mary’s st
Pooler Thomas, Upper Bar
Steed Charles Christopher, and toy warehouse, High street
Steed George, High street
Westbrook Samuel, Wellington road
Braziers & Tin-Plate Workers.
Davies Thomas, High street
Underhill Wm. Scott, High street
Watkin John, High street
Bricklayer.
Williams John, High street
Butchers.
Barber Charles, High street
Gosnell John, Lower Bar
Morris Samuel, Stafford st
Rees Philip, High street
Rees Philip, Upper Bar
Steventon Charles and John, High street
Cabinet Makers and Upholsterers.
Cobb Samuel, High street
Davieson Thomas, High st
Jenkins William, St. Mary’s street
Serjeant Peter, High street
Slaney Henry, St. Mary’s st
Chemists & Druggists.
Chalmers Henry, High st
Duncalfe Thos., St. Mary’s st
Icke and Yates, High street
Jones and Aston, Lower Bar
Oastier William, High street
Clothiers.
Lowe Richard, High street
Warner and Co., and general outfitters, High street
Watkin John, High street
Confectioners.
Griffiths John, High street
Serjeant Elizabeth, High st
Sillitoe Fanny, High street
Coopers.
Eccleshall John, Upper Bar
James John, St. Mary’s st
Tomkinson James, High st
Corn Miller.
Lockley James, High street
Curriers & Leather Cutters.
_Marked * leather cutter_.
Hutchinson James, High st
Serjeant Wm., St. Mary’s st
* Steed George, High street
Engineers, Millwrights, and Brass Founders.
Massey William and George, Lower Bar
Fire & Life Office Agents.
Birmingham, Richard Lowe, High street
District, Edward Pritchard, High street
Industrial and General, Ed. Pritchard, High street
Law, William Washbourne, High street
Medical and Clerical, Wm. Oastler, High street
Norwich Union, Jas. Joseph Icke, High street
Palladium, Alexander Fowler, High street
Phœnix, Alexander Fowler, High street
Salop, Henry Chalmers, High street
Shropshire & North Wales, Thomas Fieldhouse, High street
Times Life and Assurance and Guarantee, Abraham P. Shaw, High street
Glass & China Dealers.
Griffiths John, High street
Underhill William Scott, (glass), High street
Fish and Game Dealers and Fruiterers.
Bowring Thos., St. Mary’s st
Thompson John, High street
Grocers & Tea Dealers.
Brittain William, High st
Fieldhouse William, High st
Huxley John, Lower Bar
Icke and Yates, High street
Jones and Aston, Lower Bar
Lockley James, High street
Slaney William, High street
Underhill Wm. Scott, High street
Wild Martha, St. Mary’s st
Gun & Pistol Maker.
Tipping Richard, Upper Bar
Hair Dressers.
Adderley Thomas William, High street
Harvey Robert, High street
Macklin Frederick, High st
Hatters.
Keeling John, High street
Warner & Co., High street
Watkin John, High street
Worrall Joseph, High street
Wright Joseph, High street
Hosiers and Haberdashers.
Clift Roger, Lower Bar
Lowe Richard Goolden, High street
Thomas Alexander, High st
Hotels, Inns, & Taverns.
Anchor, Richard Sherry, St. Mary’s street
Barley Mow, George Ward, High street
Bridge Tavern, Thomas Haycock, Lower Bar
Bull’s Head, Mary Ann Barlow, St. Mary’s street
Crown Inn (posting house), Jane Rutter, High street
Feathers, George Barlow, High street
Fox & Grapes, John Goodall, St. Mary’s street
George and Dragon, Joseph Parsons, St. Mary’s st
Horse and Jockey, Joseph Waldron, St. Mary’s st
King’s Arms, James Lockley, High street
New Inn, James Harrison, Stafford road
Old Bell, James Lockley, High street
Old Crow, Benjamin Parton, High street
Old Star, Matthew Darley, High street
Pheasant, Mary Leigh, High street
Pig Fold, Peter Pickin, High street
Plough, John Dawson, High street
Raven and Bell, John Ward, High street
Royal Victoria Hotel (posting house), St. Mary’s street
Shakspere, Thomas Stokes, Upper Bar
Swan, George Lamonby, High street
Unicorn, William Walker, High street
Wharf Tavern, Elizabeth Ward, Canal wharf
White Horse, Samuel Barlow, High street
White Lion, Richard Booth, High street
Beerhouses.
Edwards Joseph, High street
Fox William, Upper Bar
Glover Alfred, St. Mary’s st.
Owen Ann, Summer House
Plant Thomas, Lower Bar
Ironmongers.
Jones and Aston, Lower Bar
Underhill William Scott
Joiners and Builders.
Treasure John Chetwynd, Aston
Williams William, Upper Bar
Linen and Woollen Drapers and Silk Mercers.
Edwards David, High street
James Lewis and Isaiah, High street
Warner John, High street
Watkin John, High street
Maltsters.
Barber Charles, High street
Barlow George, High street
Doody George, High street
Fieldhouse Thos., High st.
Lockley James, High street
Parton Benjamin, High st.
Stokes William, Wellington road
Ward George, High street
Ward John, High street
Milliners and Dress Makers.
Brittain Miss, High street
Collier Mary Ann, High st.
Fieldhouse Ann, High street
Fishwick Mary Ann and Alice, High street
Hutchinson Mary Ann, High street
Leach Ann and Elizabeth, Upper Bar
Plant Caroline, Upper Bar
Walker Emma and Eliza, High street
Ward Martha and Elizabeth, High street
Yale Elizabeth, High street
Patten and Clog Maker.
Smart George, Upper Bar
Plumbers, Glaziers, and Painters.
_Marked * Painter and Glazier only_.
Brown William, High street
Davies Samuel, High street
* Lowe Edwin, High street
Sturgess George, High street
Sturgess George, High street
Rope and Twine Maker.
Chettar John, Upper Bar
Saddlers & Harness Makers.
Dodd George, Lower Bar
Eardley Thos., High street
Fishwick William, High st.
Plant Thomas, Lower Bar
Rees John, High street
Shopkeepers, Dealers in Sundries, and Groceries.
Gosnell John, Lower Bar
Harker Francis, High street
Hollins John, High street
Steventon Martha, High st.
Stokes Charles, Upper Bar
Sturgess George, High street
Swallow George, Stafford st.
Tomkinson John, Stafford street
Tomkinson Job, High street
Williams John, Upper Bar
Soda Water Manufacturer.
Bradbury Charles, High st.
Stone Mason.
Whittingham Joseph, Upper Bar
Straw Bonnet Makers.
Evanson Ann, St. Mary’s st.
Lowe Emma, High street
Smart Eliza, St. Mary’s st.
Sturgess Sarah, High street
Surgeons.
Baddeley William Edward, High street
Duncalfe George, St. Mary’s street
Godby Augustus H., High st.
Lindop William, St. Mary’s street
Surveyor and Builder.
Treasure John Chetwynd, Aston
Tailors.
_Those with_ * _affixed are Woollen Drapers_.
* Bradbury Charles, High st.
Breese John, High street
Breese Thomas, St. Mary’s street
Gater Charles, High street
Jervis William, High street
Johnstone Moses, Lower Bar
* Keeling John, High street
Smart Richard, High street
* Watkin John, High street
* Worrall Joseph, High street
Tallow Chandlers.
Brittain William, High street
Fieldhouse William, High st.
Wilde Martha, St. Mary’s st.
Tanner.
Rogers Elizabeth, Watery lane
Timber Merchants.
Ward George Joseph, Canal wharf
Mansell Thomas, Stafford road
Turnery, Bendware, and Hair Sieve Manufacturers, & General Wood Turners.
Atkins Lewis, Mill Works
Baughey Thos., Mill Works
Veterinary Surgeon.
Duncalfe Thomas, St. Mary’s street
Watch & Clock Makers.
Northwood James, High st
Whiston Joseph, High street
Whiston Thomas, Upper Bar
Wheelwrights.
Mansell Thomas, Stafford st
Shaw John, Workhouse Lane
Wine & Spirit Merchants.
Allan Harry, High street
Liddle William, High street
Wood Turners.
Leech and Humphreys, Upper Bar
Wool Staplers.
Ford and Co., Stafford street
General Carriers.
The Shropshire Union Railway and Canal Company, George Hall, clerk
PRESTON-UPON-THE-WILD-MOORS
is a parish and small rural village, three miles N.E. of Wellington,
comprising 1,153A. 4R. 30P. of land, and in 1801 had 170 inhabitants;
1831, 218; and in 1841 there were 80 houses and a population of 389
souls. Rateable value, £1,422. 1s. 10d. The village is retired, but
pleasantly situated, and contains some good farm residences. St. John
Chiverton Charlton, Esq., and the Trustees of Preston Hospital are the
landowners. THE CHURCH is a small brick structure, consisting of nave
and chancel, with a tower, in which are two bells. The living is a
rectory, valued in the king’s book at £3, now returned £198, in the
patronage of the Trustees of Preston Hospital and St. John Chiverton
Charlton, Esq., alternately; incumbent, Rev. William Taylor Bird, M.A.
The tithes are commuted for £119, and there are 23 acres of glebe land.
PRESTON HOSPITAL.—_Lady Catherine Herbert_, widow of Henry Lord Herbert,
by her will, bearing date 11th April, 1716, gave the sum of £6,000, in
trust, to be laid out in the purchase of lands, in the county of Salop,
and building an almshouse thereon, for the reception of 12 poor women and
12 poor girls; the patronage to be vested in the Earl and Countess of
Bradford. _Thomas Lord Torrington_, by will, 1718, devised his real
estate in Preston-upon-the-Wild-Moors, subject to certain annuities, in
trust, to apply the rents and profits to the same use as Lady Herbert’s
gift; and directed the almshouse to be built upon such part of the estate
at Preston as his trustees should think proper; and he gave £1,000, then
due to him from his nephew, the Earl of Bradford, to the trustees, to be
laid out in building a hall in the middle of the hospital. The property
belonging the hospital, when the Charity Commissioners published their
report in the year 1828, consisted of the sum of £9,621. 4s. 6d., three
per cent. consols; certain lands, chiefly situated in the parish of
Preston, comprising 1,077A. 0R. 31P. of land, let at a yearly rental of
£1,301. 5s. 6d.; and the dividends of £5,539. 12s. three per cent.
consols, producing £166. 3s. 4d. per annum. The latter stock is in
respect of a legacy of £4,000, bequeathed in 1802 by _Charles Henry
Coote_, _Earl of Montrath_, to be applied by the trustees in the
augmentation of the poor widows’ stipends.
The hospital is a spacious and elegant brick structure, with stone
finishings, and was originally built so as to form three sides of a
square, with a large hall in the centre, used both as a chapel and as a
school. The old buildings contain apartments for 20 widows, and
sufficient accommodation for 20 girls and the matron who superintends the
school, together with a kitchen and other offices. There are also
apartments for the receiver, who has occasion frequently to attend on
business connected with the trust. Under an order of the Court of
Chancery, made 27th March, 1827, new buildings have been erected as wings
at each end. These comprise eight apartments, for an additional number
of widows. Each of the widows has for her own use a small garden. There
are also three meadows and a large garden, which are kept in hand, and
stocked for the general use of’ the hospital. Since the erection of the
wings, the number of widows have been increased from 20 to 27. The
widows are selected by the trustees, without any restriction as to the
place of birth or residence. Twenty inmates receive £26 per annum, and
seven have £18 a-year; in addition they have two tons of coal each, and
are provided with beds, bedding, and other necessary articles of
furniture. They were formerly supplied with medicine and medical
attendance from the funds of the charity; but some years ago this expense
was found to be so great that it was thought expedient that every
almswoman that should be appointed after that time should deposit a sum
of £10 in a savings’ bank, for the purpose of providing herself with such
medical assistance as she might require during her residence in the
hospital. When a widow dies, £5 is allowed for the expense of her
funeral. The twenty widows who have the largest income receive the
additional allowance under the bequest of the Earl of Montrath. Upon
this establishment there are also 20 girls appointed by the trustees.
They are provided with board and lodging, and are clothed and fed without
any expense whatever to their parents; and at 16 years of age, when they
leave the hospital, they receive £5 to supply them with clothing. The
matron who instructs the girls, and has the management of this branch of
the establishment, as well as the superintendence of the widows, receives
a salary of £30 a-year in addition to her board and lodgings.
Bird Rev. William Taylor, M.A., rector
Brown Henry, farmer
Chilton Thomas, farmer
Colley Ann, shopkeeper and beerhouse
Getley Edward, farmer, The Wich Farm
Hartley John, farmer
Hawkins Richard, farmer, Preston Farm
Hawkins Richard, farmer, Preston Hall
Higgins Mrs. Jane, Preston Cottage
Higgins Thomas, farmer
Hughes Jas., carpenter, joiner, & shopkeeper
Kirkham Mary Ann, farmer
M’Lean Mrs. Ann, governess of Preston Hospital
Pritchard Elizabeth, shopkeeper
Wood George, parish clerk
RODINGTON, OR RODDINGTON,
a parish and scattered village, which derives its name from its situation
on the river Roden, is pleasantly situated five miles N.N. by W. from
Wellington. The parish also includes the township of Sugdon, which
together contain 1,615A. 0R. 8P. of land. In 1801 the parish contained
372 inhabitants; 1831, 423; and in 1841 there were 106 houses and 466
inhabitants. Rateable value, £2,717. 4s. 2d. The landowners are the
Duke of Cleveland, John Tayleur, Esq., Mr. S. Pain, and Mr. S. Smith.
The township of Roddington, at the census in 1841, contained 88 houses
and 365 inhabitants. It is intersected by the river Roden and the
Shrewsbury Canal. There are some good farms here, the farm-houses are
respectable, and there is a good inn in the village. THE CHURCH,
dedicated St. George, is a brick structure, consisting of nave and
chancel, and a tower in which are two small bells. There is a small
gallery at the west end. A memorial, with the date of 1737, remembers
John Tayleur, Esq., formerly a resident in Roddington. The living is a
rectory, valued in the king’s book at £6. 13s. 4d., in the patronage of
the Lord Chancellor, and enjoyed by the Rev. Henry Thomas Whateley, The
tithes have been commuted for £296, and there are thirty acres of glebe
land. THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a small chapel built in 1834. THE
NATIONAL SCHOOL, a neat brick structure, is situated a little south from
the church; fifty-six children now attend.
SUGDON is a small township in Roddington parish, situated about a mile
from the church, which at the census in 1801 contained 18 houses and 101
inhabitants. The land is all the property of the Duke of Cleveland.
LONGWAIST is a hamlet in Sugdon township.
POORS LAND.—In the parliamentary returns of 1786 it is stated that
_Walter Davies_, by will, gave to the poor of this parish £50 in the year
1674, and that _William Tayleur_, _Esq._, in 1722, left £30 for the like
purposes, and that those legacies were then laid out in land. The
premises referred to consist of two enclosures containing 4A. 2R. 25P. of
land. There is also an allotment of 3A. 8P. set out thereto on an
enclosure about the year 1805. The land was let for £17. 17s. per annum
when the charity commissioners published their report. The amount is
distributed to the poor in December and Easter, in sums varying from 2s.
to 10s.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. John Prices’s_, _Bull’s Head_. Letters arrive at 9
A.M., and are despatched at 5 P.M.
RODINGTON DIRECTORY.—Robert Allen, boot and shoemaker; Thomas Belcher,
wharfinger; John Hodges, farmer; George Hulse, butcher and farmer; Thomas
Jukes, farmer, Rodington Hall; Samuel Pain, farmer; John Price, farmer
and vict., Bull’s Head.; Mrs. Elizabeth Ralphs, The Grove; Edward Rogers,
parish clerk; George Shinglar, farmer, Somerwood; Hugh Shinglar, farmer;
Samuel Smith, farmer, Rodington Villa; Edward and Arabella Wainwright,
teachers; Rev. Henry Thomas Whately, The Rectory.
The residents in SUGDON are Wm. Thomas Davies, farmer; James Powis,
bricklayer; LONGWAIST HAMLET, John Bourne, brick and tile agent for the
Duke of Cleveland; Jane Dunn, schoolmistress; James Dyke, coal agent;
William Lockley, blacksmith; James Reeves, shopkeeper; Thomas Tudor, coal
agent, The Wharf.
STIRCHLEY
is a small parish and village five miles S. E. from Wellington, and three
miles W. from Shiffnal, which in 1801 contained 189 inhabitants; 1831,
271, and in 1841, 301; at the latter period there were 61 houses, which
are mostly scattered; there are a number of cottages in the immediate
vicinity of the church, which are small, ill ventilated, and most
miserable hovels; this, however, is not the character of cottages
generally in this locality, or indeed in the county, for on the whole we
conceive them to be far superior to cottage residences in most other
counties. The parish contains 833A. 0R. 36P. of land, the principal
owner of which is R. H. Cheney, Esq.; the Duke of Cleveland, Robert
Burton, Esq., and Beriah Botfield, Esq., are also proprietors. A
considerable part of land is held in lease by Beriah Botfield, Esq., who
has extensive collieries and ironworks in the parish. THE CHURCH is a
small fabric dedicated to St. Mary, and consists of nave, chancel, and
north transept, with a gallery over it built by the Botfield family, for
the use of their own workmen. There are ten pews in the body of the
church, and two in the chancel,—the whole has a very primitive
appearance. The church was formerly lighted with small pointed windows,
but these have all been made up, and a large window void of taste and of
unmeaning character has been added to the east end to supply their place.
The chancel is divided from the nave by a Saxon arch of exquisite
workmanship, which modern renovators have attempted to improve by adding
sundry coats of lime wash. A neat marble tablet has been erected in
memory of Thomas Botfield, Esq., who died in 1801, and of his wife,
Margaret, who died in 1803. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s
book at £6. 5s. 10d., now returned at £274, in the patronage of the
Phillips family, and enjoyed by the Rev. Hugo Moreton Phillips, M.A., who
resides at the rectory, situated near the church, and has 45A. 3R. 38P.
of glebe. There is a parochial school which is chiefly supported by B.
Botfield, Esq., and the rector. There is a Wesleyan Chapel on the Dawley
road, which is just within the bounds of Dawley Magna township. The
Shropshire union canal intersects this parish. Gross estimated rental of
the parish, £2,500. 15s. 6d.; rateable value, £2,364. 8s. 6d. Stirchley
Hall is a good residence a little west from the church.
_Thomas Clowes_, in 1748, gave to the poor of this parish the sum of £20
per annum, to be disposed at the discretion of the churchwarden and
overseer. This annuity has long been paid by the tenant of Stirchley
Hall estate, formerly the property of Mr. Clowes, and which he charged
with the payment of the same.
_Richard Cookes_, in 1799, demised certain premises in Stirchley for the
term of 1,000 years, at the yearly rent of 17s., payable to the lessor,
his heirs and assigns. This rent has for a great many years been paid to
the overseers of this parish for the use of the poor, and it is supposed
to have been assigned for their benefit by Richard Cookes, the lessor,
but at what time or under what circumstances they first became entitled
to it there is no evidence to show. The term is at present invested in
Mr. Darral, who has improved the premises by building to the annual value
of £13.
Botfield Beriah, Esq., iron master and colliery proprietor
Barnard Richard, vict., Rose and Crown
Blakemore Thomas, farmer
Blocksidge John, schoolmaster and parish clerk
Hayward Sarah, shopkeeper
Onions Thomas, agent to B. Botfield, Esq.
Phillips Rev. Hugo Moreton, The Rectory
Smith George, farmer, The Hall
Smith William, farmer
Tipton Mark, agent to B. Botfield, Esq.; residence, Mossy Green
Trigger Robert, farmer
UPPINGTON
is a parish and township in the Wellington division of the South Bradford
hundred, four miles S.W. by S. from Wellington, which contains 747A. 0R.
36P. of land. In 1801 there were 107 inhabitants, 1831, 117, and in 1841
18 houses and 96 inhabitants. Rateable value, £937. 10s. The Duke of
Cleveland is lord of the manor and proprietor of the whole parish. The
village is delightfully situated in a salubrious country, pleasingly
beautified with rural scenery, and commands a fine view of the majestic
Wrekin. An avenue of trees extends nearly through the length of the
village, which gives it an air of quiet retirement. There are several
good houses, with pleasure grounds neatly laid out, and tastefully
planted with shrubs. THE CHURCH has a venerable appearance, it is built
of brick and rough cast, and dated 1678; it consists of nave and chancel,
with a turret containing two bells. The interior underwent a complete
reparation in 1844, at a cost of about £120, raised by subscriptions and
a grant from the Diocesan and Incorporated Societies,—the whole has now a
tasteful and orderly appearance. A brass plate which remembers John
Stanier and family is dated 1691. A neat marble tablet dated 1793 has
been erected to the memory of Rich aid Boycott, Esq. A tablet very
chastely designed, of coloured marble, and dated 1789, records the death
of Charles Stainer and several members of that family. An altar tomb to
Silvanus Boycott is dated 1686. There is also a beautiful marble scroll,
exquisitely executed, in memory of John Middleton Ashdown, Esq., agent to
the Duke of Cleveland, which was put up at the expense of the Duke’s
Shropshire tenantry. The living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage
of the Duke of Cleveland, and enjoyed by the Rev. John Meredith, M.A. In
the church-yard are two yew trees of immense girth, one of which is
completely hollow, and will admit of twelve persons standing within the
trunk at the same time; although nothing remains of the trunk at the
bottom but a shell, yet the tree shows vigorous signs of life, and the
branches cover a large surface of ground. The tithes have been commuted
for £155. 2s., when £115. 2s. was apportioned to the Duke of Cleveland,
and £40 to the incumbent of the parish.
THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL at Donnington, in the parish of Wroxeter, appears to
have been founded for the benefit of the parish of Uppington, as well as
that of Wroxeter. An account of the foundation will be found noticed
with Wroxeter.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mary Wood’s_. Letters arrive from Wellington by foot
post at 8 A.M. and are despatched at 6 P.M.
DIRECTORY.—William Allen, farmer; Samuel Harding Ashdown, Esq., land and
estate agent; John Bagley, shopkeeper; John Boore, gentleman; Richard
Boore, farmer; Charles Durnell, parish clerk, agricultural implement
maker, and blacksmith; Richard Jones, wheelwright; Charles Stanier, Esq.;
Mary Wood, post office.
UPTON MAGNA
is a parish and village, pleasantly situated five miles east from
Shrewsbury and seven west from Wellington, having the facilities of
railway communication to both places, by the Shrewsbury and Birmingham
railway, which intersects the parish. At the census of 1801 there were
482 inhabitants; 1831, 512; and in 1841, 99 houses and 494 souls. The
parish comprises the townships of Upton Magna, Downton, Haughton,
Hunkington, and Preston Boats, which together have an area of 3,260A. 3R.
25P. of land. Rateable value, £4,171. 2s. 6d. The principal landowners
are Andrew William Corbet, Esq.; the Duke of Cleveland; and Robert
Burton, Esq.; besides whom there are a few small freeholders.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, is an antique structure,
consisting of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with a tower, in which are
four bells; the body of the church is built of red sand stone, and the
tower of a white stone, which it is said was brought from an ancient
moated mansion at Hunkington; the seats and pulpit are of oak, over the
latter is the date of 1591; there is a gallery at the west end, and an
ancient stone font. The church has been greatly beautified within the
last ten years by the munificence of Miss Arabella Pigott, who has added
a new organ and altar-piece, adorned the windows with stained glass, and
made other additions. There is a book chained to a desk near the pulpit
entitled, “An answer to a certeine booke lately set forth by Mr. Harding,
entitled a confutation of the apology of the Church of England.” An
altar tomb in the chancel, with full length figures in chain armour,
remembers Waiter Barker, Esq., who died in 1644. There is also a
handsome marble memorial to the memory of Mary Elizabeth Pigott, who died
in 1837, and of Frances Pigott, who died in 1829, daughters of the Rev.
William Pigott, rector of Edgmond and Chetwynd. The living is a rectory
valued in the king’s book at £12, now returned at £546, in the patronage
of Andrew William Corbett, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Corbet Brown.
THE SCHOOL is situated in the church-yard; forty-three children attend,
eight of which are educated free; the school has the liberal support and
assiduous attention of Miss Pigott. UPTON MAGNA COTTAGE was built about
forty years ago, and is the delightful residence of Miss Arabella Pigott;
it is tastefully furnished, the walls are decorated with some choice
paintings, and there is a good library containing many valuable standard
works. The pleasure grounds are very beautifully laid out, and command
fine views of the surrounding country, and of the majestic Wrekin.
DOWNTON is a small township in Upton Magna parish, situated about a mile
W. from the church. Of the townships in this parish there were no
separate returns made of the population and acres at the census of 1841,
they are therefore included with Upton Magna. Andrew William Corbet,
Esq., is the landowner.
HAUGHTON, another small township, is situated about three miles N. from
Upton Magna. The Duke of Cleveland and A. W. Corbet, Esq., are the
landowners.
HUNKINGTON is situated about a mile N.E. from the church, and is the
property of Andrew William Corbet, Esq. There was formerly a moated
mansion here, but of which we possess no historical record; not a vestige
of the building now remains, but the moat may still be traced.
PRESTON BOATS is a village and township two miles S.W. from Upton, on the
banks of the river Severn, over which there is a ferry for passengers.
The land is the property of Robert Burton, Esq.
CHARITIES.—_Thomas Blakeway_, in 1767, bequeathed £300 upon trust to
apply one-third part of the yearly proceeds thereof in relieving the
necessities of poor housekeepers, and the residue for the instruction of
children belonging to poor parishioners. He also bequeathed £20 to be
laid out in the repairs of the school. As the produce of this bequest
there is now £322 stock, three and half per cents., the dividends of
which amount to £11. 5s. 4d., two thirds of which are applied in the
education of youth, and one-third is distributed among the poor. The
_Rev. Richard Andrews_, in 1726, left £10 to the use of the poor. Mrs.
_Ann Peploe_, in 1728, gave £16 to buy a garment for the poor. _Ann
Barker_ gave £20, and _Thomas Jewkes_ £20 for the benefit of the poor.
These several sums, amounting in the whole to £71, were laid out in
building a parish work-house, which was subsequently sold, and the
charity money was laid out in 1813, in the purchase of £80. 0s. 7d. stock
in the navy five per cents., and there is now in respect of the charity
money £84. 0s. 7d. standing in the names of certain trustees in the new
four per cents. Out of the dividends 5s. is given away in bread, 16s.
laid out in the purchase of two garments for poor persons, and the
residue is distributed in small sums on St. Stephen’s-day.
UPTON MAGNA, DOWNTON, HUNKINGTON, HAUGHTON, & PRESTON BOATS DIRECTORIES.
Pigott Miss Arabella, The Cottage, Upton Magna
Allen Thomas, station master
Allen William, farmer, Hunkington
Barber Richard, farmer, The Sales, Upton Magna
Bladon John, wheelwright, Upton Magna
Brisbourne Thomas, farmer, Haughton
Bowen Wm., farmer, Somer Wood, Upton Magna
Brown Edmund, farmer, Upton Magna
Burroughs Daniel, tailor, Upton Magna
Clarke Mrs. Mary, Upton Magna
Davies James, farmer, Downton
Davies Robert, farmer, Preston Boats, Ferry
Davies John, shoemaker, Upton Magna
Elkes John, shoemaker, Haughton
Elsmere Colley, farmer, Upton Magna
Gregory Mary Ann, farmer, Preston Boats
Humphries Mary, schoolmistress, Upton Magna
Humphries Nathaniel, schoolmaster, Upton Magna
Humphries Richard, farmer, Rae House, Upton Magna
Humphry John, farmer and vict., Corbet Arms, Upton Magna
Jervis Robert, farmer, Upton Magna
Jones Hannah, farmer, Preston Boats
Jones John, farmer, Preston Boats
Jones Richard, farmer, Downton
Keay Henry, parish clerk, Upton Magna
Keay Walter, basket maker, Upton Magna
Leeke John, farmer, Haughton
Lockley Henry, blacksmith, Upton Magna
Matthews William, farmer, Preston Boats
Pickin Helen, shopkeeper, Upton Magna
Ralphs Henry, wheelwright, Upton Magna
Rogers Joseph, tailor, Upton Magna
Tart Thos. Sharratt, farmer, Upton Magna
UPTON WATERS, OR PARVA,
is a small parish, township, and pleasantly situated village, five and a
half miles N. from Wellington, in the Wellington division of the South
Bradford hundred. The parish contains 732A. 3R. 35P. of land, and in
1801 had 169 inhabitants, 1831, 193, and in 1841, 43 houses and 228
souls. Gross estimated rental, £1,346. 18s.; rateable value, £1,256. 0s.
11d. The principal landowners are Thomas Whitfield, Esq., Miss Ann
Dickin, Mrs. Elizabeth Groucock, Mrs. Rider, Mr. William Boycott, and Mr.
John Williams, besides whom there are several small freeholders. The
village is pleasantly situated on elevated ground, and commands an
extensive view of the surrounding country; on the western verge of the
parish is the river Tern, which separates Upton Waters from the parish of
Ercall.
THE CHURCH is a small unpresuming structure, dedicated to Saint Michael,
consisting of nave and chancel, with a small belfry at the west end; the
interior of the fabric corresponds with its architectural simplicity. A
brass plate in the aisle remembers the Reverend William Jones, formerly
rector of this parish for 62 years, and died in the year 1691, aged 82
years. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £3. 17s.
3½d., now returned at £204, in the patronage of the Lord Chancellor, and
incumbency of the Rev. Richard Corfield, a non-resident; curate, Rev.
Sidney Philip Robertson, B.A. The rectory is a good residence a little
west from the church. THE HALL, the residence and property of Miss Ann
Dickin, is a neat brick house a little north-west from the church. About
a quarter of a mile north-west from the church is a large brick
structure, originally built as a workhouse for Ercall Magna parish. It
is now used for the reception of the children belonging the Wellington
Poor-law Union, and will accommodate about one hundred; the average
number is about fifty. The building stands on the banks of the river
Tern, and is just within the bounds of the parish of Ercall, the river
here dividing the two parishes.
Bennett Thomas, shoemaker
Davies John, schoolmaster, Union House
Dickin Miss Ann, the Hall
Edwards Rd., wheelwright
Gregory James, tailor
Groucock Elizabeth, farmer
Icke William, maltster and vict., the Swan
Leighton Robert, farmer
Matthews William, farmer
Morgan John, surgeon
Ridgway James, blacksmith
Roberson Rev. Sidney Philip, curate, the Rectory
Titley John, butcher
Tudor Samuel, bricklayer and shopkeeper
Whitfield Thomas, farmer
WELLINGTON
is a considerable parish and flourishing market town, pleasantly situated
eleven miles E. from Shrewsbury, and 142 N.W. from London, and by railway
11 miles from Shrewsbury, 7½ miles S.W. from Newport, 31 miles from
Birmingham, and seven miles W. by N. from Shiffnal. The parish contains
the townships and hamlets of Arleston, Aston, Apley, Dothill, Hadley,
Horton, Ketley, Lawley, Newdale, Walcott, Wellington, Wapenshall, and Lee
Gomery, and part of Preston and Eyton, together embracing an area of
9,184A. 1R. 7P. of land. Gross estimated rental, £36,120. 19s. 3d.
Rateable value, £32,656. 7s. 7d. The joint railway companies are rated
at £776. 18s. The tithes have been commuted, and £1,484 awarded to St.
John Chiverton Charlton, Esq., the impropriator, and to the vicar, £470.
6s. Population in 1801, 7,531; 1831, 9,671; and in 1841, 11,099. The
township of Wellington contains 727A. 1R. 16P. of land; and in 1841 had a
population of 6,084 souls, of whom 3,104 were males and 2,980 females; at
the same period there were 1,181 inhabited houses, 101 uninhabited, and
18 houses building. Wellington is a well-built town, of considerable
importance, and from its contiguity to the great seat of the iron and
coal works in this county, it has a much frequented market. It is also
the centre of a rich agricultural district, has ample communication by
railway to all parts of the kingdom, and the Shropshire Union Canal, in
its immediate vicinity, opens a water communication with the Severn and
distant parts of the country. The town contains many good houses, with
shops in all the different branches of the retail trade; there are also
several good inns. The malting business is extensively carried on; the
establishment of Mr. James Shepard is on a large scale. There are also
an iron foundry, a tannery, and several establishments for the
manufacture of nails; agricultural implements are also made. Hugh
Burnel, in the reign of Edward I., obtained the grant of a market (to be
held on Thursdays), and of two fairs in the year—the first to be held on
the day after the feast of St. Barnabas, and the second on the eve, the
day, and the day after the decollation of St. John the Baptist. The
market is still held on the Thursday, and the fairs are held March 29th,
June 22nd, September 29th, November 17th, Monday week before Christmas
day, and the last Monday in each of the other months. At these fairs
large quantities of farm and dairy produce, as also horses, horned
cattle, and sheep, are usually sold. The magistrates of the county hold
petty sessions monthly. William and Thomas Turner, Esqrs., are clerks to
the magistrates. A Court of Record was formerly held for debts not
exceeding £20, but this has been superseded by the New County Court Act.
The lord of the manor holds a Court Leet annually in November, at which
officers are appointed for the government of the town, and constables for
the different townships within this division of the hundred.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to All Saints, a commodious and elegant structure
of freestone, was erected, M,DCCXC., and consists of nave, side aisles,
and bay, with a square tower crowned with a dome, gilt cross, and vane.
The galleries are supported by cast-iron pillars. At the west end is a
handsome and fine-toned organ, and over the bay is a glory. The roof is
lofty, and the whole has a very beautiful and chaste appearance. At the
east end of the south aisle is an elegant marble memorial, executed by
Hollins, in memory of Martha Elizabeth Oliver, who died June 20th, aged
26 years. Another marble monument remembers Richard Emery, Esq., who
died April 13th, 1839, aged 65 years, and several other members of that
family. The interior of the church was painted, and the gas-fittings
added, in the year 1847, chiefly at the expense of the vicar and St. John
C. Charlton, Esq.; the cost was upwards of £300. In the tower of the
church is a peal of six musical bells. The church is surrounded with a
large burial ground, which, with the site of the church, contains upwards
of three acres. It contains numerous tombs, some of which are of
elaborate workmanship, and have been erected in memory of some of the
principal families of the parish. The church formerly belonged to the
abbey of Shrewsbury. The living is a vicarage annexed to the rectory of
Eyton, valued in the king’s book at £9. 5s., in the patronage of Thomas
Eyton, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Benjamin Banning, M.A., who
resides at THE VICARAGE, a spacious and handsome residence, about a
quarter of a mile south from the church. The house commands a fine view
of the Wrekin, and is surrounded with pleasure grounds and shrubberies.
In the 15th of Henry VI. the guild of the Holy Trinity and of the Virgin
Mary in the church of All Saints, in Wellington, obtained a pardon from
the king, for having acquired twenty messuages, ten acres of heath, and
six acres of meadow in Wellington, without license.
THE NEW CHURCH is dedicated to our Saviour, and is pleasantly situated on
elevated ground, at the southern outskirts of the town. It was built by
subscription and grants from the church building societies, at a cost of
£3,600. The structure is of white brick, with a lofty square tower,
ornamented with four crocketted pinnacles. The interior consists of nave
and side aisles, with spacious galleries. Over the side aisles and at
the west end, upon the latter, is a small organ, erected at a cost of
£170. On each side of the church are seven narrow windows, in the lancet
style. The roof is of groined timber, and the pews are painted in
imitation of oak, which gives the whole a neat and light appearance.
There are 1,144 sittings: of which 744 are declared free and
unappropriated for ever. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the
patronage of the Vicar of Wellington: incumbent, Rev. Charles Campe. The
church is surrounded with a spacious cemetery; and on the west side is
the Parsonage House—a neat brick structure, erected shortly after the
Church was built.
THE PARTICULAR BAPTIST CHAPEL, situated in King-street, is a neat brick
structure, which will accommodate about 500 hearers. It was built in
1828, on the site of a former edifice, that had been erected about half a
century. The Rev. William Keay has been the pastor of the congregation
worshipping here for the last 30 years. The Rev. Henry Gabriel Granger
has recently been appointed to assist Mr. Keay in the pastorate. A small
burial ground adjoins the chapel.
THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHAPEL is a lofty brick fabric, situate in New
street, and was built in 1836. It has galleries on three sides, and is
capable of holding five hundred worshippers. A small organ was added in
1851, at a cost of £80. The Old Methodist Chapel, which stood in Chapel
Lane, has been taken down. THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL, situate near
the Tan Bank, was built in 1837.
THE CATHOLIC CHAPEL, a plain brick structure, has been built about
fifteen years. It has a gallery at the end, and will hold about 400
persons. A painting of our Saviour is placed over the altar. There is
no resident priest in Wellington at the present time, but the Rev.
William Molloy, of Madeley, officiates at stated periods.
THE INDEPENDENT CHAPEL is a good brick structure, situate on the Tan
Bank. The congregation worshipping here have no settled minister at the
present time.
THE NATIONAL SCHOOL is a spacious brick building on the north side of the
churchyard. It is supported by voluntary subscriptions, charity sermons,
and a small weekly charge from each scholar. One hundred and sixty-eight
boys, and one hundred and twenty girls attend. The teacher receives £4.
0s. 10d. from the receiver of the Crown rents.
THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL, situate at the back of the catholic chapel, on Mill
Bank, is also supported by subscriptions and a small charge from each
scholar. THE SAVINGS’ BANK, situate in Walker street, was established in
1818. On November 20th, 1850, the capital stock of the bank amounted to
£27,623, at which period there were 692 depositors. Mr. Thomas Turner is
the actuary.
THE COUNTY COURT OFFICE is situate near the Market Hall. All pleas of
personal action, where the debt or damage claimed is not more than £50,
may be heard and determined by the County Court. The jurisdiction of the
Wellington Court embraces the parishes of Bolas Magna, Ercall Magna,
Eyton, Kinnersley, Longdon, Preston, Rodington, Waters Upton, Wellington,
Wombridge, and Wrockwardine. _Judge_: Uvedale Corbett, Esq., Aston Hall,
near Shiffnal. _Clerk_: Frederick Buckle, Esq., New street, Wellington.
THE MARKET HALL is a brick building, stuccoed, and situated a little back
from the Market-square. A spacious room, measuring sixty feet by twenty
feet, is used for magisterial purposes, public meetings, assemblies,
musical concerts, &c. Under it is an open area, provided with benches,
where the butter market is held. The hall was built by a company of
shareholders, established in 1842, with a capital stock of £5,000, of
which £2,000 was raised by the shareholders, and the rest was borrowed on
a mortgage of the premises. The company have purchased the tolls of the
market for the sum of £700 from the lord of the manor; and they are now
held on lease by Mr. John Sandals, at a yearly rental of £140.
THE UNION HOUSE, a plain brick building, situate in Walker street, is
capable of holding one hundred and sixty inmates. From the report for
the half year, ending March 25, 1850, we learn that the total expenditure
was £4,028. 19s. 1½d: the number of out-paupers for that period was
2,033, and of in-door paupers 184: the average weekly cost per head of
the latter was 2s. 11d. The Union embraces the parishes of Bolas Magna,
Ercall Magna, Eyton-on-the-Wild Moors, Kinnersley, Longdon-upon-Tern,
Preston-on-the Wild Moors, Rodington, Waters Upton, Wellington,
Wombridge, and Wrockwardine, for which nineteen guardians are chosen, to
whom John Whitfield, Esq. is chairman. The medical officers are, Charles
Harwood Greene, Robert Plowden Weston, and John Francis Steedman.
_Relieving Officers_: Edward Vickers, Ketley; and George Marcy, Watling
street. _Master and Matron_: Mr. and Mrs. Lewis. The Old Workhouse is
situated about a mile and a half south-west from the town, and is now
converted into cottages.
THE WELLINGTON MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE, situated in New street, has been
established with the object of affording tradesmen, mechanics, and
others, opportunities of acquiring, at their leisure hours, the
principles of science and the arts, and for the cultivation of
literature. Persons subscribing ten shillings per annum are entitled to
all the privileges of the institution; and persons under eighteen years
of age subscribing five shillings a-year, are deemed students of the
society. There is a good library of about eight hundred volumes, which
have been chiefly contributed by a few gentlemen. A news-room has been
established, which is furnished with some of the most popular
periodicals, and the principal London and provincial journals; lectures
are also occasionally given on interesting and useful scientific
subjects. There are now about seventy members. The institution has the
patronage and support of the principal gentry and clergy in the
neighbourhood. Mr. John Haynes and Mr. William M. Taylor are the
honorary secretaries.
THE NEWS-ROOM.—The news-room was established in 1846, by a number of
gentlemen and tradesmen of the town. It is held at Mr. Edwards’s, in the
Market square, and is supported by annual subscriptions of 21s. There is
also a billiard-room for the use of the subscribers. There are
forty-five members.
THE GAS WORKS.—The Gas Works are situated upon the Tanbank, and were
established in 1823, by Mr. William Edwards. In consequence of some
dispute with reference to lighting the streets, an Act of Parliament has
been obtained during the present year (1851) for the establishment of a
joint stock company, to be called “_The Wellington Coal and Gas-light
Company_.” The company will have a capital of £3,000, raised in three
hundred shares of £10 each. The site chosen for the erection of the
necessary works is the garden-ground lying between the top of Tanbank and
the Wrekin road. Estimated cost of the works, £2,000. R. D. Newell,
Esq., is the solicitor and secretary.
THE WATER WORKS.—The Wellington Water Works were provisionally registered
in 1851, under 7 and 8 Vic. c. 110. The imperfect supply of water, both
as respects quantity and quality, has long been felt in the town of
Wellington; and it is to remedy this defect in the condition of the town,
as well as to afford other supplies which local interest may require,
that the company has been established. It is a well ascertained fact
that many of the houses, particularly those where water is most needed,
are so ill supplied, that the occupants are obliged, throughout the year,
to procure it from a distance, at a considerable cost in both time and
money; or, in many instances, especially among the poor, to be content
with a supply totally inadequate to the ordinary necessaries of life. It
is proposed to raise the requisite supplies from the Ercall Pools, which
afford every natural facility for conveying water to any part of the
town, without materially interfering with private interests. The water
is free from deleterious matter, and considered excellent for culinary
and household purposes. It is proposed to have a capital stock of
£3,000, to be raised in three hundred ten pound shares. F. Buckle, Esq.,
is the solicitor to the company.
THE COUNTY CONSTABULARY OFFICE is situated in Walker street, Mr. John
M’Michael is the superintendent, under whose directions are twelve police
constables. There is a small lock-up on the north-west side of the
church-yard.
THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY was established in 1850, and is supported by
the principal gentlemen in the town and neighbourhood. The exhibitions
are held in the Market Hall.
THE OLD HALL, an ancient structure mantled with ivy, situated on the
Watling street road, is the property of Lord Forester, the lord of the
manor. One of the rooms is wainscotted with oak, which remains in good
preservation. The hall is now converted into a boarding-school
establishment, conducted by Joseph Edward Cranage. A road which runs
past the Old Hall leads to a few scattered cottages and some extensive
lime-works, called Steeraway, which is about a mile and a half south from
the town.
It was in Wellington and the vicinity that Charles I. mustered his
forces, and, after issuing orders for the maintenance of strict
discipline, made a solemn protestation that he would defend the
established religion, govern by law, and preserve the liberty of his
subjects, and that if he conquered he would uphold the privileges of
parliament. It is to be lamented that he should have found it necessary
to make a protestation of his adherence to the duties of an English
monarch; had he earlier practised them, he would have avoided the
contentions between himself and his parliament. The celebrated Dr.
Withering, author of the “Botanical Arrangements of British Plants,” was
born at Wellington, in the year 1741. His father was a physician, and
the family had resided during many generations on a small patrimony in
this county. Dr. Withering in his early years seems to have received a
good classical education; and in the autumn of 1762 he was matriculated
at the University of Edinburgh, where he distinguished himself by
pursuing his studies with the greatest diligence and attention. Whilst
he was unwearied in the pursuit of academic learning, as well as in all
those branches of knowledge which belong more immediately to the medical
profession for which he was intended, he did not neglect the cultivation
of the lighter and more elegant accomplishments. In the year 1766, Dr.
Withering finished his academical studies with great credit to himself,
and obtained the degree of Doctor of Physic. He first settled at
Stafford, and here he attended the accomplished lady who became the
partner of his future life; and it is not improbable that this attachment
produced that botanical turn which has since rendered his name so
conspicuous in this department of science. She drew beautifully; and he
appears to have gathered wild plants as subjects for her pencil. This
soon became a favourite pursuit; and possessing at this time a good deal
of leisure, he collected specimens for that herbarium which he afterwards
rendered so complete. Dr. Withering removed to Birmingham in the year
1775, and notwithstanding the time he continued to devote to chemistry
and botany, he soon realised £1,000 per annum by his professional
labours. During the following summer he presented the public with the
first edition of his English Botany, a work which claims the attention of
every botanical student; and is, perhaps, exceeded by none for the
facility it offers to the inquirer, and for the copiousness and
correctness of its selection. His philosophical attention extended to
chemistry, mineralogy, and every branch of natural philosophy connected
with his profession occupied him in succession. In the year 1791, in the
month of July, he and his family suffered much alarm and some injury in
the riot at Birmingham. He died in 1799. Before his death, he directed
no ostentatious display to be made at his funeral, and ordered his body
to be carried to church by six honest peasants. Dr. Withering, besides
his Botanical Arrangement of British Plants, gave to the world several
medical works.
THE WREKIN, situated about two miles S. from Wellington, is said to be
the highest hill in Europe for the circumference of its base. This proud
monarch of the plain rises to the altitude of 1,320 feet, and being in
the heart of Shropshire forms a conspicuous feature in the landscape from
all parts of the surrounding country. The distance is about a mile from
the London road to the summit of the hill; about half way up the ascent
is a neat cottage, where numerous parties, after luxuriating in the
enjoyment of prospects of unparalleled magnificence, assemble for social
repast. This huge mountain is covered with thriving plantations, but the
trees as they gradually ascend towards the summit appear of more stunted
growth. From the cottage a broad pathway covered with rich verdure leads
to the summit, from which seventeen counties can be seen; in every
direction the most extensive, varied, and magnificent prospects open to
view. The Wrekin is regarded by the residents in Shropshire as the
centre towards which the best wishes and affections of the heart converge
in that well known convivial sentiment, unchanged by time and never out
of place, “_All Friends Round the Wrekin_.” The Rev. Richard Corfield
thus beautifully describes the scenery around the lofty mount:—
“The summit gained, the weary toil’s repaid,
By prospects varied—mountain, wood, and glade;
O’er Salop’s plains with beauteous verdure drest,
The Cambrian mountains stretch along the west.
Turn to the north and Hawkstone’s hill you see,
With Cheshire prospects reaching to the Dee;
When to the east you lend th’ admiring gaze,
The barren Peak your startled thoughts amaze;
More eastward still you ken in distant view
Edge Hill, where Charles his faithful followers drew.
This fairy circle let us onward trace
O’er Brecon’s beacons, Radnor’s forest chase,
And as the outline may be further known,
So past its limits may our love be shown—
Love to our country and to all held dear
By ties of kindred, friendship’s off’ring bear—
Love to our country, and _to all friends round_
_The Wrekin’s_ circle may our love resound—
Such wishes these all Shropshire hearts inspire,
In social converse round the winter’s fire.”
WATLING STREET is a populous hamlet forming the eastern suburb to the
town of Wellington, from which it is distant about half a mile. It is
called Watling street from being situated on the great Prœtorian highway
of the Romans, which enters this county at Boningale, and terminates in
the county of Cardigan. It is now the Shrewsbury and Birmingham highway,
and before the establishment of railways was a road of immense traffic.
There are several respectable houses and a good inn and posting house.
The names of the principal residents will be found incorporated in the
Wellington directory. At the census of 1841 there were 66 houses and 299
inhabitants. Acres, 1,096A. 0R. 31P. of land. Rateable value, 2,194.
4s. The rectoral tithes are commuted for £125. 3s., and the vicarial for
£29. 5s.
CHARITIES.—ALMSHOUSES.—There are on the north side of the church-yard six
small tenements erected at the expense of the parish about the year 1790,
in lieu of some almshouses in the old church-yard which were then pulled
down. The old almshouses appear to have had no endowment, and were
occupied by parish paupers, and the present are occupied in the same
manner, the inmates being selected by the vicar and church-wardens.
Three of the inmates have 1s. 6d. per week, and the other three receive
2s. weekly. There are also four or five small tenements called
almshouses opposite the pound, supposed to have been built about a
century ago by a person of the name of Ick, or some person related to
that family. There is no endowment to them, and the persons residing in
them when the charity commissioners published their report claimed them
as their own.
_Richard Stevington_, by will, bearing date 23rd March, 1658, devised a
rent charge of £10 per annum to certain trustees for the use of the poor
of the parish of Wellington, to be paid out of certain land called the
Bury Yards. These lands are situate near the town of Wellington, and
consist of two fields, one of which was sold by Lord Forester about
thirty years ago. The other is still held by his lordship, and his agent
pays the sum of £10 annually, which is laid out in cloth coats for poor
men, and warm gowns for poor women.
_Paviour’s Charity_.—The yearly sum of £4 is paid by the agent of the
Marquis of Cleveland, the owner of lands in Garmson, in the parish of
Leighton; and in the churchwardens book there is entered a copy of a
receipt, given 29th March, 1772, to John Newport, Esq., for the like sum
as one year’s annuity, due at Lady-day then last, to the honest poor of
the parish of Wellington. This is paid yearly to the churchwardens, and
distributed on Easter Monday in sixpences among the aged poor of the
parish. We have not been able to obtain any account of the origin of
this charity.
_Phillip’s Charity_.—The only account of the origin of this charity we
have met with is a statement in the charity book of the parish of Great
Ness, from which it appears that William Phillips gave 20s. yearly to
this parish, payable out of the same estate as was charged with the
payment of 5s. yearly to the poor of Great Ness. The payment is charged
upon a copyhold estate in the parish of Wem, belonging to Mr. Nunnerley
and others. The amount is distributed in small sums on Good Friday.
POST OFFICE—_At Mr. Benjamin Smith’s_, _New street_. Letters arrive from
London and the south at 2.30 A.M. and 3 P.M., and from Shrewsbury and the
north at 6.25 A.M. and 10.25 P.M.; and are despatched at 6.25 A.M. and
10.25 P.M. to all parts of the kingdom.
LIST OF STREETS, ROADS, LANES, &c., IN WELLINGTON.
Butcher’s lane, Market square
Chapel lane, New street
Chapel house, Church street
Charlton place, Church st
Church street, Market square
Dun Cow lane, Market sqre
Field Cottages, Wrekin road
Foundry lane, Tan bank
Fountain place, New street
Jarrat’s lane, Tan bank
King street, Park street
Mill bank, New street
Nailor’s row, New street
Park street, Church street
Park terrace, Park street
Parville, Vineyard road
Pump street, New street
Rose hill, King street
St. John street, New street
Street lane, Wrekin road
Summer row, King street
Swine market, Crown street
The Mount, Wrekin road
Tan bank, Swine market
Vineyard road, Church street
Walker street, Market street
Wrekin road, Walker street
ALPHABETICAL DIRECTORY OF NAMES, PROFESSIONS, TRADES, AND RESIDENCES, IN
WELLINGTON.
Adney George and Edward, tanners, The Grove, Park street
Agnew David, travelling draper, St. John st
Allinson John, tea dealer, Watling street
Alltree Thomas, tailor and draper, Crown st
Allwood William, linen draper, Church street
Anslow Mrs. Mary Ann, Vineyard road
Anslow Edward, farmer, King street
Archer Wm. John, schoolmaster, (Catholic) Mill bank
Atkins Elizabeth, bonnet-maker, Church st
Austin Wm., baker & confectioner, New st
Aston Mr. John, Vineyard road
Baddeley Thomas, ironmonger, iron and steel merchant, and nail and
agricultural implement manufacturer, Market square
Bagshaw Joseph, provision dealer and seedsman, Crown street
Banning Rev. Benjamin, vicar, The Vicarage
Barber John, auctioneer and land and engineering surveyor, Church street,
residence Mill Bank
Barnes John, shoemaker, King street
Becall Andrew, farmer, Watling street
Beeston John, surgeon, New street
Beeston Miss Tabitha, Rose Hill
Beetlestone Misses, academy, New street
Bellingham Wm., smallware dealer, New st
Bennett Samuel, tailor, New street
Benson John Esq., bank manager, Church st
Berks Mary Ann, New street
Betton Mr. William Howard, Mill Bank
Binns and Smith, milliners and dressmakers, Church street
Birch John, tailor, New street
Birch William, vict., The Wicketts, Street Lane
Bird Francis, provision dealer, Crown street
Botwood William, coach builder, Tan Bank
Bowring Robert, fishmonger, New street
Bradbury Charles, chemist, druggist, and grocer, New street
Brannan Michael, umbrella maker, Walker st
Bratton Thomas Benjamin, draper and silk mercer, Market square
Brookes George, provision dealer, and boot and shoemaker, New street
Brookes John, clerk, New street
Brookes Wm., brazier, New street
Burton Mr. John, Watling street
Butler Joseph, smallware dealer, New street
Butterey John, provision and salt dealer, New street
Brown John, shopkeeper, Park street
Brown John, vict., Dun Cow, Dun Cow Lane
Brown Thomas, shoemaker, New Town
Buckle Fredk., solicitor and clerk to County Court, New street
Campe Rev. Charles, incumbent of Christ Church, The Parsonage
Capsey Thomas, vict., White Lion, Crown st
Carrane John, old clothes dealer, New st
Cartwright Edw. senr., provision dealer, New street
Cartwright Edward, junr., provision dealer, New street
Cartwright Thomas, beerhouse, Street Lane
Cartwright William, butcher, New street
Chalmers Alex. W., draper, Church street
Chapman Martin, basket maker, New street
Childs John, maltster, Church street
Clay Thomas, butcher, Newtown
Clayton Richard, hair dresser, Newtown
Collier Mrs., Vineyard row
Cooke Henry, corn miller, Wind Mill road, Dawley Green
Corbett John, beerhouse, Wrekin road
Corbett John, tailor and beerhouse keeper, New street
Corbett Samuel, blacksmith, King street
Corbett Thomas, wheelwright and beerhouse, King street
Corbett Thomas, shoemaker, Watling street
Cotterill William, grocer and tea dealer, Church street
Cotton Robert, blacksmith, Walker street
Cranage Joseph Edward, boarding school, The Old Hall
Crowder John, timber merchant, and vict., Britannia, King street
Dabbs Moses, beerhouse, Park street
Dale Wm., station master to joint committees of Shrewsbury and Birmingham
& Shropshire Union Railways, The Station
Danby John, grocer and tea dealer, Stamp Office, and agent to Salop Fire
Office, Walker street
Davies Charles, tailor and draper, New street
Davies David, hatter, New street
Davies Evan, beerhouse, New street
Davies Henry, beerhouse, New street
Davies James, butcher, New street
Davies John, plumber and glazier, New st
Davies John, hair dresser, New street and Crown street
Davies John, painter, plumber, and vict., Market Tavern, Crown street
Davies William, cooper, New street
Dax John, linen draper, and vict., Bell Inn, New street
Delvecchio and Dotti, jewellers, and furniture brokers, New street
Dickin Mrs. Elizabeth, Vineyard road
Dolphin Joseph, butcher, Butcher’s row
Dolphin William, beerhouse, Watling street
Downing Mary, wine & spirit vaults, Church it
Downes John, bricklayer & builder, Church st
Downes Vincent, stone mason, Church st
Edward Jane, shoemaker, New street
Edwards Thomas, agent, King street
Edwards Thomas, cooper, New street
Edwards Thomas, shoemaker, New street
Edwards Wm., chemist and druggist, and hop merchant, Market square
Edwards Wm. and Son, brass and iron founders, Tan Bank
Ellis Gertrude, dress maker, Church street
Espley George, pork butcher, New street
Espley John, malster, nurseryman and vict., King’s Head, New street
Evans Hannah, bonnet maker, New street
Evans Jane, hosier, New street
Evans Thomas, beerhouse, Pump street
Evans Thomas, tea dealer, New street
Evett Mrs. Ann, Chapel House
Eyton Thomas Campbell, Esq., The Vineyard
Farmer Edward, beerhouse keeper, New street
Farmer James Bayley, solicitor, New street, office, Crown street
Farries Alexander, tea dealer, Watling street
Fieldhouse John, shopkeeper, New street
Foulkes James, agent to Mr. Taylor, brick and tile maker, Gerrard’s lane
Fox Mary, schoolmistress (National) Church yard side
France William, beerhouse, Jarrat’s lane
Gawthrop Rev. Thomas, M.A., curate, Prospect House, Park street
Gibson John, seedsman, Park street
Gill Robert, brazier, New street
Goodman John, vict., Bull’s Head, New street
Goodall Peter, gentleman, Parville
Gough James, shoemaker, Crown street
Grant Alex., travelling draper, Mill Bank
Grant Wm., travelling draper, Mill Bank
Grainger Rev. Henry Gabriel, (Baptist) Fountain Place
Grainger Edward, vict., Red Lion, Street lane
Greatwood Robert, solicitor, Parville
Green Miles, tailor, woollen draper & hatter, Church street
Griffiths Charles, shoemaker, Mill Bank
Griffiths John, beerhouse and shopkeeper, Mill Bank
Griffiths John, blacksmith, Swine Market
Griffiths Mr. James, Vineyard road
Griffiths William, saddler, Walker street
Groom & Sons, timber merchants, New street
Groom Isaac, baker, Walker street
Groom John, joiner and cabinet maker, New street
Groom William, painter, glazier, paper hanger, and provision dealer, New
street
Hall Catherine, dress maker, Park street
Hall Michael, tailor, Park street
Hampton Rebecca, vict., Crown Inn, Crown street
Hamlet Richard, vict., Odd Fellows’ Arms, New street
Harper William, saddler, New street
Hartley Henry, beerhouse, New street
Harris George, shoemaker, Church street
Harris George, shoemaker, New street
Hayes Henry, surgeon, Vineyard road
Hayley Sedgley, gentleman, Park street
Haynes John, currier and leather cutter, New street
Haynes John, scripture reader, Church st
Hayward Thomas, professor of music, Church street
Heaford Mary, beerhouse, New street
Heighway Thomas, hair dresser, New street
Heywood Charles, rope and twine maker, New street
Hobson Robert, printer, stationer, bookseller, and bookbinder, and
publisher of the _Wellington Advertiser_ (monthly), and honorary
secretary of the London Art Union, Market square
Hodgkiss Anne, vict., Cock Inn, Watling street
Holland Ann, confectioner, Church street
Houlston Edward, beerhouse, Watling street
Houlston John, auctioneer, office over the County Court Office, Market
square, residence Oaken Gates
Howlet William, surgeon, Park street
Hughes Robert, beerhouse, New street
Hughes William, shopkeeper, New street
Hutchinson John, surveyor of highways, New street
Hussey John, schoolmaster, Church street
Irwin Robert, vict., Sun Inn, Walker street
Ison John, chemist, druggist, and grocer, New street
Ison John, beerhouse, Watling street
Jackson William, beerhouse, New street
Jacobs Maurice, clothier, Crown street
Jonathan William, agent to London bone and guano company, Wrekin road
Jones Charles, maltster and porter merchant, Vineyard road
Jones John, butcher, New street
Jones John, farmer, maltster, hop, seed, and porter merchant, Park street
Jones John, tailor & beerhouse, Church st
Jones John, umbrella maker, New street
Jones Joseph, shopkeeper, Watling street
Jones Samuel Haden, surgeon, New street
Jones Thomas, carpenter, Vineyard road
Jones Thomas, wine & spirit vaults, New st
Jones Thomas William, high bailiff to county court, King street
Juckes Charles, linen draper, New street
Keay Charlotte, shoemaker, Market square
Keay James, printer, bookseller, & stationer, New street
Keay Rev. William, (Baptist), Spring field house, King street
Kimberley Mrs. Mary, Vineyard road
Knowles Isaac, solicitor, Church street
Lane John, veterinary surgeon, Swine market
Large John, joiner, Church street
Lawley Joseph, watch maker, Swine market
Lawrence Richard, tailor, draper, and pawnbroker, New street
Lawson Charles, shoemaker, New street
Leah Edward, seedsman, Park street
Leake Thomas, bookseller, printer, bookbinder, and stationer, New street
Lewis Charles, gentleman, Park villa
Lewis James, plumber, glazier, and painter, Watling street
Lewis John, linen and woollen draper and hatter, High street
Liggatt John, shoemaker, New street
Lloyd Emma, milliner, New street
Lloyd Joseph, shopkeeper, New street
Lloyd Richard, blacksmith, Wrekin road
Lloyd Thos., brazier & tin plate worker, New st
Lloyd William, shoemaker, Field cottages
Lockett John, draper & silk mercer, New st
Lockley Richard, blacksmith, Jarrat’s lane
Luckcock Richard, nail maker, New street
Lunn Mrs. Helen, Mill Bank
Mc.Michael John, superintendent of police, Walker street; residence, Park
street
Mansell William, beerhouse, New street
Mansell William, ironfounder, Foundery ln
Marcy George, Esq., solicitor, clerk to Wellington union, &
superintendent registrar; Watling street
Matthews Edward, veterinary surgeon, Walker street
Matthews Mary Ann, bonnet maker, Park st
Mawdsley George, patten and clog maker, New street
M’Cabe Thomas, fruiterer, New street
M’Crea James, travelling draper, Mill Bank
Milward Cornelius, beerhouse, New street
Moore James, earthenware dealer, New st
Moore Samuel, ironmonger, grocer, and tallow chandler, Market square
Moreton Joseph, inland revenue officer, Park terrace
Morgan Francis, shopkeeper, New street
Morgan Henry, druggist and grocer, New st
Morgan John, maltster & vict., Nelson Inn, New street
Morgan John, shoemaker, New street
Morris George, pawnbroker, New street
Morris Henry, saddler, Church street
Morris John, hair dresser, Church street
Morris John, goods manager for Shropshire union railway, Fountain place
Morris John, tailor, draper, & hatter, New st
Newill Robert Daniel, Esq., solicitor, and coroner for the Bradford
district, New st
Nickless Samuel, vict., Red Lion, New street
Nock William, Esq., solicitor, and agent to Guardian Insurance Office,
New street
Oliver James, Esq., Spring hill
Onions Robert, assistant overseer, Church st
Padmore Thomas, vict., Fox and Hounds, Crown street
Page Francis, cabinet maker and builder, New street
Parker James, beerhouse, New street
Parker John, inland revenue officer, Fields cottage
Park George, beerhouse, New street
Parton Thomas, maltster, Church street
Parton William, cabinet maker, New street
Paterson Edward, timber merchant, Mill bank
Peake Richard, corn, seed, and hay dealer, King street
Peplow Richard, woollen draper, tailor, hatter, and agent to Anchor
Insurance Office, Charlton place, Church street
Peplow Wm., watch & clock maker, New st
Peplow William, tailor & draper, Watling st
Perry Samuel, beerhouse, King street
Phillips Elizabeth, dressmaker, Walker st
Phillips Jane, dressmaker, St. John’s street
Piggott Rev. Wm., (Wesleyan) St. John’s st
Pinches Wm., maltster, (Taylor & Pinches), St. John’s street
Plant Robert, shoemaker, King street
Poble John, blacksmith, Watling street
Pointon Henry, painter, plumber, and provision dealer, Crown street
Poole William, butcher, Dun Cow lane
Pooler William, tailor and draper, New st
Price Jane, shopkeeper, Church street
Price Edward, schoolmaster (National), Churchyard side
Price Richard, beerhouse, Park street
Price Robert, wheelwright, timber merchant, and vict., Queen’s Head,
Walker street
Pritchard Mrs. Ann, Mill Bank
Randles Richard, beerhouse, Park street
Robinson James, shopkeeper, Watling street
Robinson John, tea dealer, Watling street
Roe Richard, cab maker, Swine market
Rogers Mary, shopkeeper, New street
Roper George, carpenter, Wrekin road
Ridding Mrs. Lettice, the Mount
Richards Richard, butcher, St. John’s street
Rimmer Henry, manager of goods department at Shrewsbury and Birmingham
railway, St. John street
Russell John, sexton, Church street
Ryder John, surgeon, Crescent house, Park street
Sagah Mrs. Sarah, Park street
Sambrook William, beerhouse, Park street
Sandels John, maltster, porter merchant, and vict., Groom and Horses,
Walker st.
Shakeshaft Benjamin, plumber, glazier, and painter, and beerhouse, Church
street
Shakeshaft Helen and Ann, braziers and victs., Fox and Grapes, Market
street
Shaw Benjamin, bricklayer, Newtown
Shaw John, vict., Charlton Arms, Church st.
Shelton Annette, vict., Duke of Wellington, New street
Shelton Edward, vict., Raven Inn, Walker street
Shelton Robert, farmer and saddler, Watling street
Shepard James, maltster, Park street
Sheppard John Henry, tailor and draper, New street
Shepherd Abraham, vict., Queen’s Head, New street
Shepherd Isaac, beerhouse, King street
Shepperd Robert, chair maker, New street
Shropshire Banking Company, John Benson, Esq., manager, Church street
Simpson Charles, smallware dealer, New street
Slaney John, wine and spirit merchant, Church street
Smith John, shopkeeper, Park street
Smith Benjamin, postmaster, bookseller, printer, stationer, and
bookbinder, New street
Smith Henry, hairdresser, New street
Smith Peter, travelling draper, Mill Bank
Smith William, travelling draper, Mill Bank
Snook George, maltster and road surveyor, Tan bank
Stamper John, supervisor of inland revenue, Spring street
Stean Jane, dressmaker, Park street
Steedman John Francis, surgeon, Park street
Steel James, farmer, Buckatree hall
Stephens Richard, shoemaker, Dun Cow lane
Stokes James, vict., Holly Bush, Street lane
Stones Francis, furniture broker, New street
Summers Richard Dickson, currier and vict., Duke’s Head, New street
Swift Martha, schoolmistress, Church street
Tarbitt David K., tea dealer (travelling), Watling street
Taylor William Muchall, solicitor, and agent to general life office, and
law fire office, Church street
Thompson Emanuel, shoemaker, Summer row
Thompson Thomas, shoemaker, Dun Cow ln
Titley Joseph, butcher, Pump street
Turner John, joiner, Foundry lane
Turner James, saddler, Dun Cow lane
Turner Thomas, Esq., clerk to magistrates and actuary at Saving’s Bank,
Walker st
Turner Thomas, cabinet maker and butcher, New street
Turner Thomas, grocer & bricklayer, New st
Turner William, Esq., solicitor, Walker st.; residence, Field House
Vaughan James, hair dresser and toy dealer, New street
Vaughan Thomas, hair dresser & toy dealer, New street
Venables Charles, draper and silk mercer, Church street
Vickers Richard, cooper, New street
Vickers Thomas, beerhouse, Pump street
Warren Robert, beerhouse, New street
Wase John, solicitor, and agent to law fire office, Church street
Webb Charles, confectioner, New street
Webb Henry, confectioner, New street
Webb James, draper & silk mercer, Market square
Webb Thomas, ironmonger, Crown street
Webb William and Co., grocers, chandlers, and hop, seed, and guano
merchants, Market square
Welsh Robert, travelling tea dealer, Hope Cottage
West Marshall, beerhouse, New street
West Thomas, butcher, Market street
Weston Emma, boarding school, Watling st
Weston Robert, surgeon, St. John street
Whittall Thomas, beerhouse, King street
Whittall William, maltster, King street
Whitfield John, grocer, tea dealer, and ironmonger, Market square
Williams Thomas, shopkeeper, Watling st
Winnall Richard, shopkeeper, New street
Winter Simon, watch & clock maker, New st
Wood Richard, tailor, Mill Bank
Wood William, wheelwright, Summer row
York James, baker, New street
York William Henry, plumber, glazier, and vict., George and Dragon, New
street
CLASSIFICATION OF THE PROFESSIONS, MANUFACTURES, AND TRADES IN THE TOWN
OF WELLINGTON.
Academies.
Beetlestone Misses, New st
Binnell Jane, Rose hill
Catholic, William Thomas Arthur, Mill Bank
Cranage Joseph Edward, (boarding), The Old Hall
Hussey John, Church street
National, Edward Price and Mary Fox, Church yard side
Swift Martha, Church street
Weston Emma, (boarding), Watling street
Agricultural Implement Makers.
Baddeley Thos., Market sq
Price Robert, Walker street
Attornies.
Buckle Frederick, New street
Greatwood Robert, Parville
Farmer Jas. Bayley, New st
Newill Robert Daniel, New st
Knowles Isaac, Church st
Marcy George, and clerk to poor law union, and superintendent registrar,
Watling street
Nock William, Church st
Palin Richard, Church st., and Shrewsbury
Taylor William Muchall, Church street
Turner William, Walker st
Wase John, Church street
Auctioneers.
Barber John, Church street
Houlston John, office over county court
Bakers.
Austin William, New street
Berks Mary Ann, New street
Broom Isaac, Walker street
York James, Church street
Banks.
Shropshire Banking Co., John Benson, Esq., manager, (draw on Hanburg,
Tailor, Lloyd, & Company.)
Basket Maker.
Chapman Martin, New street
Blacksmiths.
Baddeley Thos., Market sq
Corbett Samuel, and whitesmith, King street
Cotton Robert, Walker street
Lockley Richard, Jarrat’s ln
Lloyd Richard, Wrekin road
Griffiths John, Swine market
Poble John, Watling street
Booksellers, &c.
Hobson Robert, Market sq
Keay James, New street
Leake Thomas, New street
Smith Benjamin, New street
Boot and Shoemakers.
Barnes John, King street
Brookes George, New street
Brown Thomas, New town
Corbett Thomas, Watling st
Edwards Jane, New street
Edwards Thomas, New st
Gough James, Crown street
Griffiths Charles, Mill Bank
Harris George, New street
Harris George, Church st
Holland Ann, Church street
Keay Charlotte, Market sq
Lawson Charles, New st
Liggatt John, New street
Lloyd Wm., Fields cottages
Lloyd William, New street
Morgan John, New street
Plant Robert, King street
Stephens Rd., Dun Cow ln
Thompson Emanuel, Summer row
Thompson Thos., Dun Cow lane
Braziers.
Baddeley Thomas, Market sq
Brookes William, New street
Gill Robert, New street
Lloyd Thomas, New street
Shakeshaft Helen and Ann, Market street
Bricklayer.
Shaw Benjamin, New town
Brick makers.
Corbett John, Wrekin road
Turner Thomas, Market sq
Builder.
Downes John, Church street
Butchers.
Clay Thomas, New town
Cartwright William, New st
Davies James, New street
Dolphin Joseph, Butchers row
Espley George, (pork), New street
Poole William, Dun Cow ln
Richards Rd., St. John street
Titley Joseph, Pump street
West Thomas, Market street
Cabinet Makers & Furniture Brokers.
Delveccio and Dotti, New st
Groom John, New street
Page Francis, New street
Parton William, New street
Roe Richard, Swine market
Stones Francis, New street
Turner Thomas, New street
Chair Maker.
Shepperd Robert, New street
Chemists & Druggists.
Bradbury Charles, New st
Edwards William, Market sq
Ison John, New street
Moore Samuel, Market sq
Morgan Henry, New street
Clog and Patten Maker.
Mawdsley George, New st
Clothiers.
Jacobs Maurice, Crown st
Morris George, New street
Morris John, New street
Pooler William, New street
Coach Builder.
Botwood William, Tan bank
Confectioners.
Austin William, New street
Holland Ann, Church street
Webb Charles, New street
Webb Henry, New street
Coopers.
Davies William, New street
Edwards Thomas, New st
Vickers Richard, New street
Corn Millers.
Cooke Henry, Wind mill
Reynolds Stephen, King st
Corn, Seed, and Hay Dealer.
Peake Richard, King street
Curriers & Leather Cutters.
Haynes John, New street
Summers Richard Dixon, New street
Fire and Life Offices.
Anchor, Richard Peplow, Charlton place, Church st
Guardian Assurance Office, William Nock, Church st
Law Fire Office, William M. Taylor, Church street
Law Fire Office, John Wase, Church street
Minerva, John Barber, Church street
Phœnix, John Barber, Church street
Royal Exchange, William Edwards, Market square
Salop, John Danby, Walker street
Shropshire and North Wales, Richard Lawrence, New st
Solicitors’ and General Life, Wm. M. Taylor, Church st
Star Life Office, Benjamin Smith, New street
Fishmonger.
Bowring Robert, New street
Fruiterer.
Mc.Cabe Peter, New street
Green Grocer.
Brown John, Park street
Grocers and Tea Dealers.
Cotterill Wm., Church st
Danby John, Walker street
Edwards William, Market sq
Ison John, New street
Moore Samuel, Market sq
Morgan Henry, New street
Turner Thomas, Market sq
Webb Wm. & Co., Market sq
Whitfield John, Church st
Hair Dressers.
Clayton Richard, New street
Davies John, New street & Crown street
Heighway Thomas, New st
Morris John, Church street
Smith Henry, New street
Vaughan James, New street
Vaughan Thomas, New st
Hatters.
Davies David, New street
Green Miles, Church street
Lewis John, Market square
Morris John, New street
Peplow Richard, Charlton pl
Hop, Seed, and Guano Merchants.
Jones John, Park street
Webb William & Company, Market square
Hosiers.
Evans Jane, New street
Butler Joseph, and rag and bone dealer, New street
Hotels, Inns, and Taverns.
Bell Inn, John Dax, New st
Brittannia, John Crowder, King street
Bull’s Head, John Goodman, New street
Charlton Arms, John Shaw, Church street
Cock Inn, Anne Hodkiss, Watling street
Crown Inn, Rebecca Hampton, Crown street
Duke’s Head, Richard Dixon Summers, New street
Duke of Wellington, Annette Shelton, New street
Dun Cow, John Brown, Dun Cow lane
Fox and Grapes, Helen and Ann Shakeshaft, Market st
Fox and Hounds, Thomas Padmore, Crown street
George and Dragon, Wm. Henry York, New street
Groom and Horses, John Sandells, Walker street
Holly Bush, James Stokes, Street lane
King’s Head, John Espley, New street
Odd Fellows’ Arms, Richard Hamlett, New street
Market Tavern, John Davies, Crown street
Nelson Inn, John Morgan, New street
Queen’s Head, Robert Price, Walker street
Queen’s Head, Abraham Shepherd, New street
Raven Inn, Edward Shelton, Walker street
Red Lion, Samuel Nickless, Park street
Red Lion, Edward Grainger, Street lane
Shakespere, Thomas Jones, New street
Sun Inn, Robert Irwin, Walker street
White Lion, Thomas Capsey, Crown street
Wickett William Birch, Street lane
Beerhouses.
Cartwright Thomas, Street ln
Corbett John, New street
Corbett Thomas, King st
Dabbs Moses, Park street
Davies Evan, New street
Davies Henry, New street
Dolphin William, Watling st
Evans Thomas, Pump street
Farmer Edward, New street
France Robert, Gerrard’s ln
Griffiths John, Mill Bank
Hartley Henry, New street
Heaford Mary, New street
Houlston John, Watling st
Hughes Robert, New street
Ison John, Watling street
Jackson William, New st
Jones Richard, Church st
Mansell William, New st
Milward Cornelius, New st
Park George, New street
Parker James, New street
Perry Samuel, King street
Randles Richard, Park street
Sambrook William Jones, Park street
Shakeshaft Benjamin, Church street
Shepperd Isaac, King street
Vickers Thomas, Pump st
Warren Robert, New street
West Marshall, New street
Whittall Thomas, King st
Ironmongers.
Baddeley Thomas, Market sq
Moore Samuel, Market sq
Webb Thomas, Crown street
Whitfield John, Church st
Iron and Brass Founders.
Edwards William and Son, Tan Bank
Mansell William, Foundry ln
Joiners and Builders.
Groom John, New street
Jones Thomas, Vineyard yd
Large John, Church street
Roper George, Wrekin road
Turner John, Foundry lane
Linen and Woollen Drapers.
Allwood William, Church st
Bratton Thomas Benjamin, Market square
Danby John, Church street
Dax John, New street
Juckes Charles, New street
Lewis John, Church street
Lockitt John, New street
Venables Charles, Church st
Webb, James Market square
Maltsters.
Child John, Church street
Espley John, New street
Jones John, Park street
Jones Charles, Vineyard rd
Morgan John, New street
Parton Thomas, Church st
Pinches William, (Taylor & Pinches) New street
Snook George, Tan Bank
Sandells John, Walker street
Shepard James, Park street
Summers Richard D., New st
Whittall William, King st
Milliners and Dress Makers.
Binns and Smith, Church st
Hall Catherine, Park terrace
Lloyd Emma, New street
Phillips Elizabeth, Walker st
Phillips Ann, St. John street
Pugh Margaret, Springhill
Roden Eliza, Rose hill
Stean Jane, Park terrace
Nail Makers.
Baddeley Thomas, Market sq
Griffiths John, Mill Bank
Luckcock Richard, New st
Webb Thomas, Crown street
Nurseryman.
Espley John, New street
Pawnbrokers.
Laurence Richard, New st
Morris George, New street
Porter Merchants.
Jones John, Park street
Jones Thomas, New street
Jones Charles, Vineyard road
Sandells John, Walker st
Plumbers, Glaziers, & Painters.
Davies John, Crown street
Davies John, Walker street
Groom William, New street
Lewis James, Watling street
Poynton Henry, Crown street
Shakeshaft Benj., Church st
Rope and Twine Maker.
Heywood Charles, New st
Saddlers.
Griffiths William, Walker st
Harper William, New street
Morris Henry, Church street
Shelton Robert, Watling st
Turner James, Dun Cow ln
Seedsmen.
Barnes John, King street
Gibson John, Park street
Leah Edward, Park street
Shopkeepers.
Austin William, New street
Bagshaw Joseph, Crown st.
Bird Francis, Crown street
Buttery John, salt dealer, New street
Cartwright Edward, sen., New street
Cartwright Edward, jun., New street
Fieldhouse John, New street
Hughes William, New street
Jones Joseph, Watling street
Lloyd Joseph, New street
Morgan Francis, New street
Poynton Henry, Crown street
Price Jane, Church street
Robinson James, Watling st
Rogers Mary, New street
Smith John, Park street
Williams Thos., Watling st.
Winnall Richard, New street
Smallware and General Dealers.
Bellingham Wm., New street
Butler Joseph, New street
Simpson Charles, New street
Vaughan James, New street
Vaughan Thos., New street
Stone Masons.
Downes Vincent, Church st.
Snook George, Tan Bank
Straw Bonnet Makers.
Atkins Elizabeth, Church st.
Evans Hannah, New street
Matthews Mary Ann, Park terrace
Surgeons.
Beeston John, New street
Howlett William, Park street
Hayes Henry, Vineyard road
Jones Samuel Haden, New street
Ryder John, Crescent house, Park street
Steedman John Francis, Park street
Weston Robert P., St. John’s street
Surveyors.
Barber John, Church street
Hutchinson John, Park st.
Tailors.
_Marked * are woollen drapers_.
* Alltree Thomas, Crown st.
Bennett Samuel, New street
Birch John, New street
* Corbet John, New street
* Davies Charles, New street
* Green Miles, Church street
Hall Michael, Park street
Jones Richard, Church street
Jacobs Maurice, New street
* Lawrence Richard, New street
* Morris John, New street
* Peplow Richard, Charlton Place
* Peplow William, Watling street
* Pooler William, New street
Sheppard John Henry, King street
Sheppard Joseph, New street
Swift Joseph, Wrekin road
Wood Richard, Mill Bank
Tallow Chandlers.
Moore Samuel, Market square
Webb William and Co., Market square
Tanners.
Adney George and Edward, the Grove
Tea Dealers and Drapers (Travelling).
Allinson John, Watling st.
Farries Alexander, Watling street
Dod Agnew, St. John street
Grant Alexander, Mill Bank
Grant William, Mill Bank
M’Crea James, Mill Bank
Robinson John, Watling st.
Smith Peter, Mill Bank
Smith William, Mill Bank
Tarbitt David K., Watling street
Welsh Robert, Hope Cottage
Wilson William, Jarrat’s lane
Timber merchants.
Crowder John, King street
Groom and Sons, New street
Paterson Peter, Mill Bank
Price Robert, Walker street
Umbrella Makers.
Brannan Michael, Walker st.
Jones John, New street
Veterinary Surgeons.
Lane John, Swine market
Matthew Edward, Walker st.
Watch and Clock Makers.
Delvecchio and Dotti, New street
Lawley Joseph, Swine market
Lawrence Richard, New st.
Peplow William, New street
Winter Simon, New street
Wheelwrights.
Corbett Thomas, King street
Wood William, Summer row
Price Robert, Walker street
Wine and Spirit Merchants.
Downing Mary, Church st.
Jones Thomas (retail only), New street
Slaney John, Church street
Conveyance by Railway.
To all parts of the kingdom by the Shrewsbury and Birmingham and the
Shropshire Union Railways, from the Railway Station, near the Market
square
Omnibus.
An omnibus leaves the Bull’s Head Hotel for Ironbridge, at 2 P.M., and 8
P.M., and arrives from thence at 9 A.M. and 5 P.M.
ARLESTONE
is a email township in the parish of Wellington, which comprises 612A.
3R. 3P. of land, and in 1841 had 33 houses and 181 inhabitants. Rateable
value, £1,525. 10s. This township is the property of Lord Forester, and
situated about a mile and a half south-east from Wellington; the houses
are scattered; a commodious house in the village, composed of brick and
timber, is the residence of Mr. John Poole, farmer. NEWDALE is a hamlet
about two miles from Wellington, returned as having 37 houses and 196
inhabitants, at the census of 1841. The population of this hamlet is
chiefly employed in the collieries in the immediate vicinity.
DIRECTORY.—Richard Brown, tailor; John Garbitt, beerhouse keeper; Francis
Groome, farmer; Edmund Oliver, joiner and cabinet maker; John Poole,
farmer; Enoch Upton, farmer; Edward Williams, farmer and shopkeeper,
Newdale.
APLEY
is a township a mile and a quarter north from Wellington, embracing 382
acres of land, which is the property of St. John Chiverton Charlton, Esq.
Rateable value, £790. 2s. APLEY CASTLE is a handsome mansion embosomed
in foliage, the seat of St. John Chiverton Charlton, Esq., and situated
in a park of considerable extent. The principal front of the mansion is
ornamented with a noble portico, and not far from the entrance is a fine
sheet of water. On the south-west side of the house is the conservatory
and flower garden, tastefully laid out, and kept in the most beautiful
order. About a hundred and fifty yards from the mansion are the remains
of the ancient castle, which was in early times the manor house of the
Charltons, Lords of Powis, of which family the first we find mentioned is
John de Charlton, who, in the first year of Edward II., obtained a
charter of free warren in all his demesne lands; and in the tenth year of
the same reign procured a licence to make a castle of his manor house
here. The old castle was moated, part of which still remains; some small
fragmentary portions of the walls are also still to be seen. The site is
now occupied by a range of stables. The rectoral tithes of Apley Dothill
are commuted for £49. 4s.
The residents are St. John Chiverton Charlton, Esq., Apley Castle; John
Mitchell, gardener; and Joseph Walker, farm bailiff.
ASTON
is a township in the parish of Wellington, with a scattered population,
three miles south-west by south from the parish church, comprising
1,389A. 3R. 22P. of land, which is the property of the Duke of Cleveland
and Mrs. Cludde. In 1841 here were 15 houses and 84 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £1,420. 10s. The tithes have been commuted, and £178.
10s. apportioned to St. John Chiverton Charlton, Esq., and £48. 8s. to
the vicar of Wellington.
The principal residents are Robert Dickin, farmer; George Dodsworth,
builder; John Edwards, farmer, Wrekin farm; John Keay, farmer, Wrekin;
Miss Abigail Rider, farmer, the Hall; Joseph Steele, farmer.
DOTHILL
is a small township in the parish of Wellington, comprising 323A. 3R.
14P. of land, which is the property of Lord Forester. Rateable value,
£710. 18s. DOTHILL PARK, a good house pleasantly situated about a mile
north from Wellington, is the only residence in the township, and is
occupied by William Wyley, Esq.
HADLEY
is a township and populous village in the parish of Wellington, on the
Newport and Wellington turnpike road, about a mile and a quarter
north-east from the latter place. The township contains 1,199A. 1R. 18P.
of land, and in 1841 there were 246 houses, and 1,280 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £5,217. 18s. The rectoral tithes, commuted for £272.
11s., are paid to St. John Chiverton Charlton, Esq., and the vicarial
tithes for £87. 8s. The labouring population find employment in the
extensive iron works and collieries in the immediate vicinity, and trade
is facilitated by the Shropshire union railway, which intersects the
township, and also by the Shropshire union canal, which crosses Hadley
Park a short distance from the hall. The opposition between the
Shrewsbury and Birmingham and the Shropshire Union railways, has caused a
greater reduction in the fares for the last twelve months, in this
locality, perhaps than in any other part of the kingdom; the charge being
but one penny for third-class passengers to Shrewsbury, a distance of
about a dozen miles; and threepence for second-class passengers. The
Hadley station is situated a short distance from the Hall. The Baptists
and Primitive Methodists have each a place of worship here. HADLEY HALL
is a commodious brick structure, pleasantly situated in park-like
grounds, the occasional residence of George Benjamin Thorneycroft, Esq.,
who is lord of the manor and a considerable landowner. The other chief
landowners are Mr. Phillips, Mr. Boycott, Mrs. Cartwright, Rev. T.
Stoneham, and Mr. Poyner. THE MANOR HOUSE is an ancient timbered
residence, in the occupancy of Mr. Thomas Jones, farmer.
Thorneycroft George Benjamin, Esq., the Hall
Bennoin Charles, farmer and maltster, Hadley Park
Brown Joseph, farmer, maltster, and vict., King’s Head
Brown Robert, shoemaker
Brown William Henry, maltster and shopkeeper
Bullock Thomas, maltster and beerhouse
Clayton John, maltster and farmer
Collier George, Esq.
Davies Joseph, shopkeeper
Draycott Elizabeth, dressmaker and shopkeeper
Dunn William, farmer
Evans Thomas, tailor
Getley William, crown, sheet, and plate glass merchant
Ireland Philip Henry, vict., Bush Inn
Jones Benjamin, agent to Wombridge coal works
Jones George, schoolmaster
Jones Henry Windsor, station master
Jones John, farmer, Hadley lodge
Jones Richard, farmer and shopkeeper
Jones Thomas, bricklayer
Jones Thomas, farmer, the Manor House
Jones Thomas, vict., Cross Keys
Jones Whitmore, butcher
Lawrence Elizabeth, beerhouse
Lloyd William, shoemaker
Lover John, sergeant-major in yeomanry cavalry
Medlington Benjamin, blacksmith
Nickleys Thomas, farmer and beerhouse
Palin John, farmer
Pearce John, corn miller, Hadley mill
Pooley Thomas, Esq., iron master
Poyner Henry, Esq.
Siddens Mrs. Emma
Shuker William, shopkeeper
Thomas Robert, cattle dealer
Tomlinson John, corn miller, Leegomery
Turner Samuel, shopkeeper
Ward James, joiner, builder, and cabinet maker
Webb Matthew, Esq. surgeon, Haybridge
Whittingham Samuel, Esq., Haybridge
Worrall Timothy, shopkeeper and shoemaker
HORTON,
a small township and scattered village in the parish of Wellington,
comprises 354A. 1R. 15P. of land, which is principally the property of
Mrs. Icke. The village is situated about three miles north from
Wellington, and in 1841 there were 27 houses and 117 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £706. 6s. St. John Chiverton Charlton, Esq., is the
impropriator of the large tithes, which are commuted for £81. 18s.; the
vicarial tithes are commuted for £15. 2s.
The chief residents in Horton are James Barge, maltster; Thomas Barker,
black smith and vict., Horse Shoe Inn; Thomas Blest, boot and shoemaker;
Thomas Chilton, bricklayer; John Doody, tailor; John France, farmer;
Richard Griffiths, carpenter and joiner; Elizabeth Icke, farmer; Samuel
Middleton, shopkeeper
KETLEY
is a township and populous district in the parish of Wellington, situated
in the great Prœtorian road of the Romans called the Watling Street, two
miles east from Wellington. The township contains 774A. 3R. 2P. of land,
which is chiefly the property of the Duke of Sutherland; the Rev.
Thompson Stoneham, and others, are also proprietors. At the census of
1841, there were 498 houses, and 2,642 inhabitants, most of whom are
employed in the extensive iron works, collieries, and ironstone mines,
situated in this and the adjoining townships. Rateable value, £3,033,
4s. St. John Chiverton Charlton, Esq., is the impropriator of the large
tithes, which are commuted for £92; the vicarial tithes are commuted for
£31. 10s. The commercial intercourse of Ketley is facilitated by the
Shropshire union canal, and the railway in the immediate vicinity, by
which the valuable mineral productions with which this locality abounds
are conveyed to distant parts. The Ketley Company (Messrs. Lawley, Ogle,
Williams, Hombersley, Cope and Cope) have an extensive establishment for
the manufacture of pig and bar iron, and are also the proprietors of
extensive collieries, which are held in lease under the Duke of
Sutherland. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, a neat cruciform
structure, exhibiting the lancet style of architecture, was built and
endowed in 1838, by his grace George Granville, Duke of Sutherland. Upon
the organ is an inscription, from which we learn that the inhabitants of
Ketley and the neighbourhood, “under a deep sense of gratitude, have
caused the organ to be erected as a thank offering to Almighty God, for
having thus disposed the heart of his servant.” The situation of the
church is judiciously chosen, elevated and central, and the churchyard
commands most extensive views of the surrounding counties. The home
views embrace a fine extent of the fertile plains of Shropshire, the
celebrated Wrekin, and the far-famed iron works of the neighbourhood.
The living is a perpetual curacy, in the diocese of Lichfield, and
patronage of the Duke of Sutherland; incumbent, Rev. Thompson Stoneham,
M.A., who resides at the PARSONAGE, a good and commodious residence, also
the gift of his grace. THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS, situated near the church,
were built by his grace the Duke of Sutherland, by whose liberality they
are also chiefly supported. There is an average attendance of about one
hundred and fifty scholars. THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a small chapel,
built in 1823; there is also a commodious WESLEYAN CHAPEL at Ketley Bank,
built in 1823. KETLEY BANK is a scattered but populous district, partly
in this township and partly in the parish of Wombridge. The Wesleyan
chapel above mentioned is in the latter parish. Many interesting
varieties of fossils and petrifactions are found in this neighbourhood.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mrs. Ann Williams’_. Letters arrive at 7 A.M., and are
dispatched at 6 P.M.
_Marked_ 1 _are in Ketley Bank_, 2 _in Ketley Sands_, _and the rest in
the village of Ketley_.
Adams Geo., cabinet maker
1 Allen George, schoolmaster (parochial)
1 Blakemore Thomas, tailor
Bourne Maria, maltster and shopkeeper
Bourne William James, grocer, tea dealer, and draper
Bradbury George, Esq., Spring grove
1 Chunn Enoch, shoemaker
Conniff Robert, hair dresser
Cooke Joseph, maltster, residence Shrewsbury
Dickson Mr., Bank house
2 Dorset William, beerhouse
Dunning Roger, vict., Lord Hill
Gallier Charles, butcher
Gallier William, vict., Stars Inn
1 Gittins John, blacksmith
1 Guy Roland, shopkeeper
1 Hazledine John, shopkeepr
Hughes John, cashier to Ketley Iron Works
Jeffs Henry, tailor
1 Jones James and Jeffry, farmers
1 Jones James, farmer and shopkeeper
1 Jones James, farmer
1 Keay Elizabeth, shopkeepr
1 Keay Richard, shoemaker
1 Light Robert, joiner
Lloyd John, shoemaker
1 Lloyd Sarah, beerhouse
Mackay John, agent to the Duke of Sutherland
Macknight George, surgeon, Mossy Green Cottage
Macknight James, farmer, Mossy Green Cottage
1 Morley Thomas, grocer and draper
1 Maddocks John, blacksmth
Millington John, maltster, timber merchant, & brick maker
Moore William, beerhouse
Morris John, vict., Horse Shoes
1 Ollerenshaw Rev. H., (Independent)
1 Onions William, shoemaker
Onions William, vict., Red Lion
2 Palin Richard, boot and shoemaker
Pearce Mr. Thomas
Perry William, vic., Stafford Arms
Picken Richard, beerhouse
Pinches John, shoemaker
1 Pocock Robert, schoolmast
Price Aaron, grocer and tea dealer
Price Thomas, beerhouse
Ravenscroft William, tailor
1 Shepherd William, vict., Sun Inn
Stoneham Rev. Thompson, M.A., incumbent, The Parsonage
1 Teague John, shopkeeper and beerhouse
Tipton Mark, agent to Beriah Botfield, Esq., and vict., Wheat Sheaf,
Mossy Green
Turner Elizabeth, beerhouse
Vickers Edward, relieving officer
Williams Ann, postmistress
Williams Ann, schoolmistrss
Williams Emanuel, shoemkr
Williams John, Esq., iron master, Ketley Hill
Woodall Peter, shoemaker
LAWLEY
is a township in the parish of Wellington, with a scattered population
chiefly engaged in the extensive collieries and iron works in the
immediate vicinity. The village is situated three miles south-east from
Wellington, and five miles west by north from Shiffnal. The township
contains 708A. 0R. 1P. of land, and at the census of 1841 there were 33
houses and 173 inhabitants. Rateable value £3,033. 4s. The rectoral
tithes are commuted for £78. St. John Chiverton Charlton, Esq. is the
impropriator. The vicarial tithes are commuted for £25. 4s. The
WESLEYAN NEW CONNEXION have a commodious chapel, situate at Lawley Bank,
erected in the year 1838.
The following are the principal residents:—Those with * affixed are at
Lawley Bank. Robert Bailey, cashier, Spring cottage; * William Dunning,
vict., Bull’s Head; * Mary Ann Garbitt, farmer; Richard Garbitt, farmer
and land agent; * Elizabeth Hart, vict., King’s Head; Susannah Hewlett,
farmer; William Ison, manager to Coalbrook Dale company; * James Jones,
farmer and shopkeeper; * Thomas Jones, farmer, shopkeeper, and maltster;
* Robert Lloyd, boot and shoemaker; * Enoch Morgan, shopkeeper; Mr.
Edward Rowlands; * George Shepherd, grocer and draper; John Williams,
farmer; Joseph Williams, farmer, butcher, and vict., White Horse.
WALCOT, OR WALCOTT,
a small township in the parish of Wellington, comprising 408A. 3R. 27P.
of land, at the census in 1841 had nine scattered houses and forty-three
inhabitants, chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits. The township is
situated four miles south-west by south from Wellington. The landowners
are Lord Berwick, Miss Cludde, Mr. George Walmsley, and Mrs. Ann
Walmsley. The soil in this locality is a mixture of sand loam, with a
portion of gravel. The river Tern bounds the township, and is crossed by
a stone bridge of three arches, built by subscription in 1782; and the
Shrewsbury and Wellington line of railway intersects the township, and
has a station here.
The chief residents are Susannah Cotterill, farmer; William Cotterill,
farmer and corn miller; Thomas Plant, farmer, the Grove; Ann Walmsley,
farmer; John Walmsley, the Cottage.
WAPPENSHALL AND LEEGOMERY
is a township in the parish of Wellington, embracing 834A. 0R. 15P. of
land, but of which there was no separate return of the population at the
census of 1841. Wappenshall is situated about two and a half miles N.E.
from Wellington, where there is a respectable inn, a wharf and warehouses
on the banks of the Shropshire union canal, which here branches off to
Wolverhampton; there is also a branch of the extensive iron works and
collieries in the immediate vicinity, which from thence passes on to
Coalport. The land here is the property of the Duke of Sutherland.
LEEGOMERY HOUSE, a good residence pleasantly situated a mile and a
quarter N.E. from Wellington, is occupied by William Shakeshaft Lawley,
Esq. A short distance from Leegomery is a corn mill, also in this
township. The rectoral tithes are commuted for £194. 14s. St. John
Chiverton Charlton, Esq., is the impropriator. The vicarial tithes are
commuted for £70. 12s. The principal residents are Harriet Balliss,
farmer, Wappenshall; William Shakeshaft Lawley, Esq., Leegomery House;
John Tomlinson, corn miller; John Tranter, wharfinger and vict.,
Sutherland Arms.
WITHINGTON
is a parish and small rural village in a retired part of the county, six
miles W. from Wellington; which comprises 1,135A. 0R. 13P. of land, the
principal owners of which are Andrew William Corbet, Esq., R. D. Edwards,
Esq., Rev. Thomas Husband, and Mr. Bernard Hiles. At the census in 1801
the parish had a population of 170 souls; 1831, 193, and in 1841 there
were 44 houses and 219 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,694. 12s. THE
CHURCH is a plain structure, dedicated to St. John the Baptist,
consisting of nave and chancel, with a tower in which are two bells. The
chancel, which is the most ancient part of the building, is of stone, and
the body of the church of brick. The interior has a neglected
appearance. Upon a stone in the nave, there is a brass plate, with the
figure of a person in priestly habiliments, with the following
inscription in old English characters:—“Here lieth buried Mr. Adam
Graffton, the most worshipful priest living in his days, sometime
chaplain to the famous princes, King Edward V. and Prince Arthur;
Archdeacon of Stafford, Warden of the Battlefield, Dean of St. Mary’s
College, in Salop, and parson of this church: deceased the 20th of June,
A.D. one thousand five hundred and thirty, whose soul God keep.” Another
brass plate, with the figure of a man and a woman and seven children,
remembers John de Onley and family, and is dated 1500. There are neat
marble tablets to the memory of Peter Blakeway, who died in 1808; to
Elizabeth Browne, who died in 1788; and to the Rev. Corbet Browne, rector
of this parish and Upton Magna, who died in the year 1807, aged 80 years.
The living is a perpetual curacy, subordinate to the rectory of Upton
Magna. The Rev. Corbet Browne is the incumbent: Rev. Thomas Honeyman,
curate. This township is intersected by the Shrewsbury Canal. A sum of
£16 mentioned in the charity returns of 1786, as given by Andrew Peplow
in 1728, appears to have been lost many years ago, by the insolvency of
the person in whose hands it was placed.
Browne Rev. Corbet, rector, The Rectory
Browne Corbet, jun., farmer
Edwards Rann Dolphin, Esq.
Evans Richard, tailor and shopkeeper
Hiles Bernard, farmer
Honeyman Rev. Thomas, curate
James Edward Topham, farmer
Milward Frederick, saddler
Moore Helen, dressmaker
Pain Thomas, farmer
Richards Edward, wheelwright
Shingler George, wheelwright
Smith William, vict., Hare and Hounds
Topham Benjamin, farmer
Williams John, blacksmith and beerhouse
Williams Robert, shoemaker
Woolstein John Edward Israel, tailor
WOMBRIDGE,
a parish and small village two miles east from Wellington, containing
most of the populous district of Oakengates within its bounds. The
parish contains 790 acres, and in 1801 had 1835 inhabitants, 1831, 1855,
and in 1841 there were 406 houses and a population of 2057 souls.
Rateable value £2,395. The village is situated at the junction of the
Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and Marquis of Stafford’s Canals, and intersected
by the Watling street and the various railways connected with the
extensive coal and iron works in the immediate vicinity. There are some
slight remains in the garden of Mr. Shepherd of a PRIORY that was founded
here by William Fitz-Alan, for canons of the order of St. Austin. It was
endowed by Henry II. with the church of St. Sutton; Hugh, Bishop of
Coventry, confirmed the grant of Sutton, together with the grant of the
chapel at Uppington, the gift of Roger de Mussun, on condition that the
canons should present their chaplains to the bishop and his successors to
receive at his and their hands, institution and induction for that church
and chapel. The canons were to allow their chaplains a competent
maintenance, and the residue of the profits was to be employed in
charitable uses. There were various other benefactors to this priory,
among whom were the lords of Cherrington, who gave the revenues of
certain lands in that township to it. The various possessions of those
canons with divers liberties granted by their several benefactors, were
confirmed by King Edward II. The revenues at the general dissolution of
religious houses were valued at £65. 7s. 4d. The CHURCH is a brick
structure, dedicated to St. Mary and St. Leonard, and consists of nave
and transepts, with a short tower. It was enlarged and galleries added
in 1823, when upwards of 300 sittings were thereby obtained, of which 295
were declared free and unappropriated, and are in addition to 100 free
sittings formerly provided. There is a small organ at the west end.
This church stands on the site of a former structure, which was blown
down by a storm which happened in the spring of the year 1756. The
living is a perpetual curacy, returned at £86. The Rev. John Dawson is
the officiating minister.
OAKENGATES
is a populous district, partly in Wombridge and partly in Ketley, three
miles east from Wellington, and four miles north-west from Shiffnal. The
inhabitants of this populous locality find employment in the extensive
collieries and iron works with which the neighbourhood abounds. The town
consists of one long street which contains many good shops and several
respectable inns. A market was established here in 1826, which is held
on Saturdays, and the after part of the day has a very animated and
business-like appearance. Fairs are also held in March, June, September,
and December, but the specific days have not been finally settled. The
fairs are toll free. To the west of Market street is Ketley or Coalpit
Bank, a scattered district with a considerable population, partly in
Wombridge parish, but chiefly in Wellington parish. The inhabitants have
the advantage of railway communication by the Shropshire Union Railway,
which passes through the town, and has a station within a hundred yards
of Market street. The extensive iron works of the Lilleshall company
will be transferred from Oakengates to Prior’s Lee before the expiration
of the present year, in consequence of that place being nearer the
iron-stone mines, but the extensive collieries will be carried on as
heretofore by that company. The coal got here is of a very superior
quality, and immense quantities are conveyed to distant parts by the
railway and canals in the vicinity. The extensive iron works of Messrs.
S. Horton, Simms and Bull, at Oakengates, are just within the bounds of
the parish of Shiffnal. THE INDEPENDENTS have a commodious chapel at
Oakengates; the congregation is under the pastoral care of the Rev. H.
Ollerenshaw. THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a spacious chapel built in
1847. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL was chiefly built at the expense of James
Oliver, Esq., of Wellington, aided by a grant from the National Society.
Mr. Oliver also purchased the site for the school. It is a neat
structure of brick, erected in 1846, comprising two commodious rooms and
a residence for the teacher. The average number of scholars at the
present time is fifty girls and eighty boys.
POST OFFICE at _Mr. Henry Shepherd’s_, the Lion Inn. Letters arrive at 7
A.M., and are despatched at 6 P.M.
OAKENGATES AND WOMBRIDGE DIRECTORIES.
_Those with * affixed are at Wombridge_, _and the rest at Oakengates_,
_or where specified_.
Bell Frederick, butcher
Bennett and Co., colliery proprietors
Cludde Moses, brazier
Davies George and Thos., colliery proprietors
* Dawson Rev. John, the parsonage
Eardley Mr. Robert, Hollins Wood
* Groom Thomas, farmer and maltster
Hanes John, tailor
Harper George, seedsman
Hill Enoch, builder
Horton, Simms and Bull, iron masters
Houlston John, auctioneer, and Wellington
Jones Arthur, accountant, Snedshill
Jones Alfred Charles, furnace manager to Lilleshall Company
Jones Charles Crawford, agent, Snedshill
Knox John, station master
Lilleshall Company, colliery proprietors and iron masters
Littlehales Thomas, schoolmaster (national)
Mansell William, currier
Ollerenshaw Rev. H., independent, Ketley Bank
Peplow Andrew, brick maker, Hollingswood
Robinson James, ironmonger
* Shepherd John Pike, farmer and maltster
Snead John, brickmaker, Snedshill
Turner Thomas, solicitor
Beerhouses.
Arkinstall George
Baugh Joseph
Bell Frederick
Brown John
Clarke William
Corbett Thomas
Peplow Andrew
Perry George
Scarrot Emanuel
Boot & Shoe Makers.
Cooper William
Jones Samuel
Grey Thomas
Light Francis
Hair Dressers.
Capsey Samuel
Hill James
Grocers & Provision Dealers.
Arkinstall George
Blackband Gerrard
Chapman Joseph
Corbett Thomas
Cotterill Joseph
Day Sarah
Hayes Henry
Jones Richard, and chemist and druggist
Matthews Thomas
Parkes John
Picker Mary
Pugh William
Robinson Alexander
Wright Sarah
Inns & Taverns.
Bull’s Head, Henry Onions
Black Horse, Rd. Holmes
Caledonian, Benj. Marrion
Charlton Arms, John Bourne
Compasses, William Pugh
Duke of York, Henry Hayes
Fighting Cocks, Wm. Light
Grey Hound, Thos. Marrison
Hand & Hammer, Sampson Pitchford
Leopard, Rebecca Rigby
Lion, Henry Shepherd
Red Lion, George Ellis, and watch maker
Talbot, William Hooper
Linen & Woollen Drapers & Hatters.
Davies John
Hayes Henry
Hopkins George, & clothier
Parkes John
Tarbett John
Maltsters.
Davies Thomas
Parkes John
WOODCOTE
is a township and chapelry in the parish of Sheriff Hales, three miles
south-east by south from Newport, which in 1801 contained 130
inhabitants; 1831, 195; and in 1841 there were 29 houses and a population
of 140 souls. The township contains upwards of 1,000 acres of land;
rateable value, £1,003. 10s. WOODCOTE HALL is a spacious and handsome
mansion, of free stone, delightfully situated on a gentle acclivity, and
surrounded with park-like grounds finely timbered and richly diversified
with sylvan beauty. A little west from the hall are extensive gardens.
THE HALL is the seat of John Cotes, Esq., who is owner of the whole
township. THE CHAPEL, situated near to the hall, is a plain structure of
free-stone of considerable antiquity. On the south side is a door which
exhibits the Saxon style of architecture. It contains several neat
tablets in memory of the Cotes family, the last of which is in memory of
John Cotes, Esq., M.P. for the county of Shropshire, who died in 1821,
aged 72 years, leaving two sons and six daughters. A large marble slab,
reared up against the pews near the altar rails, appears to have been the
top of an altar tomb. It is curiously ornamented with two full length
figures, and has a mutilated inscription round the edge. We did not
observe any date upon it, but it is very ancient and worthy of
inspection. A little west from the hall is an eminence called Heath
Hill, which commands an extended view over this and the adjacent county
of Stafford, and also of the towering heights of the Welsh mountains. On
the eastern side of the township a small stream called Moreton Brook
divides this county from that of Staffordshire; on the banks of which is
a dilapidated corn-mill. The rest of the parish of Sheriff Hales, except
Lilleshall House and a few scattered farms, are within the bounds of the
county of Stafford, and may at a future period be included in a similar
volume for that county. The village of Sheriff Hales is pleasantly
situated three miles north from Shiffnal and five miles south from
Newport. The parish contains 5,317A. 2A. 37P. of land, and at the census
of 1841 there were 32 houses and 191 inhabitants returned as in the
county of Shropshire, the names of the principal residents of which have
been given in the Lilleshall directory.
The following are the principal residents in Woodcote township,
viz.:—John Cotes, Esq., Woodcote Hall; George Alsop, farmer, Lynn; John
Bedford, farm bailiff; John Downes, gamekeeper; James Lockley, farmer,
Pave lane; Richard Lascombe, butler, The Hall; John Morris, farmer, Lynn;
Cornelius Whitehouse, gardener, The Hall.
WROCKWARDINE
is a considerable parish in the Wellington division of the South Bradford
hundred, which comprises the several townships (for highway purposes) of
Admaston, Allscott, Bratton, Burcott, Charlton, Clotley, Long Lane,
Wrockwardine, and Wrockwardine Wood. The parish contains 4,630A. 3R.
12P. of land, of which 469A. 0R. 28P. are woods, plantations, roads, and
waste. The soil is various, the arable lands produce good crops of
grain, and the grazing lands an abundance of grass. Gross estimated
rental, £11,727, 7s. 4d.; rateable value, £10,554. 15s. In 1801 there
were 1,913 inhabitants; 1831, 2,528, and in 1841, 541 houses and 2,741
inhabitants. A court leet and baron is held for the manor. Mrs. Mary
Cludde, of Orleton, is lady of the manor, but Miss Anne Maria Cludde,
daughter of the late Mr. Cludde, took the estate as heiress on September
9th, 1851. Wrockwardine township is pleasantly situated in a rich
country pleasingly diversified with undulations, and contains 1,094A. 1R.
20P. of land, and in 1841 had 258 inhabitants. Rateable value, £2,464.
14s. The village stands on elevated ground, and commands some fine views
of open landscape scenery, of the hilly country in the Condover hundred,
and of the Wrekin. THE CHURCH is an ancient structure of red sand stone,
dedicated to St. Peter, with a tower rising from the centre, in which are
six musical bells; the tower is supported by four pointed arches rising
from fluted pillars. It is neatly pewed, and the pulpit and reading desk
are of beautiful carved oak. The organ was erected in 1846, at a cost of
about £200 raised by subscriptions. The east window is beautified with
stained glass, and contains a representation of our Saviour, very
chastely executed. In the chancel are several handsome monumental
tablets, one of which remembers Edward Pemberton and his wife, dated
1800, and is very beautifully executed in the Grinshill free stone.
Another of the same stone has been erected to the memory of Edward
Cludde, Esq., and is dated 1785. There are also very beautiful tablets
to other members of this family, and to the Cockburns, Phillips, Roe, and
others. The living is a vicarage valued in the king’s book at £7. 8s.
6d., now returned at £427 in the patronage of the Lord Chancellor, and
incumbency of the Rev. George L. Yate, M.A. The vicarage is a good
residence a short distance from the church. The vicarial tithes are
commuted for £353. 19s., and the rectoral for £225. It appears from the
parish register that the Houlston family have held the office of parish
clerk for a period of 257 years, and is still held by the same family.
WROCKWARDINE HALL is a commodious mansion of brick stuccoed, beautified
with pleasure grounds and shrubberries, and is the seat of Miss Anne
Maria Cludde. ORLETON HALL, a delightfully situated mansion, the seat of
the ancient and highly respected family of Cludde, is now the residence
of Mrs. Cludde; the hall is stuccoed, and the gardens and pleasure
grounds are very extensive, and kept in the most admirable order. It
commands a fine view of the Wrekin, and is surrounded by a park of 160
acres, beautifully wooded. THE BOYS’ SCHOOL, a substantial brick
building, was built at the cost of Mrs. Cludde, who is also a munificent
contributor towards its support; 75 children attend. THE GIRLS’ SCHOOL
has an attendance of sixty children, and is supported by Miss Cludde.
TWO ALMSHOUSES were erected in 1841, “and endowed for the maintenance of
two poor women in their declining years; they are dedicated to the memory
of Edward Cludde, Esq., late of Orleton, in this parish, by his tenants
and neighbours, in testimony of their respect for a man who was an
eminent example of pure and undefiled religion, visiting the fatherless
and widows in their affliction, and keeping himself unspotted from the
world.”
CHARITIES.—_Edward Pemberton_, in 1680, devised a rent charge of £3 per
annum for putting forth an apprentice every other year, fatherless or
motherless children to be always preferred. The amount is charged upon
an estate now the property of Mrs. Cludde. A yearly sum of 10s. is paid
as charged upon the Burcot estate, and a like sum as charged upon the
Leaton property; in respect of 10s. payable by Mrs. Cludde, two bushels
of wheat flour are given away by her agent to the poor. The other sum is
laid out in the purchase of bread. It is supposed these charities were
left by one of the Langley family.
Several sums of money given for charitable uses, amounting in the whole
to £60, were laid out in the purchase of a piece of land called Tidicross
Furlong, which was improved in 1670 by Edward Pemberton, who built a
house and barn thereon. About the year 1801 a parish workhouse was built
on these premises, and the old house and barn was pulled down. Up to the
year 1829 the sum of £4. 10s. per annum (which was the amount of the rent
when the workhouse was built) was paid out of the poor’s rate, and given
away on Good Friday. In consequence of a suggestion of the charity
commissioners that the rent ought to be raised, it was resolved at a
vestry meeting of the parish, held 5th May, 1830, that the sum of £8
should in future be paid by the parish annually for the lands above
mentioned.
_Thomas Ore_, in 1798, gave a yearly sum of 40s., payable out of his
freehold estate in the township of Walcott, in the parish of Wellington,
the same to be given among the poor every St. Thomas’s-day, in his seat
of the south aisle of the church, at Wrockwardine, after morning prayer.
_The Rev. Joshua Gilpin_, who died in 1828, bequeathed £50 to the vicar
of Wrockwardine, in trust, to divide the interest in equal portions among
eight of the poorest families residing in Wrockwardine, on the day before
Christmas day.
Cludde Mrs., Orleton Hall
Cludde Miss Anne Maria, Wrockwardine Hall
Bullock Benjamin, carpenter
Burrell John, gamekeeper
Clayton John, farmer
Clayton Samuel, farmer, David’s bank
Cooper Thomas, farmer, Austins
Davies John, farmer, The bank
Edwards William, wood steward
Gilpin Mrs. Jane, The villa
Houlston Charles, blacksmith, and agricultural implement maker
Houlston John, shoemaker
Houlston Josiah, farmer
Houlston Joshua, assistant overseer and vestry clerk
Houlston Thomas, farmer, parish clerk, and assessed tax collector
Jones Sarah, maltster
Pickin Eliza, farmer, Sydney house
Poole William, butler and coachman
Speake Richard, shopkeeper
Taylor Henry William, vict., The Talbot, and posting house, Hay gate
Trumper William, farm bailiff
Turner Charles, nursery and seedsman
Vaughan, and Mary Ann, school teachers
Webb William, butler
ADMASTON
is a township and delightfully situated village in the parish of
Wrockwardine, one and a half mile north-west by north from Wellington.
The township contains 509A. 2R. 19P. of land, and in 1841 here were 188
inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,164. 13s. The principal landowners are
Mr. Jones; Mrs. Webb; Mr. William Taylor; James Oliver, Esq.; Mr. John
Haynes; Mrs. Elizabeth Mansell; William Wyley, Esq.; Mrs. Austin; Mr.
Waring; Mr. Richard Tew; Mr. John Burgiss; and Mrs. Mary Williams. The
village of Admaston is pleasantly situated near the station on the line
of the Shrewsbury and Wellington railway, and is crossed by beautiful
drives and fine open roads, commanding most delightful views over a
luxuriant country, finely timbered, and studded with beautiful
residences. It is also within a few miles of the far-famed Salopian
mountain, the Wrekin, which commands views of unparalleled extent and
sublimity. THE ADMASTON SPA lies in a sheltered situation, near the
verge of the village, the waters of which have long been celebrated for
their medicinal purposes, and are highly recommended by eminent
physicians. There are two wells, one of which is sulphurous, and the
other chalybeate; the upper well contains a large portion of muriate of
soda, or common salt, and a portion of muriate of lime, and is found
exceedingly beneficial in giving a salutary stimulus to the stomach,
correcting dyspepsia, and highly efficacious in scrofulous affections.
The lower spring contains a large quantity of chloride sodium, and in its
analysis approaches nearer to the Harrogate waters, so justly celebrated
and efficacious in cutaneous disorders.
The solid contents of an imperial wine pint weigh seventy-seven grains of
the chalybeate saline water, and the proportion in which the several
ingredients exist may be stated as follows:—
Grains.
Chloride sodium (common salt) 54.5
Chloride calcium (muriate lime) 14.3
Chloride magnesium 5.2
Carbonate iron and lime, and alumina and silica 1.5
Loss 1.5
Bromine, a trace 0.0
77.0
The solid contents of a wine pint from the sulphur spring weigh 79
grains, the component parts of which, according to an analysis by Messrs.
Blunt, in 1847, may be thus stated:—
Grains.
Chloride sodium 65.0
Chloride calcium 10.5
Chloride magnesium 2.0
Carbonate lime 1.0
Carbonate iron, slightest trace 0.0
Bicarbonate soda, a trace 0.0
78.5
The Hotel and Boarding House in connection with the baths is a handsome
pile of buildings, greatly admired for its architectural beauty, erected
at an expense of £6,000. The house is elegantly furnished, and replete
with every convenience and comfort for the accommodation of the numerous
parties who frequent the spa during the summer season. The baths are
admirably arranged, and no expense has been spared to combine elegance,
comfort, and utility. The walks and pleasure grounds are tastefully laid
out, and are surrounded by a salubrious country, richly variegated and
picturesque. Mr. John Purcell is the proprietor of the hotel.
ADMASTON HALL, a beautiful modern mansion, delightfully situated, is the
residence of the Hon. Charles Nowell Hill. The pleasure grounds and
shrubberies are very beautifully laid out. THE BOARDING SCHOOL,
conducted by Mr. J. W. Smart, is a commodious building in a pleasant
situation, where a limited number of young gentlemen receive the
advantages of a classical and commercial education. This locality is
noted for its annual steeple chase meetings, its field sports, and for
fishing.
Beech John, superintendent of the Shropshire union railway
Bennett John, engineer
Buchannan Philip, Esq.
Bullock Elizabeth, dress maker
Bullock John, wheelwright
Bullock Richard, joiner, &c.
Burgiss John, surgeon
Burton Robert, farmer
Davies Thomas, beerhouse
Haynes John, farmer
Hicks Thos., station master
Hill the Honble. Charles Nowell, the Hall
Houlston William, farmer
John Johnson, horse breaker and steeple chase trainer
Mansell Elizabeth, gentlewoman
Marsh James, blacksmith
Newns John, butcher
Purcell John, hotel and boarding house, Admaston Spa
Proctor Dr., physician
Robinson Richard, farmer and maltster
Smart Joseph Wm., boarding school proprietor
Tew Richard, farmer, maltster, and vict., the Pheasants
Titley Joseph, farmer
Williams Mary, gentlewoman
Wyley William, Esq., land and estate agent, surveyor, and conveyancer
ALLSCOTT,
a township with a scattered population, about a mile north from
Wrockwardine, at the census of 1841 had 98 inhabitants. The township
contains 357A. 0R. 17P. of land. Rateable value, £796. 16s. The
principal landowners are W. S. Lawley, Esq.; Miss Cludde; Henry Povall,
Esq.; Mr. Samuel Nevett; Messrs. Juckes and Dixon; Mr. William Franks;
and Sarah and Robert Clarke. The river Tern bounds the township for a
short distance; it is also watered by two small streams, and intersected
by the Shropshire union railway. The hamlets of CROSS GREEN, RUSHMORE,
and BROOMFIELD HOUSE are within the bounds of this township. BROOMFIELD
HOUSE is a handsome brick residence, pleasantly situated, the residence
of Mr. Thomas Edwards.
DIRECTORY.—Marked * are at Cross Green, † Rushmore, and the rest at
Allscott.—Robert Clarke, farmer and maltster; Sarah Clarke, farmer and
maltster; Francis Delves, butcher and farmer; Edward Ditcher, farmer, the
Hall; Thomas Edwards, farmer, Broomfield; * William Edwards, blacksmith;
† William Edwards, shoemaker; William Franks, farmer; Roger Hawkins,
farmer and corn miller; * John Hollis, shoemaker and beerhouse keeper;
Thomas Lees, farmer and gardener; George Milnes, farmer; † Francis
Phipps, gardener; * Ambrose Robinson, beerhouse; † William Smith,
shoemaker; Charles Tew, farmer and maltster; † James Ambrose, machine
maker.
BRATTON,
a small township comprising 459A. 0R. 19P. of land, is pleasantly
situated two miles and a quarter north-west by west from Wellington. At
the census of 1841 here were 66 inhabitants. Rateable value, £755. The
soil is mostly a strong loam, with some portions of clay. The chief
landowners are Miss Cludde, Thomas Eyton, Esq., and the trustees of the
Shrewsbury Free Grammar School.
The principal residents are Thomas Basnett, farmer; William Blackmore,
shopkeeper; John Felton, farmer and butcher; Thomas Plant, farmer; Joseph
Read, gamekeeper; Joshua Sankey, farmer; Samuel Tudor, vict., the Gate;
George West, vict., Buck’s Head, Long lane; James Winnall, farmer,
Rushmore.
BURCOTT, LEATON, CLOTLEY, AND CLUDDLEY,
are separate townships, but returned as one division of the parish, and
together contain 614A. 3R. 22P. of land. Rateable value, £1,020. They
are situated near to the Wrekin, and intersected by the Shrewsbury,
Birmingham, and Wellington turnpike roads; by the Street, Lane, and
Watling Street. On this great thoroughfare is a commodious family hotel
and posting house, situate at Hay-gate, in the occupancy of Mr. John
Henry Taylor. The situation is delightful, and being the nearest hotel
to the Wrekin, it is the frequent resort of parties who visit that
far-famed Salopian mountain. The land at Burcott is the property of Mrs.
Cludde; at Clotley, Mrs. Mary and Mr. Henry Stillgoe are the proprietors;
the Leaton estate is the property of John Stanier, Esq., and Miss
Crowther; and at Cluddley, Mrs. Cludde and Thomas Baddeley are the
principal owners. BURCOTT HALL, the residence of Charles Emery, Esq., is
pleasantly situated a short distance from the Wrekin, and surrounded with
park-like grounds, well timbered. The farm premises are very extensive,
and situated a short distance from the hall. LEATON HALL, an ancient
mansion in a salubrious and delightful situation, is the residence and
property of John Stanier, Esq.
DIRECTORIES.—_Burcott_: Charles Emery, Esq., the Hall; Samuel Nicholls.
tailor. _Clotley_: Henry Charles Stillgoe, farmer and corn miller; Mrs.
Mary Stillgoe, Clotley House; Richard Shelton Stillgoe, farmer.
_Cluddley_: Thomas Baddeley, farmer; Richard Bailey, farmer, the Hall
farm; John Edwards, farmer, Wrekin farm; Thomas Nigington, farmer.
_Leaton_: John Clayton, farmer, Wheatfields; John Stanier, Esq., the
Hall; Harriman Willings, farmer.
CHARLTON
is a township and village, in a salubrious situation, two miles S.W. by
S. from Wrockwardine, embracing 714A. 1R. 25P. of land, mostly a fertile
district, producing good crops of barley and other grain. At the census
in 1841 there were 101 inhabitants. The Shrewsbury and Wellington
railway passes through the township, and has a station near to the
village, which also lies contiguous to Shrewsbury, Wellington, and
Shiffnal turnpike road. Rateable value, £1,007. The Duke of Cleveland
is lord of the manor and owner of the whole township. From the few
fragmentary remains of CHARLTON CASTLE, it was no doubt a place of
consequence in by-gone days. The ruins are mantled with ivy, and the
moat which surrounded it may still be traced. Not far from the castle
are several artificial mounds, which may have been raised for military
purposes in past ages. As it is in the line of road of the celebrated
Roman station at Wroxeter it may have had some connection with that
important military station.
The principal residents are William Capsey, butcher; Robert Hawkins,
farmer; Henry Povell, farmer; John Pritchard, farmer.
LONG LANE,
a small township, comprising 379A. 0R. 37P. of land, stretches for two
miles in length, and is situated about three miles north from Wellington.
In 1841 there were 137 inhabitants within the bounds of this township.
The houses are chiefly small cottage residences. The chief landowners
are Thomas Eyton, Esq., William Henry Dickinson, Esq., and Mr. John
Jones. CHESHIRE COPPICE, the residence of William Henry Dickinson, Esq.,
is an ancient structure, situated on a gentle eminence, which commands
some fine views of the distant country.
DIRECTORY.—William Henry Dickinson, Esq., Cheshire House; John Griffiths,
farmer; John Jones, farmer; John Jones, jun., farmer; Susannah Smith,
farmer.
WROCKWARDINE WOOD
is a populous township, four miles and a half S.W. from Newport, and four
miles and three quarters N.E. from Wellington. The inhabitants are
chiefly engaged in the collieries and iron works in the immediate
vicinity. The township contains 502A. 0R. 8P. of land, and in 1841 had
342 houses and 1,698 inhabitants. Rateable value, £2,836. 4s. The
collieries are the property of the Duke of Sutherland, and held in lease
by the Lilleshall company. THE CHURCH is a brick structure, dedicated to
the Holy Trinity. It was built in 1833, and contains 610 sittings, of
which 420 are free and unappropriated in consequence of a grant from the
Incorporated Society for Building Churches. It is endowed with the small
tithes of Wrockwardine Wood, and the living has been augmented with
grants from Queen Anne’s Bounty. There is a neat font, which was the
gift of Mr. Thomas Webb, late churchwarden. The living is a perpetual
curacy, in the patronage of the Vicar of Wrockwardine, and incumbency of
the Rev. Reginald Yonge, B.C.L. THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a chapel,
built in 1832, which will hold about 500 persons. The structure and
fittings have cost altogether £498. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL was built in
1830, partly by subscription and partly by the National Society. It
stands a little north from the church, and has an attendance of about
sixty boys and forty girls;
TRENCH LAKE is a straggling district on the Wellington and Newport
turnpike road, three miles from the former place and five miles from the
latter. The houses are chiefly in the township of Wrockwardine Wood, but
also extend into the township of Eyton-on-the-Wild-Moors. THE WESLEYAN
METHODISTS have a chapel here, built in 1823. The Earl of Bradford is
the principal landowner; Mr. Webb is also a proprietor.
WROCKWARDINE WOOD AND TRENCH LAKE DIRECTORIES.
_Marked * are in Wrockwardine Woody and the rest in Trench Lane_.
Barker Richard, tailor
Beech William, shoemaker
Bennett John, Esq., Coal Works (Proprietor)
Bourne Mary, beerhouse
* Bowen Rebecca, schoolmistress
* Bowen William, schoolmaster
* Bullock John, manager to Donington Wood Mill Company
Chilton Thomas, butcher
* Chilton William, blacksmith
Davies George, hat maker
Deakin George, farmer
Downing Mary, milliner and dressmaker
Downing Thomas, saddler
Farmer Henry, beerhouse
* Fenn William, shoemaker
* Getley Henry, butcher
* Getley Elizabeth, shopkeeper
Green James, victualler, Old Shaw Birch
* Grieves Rev. Joseph, Primitive Methodist
Hill Richard, shopkeeper and beerhouse
Jeffs Richard, shopkeeper
Johnson James, farmer
Johnston Thomas, shopkeeper
Jones Edward, farm bailiff
* Jones Thomas, victualler, Queen’s Head
* Kite Jane, shopkeeper & victualler, White Horse
Latham James, farmer
* Leese Mary Ann, milliner and dressmaker
Lockley Samuel, blacksmith
Lowe Thomas, shoemaker and beerhouse
Mainwaring Mary and Son, shopkeepers
Manwaring Richard, victualler, The Crown
* Martin John, victualler, The Lamb, and shopkeeper
* Millward Mary, shopkeeper
Paice William, railway gate keeper
Palmer Thomas, tailor
Parton John, saddler
Pickering James Richard, vict., Dun Cow
Reynolds Evan, shoemaker
* Simpson William, shoemaker, and vict., Bull’s Head
Slaney Henry, confectioner
Taylor William, farmer
Wakely Dorothy, victualler, Duke of York
Webb Catherine, maltster and victualler, King’s Arms
* Yonge Rev. Reginald, B.C.L., incumbent, The Parsonage
WROXETER
is a parish in the Wellington division of the South Bradford Hundred,
situated on the eastern bank of the river Severn, which contains the
townships (for highway purposes) of Donnington, Dryton,
Eyton-upon-Severn, Norton, Rushton, and Wroxeter. The parish comprises
4,212 acres of land, of which 188 acres are in woods and plantations,
roads, and waste. Gross estimated rental, £7,131. Rateable value,
£6,274. 3s. 6d. The Duke of Cleveland is the most considerable
landowner. Lord Berwick and the Vicar of Wroxeter are also owners: the
former is lord of the manor and holds a court leet and baron. There is a
considerable portion of stiff soil in the parish, which is mostly used
for arable purposes. A sandy soil prevails in some places; the meadows
and grazing land on the banks of the Severn have a rich herbage. At the
census of 1801 the parish contained 544 inhabitants; and in 1841 there
were 126 houses and 636 inhabitants. The houses in general are composed
of brick and slated, and have a respectable appearance.
THE VILLAGE OF WROXETER is delightfully situated on elevated ground, near
the eastern banks of the Severn, five miles and three-quarters S.E. from
Shrewsbury, commanding fine views over a rich and beautiful country of
the Wrekin, and of the hilly country in the Condover Hundred. The
turnpike road from Shrewsbury to Wellington, Ironbridge, and Bridgnorth,
intersects the township, and a little north from the village the river
Tern has its confluence with the Severn. Wroxeter is generally supposed
by our antiquaries to be the _Uriconium_, one of the cities of the
Cornavii, the ancient inhabitants of Britain. This city was also called
Wreckencester, which is manifestly retained in the name of the adjacent
hill, The Wrekin, to this day; from which the word Uriconium itself may
proceed. Whether the town was built by the Romans or the Britons is
uncertain; but that the former fortified it is most likely, since the
river Severn hereabouts has more fords than in any other place. The
foundation of a bridge is sometimes discernible at low water, which was
at first discovered by some workmen erecting a wear upon the river. The
circumference of the wall which surrounded the city was about three
miles, and was built upon a gravel full of pebble stones. The wall was
three yards broad, with a deep trench on the outside, which may be traced
in several places to this day. The remains of the walls are called by
the inhabitants the Old Works at Wroxeter; being about twenty feet high
and a hundred feet in length, made of hewn stone, distinguished with
seven rows of British bricks at equal distances, and arched within, after
the manner of the Britons. Where these remains appear, it is thought the
citadel stood, and what favours the opinion is the evenness of the
ground, and the rubbish of walls that lie in great heaps thereabouts. It
is supposed by some that the blackness of the soil in certain places
proceeds from the fire that burnt the town, but it can hardly be
conjectured that the footsteps of such a casualty should remain so long,
especially since the ground has been so often ploughed up and exposed to
the weather. The Roman coins found here are a proof of the antiquity of
the place. The lords of the manor, from time to time, have obliged all
their lease tenants, under certain penalties, to bring all the old coins
they meet with to them. The coins found are generally so rusty and
decayed that the inscription is scarcely legible or the image to be
distinguished. None of the Saxon coins have ever been found here, which
is a proof that the place was destroyed before the Danish times. It is
impossible to look upon the fields, teeming in rich luxuriance, and
remembering that there flourished a Roman city, not a vestige of which
remains but the fragments of a wall, without sensibly feeling the
instability of human greatness, and exclaiming with Cowper:—
“We turn to dust, and all our mightiest works
Die too. The deep foundations that we lay,
Time ploughs them up, and not a trace remains.
We build with what we call eternal rock;
A distant age asks where the fabric stood?
And in the dust, sifted and search’d in vain,
The undiscoverable secret sleeps,”
The graves that have been met with here are deep and wide, the corpse
enclosed in red clay, both under and over, and to prevent the mixture of
other mould with that clay, the graves were faced on the sides with
slates, and then covered with stones, sometimes five or six upon one
grave; bones have been found that were interred after this manner, which
contributed to their preservation several hundred years. Teeth have been
taken out of the jaw-bones of men near three inches long, and many thigh
bones have been found of full a yard in length. Several urns have been
discovered within the memory of man, after digging four or five feet deep
in the earth, and it is to be noted that as the dead bodies are here
buried in red clay, so urns are found deposited in red sand. About half
a century ago were discovered three large urns composed of a beautiful
transparent green glass, each having one handle elegantly ribbed, and
severally containing burnt bones, and a glass lachrymatory. Several
earthen urns, an earthen lamp, and a few Roman coins were also found at
the same place, the whole being covered with large flat stones.
Tesselated pavements, sepulchral stones with inscriptions, moulds for
coining money; seals, an Apolla elegantly cast in lead; copper, gold, and
silver coins, and many interesting remains of Roman manufacture, have
from time to time been found whilst excavating on this site. A stone
altar found near the vicarage in the year 1824, is thus inscribed:—
“BONO REI PVBLICAE NATVS.”
The precise epoch of the first establishment of this Roman station at
Wroxeter has been hitherto held as uncertain by all historians, but a
recent event has thrown some light on this historical point. In 1844 a
large brass coin of the Emperor Trajan, in a fine state of preservation,
was found imbedded in the mortar of the Roman wall (usually called the
old works) still remaining at Wroxeter, which warrants a conclusion that
although the erection of this station might have been posterior to the
reign of Trajan, it would seem clear that this station could not have
been raised at an earlier period. Marcus Ulpius Trajanus Crinitus, or
Marcus Ulpius Nerva Trajanus, was born A.D. 53. He was governor of
Germania under the Emperors Domitian and Nerva, and in the year 97 was
associated with the latter in the government of the empire, and invested
with the titles of Cæsar and Imperator. He succeeded Nerva, and took the
title of Augustus in A.D. 98, and died in the year 117. It may therefore
reasonably be supposed, from the perfect state and freshness of the above
mentioned coin, that the station of Uriconium was built either at the
latter end of the first or early in the second century.
THE CHURCH is an ancient structure, dedicated to St. Andrew, consisting
of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with a massive square tower,
ornamented with a clock, and the heads of rude figures of a grotesque
character. The interior is neatly pewed. The living is a vicarage
valued in the king’s book at £11. 18s., now returned at £330, in the
patronage of the Duke of Cleveland, and enjoyed by the Rev. Edward
Egremont, M.A., who resides at the vicarage, a good residence a short
distance from the church. The Duke of Cleveland, Lord Berwick, and Mrs.
Jenkins, are the impropriators of the rectoral tithes, which were
commuted in 1840 for £606. 6s. The vicarial tithes have been commuted
for £248. 14s.
CHARITIES.—Thomas Alcock, who died in 1627, gave twenty marks yearly
towards the support of a free grammar school for the instruction of youth
of the parishes of Wroxeter and Uppington. An addition was made to this
endowment by the will of Richard Stevinton in 1652, whereby he gave a
rent charge of £13. 6s. 8d., issuing out of his lands in Arleston, in the
parish of Wellington. There is a school and schoolhouse situate at
Donnington, and six acres of land adjoining thereto, but it is not known
from whom this property was derived. The school premises have been
greatly improved at the expense of the master, and are worth about £12 a
year. The school has been considered as free for classical instruction
only to forty children of the inhabitants of Wroxeter and Uppington, but
there is no document showing that the number of free scholars is thus
limited; and it is to be observed that the benefaction of Richard
Stevinton was for the use of a master who should teach English as well as
Latin. Scholars educated in this school are entitled to the benefit of
two of the exhibitions founded by Edward Careswell, an account of which
has already been noticed with the Royal Free Grammar School at
Shrewsbury.
From an entry made in the churchwarden’s book in 1765, it appears that
the sum of £61 belonging to the poor of Wroxeter, and which had formerly
been placed out at interest, was called in, and laid out in building and
repairing the church, and that £2 was to be paid yearly as the interest
thereof. This has been regularly paid from the churchwarden’s account,
but it appears to have been an inadequate sum to be allowed as the
interest of £61.
In the same book there is an entry also made in the year 1765, stating
that £20 given by _Edward Wellings_, to buy Bibles for poor children of
Wroxeter, at the discretion of the minister was laid out for the same
purpose. In respect of this gift 10s. is paid annually, and laid out in
the purchase of Bibles.
_The Rev. Roger Clayton_, in 1327, invested £100 in the purchase of £113.
10s. stock, three per cent. consols, in compliance with the wish of his
late brother William Clayton, in trust, to apply the interest for the
benefit of the poor of Wroxeter. A memorandum was drawn up and placed in
the parish chest, dated 16th October, 1827, and signed by Roger Clayton
and Richard and Edward Stanier, acknowledging the stock to have been
purchased for the aforesaid object.
DONNINGTON is a township and pleasant village situated a mile and a half
E. from Wroxeter; the Duke of Cleveland is the landowner and lord of the
manor. The population of the several townships in this parish are
included in the returns for Wroxeter. The Charlton Hill corn mill is
situated in this township; it was erected by the farmers in the
surrounding neighbourhood to grind their own corn. The grammar school
noticed with the charities of the parish is situated at Donnington.
DRYTON, a small township near the banks of the river Severn, is also the
property of the Duke of Cleveland, and is situated two miles and a
quarter S.S. by E. from Wroxeter.
EYTON-ON-THE-SEVERN, a township two miles S. from Wroxeter, takes its
name from its situation near the Severn. The land here is highly
fertile, and the meadow lands have a rich herbage. It is also the
property of the Duke of Cleveland.
NORTON, a small township, has a few scattered houses on the Shrewsbury
and Wellington turnpike road, about a mile N.E. from Wroxeter. The land
is mostly arable, producing good wheat and barley. Lord Berwick is the
sole proprietor of this township.
RUSHTON township is situated three miles E. from Wroxeter, near the
western verge of the Wrekin. The land here has an undulating surface,
with a stiff soil. The Duke of Cleveland is the landowner. The acres,
rateable value, tithes, and population of the above townships are
included in the returns for Wroxeter.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. Andrew Weatherby’s_. Letters arrive from Shrewsbury
at 8 A.M., and are despatched at 5 P.M.
WROXETER DIRECTORY.
Clarke Maria, farmer
Egremont Rev. Edward, The Vicarage
Ford William, butler
Hoggins Edward, farmer, Smithcott
Oatley William Henry, Esq., The Villa
Stanier Edward, Esq., The Hall
Weatherby Andrew, shopkr.
Wood Thos., farmer, Beslow
DONNINGTON DIRECTORY.
Bennett Richard, farmer
Jebb Thos., manager, Corn mill
Jenkins Elizabeth, farmer, Charlton hill
Mainwaring William, shoemaker
Meredith Rev. John, M.A., Grammar School
Parton Benj., shoemaker
DRYTON DIRECTORY.
Clayton Henry, farmer
Farmer James, farmer
EYTON DIRECTORY.
Careswell Benjamin, farmer
Davies Sarah, farmer
Mansell William, blacksmith
Miner John, shepherd
Scott Mary, farmer
NORTON DIRECTORY.
Bayley Robert, farmer
Powell John, shopkeeper
Upton Elizabeth
RUSHTON DIRECTORY.
Brisbourne Peter, farmer
Jarvis Richard, farmer
Jarvis Robert, farmer
Jarvis Thomas, farmer, Wrekin farm
Pathan Thomas, farmer
BRIMSTREE HUNDRED.
The Hundred of Brimstree is divided into the Bridgnorth and the Shiffnal
divisions. Hales Owen, formerly a third division of this hundred, being
a detached part of the county surrounded by Worcestershire, has recently,
by act of parliament, been annexed to the county of Worcester. This
hundred is bounded on the north by the county of Stafford and the South
Bradford Hundred, on the west by the Wenlock Franchise and South Bradford
Hundred, on the east by Staffordshire, and on the south by the Stottesden
Hundred. Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq., M.P., is lord of the hundred,
and holds a court on the 24th April; Mr. George Pritchard, steward; and
Mr. John Cullwick, bailiff. The population in 1801 was 18,817; in 1841
there were 2,577 houses and 12,458 inhabitants. The annexing of the
populous district of Halesowen to the county of Worcester is the cause of
the returns at the census of 1821 being greater than those of 1841.
The Bridgnorth division contains the following townships and places,
viz., Aston, Beobridge, Bobbington (part of), Broughton, Claverley,
Dallicott, Farmcott, Gatacre, Heathton, Hopstone, Ludstone, Shipley,
Sutton, Woundale, and Worfield.
The Shiffnal divisions contains Albrighton, Badger, Beckbury, Boningale,
Boscobal, Donnington, Kemberton, Ryton, Shiffnal, Hatton, Priors’ Lee,
Woodside, Stockton, Sutton, Maddock, and Tong.
ALBRIGHTON
is a parish and populous village in the Shiffnal division of the
Brimstree Hundred, situated five miles south east by east from Shiffnal,
and twenty-three south-east from Shrewsbury. The parish lies in the
eastern verge of the county, and contains 3,365 acres of land, of which
59 acres are in roads and plantations. In 1801 there were 901
inhabitants; 1831, 1,054; in 1841, 1,058, and 236 houses; and in 1851,
242 houses and 1,141 souls. Rateable value, £7,089, 16s. 11d. This
pleasant rural village is delightfully situated in a salubrious part of
the county, intersected by good roads, and contiguous to the Shrewsbury
and Birmingham railroad. Within the last few years it has attracted much
attention, and several handsome villa residences have been built, which
are chiefly occupied by respectable families and tradespeople from
Wolverhampton and the neighbourhood. There are many good shops in the
different branches of the retail trade, and the inns and boarding houses
afford every accommodation to the numerous visitors who annually attend
the celebrated Albrighton Hunt. The land in this locality has a bold
undulating surface, and the views are varied and beautiful. The farms
are extensive, and by unremitting industry, and an outlay of capital,
have been brought to a state of productiveness far superior to what has
been hitherto known in this district. The farm houses are in general
well built, and provided with commodious out-premises. The Earl of
Shrewsbury is the principal landowner and lord of the manor. The other
chief owners are Thomas Plowden Presland, Esq.; Launcelot Shadwell, Esq.;
William Oatley, Esq.; the Earl of Dartmouth; Mr. John Oatley; John Yates,
Esq.; George Jones, Esq.; the representatives of the late John Meeson;
Richard Wood, Esq.; and the trustees of the poor of Tong, Albrighton, and
Tattenhall; besides whom there are several smaller owners.
In the time of Edward the Confessor Albrighton was in two manorial,
divisions, held by Algar, Earl of Menia, and a Saxon, named Godit. In
the reign of the Confessor, one hide and a half of land in this parish
were taxed to the king. After the conquest it extended to four
carucates, when they were in demesne three carucates, thirteen servants,
three villains, and three borderers, with one carucate of plough land.
There was at that time a wood sufficient to fatten one hundred hogs,
which was then in the hands of the king. In the reign of the Confessor
it was valued at 21s., and at the Conquest at 16s., when it was found
wasted, from whence we may learn that the hand of the Saxon destroyer had
been raised in revenge. In a manuscript of Dr. Hardwicke’s, now
preserved at the vicarage, the parish is spoken of as comprising the
lordships of Albrighton and Bishton, the manors and granges of Cosford
and Whiston, and many other places of less note. This lordship being
enjoyed by Norman the Hunter, shortly after the conquest, was undoubtedly
in his possession in 1066, when he and Roger his brother, lord of
Beckbury, attended their superior Lord Roger, the Count Palatine, and
Adelaisa his second countess, at their palace at Quatford, near
Bridgnorth, on the great festal occasion of the dedication of that
church, 22nd July, 1086, which they so amply endowed with lands and
tithes, arising out of several parishes in this county, as these two
lords are particularly noticed as attesting witnesses, with many other
lords of manors, the vassals of the count. In the reign of King Henry I.
(1102) the manor was granted by the king to his favourite Sir Ralph de
Pitchford, in whose family it continued through several generations; as
Camden states that a Sir Ralph de Pitchford, 29th of Edward I., had his
residence within this manor of Albrighton, where he died, leaving three
sons, John, Nicholas, and Hugh, and Margery his relict, who in the 32nd
year of this reign, recovered in the Court of King’s Bench, his service
against Roger Charles and William the Beadle of Brimstree, of eleven
marks rent, with appurtenances in Albrighton. John de Pitchford, the
eldest son, was lord of Albrighton and Pitchford, holding them of the
crown by the service of one knight’s fee each. It afterwards passed to
Sir John de Tregon, Lord Tregon, who, dying without male issue, it came
to his grandson, Sir John la Warre, who held in chief by one knight’s
fee, and in the 31st of Edward I. obtained a charter to hold a market on
a Tuesday, and a fair on the eve of the day, and the day after the
translation of St. Thomas the Martyr; and also to hold courts leet and
view of frankpledge in the manor half yearly. He was summoned to
parliament from 26th August, 1307, to 26th February, 1342, and died in
the 21st of Edward 3rd, 1347. About this period Roger Careless, a
considerable proprietor of lands in Albrighton, gave 60 acres of land
there to found a chantry in the Church at Albrighton, to which he added
lands and 2s. rent within his manor of Ryton adjoining. The charter of
Albrighton was renewed by King Charles II., and the manor given or
confirmed to the Talbots in 1663. The Lady Mary Talbot presented the
borough with a mace. The market has long been obsolete, but fairs are
held for cattle, sheep, swine, and general merchandise on the first
Monday in March, 23rd of May, and the last Saturday in June. A feast is
held on the first Sunday after the 18th of July, and races on the
following Monday. A flourishing society of the Manchester Unity of Odd
Fellows, is held at Mr. Bucknall’s, the Crown Inn. The Shrewsbury and
Birmingham Railway Company have a station here: Mr. James Davies is the
station master. Flys and cars are daily in attendance at the station on
the arrival of each train.
THE CHURCH is a venerable fabric, dedicated to St. Mary, consisting of
nave, chancel, and side aisles, with, a square tower, containing six
bells. The interior is spacious and handsome, and is neatly pewed with
dark oak sittings. Upon the gallery, at the west end, there is a
fine-toned organ. The chancel is divided from the nave by a lofty
pointed arch, and the east window is richly foliated. The church
contains some beautiful tablets and other memorials to the Talbots and
several other distinguished families. An alabaster tomb has two full
length figures in a recumbent posture, with hands joined in the attitude
of prayer; the knight clothed in a surcoat and chain armour, and his feet
resting on a lion. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king’s book
at £5. 10s., now returned at £651, in the patronage of the Haberdashers’
Company and the Governors of Christ’s Hospital, London, alternately. The
Rev. George W. Woodhouse, M.A., is the incumbent. Divine service is
performed twice a-day throughout the year in the church. THE VICARAGE, a
spacious stuccoed residence, a little east from the church, is ornamented
with pleasure grounds tastefully laid out. The tithes have been
commuted, and £626. 7s. 2d. apportioned to the vicar, and £20 to Mr.
George Jones. There are 15A. 2R. 32P. of glebe land. Gilbert Talbot,
bishop of Bertha, in Italy, resided chiefly at Lower Pepperhill, in this
parish, where he erected a brick mansion, with a court before it. The
pope, in consideration of his high birth, family connections, and
enormous wealth, raised him to the see of Bertha. He enjoyed his great
hereditary property nearly twenty-six years in much privacy and
seclusion, engaging himself in acts of charity and devotion, and dying at
Lower Pepperhill, on the 12th of December, 1743, was interred in the
Catholic Cemetery of the White Ladies, near Albrighton. There is a
PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, in which six boys are taught gratuitously, in
consideration of the schoolmaster having the free use of the
school-house.
CHARITIES.—By indenture, dated 18th May, 1682, reciting two bequests to
the inhabitants of Albrighton, one of £20 by one _Southall_, the other of
£10 by _Roger Brooke_, the interest of which was to be yearly disposed of
among poor people, and which two sums, with some accumulation of
interest, had increased to £40; and further reciting a gift by _George
Bromley_ of £100, the yearly profits to be distributed on St. George’s
day and the Feast of All Saints, with the yearly increase thereof then
amounted to £150; it was witnessed that in consideration of the sum of
£210, composed of the above benefactions and a sum of money borrowed for
the use of the parish, to make up the deficiency, certain lands were
conveyed in trust for the benefit of the poor. In the year 1771, William
Whitwich, the only surviving trustee, with the approbation of the
parishioners and inhabitants assembled at a parish meeting, exchanged the
two pieces of land, called the Wooden Croft, and the Six Butts,
containing together four acres, for certain lands, called the Pool Field,
containing two acres and rood, and a sum of £60 in money. The lands held
in trust for the poor, when the charity commissioners published their
report, comprised 14A. 3R. 16P. and a workhouse which had been built upon
the charity land, together producing a yearly rental of £61 16s. 1d. The
sum of £60 paid by Thomas Meeson, in part consideration for the exchange
for lands in 1771, was suffered to remain in his hands at an interest of
£4 per cent. till May, 1779, when it appears to have been paid up and
applied, together with two other sums of £31. 10s., and £20 belonging to
the trust, making in the whole £111. 10s. in the erection of a building
for the reception of paupers, for which the parish paid a rent of £7 from
the year 1780. This application of these several sums is not indeed
expressly stated in the trustees’ books, or in any of the parish books or
other documents that we could procure; but it seems sufficiently to be
inferred from the circumstance that the payment of interest on those sums
appears in the books till the year 1780, when it ceases, and the payment
of rent for the workhouse commences. As this house is kept in repair
from the trust funds, it does not seem to have been a very beneficial
investment of the money. From whence the two sums of money above
mentioned were derived does not appear. In the returns, under the act of
the 26th Geo. III., two legacies to this parish of uncertain date are
mentioned, one of £40 by _William Scot_, and the other of £20 by _T.
Davenhill_. It is possible that a part of the first and the whole of the
second of these legacies may have constituted part of the funds for the
erection of the parish poorhouse. This, however, is mere conjecture, as
we could learn nothing further concerning these charities.
_Thomas Chapman_, in 1655, granted to trustees three several rent
charges, amounting in the whole to 30s., issuing out of a messuage called
Harbour House and certain lands within the manor of Donington, and
directed 13s. 4d. (part thereof) to be distributed among the poor of
Albrighton, 10s. among the poor of Donington, and 6s. 8d. (the residue)
for the relief of the poor inhabitants within the parish of Boningale.
The amount allotted to Albrighton is carried to the general charity fund
of the parish.
_Mrs. Mary Waltho_, in 1783, gave the sum of £20, in trust, to place out
the same, with the approbation of the minister and churchwardens of the
parish, the interest to be disposed of among poor widows. An annual sum
of 16s., which is understood to be the interest of this legacy, was paid
by Mr. Meeson. Mr. Meeson stated to the Charity Commissioners that his
father had been accustomed to make the payment to poor widows, from
whence he concluded that he had received the £20 left by Mrs. Waltho. It
does not appear that any security is given for it; nor do the minister
and churchwardens interfere with the distribution of the interest.
In 1848, a portion of the charity land was required for making the
railway, for which the Charity Trustees received the sum of £712. 3s.
3d., which has been invested in government securities; the dividends of
which and the rent of lands amount at the present time to about £74 per
annum, which is distributed on Holy Thursday and St. Thomas’s day among
widows and the indigent poor not receiving parochial relief.
POST OFFICE—_At Maria Jones’s_. Letters arrive at 9 A.M., and are
despatched at 5.30 P.M.
Bedwell Orson, Esq.
Bishton Rev. Henry, M.A.
Crump Henry, Esq.
Dale Miss
Davies James, station master
Dickens Richard, gentleman
Dodd Rev. George, M.A., curate, Donington
Edwards Mrs.
Holyoake Captain Thomas
Johnson Mrs. Catherine Grecina
Jones Mrs. Maria, Post office
Law Richard, gentleman
Letts James, fly proprietor
Mitchell Mr. James
Parry The Misses, Albrighton Hall
Pitt Frances, gentlewoman
Presland Thomas Plowden, Esq., Cosford Hall
Savage Mrs. Lydia
Stubbs William, gentleman, Bowling-green House
Taylor George, Esq., Boningale Park
Thomason Henry, gentleman
Thorneycroft Mrs.
Totty Mr. John, registrar and vestry clerk
Wood Richard, surgeon and farmer
Woodhouse Rev. George W., M.A., The Vicarage
Yates John, gentleman, Shaw lane
Academy.
Hammersley Thomas, and bookseller and stationer
Baker and Flour Dealer.
Austin George
Boot and Shoemakers.
Fletcher Thomas
Stanley Edward
Taylor John
Taylor Thomas
Wedge Daniel
Brick and Tile Maker.
James Thomas
Bricklayers.
Nickolds George
Stockton Joseph
Totty George
Butchers.
Austin Frederick
Bailey George, Lea Hall
Darley Joseph, Woodhouses
Cabinet Makers.
Perry William, & carpenter
Thomas Thos., & carpenter
Chemist and Druggist.
Whatmore Thomas
Coal Dealers and Carters.
Moore Thomas
Powell John Thomas
Coal and Lime Agent.
Davies James
Corn Millers.
Shenton Benjamin, Cosford mills
Shepherd James
Farmers.
Bailey George and Thomas, Lea Hall Farm
Bate William, Over Pepper hill
Bayley John, Park side
Boulton John
Bradshaw Thomas, Lea
Earp William, Cosford
Fletcher George, Dead Woman’s Grave Farm
Gibbs Henry, Lower Pepper hill
Head Charles, Birches
Husselby William, bailiff to Earl of Dartmouth
Oatley John, Bishton Hall
Oatley Joseph, The Hall Farm
Oatley William, The Hall Farm
Roberts John, Harriotshay
Shenton Benjamin, Cosford
Stanford Joseph, and horse dealer, Harriotshay
Stubbs Walter, Bowling Green
Thomas Rd., farm steward to Earl of Shrewsbury
Yates John, Elms Farm
Grocers and Tea Dealers.
_Marked * are Provision Dealers_.
Brown Jane
Ewart John
* Molineux George
* Tomkins James and John
Hotels, Inns, and Taverns.
Boulton Thomas, victualler, Talbot
Bucknall William, vict., The Crown Hotel, Commercial and Boarding-house
Jones Henry, vict., Whiston Cross
Letts James, vict., Harp Inn, and Posting-house
Steele Benjamin, vict., The Bush
Beerhouse.
Fletcher Thomas
Linen & Woollen Drapers.
Delf John, and clothes dealer
Hammersley Susannah
Maltsters.
Austin George
Bailey George and Thomas
Bucknall George
Milliners and Dress Makers.
Delf Mrs. John, and straw bonnet maker
Hammersley Susannah
Swann Mary Ann
Plumbers, Glaziers, & Painters.
Harris Henry
Meredith Joseph
Saddler and Harness Maker.
Eardley William
Sawyer and Wood Dealer.
Gough George
Shopkeeper.
Moore Paul, and huxter
Smiths.
Howell Thomas
Ward John
Stone Masons and Builders.
Burns and Collins
Thomas Henry
Surgeons.
Bedwell and Son
Crump Henry
Tailor and Woollen Draper.
Totty William
Veterinary Surgeons.
Howell John, Beamish Hall Farm
Watch and Clock Makers.
Morris Thomas
Nickolds Thomas
Wheelwrights.
Parker William
Sutton William
Carrier
To WOLVERHAMPTON, Bessy Wheeler, on Monday, Wednesday, & Saturday
BADGER
is a parish in the Shiffnal division of the Brimstree hundred, six miles
N.N.E. from Bridgnorth and five and a half miles S. from Shiffnal,
comprising 980 acres of land, of which upwards of 100 acres are covered
with woods and thriving plantations. The soil is various, the meadows
and pastures produce a rich herbage, and the arable lands are highly
productive. Rateable value £768. The parish in 1801 contained 88
inhabitants: 1831, 142: 1841, 137: and in 1851 there were 38 houses and a
population of 101 souls, of whom 79 were males and 92 females. The
village of Badger is delightfully situated in a district pleasingly
diversified with bold undulations and rural scenery; the low lands are
watered by the meanderings of the Cosford brook, and the small stream of
the Worf. A romantic glen called the Dingle stretches for upwards of a
mile in length, and the banks of the stream have been planted with shrubs
and evergreens with great taste; in several places the waters are
precipitated over the shelving rocks into the dingle below, which gives
an additional charm to the picturesque scenery. This locality is the
frequent resort of pleasure parties from Birmingham and the surrounding
country during the summer months. Robert Henry Cheney, Esq., of Badger
Hall, is the principal landowner, and lord of the manor; Mr. John Green
is also a landowner.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Giles, is a small but neat structure of free
stone, having a square tower ornamented with crocketted pinnacles; the
tower is beautified with a clock, sun-dial, and contains three bells; the
interior of the church has a tasteful and elegant appearance, and the
side compartments are neatly pewed with oak sittings. The east window is
beautifully decorated with stained glass illustrative of scripture
history; the appendages of tracery are of the most exquisite workmanship.
The altar exhibits a fine specimen of elaborate carving. The
parishioners of Worfield, who reside near Badger, in consideration of
being accommodated with sittings in this church, presented a new organ in
the year 1844. In the chancel is an elegant memorial in memory of Isaac
Hawkins Brown, Esq., of this parish, D.C.L., and F.R.S., who died in
1818. A full length figure of the purest statuary marble, (one of
Chantrey’s masterly productions) is represented as seated and perusing a
book, on the side of which are several large quarto volumes in marble.
Underneath the monument is an inscription in memory of his wife Elizabeth
Brown. There is also a tablet beautifully designed, with the figure of a
female in bass-relief to Jane Brown, and other members of the family,
dated 1783. The Rev. William Smith, late rector of Badger, is remembered
on a neat memorial dated 1837. There are others to Joseph Green and his
wife, and to Elizabeth Kinnersley, the latter is dated 1619. In the
church yard are several ancient tombs which have been erected in memory
of deceased members of some of the principal families in the parish. The
living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £4. 13s. 4d., now
returned at £280, in the patronage of Robert Henry Cheney, Esq.:
incumbent, Rev. Thomas Freeman Boddington, M.A. In the churchyard is a
yew tree of immense growth, and near it a lofty mutilated column.
BADGER HALL is an elegant and spacious mansion, the seat of Robert Henry
Cheney, Esq., J.P. The structure is of brick with stone finishings, and
situated on elevated ground, commanding delightful views over a luxuriant
country. The vicinity of the mansion is finely timbered, and the
extensive enclosures of park-like grounds are pleasingly diversified with
sylvan beauty. The pleasure grounds and shrubberies are of considerable
extent, and display the taste and superior management of the head
gardener, Mr. George Cooke. Robert Henry Cheney, Esq., was appointed
high sheriff of the County of Shropshire, for the year 1851. THE RECTORY
is a good residence a little west of the church; it is pleasantly
situated, and the gardens and pleasure grounds are neatly laid out.
There is a school in the village which is supported by Mr. Cheney, where
about fifty children are instructed. The Rev. T. C. Hartshorn gave £10
to the poor in 1752, and the Rev. Thos. Hartshorn gave a like sum which
was laid out in the purchase of a rent charge of 20s. per annum, issuing
out of a messuage and garden in Badger; the amount is expended in bread
for the poor.
DIRECTORY.—Robert Henry Cheney, Esq., J.P., Badger Hall; William Bate,
gentleman; William Bate and Sons, farmers; Rev. Thomas F. Boddington,
M.A., the Rectory; William Braithwaite, corn miller; Henry Brewster,
farmer and corn miller, Higford; George Cooke, gardener; John Green,
gentleman, The Heath; John Mole, butler; Matthew Taylor, coachman;
Richard Worrall, farmer.
BECKBURY
is a parish and village in the Shiffnal Division of the Brimstree
Hundred, comprising 1321A. 0R. 10P. of land, and situated six miles and a
half N.E. from Bridgnorth, and four miles S. from Shiffnal. In 1801
there were 231 inhabitants; 1831, 307; and in 1841, 61 houses and 312
souls. Rateable value, £1,942. 9s. 8d. The principal landowners are C.
H. Slaney, Esq., Walter Stubbs, Esq., Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq., Dr.
Windham, Dr. Fowler, and Mrs. Frances Horton.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Milburgh, is built of red free-stone, and
consists of nave and chancel, with a square tower, in which are three
bells. In the chancel are several memorials, one of which remembers W.
J. Yonge, Esq., of Caynton House, who died in 1825, aged 71 years; also
of Captain William Horton, who died in 1844. There are also several
memorials to various members of the Stubbs family and others, one of
which (a slab of limestone) has the outlines of the figures of a male and
a female, with smaller figures of ten children. The living is a rectory,
valued in the king’s book at £5. 3s. 4d., in the patronage of the Lord
Chancellor; incumbent, Rev. Henry Ralph Smythe. The tithes are commuted
for £333, and the rector has 31A. 0R. 18P. of glebe land. BECKBURY HALL
is a commodious family mansion, of brick, the residence and property of
Walter Stubbs, Esq., a considerable landowner in this parish.
POST OFFICE—_At Thomas Page’s_. Letters arrive at 8 A.M., and are
despatched at 4.45 P.M.
DIRECTORY.—Benjamin Adams, shoemaker; Thos. Baugh, beerhouse-keeper;
Isaac Bradburn, draper and shopkeeper; Samuel Brown, farmer; Benjamin
Corfield, farmer; George Hand, butcher; John Hand, carpenter; Thomas
Hand, parish clerk and builder; William Hand, joiner; William Hampton,
blacksmith; Thomas Page, shopkeeper and postmaster; William Poyner,
butcher; John Richards, maltster and farmer; Rev. Walter Ralph Smythe,
rector, The Rectory; Thomas Southall, beerhouse keeper; Samuel Thurstaus,
farmer and maltster, Heath House; Walter Stubbs, Esq., Beckbury Hall;
John Ward, Esq., R.N., Lower Hall; Richard Williams, shopkeeper; John
Warren, tailor and draper; Benjamin Worrall, farmer, Snowdon Pool.
BOBBINGTON
is a small parish, partly in the Bridgnorth Division of the Brimstree
Hundred, but chiefly in the county of Stafford, situated eight miles and
a half S.W. from Wolverhampton, and eight miles E. from Bridgnorth. That
portion of the parish in the county of Salop at the census of 1841
contained six houses and 22 inhabitants. This county is here divided
from Staffordshire by a small stream; the Bridgnorth and Stourbridge
turnpike road bounds the parish on the south-east side. THE CHURCH is a
small ancient structure of free-stone, with a tower, in which are four
bells. The interior is small, and fitted up with primitive simplicity.
The living is enjoyed by the Vicar of Claverly; officiating curate, Rev.
Henry Pennant Cooke, M.A. William Moseley, Esq., is the owner of the
land in that part of the parish, in the county of Salop.
DIRECTORY.—Richard Barrimore, wheelwright and machine-maker; Samuel
Brimsford, maltster and victualler, Six Ashes Inn; Sarah Bytheway,
shopkeeper and victualler, Lion Inn; Rev. Henry Pennant Cooke, MA.;
Edward Fenn, blacksmith, Six Ashes; John Knowles, farmer; Philip Pearman,
farmer, Whatmore Hall; Mrs. Sarah Pearman.
BONINGHALL, OR BONINGALE,
is a small parish and village, in the Shiffnal Division of the Brimstree
Hundred, five miles S.E. by S. from Shiffnal, and seven miles S.W. by S.
from Wolverhampton, which in 1841 contained 184 inhabitants; and at the
census in 1851 had 36 houses and 195 souls; of whom 99 were males and 96
females. The turnpike road from Shiffnal to Wolverhampton intersects the
parish, which contains 986A. 0R. 18P. of land. The soil is a mixture of
loam and gravel, and produces good wheat, turnips, and barley. There is
also some fine grazing land. Rateable value, £1,948. 14s. George
Taylor, Esq., is lord of the manor, and the most considerable landowner.
The Executors of the late William Wood, Mr. John Oatley, Mr. Richard
Wood, Mr. James William Weaver, Mr. James Riddle, and the Incumbent of
King Swinford, are also proprietors. The village is situated in a
salubrious district, commanding pleasing and diversified views of the
surrounding country. The Kennels for the fox-hounds of the celebrated
Albrighton hunt are at the Summer House in this parish. THE CHURCH, a
plain antique structure, in a sequestered situation, is built of
free-stone, and, as an ornamental appendage, has a tower of wood, in
which are three bells. It contains a small gallery, and the sittings are
of oak. The ceiling is supported by a framework of wood, and empanelled
with dark oak, varnished. There is a tablet in memory of Mrs. Elizabeth
Robinson, and another to William Tindal, who died in 1830. The living is
a perpetual curacy annexed to the rectory of Stockton. The Rev. Charles
Blaney Cavendish Whitmore, M.A., is the incumbent. The tithes have been
commuted, and £236 apportioned to the incumbent; the minister has also
11A. 0R. 29P. of glebe land. There is no parsonage house in this parish.
BONINGHALL PARK, the seat and property of George Taylor, Esq., is a
spacious erection, pleasantly situated in the midst of park-like grounds,
well-timbered, and commanding some five views of the distant country.
The pleasure-grounds are planted with choice shrubs and beautiful
flowers.
CHARITIES.—_John Littleford_, by his will, dated the 27th of February,
1712, gave the sum of £4, to be laid out for the use of the poor of
Boningale, “with £10, which Mr. Green had promised should be paid.” It
is probable that both these sums were duly received, and that they
compose a sum of £14, which the parish has long enjoyed, and which was
designated as the gift of an unknown benefactor for the use of the poor
of the parish. An additional benefaction of £16 was subsequently
received from _Miss Jane Skeinton_. These sums appear to have remained
at interest in the hands of the parish officers, upon their personal
security, until the year 1812, when they were laid out in the purchase of
a messuage and a garden, which it was thought advisable to purchase for
the use of the parish. The premises were accordingly charged with the
repayment of the sum of £30, so borrowed, to the churchwardens and
overseers of the said parish for the time being, with interest for the
same at five per cent. per annum, such interest to be paid on the 25th of
March yearly, and to be distributed annually on Easter Sunday, by the
minister, churchwardens, overseers, and the inhabitant freeholders of the
parish for the time being, among poor industrious parishioners.
A rent charge of 6s. 8d., derived from the bequest of _John Chapman_, is
usually allowed to remain for two years, and 13s. 4d. is then distributed
among the poor of the parish with the above charity.
DIRECTORY.—George Bayley, butcher, Lea Hall; Benjamin Cox, shopkeeper;
Joseph Darley, farmer, Woodhouses; Joseph Lowe, victualler, Summer House
and Commercial Inn; Edmund Nicklin, shopkeeper; John Oatley, farmer,
Woodhouses; Benjamin Southall, farmer, Boningale Farm; Mr. William
Staples, huntsman, Summer House; George Taylor, Esq., Boningale Park;
Thos. Taylor, farmer; James Thomas, victualler, The Horns Inn; Richard
Wood, farmer, Whiston.
BOSCOBEL
AN EXTRA PAROCHIAL LIBERTY in the Shiffnal division of the Brimstree
hundred, is remarkable in history as a place in which King Charles II.
concealed himself from his pursuers, after the unfortunate battle of
Worcester. The liberty comprises two houses and 691A. 2R. 17P. of land,
of which eighty acres are in woods, and is situated on the eastern verge
of the county, adjoining Staffordshire, seven miles east from Shiffnal.
The bold eminence upon which Boscobel is situated is most delightful, and
is one of the finest tracts of table land in England; the scenery is most
extensive, beautiful, and varied. Boscobel manor house is a spacious and
ancient timbered mansion exhibiting a fine specimen of the domestic
architecture of bygone days; part of it has been recently modernized and
stuccoed, which gives it a light and handsome appearance. The house
stands partly in Shropshire and partly in Staffordshire, and the southern
portion now forms the summer residence of the Misses Evans, of Darley,
near Derby. The dining room is spacious, and the walls are wainscotted
with oak, exhibiting some fine carving; on the right of the entrance is
shown the secret recess through which King Charles II. made his escape
from the house to the oak tree when pursued by the infuriated rebels.
There is a fine painting in this room of the youthful monarch, and in a
side room is a beautifully executed painting of Oliver Cromwell.
Although the interior of the mansion has been much improved and
beautified from time to time, yet whatever relates to the concealment of
the unfortunate Charles has been preserved with the greatest care. On
ascending the staircase is seen the bed room and the secret recess where
he took shelter from his pursuers, and which communicates with the garden
by a trap-door. In the upper room is what is denominated the “sacred
hole” from the circumstance of his majesty occasionally concealing
himself there, the trap-door and step-ladder remain in their original
state.
The following circumstances relating to this remarkable and interesting
event are taken from various authorities:—His majesty, as soon as he
perceived which way the victory at the disastrous battle of Worcester
inclined, was not unmindful to provide for his own safety. He had during
the battle performed all the offices both of a valiant man and a good
commander, riding about incessantly to encourage his soldiers, and when
he saw they began to fail he was heard to utter this pathetic expression,
“Rather shoot me than let me live to see the sad consequences of this
fatal day.” Many parties of horse were sent out through all the country
after the flying troops. Few of the infantry escaped from the field
alive, and but about three thousand horse, of whom one thousand were
taken near Bewdley by Colonel Barton, and more by others in different
places. In this fatal engagement the number of the slain was supposed to
be three thousand, among whom were many of the nobility and gentlemen,
and principal officers who supported the royal cause. The king lost a
hundred and fifty-eight stand of colours, his standard bearer, his collar
of S.S., his coach and horses, and other things of great value. His
majesty after the battle was very narrowly searched for, and it was on
his account that the greater diligence was employed in following and
intercepting the routed Scots; but notwithstanding all the search and
inquiry no news could be heard, nor could any one certainly tell what was
become of him. When the enemy had forced the gate, all possible care was
taken to secure his majesty, and for this purpose the Earl of Cleveland,
Sir James Hamilton, and others, kept the enemy engaged in Sudbury street,
while the king unpursued took his way with a body of horse through St.
Martin’s gate about six o’clock in the evening. When he arrived at
Brabon’s bridge, about half a mile from the town, he halted in order to
advise with a few noblemen and gentlemen that were with him, and as there
was not the slightest probability of being able to rally again, it was
determined with all speed to make their way to Scotland. Having
proceeded about half way to Presteign, the king was informed that a
detachment of troops was in pursuit of him, on which he immediately
changed his route to Shropshire, the Earl of Derby recommending Boscobel
house as a place of temporary sanctuary. Mr. Giffard and Mr. Yates
having been chosen as guides, they arrived at break of day, at a house
called White Ladies, about half a mile from Boscobel. This house was
formerly a monastery of Cistercian nuns, who from their habit were
denominated the White Ladies, and this name, notwithstanding the
abolition of the order, adhered to the house.
Here his majesty was committed to the care of the Pendrills, and for his
better disguise, put on the green Kendal breeches and leathern doublet of
Richard Pendrill. Lord Wilmot who performed the office of barber, cut
the hair of the King in a most rustic manner, and caused his hands and
face to be discoloured with the intention of giving him the appearance of
a country labourer. His majesty thus transformed, with a wood bill in
his hand assumed the character of a wood cutter, and was taken by a back
road into a wood called Spring Coppice belonging to Boscobel House, by
Richard Pendrill, who attended the King while the three other brothers of
Richard were set to watch and give intelligence of any threatened danger.
A short time after the King had left the house a party of horse came to
search it; it was therefore thought the safest course for his majesty to
remain in the wood all that day, although the rain fell in torrents. The
King being in urgent want of refreshment, made his wishes known to
Richard Pendrill, who accordingly applied to the wife of Francis Yates to
provide some provision for a person in want and to carry it to an
appointed place in Boscobel wood. She accordingly provided a dish of
such fare as her cottage afforded, and taking a blanket with her,
proceeded therewith to the wood. On her approaching the spot fixed upon
she perceived the King, who being much surprised at the appearance of a
woman, became apprehensive that she might possibly divulge the secret of
his retreat, till demanding of the good woman if she could be faithful to
a distressed cavalier, she answered “Yes Sire, I would rather die than
discover you.” At night his majesty resolved to proceed into Wales, and
take Richard Pendrill with him as his guide; they began their journey
that night to Madeley, where lived a zealous royalist named Wolfe. The
night was very dark and as they passed by Evelyn bridge, Richard
permitting a gate to clap too loudly, brought out a miller at that place,
and on his bidding them stand Richard ran through the water and the King
followed by the sound of his calfskin breeches. The miller imagining
that these persons were on the search was not less alarmed than they
were, having then under his protection in the mill several fugitive
loyalists who had escaped from the bloody field of Worcester. On their
arrival at Madeley they proceeded to Wolfe’s house, but there being so
many soldiers in the neighbourhood it was considered unsafe for them to
remain in the house, and they found refuge in a hay-loft which was their
bed till Friday night. It had been his majesty’s intention to pass the
Severn and so proceed into Wales, but learning that all the passages over
the river were strictly guarded and that all the ferry boats were
stopped, they returned somewhat late on Friday night towards Boscobel.
Colonel Carles, who when his majesty left Worcester was bravely combating
the enemy in Sudbury street to favour the King’s escape, was now come to
that place for refuge and relief. The Colonel who was well acquainted
with the house and its inhabitants, having been born and educated not far
off, was no sooner informed that the King was in the wood than he
hastened with joy to present himself to his majesty. After mutual
congratulations they proceeded to the house to refresh themselves, and
then immediately retiring into the wood and finding a large oak whose
branches afforded them a safe retreat, they ascended the tree, and with
the help of cushions made a tolerable abode there till night. At night
they betook themselves again to the house where his majesty thought
proper for the future to trust himself while he remained in that part of
the country, being much pleased with a secret corner which William
Pendrill shewed him, where the Earl of Derby concealed himself after the
misfortune of his defeat at Wigan. Being now in hopeful security he
permitted William Pendrill to shave him and cut his hair short at the
top, but leaving it long about the ears, as was the country mode in those
days.
On Humphrey Pendrill going to Shiffnal to pay his share of the monthly
tax, he was accosted at the house of Captain Broadway, by a colonel who
had come hither to enquire after the search of the White Ladies. The
colonel understanding that Humphrey lived near the place, put him to a
strict examination, and after he had tried the effect of menaces to
induce a confession, began to tempt him by the reward of the thousand
pounds which was offered to the person that discovered his majesty;
Humphrey’s discreet answers, however, rendered his dissembled ignorance
the more unsuspected. On this being told to his majesty he was
determined to leave Boscobel, and it was arranged that he should ride
upon Humphrey Pendrill’s mill horse, for Humphrey was miller at the White
Ladies Mill. The king mounted his steed on Monday evening and was
attended by four of the Pendrills and their brother-in-law Francis Yates,
who guarded him on the road with bills and pike staves. Humphrey led the
horse by the bridle, and on his majesty complaining that it was the
dullest jade he ever rode on, Humphrey made a witty apology for his steed
by telling his majesty that it was no wonder he went so slow since he
carried the weight of three kingdoms on his back. The King at this time
was dressed in a leathern doublet and an old greasy hat, his hands and
face being coloured with soot and walnut leaves. In this way they
journeyed to Moseley in Staffordshire, and there found a place of safety
in the house of Mr. Whitgrave, who had formerly been engaged in the
king’s service, and being a suspected person his house was searched while
the king was there, but the readiness of Mr. Whitgrave to let the
soldiers enter, and his open deportment, gave the men so much
satisfaction that they went away with little more than a bare enquiry.
The White Ladies was also searched the same day, on the information of an
ensign, and the proprietor strictly questioned about the king with a
musket presented at his breast. He acknowledged that a large party had
been there who had almost eaten him out of house and home, but the king
he did not know from any other man, and no such person being there to be
found, the searchers at last went away, storming that they had troubled
themselves so much in vain, and the ensign was paid for his diligence
with blows and contempt. The King on one occasion being concealed in a
house belonging to Mrs. Jane Lane, his pursuers having some idea of his
being there, came in a body to examine it, but on Mrs. Lane observing
their approach she immediately clad the king in a rustic dress and put a
slouched hat on his head, and on the entering of the soldiers Charles
looked around, which the good old dame observing seized a basting ladle,
and giving the king a sharp blow on the back exclaimed in apparent anger
“And what do you stare at, you dog you; why don’t you mind what you’re
about.” This reprimand furnished the King with a pretext for keeping his
eyes towards the spit, by which means he escaped discovery.
His majesty having gratefully acknowledged the kindness of Mr. Whitgrave,
went with Lord Wilmot to Colonel Lane’s, at Bentley, where shortly after
he had an opportunity of being conveyed to Bristol, in order to embark
for France. Miss Jane Lane procured a pass for herself and servant, to
visit a pretended sister of hers who resided near to Bristol, and in the
journey his majesty assumed the character of Miss Lane’s servant; Colonel
Lascelles, Miss Lane’s relation, with his wife behind him, accompanied
them; and Lord Wilmot, with a hawk in his hand, as if he had met them
accidentally, and had occasion to travel that way. In passing through
Broomsgrove they were obliged to employ a smith to shoe one of the
horses; the conversation of the bystanders was of the battle of Worcester
and the king’s escape. His majesty, amidst many conjectures, gave it as
his decided opinion that the king had fled to Scotland, and lay concealed
there. “I rather think,” replied the smith, “that he remains somewhere
concealed in England, and how glad should I be if I knew where.” On the
third day they arrived at the house of Mr. George Norton, of Leigh, about
two miles from Bristol, where the king was introduced as the son of one
of her father’s tenants, and on pretence of suddenly being attacked with
fever, kept his bed, and was attended by Dr. George, who asked the sick
man many questions about the king’s escape, and being told by his majesty
that he did not wish to be troubled with such questions, declared that he
could not help thinking that his patient was a sider with the roundheads.
His majesty had not been long here before he was discovered by the
butler, who had formerly been in the service of his royal father. This
man, on the promise of close secrecy and loyalty, was entrusted by his
majesty in several important services. From this place he proceeded
amidst great dangers, experiencing unchanging fidelity, to
Brighthelmston, in Sussex, when on the 15th of October, 1659, he took
sail in a small coasting vessel, employed in the colliery trade, and
being favoured with a prosperous gale they arrived in a short time at
Feccam, a small sea port in Normandy, his majesty assisting himself to
steer the vessel. From Feccam his majesty proceeded to Roan, and on the
30th October was met on his journey to Paris by his mother, the Queen
Dowager of Great Britain, his brother the Duke of York, the Duke of
Orleans, and other nobles of France, with a great retinue of English and
French gentlemen.
On the restoration of King Charles, the family of the Pendrills, who
consisted of five brothers, attended upon his majesty on the 13th of
June, 1660, at Whitehall, when the king was pleased to remark that the
simple rustic who serves his sovereign in the time of need to the extent
of his ability, is as deserving of our commendation as the victorious
leader of thousands. “Friend Richard,” rejoined the king, “thou wert my
preserver and conductor—the bright star that shewed me my way to
Bethlehem, for which kindness I will engrave thy memory in the tablet of
a grateful heart;” and having requested Richard to state to the lords in
attendance what passed when he quitted the oak at Boscobel, “Your
majesty,” replied Richard, “must well remember that when brother Humphrey
brought his old mill horse from White Ladies, not accoutered with
knightly gear, but with a pitiful old saddle and bridle; not attended
with royal guards, but only by half a dozen raw and undisciplined
rustics, who had but little else but good will to defend your majesty; it
was when your majesty mounted, and as we journeyed your majesty did most
heartily complain of the jade you rode on, and said it was the dullest
creature you ever met with, whereupon Humphrey remarked, ‘My liege, can
you blame the horse to go heavily when he had the weight of three
kingdoms on his back?’”
The royal oak before mentioned stood about 200 yards from the house, and
was a flourishing tree, the branches of which were so richly covered with
ivy that the soldiers who were in pursuit of the king, and who suspected
him to be there, could not discover him. In the course of time the
original oak was so mutilated by visitors that to preserve its remains
the Fitzherberts erected a brick wall around it. The tree, however, has
long been destroyed, and there is now standing on the site a flourishing
oak, produced from an acorn of the old tree, for the preservation of
which a lofty iron palisading surrounds it. The following inscription on
a brass plate is affixed to the bole of the tree:—
“Felicissimam Arborem,
Quam in Asylum Potentissimi Regis Caroli II.,
Deus optimus maximus per quem Regis regnant
Hic crescere voluit
Tam in perpetuam rei tantæ memoriam,
Quam in specimen firmæ in Regis fidei.
Muro cinctum posteris commendant
Basilius et Jana Fitzherbert.
Quod Pietatis monumentum vestustate collapsum,
Paternarum vertutum Hieredes,
Et evitæ in Principes fidei amulatores.
In integrum restituerunt
Basilius et Eliza Fitzherbert,
iiii Cal Junii, A.H.S., MDCCLLXXXII.
Qua ex arbore Quercum hanc uti fertur ortam,
Ferreis his quæ hodie sunt repagulis.
Circummunivit
Ejusdam hujusce agri possesor,
Evdemque erga Regis animo prædita.”
THE CONVENT OF WHITE LADIES.—Near half a mile south from Boscobel, in a
sequestered and romantic spot, are the ruins of the Nunnery of White
Ladies, an establishment of nuns of the Cistercian order, designated the
White Ladies by reason of the conventical habit which they adopted being
of that colour, as also to distinguish it from another establishment in
its immediate vicinity, denominated the Black Ladies, situated at
Bishop’s Wood, in the county of Stafford. The ruins of this venerable
structure are mantled with ivy, and the walls of the church are of
immense thickness, with a recessed circular doorway. It is dedicated to
St. Leonard, and the foundation is supposed to have been as ancient as
the time of King Richard I., or King John. The two seals that have been
met with relating to this establishment represent the virgin and child,
one of which bears the legend, “SIGILLUM COMMUNE NIGRARUM MONALIUM
D’BRE,” and the other “S. CONVENT. S. MARIE NIGRAS D’NARUM,” and seem to
have been used as the common seal of the White Ladies and Black Ladies
conjointly, these two houses having been considered as comprising the
convent of Brewood. The ruins and grounds of this religious house are
walled in, and the interior, which is spacious, is nearly covered with
gravestones. It is still used as a place of sepulchre by members of the
catholic religion. There are several tablets on the walls, and some
remarkable epitaphs. On a gravestone is the following inscription: “Here
lies Winifred White, late of Wolverhampton, who was instantaneously cured
of hemiphegia by bathing in St. Winifred’s well, Flintshire, June 11th,
1805. She died of consumption, January 13th, 1824, aged 45 years. May
she rest in peace.” The White Ladies Nunnery became celebrated in
history from the circumstance of its having afforded a temporary shelter
and a place of successful concealment to his Majesty King Charles II.,
immediately on his flight from the disastrous and fatal battle of
Worcester. At the dissolution of religious houses, this nunnery, then
styled the Convent of Brewood, consisted of six religious. The total
revenue was stated to amount annually to £31. 1s. 4d. In the reign of
Henry VIII. the site was granted to William Whorwood; it is now possessed
by the Catholic community. The Misses Evans are the principal
freeholders in Boscobel, and have been instrumental in building a church
at Bishop’s Wood, which has just been completed. The ladies also
liberally contribute towards the education of the children, and in
supplying the necessities of the poor in this vicinity.
The principal residents are Miss Elizabeth Evans, Boscobel House; Miss
Fanny Evans, Boscobel House; Mrs. Walker; Thomas Wilson, farmer, White
Ladies; Thomas Wilson, jun., farmer, Boscobel Farm.
CLAVERLEY
is an extensive parish in the Bridgnorth division of the Brimstree
hundred, comprising the townships of Aston, Beobridge, Broughton,
Claverley, Dallicott, Farmcott, Gatacre, Heathton, Hopstone, Ludstone,
Shipley, Sutton, and Woundale, and embraces 8,145A. 0R. 39P. of land. In
1801 there were 1,328 inhabitants; 1831, 1,521; 1841, 1,669; and in 1851,
1,612, of whom 825 were males, and 787 females. The last census shows a
decrease of 57 persons in ten years. Gross estimated rental of the
parish, £17,796. 8s. 2d. Rateable value, £15,766. 10s. The tithes have
been commuted for £2,060. 13s. 6d. The principal landowners are Edward
Lloyd Gatacre, Esq.; George Mackenzie Kettle, Esq.; Edward Farrer Acton,
Esq.; Farmer Taylor, Esq.; Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq., M.P.; William
Wilson, Esq.; John Wilson, Esq.; Thomas Wilson, Esq.; Thomas H. Windle,
Esq.; Thomas Boycott, Esq.; and Mrs. Emma Fox; besides whom there are
several smaller freeholders. The village of Claverley is well built and
pleasantly situated, six miles east from Bridgnorth, and ten miles
south-west from Wolverhampton. At the census in 1841, the township
contained 90 houses and 404 inhabitants. This was the birth-place of Sir
Robert Brooke, who was educated at Oxford, from whence he removed to the
Middle Temple. In 1553 he became chief justice of the common pleas, in
which office he conducted himself with inflexible integrity, and died in
1558. He published several works, among which are, “An Abridgment of the
Year Books,” in folio; “Certain Cases Adjudged;” and “Reading on the
Statutes of Limitations.” Richard Dovey, the founder of the Free School,
bequeathed eight shillings per annum to a poor man of this parish who
should undertake to awaken sleepers and whip out dogs from the church of
Claverley during divine service. King Charles II. granted the
inhabitants a charter to exempt them from paying tolls.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to All Saints, is an antique structure, exhibiting
various styles of architecture, and consists of nave, chancel, side
chapels, and side aisles, with a square tower, in which are six bells.
The body of the church is neatly pewed, and will accommodate about eight
hundred persons. There is a gallery at the west end, upon which is an
organ, erected in the year 1840 at a cost of £180. The pulpit is of oak,
and has been beautifully carved at the expense of the present incumbent.
The side chapels are the property of the ancient family of Gatacre. In
the south chapel is an altar tomb, dated 1558, on which are three full
length figures, in a recumbent position, in memory of Lord Chief Justice
Brooke and his two wives. On the sides of the tomb, in basso-relief, are
small figures of his eighteen children. A beautiful memorial window of
stained glass, exquisitely executed, remembers Colonel Gatacre, who died
in the year 1849. Another has been erected to the memory of Arabella,
wife of the late Colonel Gatacre. One of the windows has recently been
beautified with stained glass by Edward Lloyd Gatacre, Esq. The church
contains several neat mural tablets to deceased members of some of the
principal families of the parish. The font, which is of free-stone, has
been painted in imitation of marble. The living is a perpetual curacy,
returned at £267, in the patronage of Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq.,
M.P.; incumbent, Rev. George Hilder Betterton Gabert, M.A. The parish
register dates from the year 1568. The ancient stone cross, now standing
in the church-yard, was removed from the central part of the village some
years ago, in consequence of its obstructing the traffic of the road.
This is called The Processional Cross of Claverley, and was erected, it
is presumed, in the 33rd of Edward III., to commemorate the dreadful
plague which devastated this neighbourhood, and carried the horrors of
death into every dwelling. When the tithes were commuted £1,599. 8s.
were apportioned to T. C. Whitmore, Esq., £448. 5s. 6d. to other lay
impropriators, and £12 to the Incumbent of Claverley. THE PARSONAGE
HOUSE is a neat brick structure, pleasantly situated near the church.
THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, situated on the east side of the church-yard, was
built in the year 1790; about 60 children attend. There is also a Girls’
School in the village, supported by voluntary subscriptions, which has an
attendance of about thirty children.
CHARITIES.—_John Dovey_, of Farmcote, by deed of feoffment, dated 23rd of
August, 1659, granted to John Sanders and others a stone house, with a
garden and plot of land adjoining, situated at Hawe’s Acre; and also
certain cottages adjoining the parish church of Claverley, and a messuage
and farm known by the name of Lindridge farm, in trust; the stone house
and garden to remain as a free-school, to be called The Free School of
Richard Dovey, at Claverley; and as to the messuage, farm, and cottages
before mentioned, the trustees were directed, with the yearly profits
thereof, to keep in repair the school premises, and to pay the
schoolmaster yearly, at Michaelmas and Lady-day, £8, in equal portions,
towards his maintenance; to pay to the best scholar to be elected by the
feoffees, the minister, and the schoolmaster, the sum of 20s. to be an
under-teacher in the said school; and also to place in some room of the
cottages adjoining the church-yard, a poor man, and allow him a stipend
of eight shillings yearly to whip out dogs and awaken sleepers during
divine service in the church; and 12s. to the trustees for their pains.
It appears that the cottages, having become untenable about the year
1784, were taken down; and a new building convenient for a school having
been erected upon the site, the school was removed to it, and has since
continued to be kept there. Upon the removal of the school, the old
premises were exchanged for a parcel of land more convenient in situation
to the new school-room. It appears, however, that a substitution has
since taken place of another parcel of land, in lieu of that which was
first given in exchange to the charity, and that upon the parcel so
substituted timber has been cut, and other acts of ownership exercised
from time to time by the agents of the Glynne family; while on the other
hand no acknowledgment of ownership has been made to the charity. The
premises at Lindridge, to which an allotment of about two acres was added
about ten years ago, under the powers of an enclosure act, consist of
about 42 acres of land, producing a yearly rental of £26. 53. _Richard
Bennett_, _Esq._, by will, 22nd March, 1794, gave the sum of £100, to be
paid at the expiration of six months after his decease, and directed the
same to be placed out at interest, and the yearly proceeds applied for
the benefit of the free-school of Claverley. This legacy remained in the
hands of the Glynne family, as the personal representatives of the
testator, at an annual interest of five per cent. when the Charity
Commissioners published their report. This interest being added to the
rent of the farm makes an annual income of £31. 5s.; from which the
following disbursements are made:—To the schoolmaster, £21; coals for the
school, 10s.; annuity for awaking sleepers, 10s. 6d.; chief rent, 1s.
4d.; average of school repairs, £2. 12s. The twenty shillings which were
allowed by the founder for one of the boys to act as usher, do not appear
to have ever been paid, nor do we find that the trustees have taken
advantage of the 12s. per annum allowed for their pains. The expenditure
left a surplus of £6. 11s. 2d. per annum, which, with a sum of £14
produced from a sale of timber from the school estate in 1819, had
increased to £195. 2s. 9½d., and was then in the hands of Edward Gatacre,
Esq., one of the trustees. _John Dovey_, in 1695, gave a rent charge of
10s. per annum, and directed the amount to be given to one of the poor
scholars. _John Sanders_, in 1702, devised certain lands, subject to the
payment of £5 per annum, to be laid out in clothing poor boys in the free
school. The property thus charged with the payment is now possessed by
the Glynne family, whose agent supplies clothing to an amount much
exceeding the annuity charged upon the lands. The scholars are appointed
by the trustees of the school from among poor children of the parish, and
are taught reading, writing, and arithmetic, and are also each provided
with a coat, waistcoat, and breeches (of blue cloth), and a hat.
_William Perry_, of Broughton, by will dated 9th December, 1674, after
reciting that his father had given the sum of 3s. 4d. to be yearly
distributed at Christmas and Easter among the poor of the parish in
wheaten or mun corn bread, gave a like sum of 3s. 4d. to be distributed
in bread at Whitsuntide and All Saints for ever. And for the maintenance
of the dole, (and of bread to the amount of 6s. 8d. also to the poor of
Worfield), he granted a rent charge of 13s. 4d. yearly, issuing out of
certain lands in Claverley and Worfield. It is recorded on one of the
benefaction tables in the church at Claverley that William Perry of
Broughton, by will left 14s. a year for ever to be distributed in bread
amongst the poor of the parish at four times in the year. There is
reason to believe that William Perry here referred to was a descendant of
the former, but we are unable to discover whether this was an original
grant of his own, or whether it included the 6s. 8d. which had before
been granted by his ancestors in the same manner as the first William
Perry had by his will embraced the previous donation of his father Roger.
The sum of 14s. is however all that is now paid, or that we can find any
trace of having ever been received. It is paid out of the rents of lands
in Broughton, formerly the property of the Perrys.
_Thomas Whitmore_, of Ludstone, in 1679 gave to the poor of the parish of
Claverley £5 per annum, payable out of a tenement in Claverley, and he
appointed the same to be received by the inhabitants for the time being
of his then dwelling house in Ludstone, and to be by them distributed
among the necessitous poor. The amount is usually distributed among
fifty poor persons.
_Margaret Fregleton_, of Powk Hall, by will left 10s. yearly to be given
amongst ten poor widows not chargeable to the parish. There is reason to
believe this legacy to be the same which is referred to and secured by
the will of Mrs. Margaret Hill, dated 7th January, 1728, when she charges
all her lands in Claverley with the payment of 10s. yearly to ten poor
widows of Claverley, as directed by her mother’s will, and also paying
thereout £2. 10s. per annum, on St. Thomas’s day, to be distributed among
fit objects of charity, by the minister and churchwardens. The premises
charged with the payment came into the possession of the Glynne family,
by whose agent the rent charge is paid.
_Thomas Acton_ in 1734 gave the sum of £100 to be laid out in the
purchase of lands, and the rents and profits to be yearly paid by the
churchwardens for the time being, to five decayed labourers, and five
poor widows belonging this parish. This legacy was laid out in 1741 in
the purchase of about seven acres of meadow land in the parish of Hopton
Wafers, which at the time of the purchase produced a rent of £3. 8s., but
are now let for £15 per annum. There was timber on the land at the
period the charity commissioners published their report, to the value of
£100, which it was intended soon to dispose of.
_John Fenton_, by his will bequeathed £30, and directed that with the
interest thereof bread should be purchased, and on every Sunday a
distribution made to six poor widows belonging the parish of Claverley.
In 1777 this bequest was expended in the erection of three small
tenements at the back of the workhouse, fronting the Holloway, for the
use of the parish as habitations for the poor, and the overseer of the
poor covenanted to distribute six penny loaves every Sunday according to
the intentions of the donor.
_Mrs. Mary Hodgkiss_ in 1774, by will gave £100, and directed the
interest thereof to be on the 19th of March in every year distributed by
the churchwardens among twenty poor widows of this parish.
_Thomas Farmer Thornes_ in 1779 bequeathed £30 to the churchwardens of
Claverley, the interest thereof to be distributed in bread annually to
poor housekeepers. This sum and an accumulation of interest making in
the whole £47. 18s. 1d. was subsequently laid out in building a parish
workhouse, the parish officers agreeing to provide out of the poor’s
rates the interest of that sum.
_Mrs. Sarah Taylor_ left a legacy of £50 many years ago to the poor of
this parish, to be under the management of the trustees of the Free
school. This gift was placed in the hands of Mr. Farmer Taylor, he being
one of the trustees of the School. The interest was distributed with a
private charity of Mr. Taylor’s.
_Edward Barker_, by will in 1702, charged a piece of land situate at
Aston with the payment of 10s. yearly; 5s. thereof to be given to the
minister of Claverley, for a sermon on New Year’s day, and 5s. to buy
bibles for poor children.
_Richard Dovey_, the founder of the free school, in 1660 left certain
lands lying in Broughton, for the better maintenance of the parson of
Claverley. The lands which are supposed to have been left consist of 6A.
0R. 21P. at Broughton, and now produce a rental of about £10 per annum,
which is received by the minister for his own use.
_William Whitmore_, _Esq._, of Apley, in 1724 gave the sum of £200 to be
laid out for the perpetual augmentation of the curacy of the parish
church of Claverley, which with the further sum of £200 advanced by the
governors of Queen Anne’s bounty, was applied to the purchase of about
forty-four acres of land in the parish of Higley, for the benefit of the
incumbent. The premises produce £49 per annum, which the minister of
Claverley receives.
It appears that the rent of a piece of land called the School House bank,
containing about two acres, has been for many years appropriated to the
repair of the church, but we have been unable to discover the source from
which it was derived. It was sold in 1818 by the parishioners to Sir
Stephen Glynne for the sum of £120, and the amount was applied in
building the workhouse before mentioned, and interest at the rate of five
per cent, amounting to £6 per annum is now paid by the overseers to the
churchwardens, by whom it is applied to the repairs of the church. The
rent of a small cottage which produces one pound per annum, the origin of
which is involved in similar obscurity, is also applied to the same use.
ASTON, a small township in the parish of Claverley, is pleasantly
situated about a mile east from the parish church. At the census in 1841
there were 22 scattered houses and a population of 126 souls. Aston
Hall, a good brick house built in 1842, is the residence of John Wilson,
Esq. The old hall was formerly a seat of the Brindleys, and their
descendants the Skinners, men of high consequence in the city of London.
BEOBRIDGE, a township in the parish of Claverley, is situated about a
mile south from the parish church, and in 1841 had eleven houses and
sixty one inhabitants. William Wilson, Esq., and Thomas H. Windle, Esq.,
are the land owners. The acres and the tithes of the several townships
are included in the returns for the parish of Claverley. The directories
of the several townships will be found alphabetically arranged after the
township of Claverley.
BROUGHTON township and small village is situated about a mile and a half
south from Claverley, and at the census of 1841 had twelve houses and
eighty inhabitants. There was a chapel here prior to the reformation
subject to the church of Claverley.
DALICOTT, a township in the parish of Claverley, delightfully situated in
a salubrious district richly beautified with pastoral scenery, is about a
mile and a half north-west from the parish church. The land is the
property of George M. Kettle, Esq. At the census in 1841 there were
three houses and twenty inhabitants. Dalicott House is a pleasantly
situated mansion, commanding extensive views over a luxuriant country of
great diversity and beauty; it is a handsome brick structure, the
residence of George Mackenzie Kettle, Esq.
FARMCOTT township and small rural village is situated about a mile south
from Claverley, and in 1841 had 39 houses and 191 inhabitants. The land
is the property of Thomas Wilson, Esq.
GATACRE, a pleasantly situated village and township in the parish of
Claverley, in 1841 contained 23 houses and 125 inhabitants. The
landowners are Edward Lloyd Gatacre, Esq., and Edward Farrer Acton, Esq.
GATACRE HALL, a well built and commodious brick mansion delightfully
situated, is the residence of Edward Lloyd Gatacre, Esq., whose ancestors
were seated here, and in possession of the manor, in the reign of Edward
the Confessor. The ancient mansion, which was remarkable for the
peculiarity of its construction, has been taken down some time. Camden,
in speaking of this house, observes, “It was built of dark grey free
stone coated with a green vitrified substance about the thickness of a
crown piece. The hall was nearly exactly square, and most remarkably
constructed at each corner; in the middle of each side and in the centre
were immense oak trees hewn nearly square and without branches, set with
their heads on large stones laid about a foot deep in the ground, and
with their roots uppermost, which roots with a few rafters formed a
complete arched roof. The floor was of oak boards three inches thick,
not sawed but plain chipped.” GATACRE PARK, a handsome mansion, the seat
and property of Edward Farrer Acton, Esq., J.P., and deputy lieutenant of
the county of Shropshire, is a brick structure pleasantly situated,
beautified with tasteful pleasure grounds, and was erected during the
year 1850. It stands on the site of an ancient Elizabethan structure,
which was rased to the ground in 1849; it was in this house that the Earl
of Derby took shelter immediately after the battle of Worcester, and
shortly before he was brought to the scaffold in his way to Newport.
Several swords were found on taking down the house, one of which is in a
state of good preservation.
HEATHTON, a township and village in the parish of Claverley, is situated
about a mile and a half S.E. by E. from the parish church. On the
eastern verge of the county is Long Common, which here divides Salop and
Staffordshire. Some remains of a military encampment may still be traced
upon this common, supposed to have been a Danish fortification; about
thirty years ago several skeletons were discovered, and weapons of war
have from time to time been found. The township contains 840A. 2R. 32P.
of land, and at the census of 1841 had 52 houses and 208 inhabitants.
HOPSTONE, a township and village in the parish of Claverley, is situated
about a mile N. from the parish church. At the census in 1841 there were
43 houses and 188 inhabitants. G. M. Kettle, Esq., is the landowner.
Hopstone was long the inheritance of the Ridley family.
LUDSTONE, a township in the parish of Claverley, situated about a mile
N.E. from the parish church, at the census in 1841 had 13 houses and a
population of 95 souls. Ludstone was in early times part of the
possessions of the deans of Bridgnorth, but after the reformation was
purchased by the Leveson family, and now belongs to Thomas C. Whitmore,
Esq., and Mrs. Emma Fox. The manor house, now Ludstone Hall, a curious
and interesting structure of the domestic architecture of by-gone days,
was built in the early part of the reign of Charles I., by the Whitmore
family. It is surrounded by a moat, and partly by a brick wall of about
eight feet in height. This was long the seat of a branch of the Whitmore
family; it is now occupied as a farm house by Mr. William Stokes. In
this township was born Sir Francis Jones, Knight, whose family had an
estate here till within the last sixty years. Sir Francis Jones was of
the haberdasher’s company, and lord mayor of London in 1620. Ludstone
also gave birth to Richard Yate, an ingenious poet, and almost
self-taught scholar of great talents, which he very frequently displayed
in the _Gentleman’s Magazine_ from the year 1734 to 1767, and generally
on the most abstruse subjects. He was the instructor of the Right Rev.
Dr. Percy, late bishop of Dromore. He died at Roughton in June, 1680, at
the advanced age of 82. On the south-east extremity of this manor lies
the Danesford Brook, so called from the marauding Danes, who were in the
habit of crossing this brook when they commenced their summer incursions
to the banks of the Severn, and passed over carrying extermination and
plunder into every part of the county.
SHIPLEY is a township in the parish of Claverley, two miles and a half
N.E. from the parish church, comprising 500A. 1R. 18P. of land, and at
the census of 1841 had six houses and forty inhabitants. Thomas Boycott,
Esq., is the landowner. This place is pleasantly situated on the
Wolverhampton and Bridgnorth turnpike road.
SUTTON township is situated about half a mile N.E. from Claverley, and at
the census of 1841 contained three houses and 17 inhabitants.
WOUNDALE, a township and village in Claverley parish, a little more than
a mile from the church, at the census in 1841 had 24 houses and 114
inhabitants; the land is the property of Farmer Taylor, Esq., who resides
at a pleasantly situated mansion of brick, stuccoed. The acres and
rateable value of the several townships in this parish will be found
included in the returns of Claverley.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. Thomas H. Perry’s_. Letters arrive at 8 A.M., and
are despatched at 7.25 P.M.
CLAVERLEY DIRECTORY.
Acton Edward Farrer, Esq., Gatacre park
Gabert Christopher, Esq., Rose Cottage
Gabert Rev. George Hilder Betterton, M.A., vicar, the Vicarage
Gatacre Edward Lloyd, Esq., Gatacre hall
Haslehust Thomas, Esq., surgeon, Powk hall
Kettle George Mackenzie, Esq., Dalicott house
Lea Mrs. Wolryche, Ludstone house
Stokes Mr. William, Ludstone hall
Taylor Farmer, Esq., Chykenell
Widdell Thos., Esq., Wood Field
Wilson John, Esq., Aston hall
Wilson William, Esq., Beobridge cottage
Ash Wm., miller and farmer
Austin Joseph, carpenter and joiner
Bate Daniel, millwright
Beasley Charles, schoolmaster (National)
Bishton George, shoemaker
Brazier Helen, schoolmistress
Brown Charles, shoemaker
Chapman James, accountant
Corns Mrs. Elizabeth
Crowder John, butcher and farmer
Crowder Joseph, painter, plumber, and glazier
Crowder Miss Ann
Davenport John, tailor
Evans Mr. William, Digbeth cottage
Evason Benjamin, tailor, draper, and tea dealer
Evers Henry, beerhouse
Evers William, shoemaker
Halfman Dinah and Mary, dressmakers
Halfman George, inland revenue officer
Harles Job, vict., the Crown
Jackson Richard, shoemaker
Page John, miller, Ashford mill
Parbut Mary, shopkeeper
Perry Helen, schoolmistress
Perry James, blacksmith
Perry Joseph, farmer and maltster
Perry Mrs. Elizabeth
Perry John, saddler and harness maker
Perry Thos. H., postmaster
Pickrill John, shoemaker
Preece Francis, shoemaker
Pritchard John, beerhouse
Rushton Francis, carpenter, joiner, builder, and vict., Glynne Arms
Weaver William, registrar of births and deaths, and vict., King’s Arms
Weston John, tailor
Whythse Elizabeth, grocer
Williams Benjamin, butcher
Wilson Thomas, saddler and harness maker
ASTON DIRECTORY.
Bryan Mr. Joseph
Farrington John, farmer
Griffiths Thomas, wheelwright
Hill Wm. Thomas, farmer
Perry John, farmer and timber merchant
Wilson John, farmer, maltster, house and estate agent, and appraiser
Aston hall
BEOBRIDGE DIRECTORY.
Brinsford Samuel, farmer and corn miller, Lower Beobridge
Brown Edward, wheelwright, Lower Beobridge
Cox Joseph, farmer, Upper Beobridge
Rea Benjamin, blacksmith, Broad Oak
Thomas Thomas, farmer, Lower Beobridge
Wilson William, Esq., Beobridge cottage
Wilson William, farmer, Upper Beobridge
Windle Thomas H., Esq., Lower Beobridge
BROUGHTON DIRECTORY.
Edmonds Joseph, farmer, the Bank
Harley Edward, beerhouse keeper
Webster Thomas, farmer
DALICOTT DIRECTORY.
Kettle George Mackenzie, Esq., Dalicott House
Malpass Joseph, farm bailiff
FARMCOTT DIRECTORY.
Darley Richard, farmer, Sytch house
Edwards Mr. Vincent
Head John, shoemaker
Lees William, corn miller, Sytch house mill
Preece William, farmer
Thomas John, farmer, timber merchant, and wheelwright
Wilson Thomas, farmer
GATACRE DIRECTORY.
Acton Edward Farrer, Esq., J.P., and deputy lieutenant for Shropshire
Gatacre Edward Lloyd, Esq., Gatacre hall
Griffiths William, farmer, Gatacre park
Woolrich Henry, farmer, the Valley
HEATHTON DIRECTORY.
Booth William, tailor
Brandford Samuel, painter, plumber and glazier
Crowder Martha, asylum keeper
Davenport James, tailor
Heynes Benjamin, farmer
Lloyd Charles, vic., Swan Inn
Munday William, shoemaker
Plimley John, vict., Old Gate
HOPSTONE DIRECTORY.
Brazier Richard, Wheelwrigt
Broughall George, farmer, corn miller, and maltster
Felton William, shoemaker and beerhouse keeper
Pound Thomas, blacksmith
Ridley Samuel and Edward, corn millers, residence Bridgnorth
LUDSTONE DIRECTORY.
Lea Mrs. Wolryche, Ludstone House
Morris Francis, farmer
Smith William, farmer, Upper Ludstone
Stokes William, farmer, Ludstone Hall
SHIPLEY DIRECTORY.
Bott Samuel, farmer
Farmer Alexander, farmer
Francis Robert, farmer
Lakin Charles, vict., Talbot Inn
Miles Matthew, cattle dealer and shopkeeper
Stokes Mary, farmer
Whatelan Benjamin, beerhouse keeper
SUTTON DIRECTORY.
Jackson Joseph, farmer, Sutton Mill
Smith James, farmer
WOUNDALE DIRECTORY.
Davies Edward, farmer
Penzer John, boot and shoe maker
Preece Thomas, vict., Red Lion
Taylor Farmer, Esq., Chykenell
DONINGTON
is a parish in the Shiffnal division of the Brimstree hundred, comprising
2,655 acres of land, and in 1801 had 289 inhabitants; 1831, 318; 1841,
380, and in 1851 81 houses and 352 inhabitants, of whom 197 were males
and 195 females. Rateable value, £3,977. The chief landowners are
George Jones, Esq., Francis Yates, Esq., and the Rev. Henry Edward John
Howard, D.D., dean of Lichfield. Donington is situated about four and a
half miles S.E. from Shiffnal, and has a scattered population; the houses
are in general of brick, well built, and commodious, and the cottages
have a neat appearance. At the Doomsday survey Earl Roger held
_Donitone_, and there was then a mill that rendered five horse load of
corn, a wood a mile and a half long, and half a mile broad, and in the
Wyke there were five salinæ that paid 20s. THIS CHURCH is a venerable
structure, supposed to have been built early in the fourteenth century;
it consists of nave and chancel, with a square tower, in which are two
bells. The interior has a neat appearance, and the pews are of oak. The
chancel is separated from the nave by a pointed arch, and the windows are
beautified with stained glass. The chancel contains several memorials,
among which is one to Edmund Waring, Esq., who died on the 30th January,
1682–3, aged 63 years. A brass plate remembers John Chapman, formerly
rector of Donington, who died in 1607. The living is a rectory valued in
the king’s book at £5. 6s. 5½d., now returned at £721, enjoyed by the
Rev. Henry Edward John Howard, D.D., dean of Lichfield, who resides at
the rectory, a spacious and handsome mansion of modern construction,
situated near the church. SHAKERLEY HOUSE, a good brick house situated
about half a mile north from the church, is the residence and property of
George Jones, Esq., iron master, who is also a considerable landowner in
this parish. The mansion is delightfully situated, and the pleasure
grounds are tastefully laid out.
CHARITIES.—_Sarah Manning_ charged her real estate in Shakerley with the
payment of 10s. annually to the poor of the parish of Donington. From a
deed in the possession of the owner of the Shakerley estate, dated 3rd
April, 1729, it appears that this annuity was charged on a butt or
section of land called Green Furlong, adjoining to the Kilsale Green, and
which was by the provisions of that deed to be conveyed by Thomas
Jellicorse and Jonathan Ruston, the trustees therein named, after the
death of Sarah Manning, to William Bishton. What is the particular piece
of land subjected to this payment cannot now be ascertained, but the
amount is paid as a charge on the Shakerley estate.
The poor have also an annuity of 10s., as a portion of a rent charge of
30s. per annum, given by Mr. Chapman, to be divided between the poor of
the parishes of Albrighton, Donington, and Boningale, as stated in the
account of the charities of Albrighton. The owner of the Shakerley
estate is not aware in what manner the payment of that rent charge was
apportioned, so as to subject him to this share of it, but he considers
it as a general charge on the Shakerley estate, and pays it accordingly.
These two sums are distributed among the most necessitous poor of the
parish.
Boulton John, farmer, Humphreston
Boulton William, farm bailiff, Sidnall
Cartwright William, farmer, Wood Farm
Dodd Rev. George, curate
Duncalfe William, farmer and surveyor, Chapel House
Holyoake George, Esq., banker, Nachley
Howard Rev. Henry Edward John, D.D., rector and dean of Lichfield, The
Rectory
Howell Joseph, shopkeeper
Jones George, Esq., iron master, Shakerley House
Jones John, Esq., ironmaster, White House
Lander Richard, jun., farmer
Miller William, farmer
Moore William, miller, Shakerley Mill
Radford Henry, blacksmith, Shakerley
Reynolds Richard, shopkeeper & shoemaker, Shakerley
Russell John, tailor, Sidnall lane
Sherratt John, farmer, Low Wood Farm
Ward Matthew, Esq., Blue House
Wilkes Samuel, farmer and corn miller, Shakerley
KEMBERTON,
a parish and small rural village, pleasantly situated two miles and a
half S.W. by S. from Shiffnal, at the census in 1801 contained 289
inhabitants; 1831, 318; and in 1841, 79 houses and a population of 380
souls. The parish comprises 1,385A. 2R. 16P. of land, of which
twenty-three acres are in woods and plantations. Rateable value, £1,930.
The Shiffnal, Madeley, Bridgnorth, and Ironbridge turnpike roads
intersect the parish. The principal landowners are Robert Aglionby
Slaney, Esq., M.P., Mr. John Bradburne, Lord Sudeley, Mr. Henry Thomason,
and Mr. T. L. Beddows; besides whom Mr. Thomas Harper, Mr. Ward, Mr. S.
Broughall, Mr. John Cherrington, Mr. William Harper, and others, are also
proprietors. The soil is variable; in some parts a light loam prevails,
in other parts the soil is strong, and there is a portion of clay. This
locality is noted for the salubrity of the air. The land is broken into
bold swells, from the high grounds of which some fine views of the
surrounding country and of the distant county of Stafford are seen.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Andrew, is a small fabric, with a square
tower ornamented with pinnacles. The interior consists of nave and
chancel, and is neatly pewed with oak sittings; the tower contains four
bells. A neat marble tablet has been erected, at the expense of the
parishioners, in memory of the Rev. John Williams. The living is a
rectory, with the vicarage of Sutton Maddock annexed; valued in the
king’s book at £5. 6s. 5½d., in the patronage of Robert Aglionby Slaney,
Esq., M.P.; incumbent, Rev. George Whitmore, M.A. The tithes are
commuted for £580. THE RECTORY is a handsome stuccoed residence
adjoining the church-yard, beautified with pleasure grounds, tastefully
laid out. There is a PAROCHIAL SCHOOL in the village, which is chiefly
supported by the rector.
DIRECTORY.—George Adlington, wheelwright; Samuel Barker, shoemaker;
William Bowdler, farmer; John Cherrington, gentleman; James Clulow,
farmer; Wm. Downes, shoemaker; Charles Gough, shopkeeper and wheelwright;
Thomas Harper, victualler, Masons’ Arms; Wm. Harper, bricklayer and
parish clerk; Benjamin Heyward, gardener; William Richard Jackson,
farmer; William Lumley, farmer; John Onions, maltster; Peter Reynolds,
farmer; Elizabeth Rogers, school-teacher; Thomas Spenser, gentleman,
Langley Cottage; Thomas Stonely, corn-miller; Mrs. Eliza Lloyd Thomas,
farmer; Mary Ann Tomkins, shopkeeper; James Vaughan, blacksmith; Rev.
George Whitmore, M.A., The Rectory; William Williams, tailor.
RYTON
is a parish, in the Shiffnal Division of the Brimstree Hundred, which
embraces 1,390 acres of fertile land, yielding fine crops of wheat,
barley, and turnips. The village is pleasantly situated, three miles S.
from Shiffnal, and the same distance W. of Albrighton. The river Worf,
which is celebrated for the excellency and abundance of its trout,
intersects the parish. At the census in 1801 there were 160 inhabitants;
1831, 154; and in 1841, 41 houses and 195 souls. Rateable value of the
parish, £2,507. The principal landowners are William Angeworth, Esq.,
Charles Head, Esq., Rev. Robert William Eyton, M.A., and R. A. Slaney,
Esq.; there are also several smaller proprietors. THE CHURCH is a neat
structure of free-stone, erected in the year 1710, to which additions
have from time to time been made. It consists of nave, chancel, and side
aisles, with a square tower, in which are three bells and a clock; the
interior has a neat and orderly appearance: the pews are of oak, and the
east window is beautifully ornamented with stained glass, with figures
illustrative of Scripture history. There are some neat tablets and
memorials to the Hardings, Heads, Sansoms, and others. The living is a
rectory, valued in the king’s book at £5. 12s. 1d., now returned at £508,
in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. Robert William Eyton, M.A.;
curate, Rev. Richard Seddon, B.A. The tithes for Royton parish are
commuted for £445. THE RECTORY is a handsome modern residence,
pleasantly situated a little south from the church, and was built on the
site of the old rectory. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, a neat Elizabethan brick
structure, situated a little east from the church, was built in the year
1850. The average attendance of children is about forty. Not far from
the National School the stream of the Worf is crossed by a small stone
bridge.
DIRECTORY.—Robert Bradley, farmer; John Candlin, farmer; Edward Corbett,
blacksmith; Elizabeth Corbett, schoolmistress; Samuel Dalloe,
schoolmaster; Rev. Robert William Eyton, M.A., The Rectory; Charles Head,
farmer, Atchley House; Thomas Hodgkiss, shoemaker; William Holloway, shoe
and patten maker; John Knight, wheelwright; William Miles, farmer and
beerhouse-keeper, Grindle; George Powell, farmer, Grindle; John Roberts,
butler; Rev. Richard Seddon, B.A., curate, Ryton Bank; Thomas Wheeler,
farmer, Atchley; John Yates, farmer, Grindle.
SHIFFNAL,
anciently called IDESALL, or IDSAL, is a parish and market town the head
of a division of the Brimstree hundred, eight miles south from Newport,
ten miles north from Bridgnorth, and eighteen miles east by south from
Shrewsbury. The town chiefly consists of one street upwards of a mile in
length, with several minor streets diverging from it. The houses are
irregularly built, and many of the cottage residences have a mean
appearance; there are however several good inns and private houses, and a
number of respectable shops in most of the branches of the retail trade.
Though the situation of the town is low, it is built on a dry sandy soil,
and by no means unpleasant. According to tradition Idesall was a place
of more considerable note in former times, and the principal portion of
the town stood westward of the church; foundations and traces of
buildings have frequently been discovered which would seem to confirm
this supposition. In the 9th of Edward II. Bartholomew de Badlesmere
obtained for him and his heirs a market on Monday and Friday, and two
fairs in the year, one on the eve of the day, and the day after the feast
of the Holy Trinity, and the other on the eve, the day, and the morrow
after Michaelmas, as also the liberty of free warren in his demesnes in
Ideshall, Adderley, Sponley, Calverhall, and Shavington. He was one of
those mutinous lords who took part in the battle of Boroughbridge, March
16th, 1322, where he was taken prisoner and afterwards executed at
Canterbury. The possessions of Bartholomew Badlesmere were granted in
the 15th of Edward II. to Edmund Earl of Arundel and the heirs male of
his body, but that noble lord was in like manner attainted about four
years after, and so we find Giles de Badlesmere, son of the said
Bartholomew, restored to the inheritance of his family. In the 11th of
Edward IV., John Earl of Shrewsbury had a grant of a market and two fairs
at the Ville of Suffenhall. The market is still held on Tuesday, but is
not of much consideration; formerly corn was sold to a considerable
extent. Fairs are held on the first Monday in April, August 5th, and
November 22nd. The great London and Holyhead road passes through the
town, upon which there were formerly seventeen coaches passing and
repassing daily, which, with other traffic, added much to the commercial
importance and advantage of Shiffnal. Although the inhabitants have the
facilities of railway communication and a station in a central part of
the town, this has rather had a tendency to diminish the importance of
Shiffnal, by diverting the attention of parties who formerly frequented
the market here to places of more consideration at no great distance.
The parish contains 11,433 acres of land, of which 1,090 acres are in
woods and plantations, 74A. 3R. 28P. in roads and waste, and there are 60
acres of glebe. Rateable value, £24,561. 16s. Population in 1801,
3,632; 1831, 4,779; 1841, 5,244; 1851, 5,616; of whom 2,820 were males,
and 2,796 females; at the latter period there were 1,050 houses. The
Marquis of Stafford is lord of the manor and a very considerable
landowner. The parish comprises four divisions, viz.: that of Shiffnal,
embracing the town and its suburbs; Hatton district, comprising the
hamlets of Idsal, Hem, Wyke, Evelith, and Hinnington; Priors Lee, those
of Snedshill, Haughton, and Woodhouse; and the division of Woodside,
containing the hamlets of Crackley bank, Decker hill, the Lizzard, Aston,
Stanton, Upton, and Coppice green. The parish is intersected by the
London and Holyhead, Shiffnal and Bridgnorth, and the Albrighton and
Newport turnpike roads, and is watered by the small streams of the Sal,
Worfe, Cosford, and the Lizzard. The township of Shiffnal contains 188A.
2R. 10P. of land, and in 1841 had 412 houses and 1,872 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £4,153. 4s. The principal freeholders are the Marquis of
Stafford, W. H. Slaney, Esq., William Cope, Esq., Mr. Edward Cherrington,
and Mr. Thomas Eaton Lander, besides whom there are between forty and
fifty small freeholders. The tithes were commuted in 1839, when the
rectoral tithes were apportioned as follows, viz: £923 to the Rev. John
Brooke; £580 to Henry Sidney Herbert, Esq.; £105 to the Duke of
Cleveland; and £26 to Messrs. John and George Pritchards. The vicarial
tithes are commuted for £307. A considerable extent of land, the
property of the Duke of Cleveland, Lord Forester, R. A. Slaney, Esq.,
Rev. John Brooke, and others, is tithe free, and other portions of the
parish pay a small modus.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Andrew, is a large interesting cruciform
structure, exhibiting various styles of architecture, with a handsome
square tower rising from the centre and supported by four pointed arches
resting on massive pillars with ornamented capitals. The side aisles are
separated from the nave by four semi circular arches, and terminated by
side chapels. The chancel is spacious, and was re-roofed a few years ago
at the expense of the late vicar, the Rev. John Brooke. The ceiling is
of oak, and varnished, which gives the venerable structure a very
interesting appearance. On the gallery at the west end is a fine toned
organ; a noble old window at the east end is beautifully foliated. The
altar is remarkably fine. Among the numerous memorials is a magnificent
altar tomb, having a full length figure in a recumbent position, with the
hands joined and uplifted in prayer, in memory of Oliver Briggs, who died
20th November, 1596. Another alabaster tomb of beautiful workmanship,
with the figure of a knight and his lady, remembers Humphrey Briggs,
Esq., and Ann, his wife, dated 1622. In a niche in the wall is a full
length figure of Thomas Forester, some time prior of Wombridge, warden of
Tong, and vicar of Idesall, dated 1526. A splendid white tablet has been
erected to the memory of Dame Magdalene Briggs, who died September 15th,
1698. There are also handsome tablets to the Slaneys, Corbets, Pitts,
Jackson, Charltons, and Brookes. The memorial to George Brooke, Esq., of
Haughton, who died in 1776, is beautifully executed in free stone. A
neat marble tablet has been erected to the memory of Mary Bagott,
daughter of Ralph Clayton, of Sheffield, in the county of Yorkshire; she
died July 27th, 1748, aged 88 years. From the inscription on the tablet
to William Wakley, we learn that he was baptised at Idsal, May 1st, 1590,
and was buried November 28th, 1714, aged 124 years. He lived in the
reigns of eight kings and queens, viz., Elizabeth, James I., Charles I.,
Charles II., James II., William and Mary, Anne, and George I. Mary, wife
of Joseph Yates, who died August 7th, 1776, aged 127 years; she is stated
to have married a third husband at the age of 92, and to have been hearty
and strong when 120 years old. Besides which are recorded in the church
yard many instances of extreme longevity, for which this parish is
peculiarly eminent. The advowson of the church in early times was
granted to the abbey of Shrewsbury; in the 24th of Henry VI. the
impropriation was annexed to the college of Battlefield, near Salop. The
living is now a vicarage, valued in the king’s book at £15. 6s. 8d.; now
returned at £492.; in the patronage of the Rev. John Brooke, of Haughton
Hall; incumbent, Rev. Townshend Brooke, M.A. THE VICARAGE is a handsome
residence pleasantly situated a short distance from the church.
THE BAPTISTS have a neat chapel situated on the Salop road, built in
1843, and another chapel in Aston street. THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHAPEL
is situate in the Back lane. THE NATIONAL SCHOOLS are situated in the
Innage. Seventy-five boys and about seventy girls attend. It is
supported by endowments and annual subscriptions, together producing
about £40 per annum. The endowments of the schools will be found noticed
with the charities. THE CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY have a branch
depository for the circulation and sale of religious books, situated in
High street; Mr. Cornelius Bennet is the librarian.
THE MECHANICS’ INSTITUTION was established in 1849, and is under the
management of a president, vice-president, and committee of proprietary
members. The general object of the institution is for the establishment
of classes for the study of most of the branches of a liberal education,
the formation of a library, and affording the members facilities for
hearing lectures on literary and scientific subjects. A READING-ROOM has
been established, which is furnished with many of the leading newspapers,
and some of the most popular periodicals of the day. _President_: Rev.
J. Brooke, Haughton Hall. _Vice-President_: W. Cope, Esq. _Secretary
and Librarian_: Mr. B. L. Beddow. THE TOWN HALL, situated in High
street, was built in the year 1840. The Petty Sessions are held here on
the first Friday in each month. The officiating magistrates are Thomas
Charlton Whitmore, Esq., M.P., Uvedale Corbet, Esq., Robert Henry Cheney,
Esq., and George Holyoake, Esq. Mr. Peter Osborne is clerk to the
magistrates. In 1850, a Lock-up and residence for the constable was
erected adjoining the Town Hall. THE STAMP OFFICE is at Mrs. Ann
Edmunds, Market-place. The EXCISE OFFICE is at the Bell Inn.
THE SAVINGS BANK was established in 1819, and is situated in New-street
Terrace. The capital stock of the bank on November, 20th, 1850, amounted
to £15,198. 3s. 2d., at which period there were 469 separate accounts; of
which nine were charitable societies, and three friendly societies. Of
the respective balances, 260 did not exceed £20, 108 were above £20 and
not exceeding £50, 46 did not exceed £100, 30 were above £100 and not
exceeding £150, and the deposits of 13 were above the latter amount and
under £200. The amount received from depositors from November 20th,
1849, to November 20th, 1850, was £2,204. 14s. 8d. The payments during
the same period were £2,275. 4s. 7d. Mr. Thomas Eaton Lander,
_Treasurer_; and Mr. Peter Osborne, _Secretary_. The bank is open every
alternate Tuesday from ten till one o’clock.
THE SHIFFNAL UNION HOUSE, a brick structure, situated a short distance
from the town, was partly built in 1817, at the expense of the
ratepayers. In the year 1840, additional buildings were erected by the
guardians of the union, at a cost of about £800, which will accommodate
about one hundred and fifty inmates. The interior arrangements are well
contrived for the comfort, convenience, and cleanliness of the inmates,
the number of whom is usually about sixty. The union comprises an area
of sixty-seven square miles, and embraces the parishes of Albrighton,
Badger, Beckbury, Boninghall, Donington, Kemberton, Ryton, Shiffnal,
Stockton, Sutton Maddock, and Tong, in the county of Salop; and the
parishes of Blymhill, Pateshull, Sheriff Hales, and Weston-under-Lizard,
in the county of Stafford. There are twenty guardians appointed for the
several parishes, who meet at the board-room every alternate Monday. The
Rev. John Brooke is the chairman; Mr. Peter Osborne, clerk and
superintendent registrar; John Fielding, deputy-registrar; Mr. William
Roden, of Haughton, registrar of births and deaths for the Shiffnal
district; Mr. John Totty, registrar for the Albrighton district;
surgeons, Mr. Thomas Eaton Lander and Messrs. Bennett and Orwin;
relieving officer, Mr. Richard Venables; master, Mr. George Bailey;
matron, Mrs. Bailey; schoolmistress, Hannah Maria Thomason.
THE GAS WORKS, situated in High street, were established by a company of
shareholders, with a capital stock of £2,300. The premises are
conveniently adapted for the purposes intended, and there is a gasometer
for the reception of the luminous vapour, which will hold 10,000 cubic
feet. A charge of 7s. 6d. per 1,000 feet is made to the consumer.
THE RAILWAY STATION, situate in the Market place, near the centre of the
town, presents a beautiful pile of buildings, in the Italian style, and
is approached by a flight of fifty-seven steps. The railway is carried
over the town, and crosses the Birmingham, Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton, and
Newport turnpike roads, at an elevation of sixty feet above the level of
the ground. This noble viaduct comprises twenty brick arches, of
thirty-seven feet span each; and at the turnpike roads, which are eighty
feet wide, are six semi-circular metal arches, resting on brick
abutments, with stone capitals. The embankment extends for several
miles. The metal viaduct and its battlements were cast at the Horseley
Iron Works, Tipton, in the year 1848, and the railway was opened on the
12th of November, 1849. Twelve trains leave the station daily for
Shrewsbury and Birmingham. Mr. George Augustus Frederick Hill is
station-master and resident manager. Mr. Charles Lloyd, station-clerk.
Omnibuses leave the railway station daily for Bridgnorth and Ironbridge.
Shiffnal was the birth-place of Dr. Thomas Beddoes, a physician of
considerable eminence and a talented author, whose works are
characterized by much acuteness of observation. He died in 1808. In a
field contiguous to Shiffnal is a military station; the mound was
circumscribed by a ditch, which may still be traced.
ASTON HALL, a handsome mansion, the property of Major Moultrie, is the
residence of Uvedale Corbet, Esq., J.P., and Judge of the County Court.
The house is delightfully situated about half a mile east from Shiffnal.
CRACKLEY BANK is a hamlet, about two miles north from Shiffnal. Here the
Wesleyan Methodists have a small chapel. DECKERHILL HALL, a spacious
stuccoed mansion, delightfully situated, is the residence of Mrs.
Botfield. The pleasure grounds and shrubberies are of considerable
extent, and laid out with great taste. COPPICE GREEN and LIZARD are
hamlets north east of Shiffnal. BURLINGTON, three miles north of
Shiffnal. STANTON, a hamlet, a mile and a half east from the parish
church, is noted as the residence of Mr. Henry Wadlow, a celebrated
race-horse trainer. Stanton Farm, the residence of John Eyke, Esq.,
land-agent to Lord Stafford, comprises upwards of one thousand acres.
Mr. Eyke is noted for having extensive flocks of superior bred sheep.
HATTON is an extensive district, in the parish of Shiffnal, comprising
3,982A. 0R. 3P. of land, the soil of which in many parts is a strong
fertile loam, producing good crops of barley, wheat, and turnips.
Rateable value, £5,761. 12s. The township of Hatton, situated two miles
and a half south from Shiffnal, at the census of 1841 was returned as
containing 108 houses and 542 inhabitants. The principal landowners are
Robert Aglionby Slaney, Esq., M.P., Lord Forester, Michael Goodall, Esq.,
The Duke of Cleveland, Thomas Eaton Lander, Esq., Rev. George Burder,
Mrs. Ann Turner, and the Rev. Townshend Brooke; besides whom there are
several smaller proprietors. This is a pleasantly situated district,
with a fine undulating surface, containing many good family mansions and
farm residences; the houses are mostly built of brick, and the farms are
of considerable extent. HUTTON GRANGE, a handsome brick mansion, the
residence of William Henry Slaney, Esq., barrister-at-law, is
delightfully situated in a sequestered part of the country, three miles
south-east from Shiffnal. The park grounds are beautifully studded with
timber, and the gardens and pleasure grounds are of considerable extent,
and laid out with great taste. EVELITH MANOR, a beautiful modern
mansion, situated a mile and a half south from Shiffnal, is the residence
of Michael Goodall, Esq. HEM is a hamlet, a mile and a half south-west
from Shiffnal. IDSAL contains several rural villas, and forms a southern
suburb to the town of Shiffnal. HINNINGTON, a hamlet south of Shiffnal;
and WYKE is situated about a mile to the south-west.
PRIORS LEE
is a chapelry, township, and populous district, situated three miles N.W.
from Shiffnal, and four and a half miles N.E. from Wellington,
intersected by the Shrewsbury and Birmingham railway, and the Shiffnal
and Wellington turnpike road. This is a flourishing district, the
inhabitants of which are busily engaged in the coal and iron-stone mines,
and the extensive iron works, with which this part of the county abounds.
The houses are irregularly built, and chiefly occupied by a labouring
population; the cottage property in this township is scattered over an
area of 86 acres. At the census of 1801 there were 1,589 inhabitants;
1831, 2,130, and in 1841 there were 480 houses and a population of 2,470
souls. This portion of the parish comprises 3,077 acres of land, the
rateable value of which is £9,045. On the eastern side is an extensive
farming district, the land of which is broken into bold undulations. The
Marquis of Stafford, the Rev. John Brooke, W. H. Slaney, Esq., and
others, are landowners. The Lilleshall company are also considerable
holders of leasehold property. At Oakengates, adjoining Priors Lee,
there is a railway station. THE EPISCOPAL CHAPEL is a brick structure in
the decorative style, with a square tower containing one bell. It was
rebuilt in 1836, when it was enlarged; the interior consists of nave,
chancel, and side aisles, and contains 415 sittings, 210 of which are
free and unappropriated, in consequence of a grant from the Incorporated
Society for building and enlarging churches. The living is a perpetual
curacy endowed with £600 private benefaction, £600 royal bounty, and
£1,400 parliamentary grant, in the patronage of the vicar of Shiffnal;
incumbent, Rev. James Thomas Matthews, B.D.; clerk, James Astbury. THE
WESLEYANS have a chapel which will hold about 300 hearers. THE NATIONAL
SCHOOL has an attendance of seventy boys and fifty girls. PRIORS LEE
HALL, the residence of John Horton, Esq., is pleasant situated a short
distance from the village. The offices of the Lilleshall company are at
the hall. There are several good residences in the village.
HAUGHTON is a pleasantly situated village in a secluded vale about a mile
W. from Shiffnal, watered by the small stream of the Sal, and crossed by
the Newport and Priors Lee turnpike road. There are several neat villa
residences here, beautified with tasteful gardens. HAUGHTON HALL, a
spacious and elegant mansion, is the residence of the Rev. John Brooke.
The edifice is of brick, and stuccoed, and being situated on a gentle
eminence commands some fine views of the surrounding country. The
gardens and pleasure grounds are beautifully laid out, and the park is
richly wooded with fine timber.
SNEDSHILL is a populous district in the parish of Shiffnal, adjoining
Oakengates, noted for the extensive iron works of Messrs. Horton, Simms,
and Bull, and the iron works and collieries of the Lilleshall company.
WOODHOUSE is situated three miles N.W. from Shiffnal. WOODSIDE, a
township three miles N.E. from Shiffnal, at the census of 1841 had 72
houses and 360 inhabitants. This is an extensive farming district, which
comprises 4,086 acres of land, of which 324A. 2R. 26P. are in woods and
plantations. Rateable value, £5,592. The Marquis of Stafford, Mrs.
Botfield, Major Moultrie, Rev. John Brooke, Rev. Townshend Brooke, and
Mr. Thomas Langley, and others, are landowners.
CHARITIES.—SHIFFNAL FREE SCHOOL. The earliest mention that we find of
this school is contained in the will of _John Aron_, dated 5th July,
1595, in which subject to certain contingencies he gives the sum of £20
towards erecting a school house in Shiffnal. From the will of _Gordian
Strowbridge_, dated 22nd November, 1626, it appears that a school house
was there “erected and set up” in the town, in which eight poor scholars
were instructed to read and write under the auspices of the testator; and
for the continuance of which number therein, after his death, he provides
by a legacy of £50. But contemplating the possibility of a cessation of
the school in the house which had been so erected, he in that event
appoints the interest of the legacy to other uses, one moiety to be given
to any schoolmaster who should teach a school either in the town or
parish. An uncertain or temporary interest in the building which had
been there erected would sufficiently explain the grounds of the
testator’s apprehension that the school might cease to be kept in it; and
we are led to believe that such was the nature of the interest which the
charity at that time possessed, from the testimony which we find
subsequently recorded on the benefaction table, that “John Careswell, in
1652, gave the sum of £10, with which he purchased the school house for
the use of the inhabitants of the town and parish of Shiffnal.” It is
probable, therefore, from this recorded purchase, that we are to derive
the title to the school house which the town and parish now enjoy;
although a later date seems to be assigned to the present building or
some part of it, by an inscription in the year 1682, which appears upon
one of its walls. Of the legacy given by Gordian Strowbridge we do not
find any further mention, but it is supposed to have formed a part of the
consolidated charities hereafter mentioned.
_Sir Humphrey Briggs_, _Bart._, by deed dated 9th November, 1652, granted
to certain trustees all the tithes of corn, grain, and hay, coming within
the titheable places of the township of Hem, on trust for the security of
the payment, among other things, of the sum of £1. 13s. 4d. out of the
profit of the premises to the schoolmaster of Shiffnal.
_Eliazer Careswell_, by will, 1675, gave to certain trustees an annuity
or rent charge of 48s., to be for ever issuing out of a tenement and
lands within the manor of Shiffnal, and directed the same to be paid half
yearly to some schoolmaster or schoolmistress for the education of six
poor boys. The sum of £2. 4s. is all that is at present paid in respect
of this annuity, nor do we find that more has been received for a
considerable period. It seems probable that the 4s. were deducted under
the provisions of the land tax act.
CONSOLIDATED CHARITIES.—_Robert Sidney_, in 1677, in consideration of the
sum of £200, which money had been given by ten several donors for
charitable uses, granted a rent charge of £10 per annum, to be issuing
out of his manor of Grindle, as to 10s. of it for the payment of the
Tenstree rent, the residue thereof to be applied in apprentice fees, and
other charitable uses. On the 15th August, 1761, at a general meeting
held in the parish church, the vicar, churchwardens, overseers, and
others, signed a written declaration in the parish book, testifying that
they thereby assigned the annuity so charged for the use of the
schoolmaster in consideration of his teaching six additional children to
read and write. In consequence of this proceeding the master has since
continued to receive this annuity, which, with the respective annuities
of £1. 13s. 4d. and £2. 4s., constituted the whole of his income down to
the year 1816, in which year it was resolved to adopt the national system
of education, and with the interest of a legacy amounting to £4. 10s.,
and funds raised by subscriptions, the annual income now amounts to about
£40.
_Careswell’s Exhibitions_.—The particulars of this endowment will be
found noticed with the account of the free grammar school at Bridgnorth,
where it will be seen that three scholars of the free school at Shiffnal
are eligible to exhibitions at Christ College, Oxford. It does not
appear that the free school, properly so called, has ever participated in
the benefit of these exhibitions, not having at any time included
classical instruction in its course of education. But it seems that the
practice has been to elect the exhibitioners from a private classical
school kept in the town of Shiffnal—a practice probably grounded upon the
provision which extended the benefit of the endowment to scholars not
free of the school. We conceive (observe the charity commissioners) that
the true meaning of that provision was to include the private scholars of
the master of the free school, and not the scholars of any other school,
having no connection or communication with the free school. Such,
however, as far as we can trace it, appears to have been the character of
the classical school to which we have alluded, into which if any scholars
were ever admitted from the free school, it was not as free scholars, but
on payment of the same price, and subject to the same conditions that
were required from the other scholars. It appears indeed that the master
of this school received a formal appointment as classical tutor of the
free school from the minister, trustees, and principal inhabitants of
Shiffnal; but he was at the same time exempted from affording any tuition
or discharging any duties towards the free school, other than preparing
for Christ Church such exhibitioners as came forward as candidates
agreeably to the provisions made for them in Mr. Careswell’s will. The
duty, therefore, which he thus engaged to perform, appears to have been
simply to receive and instruct such of the free scholars of the free
school as should be able to pay that price, and comply with these
conditions. We cannot but think that a more important benefit to the
free school was contemplated by the founder of these exhibitions, who in
extending the benefit to scholars not free of the school, probably
intended to provide for a classical master such a source of remuneration
from private scholars as should entitle the free scholars gratuitously to
participate in the advantages of his instruction.
_Richard Bennet_, in 1794, bequeathed £100 upon trust, and directed the
interest or proceeds thereof to be paid to the master of the free school.
The interest, £4. 10s., is now paid to the master of the national school.
_Beatrice Jobber_, in 1716, bequeathed £200, and directed the interest to
be applied in clothing and instructing six poor children, daughters of
widows or other poor persons belonging to the parish of Shiffnal.
DOLE CHARITIES.—It is recorded in an old book belonging to the trustees
of the poor’s stock, and purporting to contain an account of the
charities of this parish, that in 1506, Sir John Leigh, a priest who had
long served in the church of Wolverhampton, gave £12. 13s. 4d. to
purchase a mark a year, to be given to the poor of Shiffnal. An annuity
of 13s. 4d., which has long been received for the use of the poor,
appears to be charged upon certain premises in Pipers-row, Wolverhampton.
_Sir Humphrey Briggs_, in 1652, left a rent charge of 40s. per annum, to
be distributed by the churchwardens and overseers among the poor of the
parish.
_Arthur Mainwaring_, in 1690, gave four butts of ground lying in
Churchfield and Wykefield, within the parish of Shiffnal, to Mary, his
wife, and Ann, his daughter, and their heirs for ever, on trust, to pay
20s. yearly on the feast of St. Andrew, to forty poor old people
belonging the parish.
_Vincent Latham_ gave £20 for the use of the poor. In respect of this
gift there is now a rent charge of 20s. per annum, issuing out of a
certain tenement in High-street, which is divided among the poor on the
feast of St. Andrew.
_William Smith_, in 1713, gave £10 to the poor of Shiffnal, and directed
the interest to be distributed among poor widows who do not receive
parochial relief.
_Edward Revell_, by deed, 1693, assigned to certain trustees a bond which
had been made to him for the payment of £200, with lawful interest, in
trust, for the benefit of the poor. The bond which was thus assigned
appears to have been discharged in 1698, and £100 of the money, after
passing successively through several hands at interest, was in 1847 given
to Humphrey Pitt, Esq. John Revell, in 1723, gave £100 for charitable
uses; this, it appears, eventually also came into the hands of Mr. Pitt,
and at his death in 1769 it was found necessary to institute a suit
against his representatives for the recovery of the money due from his
estate. An arrangement afterwards took place, by which it was agreed
that the sum of £312 should be paid to the trustees, in full of all
principal and interest then due, of which £12 was immediately distributed
among the poor, and the remaining £300 was placed out at interest. The
other £100 left by Edward Revell, above mentioned, after being held by
the Phillip’s family, came into the possession of George Appleby, Esq.,
in whose hands the above £300 was also placed, and who paid interest at
the rate of five per cent. for the same till the year 1804, when the
principal was transferred to George Brooke, Esq., who gave a promissory
note for the security of the same, and pays interest at the rate of five
per cent. This money, with other charities previously noticed, produces
a yearly income of £25. 3s. 4d., which, with other monies furnished by
voluntary contributions, is distributed at Christmas in small sums among
the poor.
_Reginal Piper_, in 1659, granted to the churchwardens of Shiffnal a rent
charge of 10s. issuing out of his messuage in the Sheep market, and
directed the same to be disposed of among twenty poor old people.
_Henry Green_, in 1702, granted to trustees a rent charge of 20s. per
annum, to be disposed of on Good Fridays and Christmas-days among poor
widows.
_Frances Moreton_, in 1781, devised to her nephew, John Brooke, a piece
of land, called Aston Croft, in trust, to permit the vicar of the parish
to dispose of the rents and profits among poor housekeepers. By
indenture, dated 5th of May, 1788, reciting the abovementioned will, and
that the said Frances Moreton had no power to devise the said land, the
same descending to Sarah Atkis, as heir-at-law of Robert Moreton,
deceased; the said _Sarah Atkis_ conveyed to trustees the plot of land
called Aston Croft, to permit the vicar to take the rents thereof, and
during the life of Mary Stockwell, to apply a part, and after her
decease, the whole of the profits amongst decayed housekeepers. The
land, about the year 1806, was exchanged for 3A. 3R. 12P. situate at
Aston, in the parish of Shiffnal, which now produces a rent of £12 per
annum. The amount is distributed at Christmas eve among poor widows or
other indigent persons, in sums varying from 4s. to 10s. each, according
to their several necessities.
_Sir Humphrey Briggs_, by a deed, dated 9th of November, 1652, charged
the tithes of Shiffnal with the payment of £1. 6s. 8d. to the clerk or
deacon of the parish. _Francis Mallard_ and _Elizabeth_, his wife, in
1587, left an annuity of 16s. for the benefit of the poor. This gift has
long been lost to the poor.
POST OFFICE—_At Miss Frances Adams’s_, New street. Letters arrive at
5.30 A.M., and are despatched at 7.30 P.M.
Adams Miss Frances, New street
Allen William, Esq., Bank House
Bailey Mr. George, Union House
Barnfield Mrs., The Cottage
Bennett Cornelius, organist, High street
Bennett Mr. Samuel, The Grove
Bidlake Roger, gentleman, Old road
Bothfield Mrs. Lucy, Decker-hill Hall
Bradburn William, Old road
Brooke Rev. John, Haughton Hall
Brooke Rev. Townshend, Idsal Vicarage
Cannon Chas., inland revenue officer, Innage
Cherrington Mr. Edward, Church street
Cope William, Esq., barrister, Park House
Corbet Uvedale, Esq., Aston Hall
Cuxson Mrs. Eleanor, New street
Evett Mr. James, Horse fair
Eyke John, Esq., Stanton House
Fletcher Mr. John, Park Villa
Gas Company (office) High street
Gilbert Mr. Thomas, Old road
Glover William Cheshire, Esq., High street
Goodall Michael, Esq., Evelith
Gray Mrs., New street
Hills Mr. George A. F., High street
Horton John, Esq., Priors Lee Hall
Hudson Mr. Job, Old road
Jones Miss Martha, Innage
Jones The Misses, Uplands
Lander Edward, Market street
Lander Mr. Thomas Eaton, Beech House
Lander Mr. Thomas Eaton, Innage
Leake James, solicitors’ clerk, High street
Lello Mrs. Mary, High street
Lloyd Charles, railway clerk, High street
Masefield Mrs. Alice, Woodhouse
Masefield Mrs. Ann, Aston street
Masefield Mr. Thomas, Woodhouse
Orwin Mr. James, High street
Osborne Mr. Peter, New street terrace
Perrin Dudley Josiah, New street
Phillips Mr. Andrew, Market street
Pidgeon Robt., Esq., land agent, Russell place
Roden Mrs. Charlotte, Church street
Roden William, registrar, Haughton
Shirley Mr. William, trainer, Church street
Smyth Amelia, Rock terrace
Spedding Rev. Francis, M.A., New street
Thomas Evan, inland revenue officer, High st
Venables Richard, relieving officer, Church st
Wadlow Henry, horse trainer, Stanton
Academies.
Beetlestone John, Old road
Beetlestone Mrs., Aston st
Gentlemen’s Boarding, High street; Rev. James Thos. Matthews, principal
Gilbert Mary, Church street
Ladies’ Boarding, Rock terrace; Miss Smyth
National (Boys), Innage; David Whittle
National (Girls), Innage; Jemima Owen
Accountant.
Gilbert Thomas, Old road
Attorneys.
Glover William, Cheshire High street
Perrin Dudley Josiah, New street
Phillips Andrew, office back of Market place
Auctioneers.
Houlston John, office Mr. Fraser’s, Market place
Weare Wm., office Market pl
Bakers and Flour Dealers.
Lowe Mary, Horse fair
Randle Catherine, Market pl
Bankers.
Shropshire Banking Company, Horse fair; Wm. Allen, manager
Savings Bank, New street; Peter Osborne, secretary
Blacksmiths.
Clarke Thomas, High street
Evans Richard, Church st
Ferney John, Aston street
Smout John, Aston street
Tozer William (and whitesmith), High street
Booksellers, Printers, Stationers, & Bookbinders.
Beddow Barnabas Leman, New street
Edmunds Ann, Market place
Boot and Shoemakers.
Bullock Thomas, High street
Fenn William, High street
Harper John, Aston street
Jones Joseph, Church street
Norton George, High street
Norton Thomas, High street
Owen John, Church street
Warrender Jas. (and dealer), High street
Westbrooke John, Market place
Williams Thos., High street
Braziers and Tin-plate Workers.
Bullock John, High street
Tomlinson Wm., Market pl
Bricklayers and Masons.
Beetlestone Benjamin, Aston street
Beetlestone John, High street
Ingram William, Aston street
Yates Richard, High street
Yates Thomas, High street
Butchers.
Hall Mary, Market street
Hall Robert, High street
Hall William, High street
Haywood Thomas, Market pl
Parkes Francis, High street
Poyner William, High street
Ward George, Market place
Cabinet Makers & Upholsterers.
Blud Thomas, Back street
King Charles (and dealer in British wines), Back st
Linall William, High street
Pointon William, High st
Cheese, Butter, and Bacon Factors.
Dagleish William, High st
Pointon Thomas, Market pl
Randle Catherine, Market pl
Chemists and Druggists.
Bate Wm. Stokes, Market pl
Langman Frederick, Market place
Pace William Cherrington, Back street
Coal Agents.
Fellows Aaron, Railway statn.
Hills and Phillips (and lime and salt), Railway station
Coal Merchants.
Botfield Beriah, Old Park Colliery
Horton & Company, Priors Lee Works
Lilleshall Co., Priors Lee
Confectioners.
Bartley John, Market place
Lowe Mary, Marketplace
Coopers.
Wakelain Joseph (and dealer in turn and bend ware), High street
Williams Charles, High st
Williams Robert, High street
Corn Factor.
Fellows Aaron, Aston street
Curriers & Leather Cutters.
Cherrington Roger, High st
Lello George, High street
Farmers.
Masefield Thos., Woodhouse
Norton Alfred, New street
Powell John, Church street
Roden John, High street
Fellmongers.
Fenn Samuel, High street
Hodgkinson John, High st
Fire and Life Office Agents.
Accidental Death; Mr. Beddow, New street
Birmingham Fire and Life; Charles King, Back street
Great Britain Life; Mr. Osborne, New street
Salop Fire, Mr. Beddow, New street
Shropshire & North Wales; Lander & Sons, Market pl
Fishmonger.
Harris John, Market street
Grocers and Tea Dealers.
Bate William Stokes, Market place
Bryant John, Market place
Bullock John, High street
Dagleish William, High st
Pace William Cherrington, Back street
Hair Dresser.
Morris James, Market place
Hatters and Dealers.
Hardy Charles, High street
Higgins William, Church st
Reynolds Peter and George, High street
Hotels, Inns, and Taverns.
Bell Hotel, John Podmore, Church street
Crown, Robt. Williams, High street
Eight Bells, Richd. Morgan, Market place
Jerningham Arms Hotel, Commercial, and Posting House, Miss Anne
Masefield, Church street and Horse fair
Lion, Donald Fraser, New street
Nag’s Head, John Lowe, Market place
Plough, Thomas Williams, High street
Queen’s Head, Chas. Leake, High street
Railway Tavern, Thomas Latham, Aston street
Star Hotel, Elizabeth Wild, Market place
Talbot, Richard Pointon, High street
Union Inn and Coaching House, Edward Nickless, New road
Unicorn, James Medlicott, Horse fair
Victoria Hotel, Family, Commercial, & Posting House, John Wood, Market pl
Wheat Sheaf, Thos. Dunn, High street
White Hart, Elizabeth Simpson, High street
White Horse, Emma Smallman, Market place
Wonder, Thomas Lowe, Horse fair
Beerhouses.
Evans Thomas, High street
Fenn Samuel, High street
Ward Sarah, Aston street
Yates Richard, High street
Yates Thomas, High street
Ironfounders.
Botfield Beriah, Old Park Works
Horton & Simms, Priors Lee
Lilleshall Company, Snedshill Iron Works
Ironmongers.
Bate William Stokes, Market place
Bullock John (and nail-manufacturer), High st
Joiners and Builders.
Cherrington Edward (and timber merchant), Salop road
Power Michael, New street
Linen and Woollen Drapers and Silk Mercers.
Hardy Charles, High street
Higgins William, Church st
Lander & Sons, Market pl
Reynolds Peter and George, High street
Livery Stable Keepers.
Masefield Anna, Horse fair
Roberts John, Horse fair
Wild Elizabeth, Market pl
Wood John, Market place
Maltsters.
Fellows Aaron, Aston street
Forrest William, High street
Lello John, Aston street
Masefield Thomas, Aston st
Morgan Richard, Market st
Podmore John, Church st
Roden George, Old street
Roden William, High street
Thomason Samuel, (and dealer in British wines), High street
Wakelam Samuel, High st
Milliners and Dressmakers.
Biss Eliza, New street
Fenn The Misses, Old road
Jones Elizabeth, Aston st
Nicholas Rebecca, High st
Peake Jane (bonnet maker), New street
Plumbers, Painters, and Glaziers.
Heyward George, High street
Lawson William, New street
Phillips Samuel, Horse fair
Yates James, Horse fair
Rope, Oil Cloth, and Tarpauling Makers.
Heywood Thomas, High st.
Heywood William, High st.
Saddlers and Harness Makers.
Hitchcock Thomas, High st.
Lowe Thomas, Market place
Smith Moses, Horse fair
Tillage Dealers and Farm Seedsmen.
Longman Frederick, Market place
Lander & Sons, Back street, Richard Owen, agent
Shopkeepers and Dealers in Sundries and Groceries.
Cullwick John, High street
Evans Thomas, High street
Fenn Samuel, High street
Mole Allen, High street
Morgan William, High street
Ralphs Mary, Market place
Rudge Joseph, Aston street
Yeardley Andrew, High street
Smallware Dealer.
Morris James, High street
Spirit Vaults and Wine and Spirit Merchant.
Cherrington Edward, Church street
Surgeons.
Bennett Samuel, Aston street
Evett James, Horse fair
Lander Thomas Eaton, Innage
Orwin James, High street
Tailors.
Bennett William, Horse fair
Clemson John, Church street
Hitchcock Thomas, High st.
Pugh Henry, Innage
Roberts Thomas, Aston st.
Tallow Chandler.
Rayworth Wm., High street
Veterinary Surgeons.
Harris Thomas, Church st.
Poole George, cow leech, High street
Robinson Sampson, New st.
Rexham George, High street
Watch and Clock Maker.
Davies John, Back street
Wheelwrights.
Pointon John, Aston street
Pointon Richard. Back street
HATTON DISTRICT DIRECTORY.
Ashdown Wm., Hem farm
Badger and Hewitt, Grange farm
Barker Thomas, Spring Bower farm
Bill John, corn miller, Hinnington
Booth Henry, Naird and Shaw farms
Bradbury Messrs., bone mills and merchants
Burgess George, Evelith corn mills
Crawley John Leatham, farmer and maltster, Rookery
Durant Rev. Francis Osian, Old hall, Evelith
Goodall Michael, Esq., Evelith manor
Hoole Richard, Common farm
Lander Thomas Eaton, surgeon, Innage
Lander Thomas Eaton, gent., Beech house
Langley Thomas, maltster, Upton farm
Lawrence John, gardener, Hatton grange
Mellor James, farmer, Wyke
Miller Martha, farmer, Wyke
Morgan George, the Elms farm
Morgan Thos., farmer, Wyke
Morris John, Manor farm and miller
Pepper Sander, the Hill farm
Powell John, farmer, Shaw lane
Power Michael, contractor
Slaney Miss, the Grange
Slaney William Henry, Esq., Hatton grange
Smith John, farmer, Wyke
Smith the Misses, Rock terrace
Smith Robert, Hem farm, and miller
Smith William, Homer farm
Smith William, butler, Hatton grange
Summers Charles, coachman, Hatton grange
Swain Thomas, farmer, Hinnington
Taylor Robert, farmer, Evelith
Wright Herbert Hancox, Grange farm
HAUGHTON DIRECTORY.
Baddeley William, farmer
Brooke Rev. John, the Hall
Coulston Joseph, farmer
Old Park and Stirchley Iron Works, Beriah Botfield, Esq., proprietor;
George Bishton, secretary and cashier; William Hudson, accountant;
William Summers, bookkeeper; Mark Tipton, manager
Phillips David, corn miller
Roden William, farmer
Sharratt Thomas, road surveyor
Ward James, gentleman
PRIORS LEE DIRECTORY.
Astbury James, parish clerk
Booth Edwin, maltster and farmer
Booth Thomas, Castle farm
Booth William, farmer
Bulger Christopher, mine bailiff
Colebank Rev. Robert, M.A.
Dawes Wm., schoolmaster
Franks William Henry, shopkeeper
Garbett John, tailor
Horton John, Esq., the Hall
Horton Samuel, Esq., ironmaster
Horton, Simms and Bull, ironmasters and forgers, Snedshill works
Hughes John, vict., the Lion, and accountant
Hughes Thomas, vict., the Pigeon Box
Jones William, Wood green, farm
Langley Richard, farmer
Langley Samuel, Blythbury farm
Latham Roger, Woodhouse, farm
Lilleshall Company, ironmasters and coal proprietors
Llewyllyn Mary, shopkeeper
Masefield Alice, Woodhouse
Sargent Elizabeth, schoolteacher
Smart Ellen, boarding school proprietor
Smart John, farmer
Tipton Edward, accountant
Tipton Luke, secretary, Lilleshall company
Tipton William, bookkeeper
Tipton William, mine manager
WOODSIDE DISTRICT DIRECTORY.
Abercrombie James, farmer and vict., Hare and Hounds, Crackley bank
Botfield Mrs., gentlewoman, Decker hill hall
Butterton Enoch, farmer, Lizzard
Butterton Mary Ann, farmer, Burlington
Butterton Miss Hannah, Burlington
Corbet Uvedale, Esq., Aston hall
Dunn George, farmer
Embrey Stephen, butler, Aston hall
Eyke John, Esq., land agent to Lord Stafford, Stanton house
Hadin Joseph, farmer, Lizzard
Inscoe Daniel, farmer, Lizzard
Kendrick Mrs. Ann, Burlington
Kendrick Thomas and Wm., farmers, Burlington
Langley Thomas, gentleman, Coppice green hall
Lawrence Charles, farmer, Drayton lodge
Norton Alfred, farmer, Aston
Pickin Widow, Coppice green farm
Revitt John, shoemaker, Crackley bank
Revitt Thomas, shoemaker Crackley bank
Richards Wm., beerhouse, & blacksmith, Crackley bank
Rudge Henry, coachman, Aston hall
Smith John, farmer, Woodside
Wadlow Henry, race horse trainer, Stanton
Wild Samuel, farmer, Upton
Wilkes Samuel, Brewar’s Oak farm
STOCKTON
is a parish and village on the turnpike road from Bridgnorth to Shiffnal,
five miles N.N.E. from the former town and five miles S.E. from the
latter. At the census in 1801 there were 409 inhabitants; 1831, 459;
1841, 422, and in 1851 88 houses and 479 inhabitants, of whom 237 were
males and 242 females. The parish embraces the hamlets of Apley,
Higford, Norton, and part of Cheswardine-lane, and contains 3,162A. 0R.
21P. of land, of which 1,065A. 1R. 37P. are in Apley; the park and
pleasure grounds contain 484 acres, and there are 79A. 3R. 19P. in the
red deer park. Rateable value, £4,262. 17s. The soil is various, in
some parts a light loam upon a red sand prevails, in other parts the soil
is strong, and in some places there is a mixture of gravel. The strong
soil yields fine crops of barley and wheat, the meadow lands on the banks
of the Severn produce a fine herbage, and is highly fertile.
Considerable flocks of sheep are kept in this parish. Thomas Charlton
Whitmore, Esq., M.P., is lord of the manor, and owner of the whole
parish. The vicinity of Stockton is pleasingly diversified with hill and
dale, and beautified with romantic scenery; the high grounds command some
fine views of the distant country, and the woody scenery in the immediate
neighbourhood. Within the last few years several handsome residences
have been erected, and some of the older houses have been modernized and
beautified. The farms in this parish are of considerable extent, and by
a judicious outlay of capital and superior management have been brought
to a state of high productiveness. A court leet and court baron is held
every five years at the Hundred House Inn, Norton.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Chad, is a venerable structure of free
stone, (some portions of which have been rough cast,) consisting of nave
and chancel, with a square tower, in which are five bells and a clock;
the ceiling is of panelled oak, with projecting rests, on which are
carved figures of the twelve apostles; the ceiling of the chancel is also
of beautiful dark oak, and the pulpit and reading desk are elaborately
carved. The living is a rectory, with the curacy of Boningale annexed,
valued in the king’s book at £13. 11s. 3d., in the patronage of Thomas
Charlton Whitmore, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Charles Blaney
Cavendish Whitmore, M.A.; the Rev. Stutville Isaacson, M.A., is the
officiating minister. The tithes are commuted for £635. 15s., and there
are 184A. 2R. 26P. of glebe land. The rectory is a commodious brick
structure pleasantly situated a short distance from the church. There is
a commodious school and residence for the teachers at Norton, which is
supported by the munificence of T. C. Whitmore, Esq. At the present time
there are about one hundred children instructed in this school.
APLEY PARK is the magnificent seat of Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq.,
M.P. for the borough of Bridgnorth. The mansion is an elegant structure
of the Grinshill free stone, in the castellated style of architecture,
with polygonal turrets at the angles, and a porch of three arches at the
entrance of the eastern front. A lofty square tower ornaments the centre
of the southern front, and on the north is a domestic chapel. It stands
on a gentle eminence, and exhibits a noble specimen of architectural
skill and superb workmanship, and may justly be considered one of the
most costly and splendid mansions in the county of Shropshire. The
terrace is one of the most extensive and delightful in the kingdom, and
commands fine views over a park richly adorned with sylvan beauty and
stocked with red deer; the windings of the Severn, whose silvery waters
are seen through the rich foliage, forming an interesting object in the
views. The gardens, pleasure grounds, greenhouses, and vineries are
extensive, and stocked with a profusion of the choicest flowers and rare
plants, which exhibit a luxuriance and beauty that show them to be under
the management of a skilled gardener. This manor before the reign of
Henry III. belonged to the family of Huggeford, from whom it passed in
marriage to Sir Thomas Lucy. Its proprietor, Sir Thomas Lucy, disposed
of the manors of Stockton, Apley, and Huggeford, and the estates within
the parish, with the advowson of the church of Stockton, in 1551, to
William Whitmore, Esq., of Oxton, near London,—a gentleman whose
ancestors had long been resident at Whitmore, in the parish of Claverley.
The above William Whitmore was a merchant who had acquired an immense
fortune by trading with Spain in fine cloth, being a freeman of the
Haberdashers’ Company, London. The abundant wealth of this great
merchant laid the foundation of the future prospects of this respectable
family, who soon after increased their possessions around their ancient
patrimony, as well as in many other counties in the kingdom. Sir George
Whitmore, Knight, the second son of the above William, was Lord Mayor of
London in 1632. Sir William Whitmore, Knight, of Apley, was sheriff in
this county in 1620, in which year he was elected member of parliament
for Bridgnorth, of which borough his successors, the Whitmores, of Apley,
have almost uniformly been representatives. The Whitmores were
distinguished for their loyalty and sufferings in the troublous times of
the great rebellion; and among the gentlemen of this county who
compounded for the estates during the commonwealth, we find Sir Thomas
Apley, of Whitmore, paid £5,000. Apley House was besieged by the
parliamentary forces under Sir John Price, when Sir W. Whitmore and his
son, Sir Francis Oateley, Mr. Owen, Mr. Fowler, Mr. Griffiths, and about
sixty soldiers were taken prisoners.
THE SOUTH LODGE at Norton is the residence of William H. Austin, Esq., a
neat and pleasantly situated mansion, beautified with tasteful pleasure
grounds.
CHARITIES.—_Mr. Thomas Talbot_, in 1678, bequeathed £34 for the use of
the poor of the parish of Stockton, the interest to be expended in bread.
_John Gough_ gave £30, and directed the yearly produce to be expended in
bread, and given among six poor people. This legacy, as well as Talbots,
was placed on private security in the hands of Mr. Thomason, who gave his
note of hand for the same. _Mrs. Eleanor Church_, in 1798, gave to the
churchwardens of Stockton £20, the interest to be given to the poor of
the parish in bread on the first Sunday after the 26th of May. This
money was also lent to Mr. Thomason. The interest of these three
legacies now forms one fund for the distribution of bread, amounting to
£4. 4s. a year. The annual cost of the loaves distributed when the
charity commissioners published their report was £3. 9s. 4d. It did not
appear why the whole of the interest had not been yearly expended, but
the party holding the money agreed to pay up the principal, which it was
intended to deposit in the Bridgnorth Savings’ Bank.
An omnibus leaves the Hundred House Inn twice a day, for the conveyance
of passengers to and from the station at Shiffnal, and to Bridgnorth.
POST OFFICE.—Receiving house at _Mrs. Margaret Summer’s_.
Whitmore Thomas Charlton, Esq., M.P., Apley Park
Whitmore Rev. Charles Blaney Cavendish, M.A., The Rectory
Arkinstall Abraham, blacksmith
Austin Wm. Hazledine, Esq., South Lodge
Bate John William, Asthall Farm
Branson Thomas, Esq., land & estate agent, Echoeshill
Brewster Henry, Higford Corn Mills
Bridgeman Mrs., Higford House
Bridgeman Orlando Jack, Esq., Cotsbrook House
Cherrington William, farmer
Darby Richard Sorton, Esq., Crowgreaves
Edgerley Thomas, carpenter and joiner
Edgerley John, butcher
Ferguson Alexander, farmer, Higford
Fletcher Mary, school teacher
Isaacson Rev. Stuteville, M.A., curate
Lee George, tailor
Lee John, tailor
Medcalf Charles, schoolmaster and organist
Nock Mrs. Mary Ann, farmer, Greaves
Nock Thomas, farmer, Leavenhall
Payne James, butler & farm bailiff, Rectory
Pearman Richard, farmer
Robinson Walter, shopkeeper
Rushton Edward, farmer
Summers Margaret, grocer, farmer, & vict., The Hundred House Inn
Yates Bartholomew, farmer, Old Park
SUTTON MADDOCK
parish is situated in the Shiffnal division of the Brimstree hundred, and
comprises 3,240 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £4,042.
The arable lands are highly fertile, and the grazing lands produce a fine
herbage. The village is pleasantly situated on the Bridgnorth and
Shiffnal turnpike road, six miles north from the former, and five miles
south-west from the latter. At the census in 1801 there were 400
inhabitants; 1831, 384; and in 1841, 79 houses and a population of 352
souls. The principal landowners are Richard Phillips, Esq., Brockton
Hall; T. C. Whitmore, Esq.; Richard Phillips, gentleman; Mr. William
Wilkinson; Mr. William Braidley; and the Rev. John Brooke; there are also
several other smaller proprietors. THE CHURCH is a freestone structure,
dedicated to St. Mary, and consists of nave and chancel, with a tower, in
which are five bells. The tower appears much older than the body of the
church, which has in all probability been re-built, but of which we find
no historical record. There is a small organ placed upon the gallery. A
neat memorial remembers Elizabeth Farmer, of this place, who died on the
16th December, 1827, aged thirty years; there is also a neat tablet in
memory of William Jones, late of Harrington, in this parish, who died in
1823, and various others. This church was given to the priory of
Wombridge by King Henry II. The living is a discharged vicarage, annexed
to the rectory of Kemberton. The Rev. George Whitmore, M.A., is the
incumbent. In the 15th of Henry III., Madoc, the son of Griffin, held
Sutton by knights’ service. From this person it acquired the name of
Sutton Madoc, now corrupted to Sutton Maddock. BROCKTON is a hamlet in
this parish, pleasantly situated on the turnpike road from Shiffnal to
Bridgnorth, about a mile north from the parish church. It contains
several good family mansions. The noble family of Sutton de Dudley are
said to be descended from the Suttons of Sutton Maddock.
DIRECTORY.—William Braidley, gentleman; John Broughall, farmer, Sutton
Hall; Mrs. Mary Broughall, the Villa, Brockton; William H. Davies,
farmer, Harrington; William Jones, Esq., Brockton; Thomas Nock, farmer,
Sutton farm; Richard Phillips, Esq., Brockton hall; Richard Phillips,
Esq., the Grange, Brockton; Francis Ray, parish clerk; Mr. George Roden;
William Rose, Esq., porcelain manufacturer, Rock house; Henry Smith,
farmer, New house; John C. Titterton, blacksmith; Rev. George Whitmore,
M.A., vicar, residence Kemberton; William Wilkinson, maltster and farmer.
TONG, OR TONGE,
is a parish in the Shiffnal division of the Brimstree hundred, comprising
3,464A. 3R. 37P. of land, mostly a strong loamy soil. The woodlands
cover one hundred and twenty acres. At the census in 1801 there were 404
inhabitants; 1831, 510; and in 1841, 115 houses and a population of 566
souls. Rateable value of the parish, £4,505. 1s. The village of Tong is
of considerable antiquity, and is delightfully situated in a fertile
district richly beautified with picturesque scenery, three and a half
miles east by south from Shiffnal, and ten miles south-east from
Wolverhampton, George Charles Selwyn Durant, Esq., is the principal
landowner and lord of the manor. The Earl of Bradford, Mrs. Celeste
Durant, and Mr. Jones, are also proprietors. TONG CASTLE is stated to
have been in ancient times the seat of Hengist the Saxon, whom Vortigern
the British king called in to his assistance; and having been successful
in his warlike engagements, he afterwards begged of Vortigern as much
land as an ox-hide would inclose. On his request being granted, he cut
the ox-hide into small thongs, and had as much land as it encompassed,
whereon he built a castle. The present castle is a magnificent
structure, erected in the last century by George Durant, Esq., on the
site of the old castle, which he purchased in 1764, and demolished. The
architecture is a fantastic mixture of Gothic and Moorish, and though bad
in detail, the effect produced is strikingly grand, arising from the
numerous turrets and pinnacles, the rich colour of the stone, the wide
extent, and stately crown given to the whole by two lofty and magnificent
Turkish domes. It is beautifully situated in a fine champaign country,
watered by a serpentine river which flows through the grounds, and passes
close to the castle. The park comprises 319A. 3R. 19P. of land, and is
finely wooded with venerable timber. The castle is now occupied by two
female servants, the owner, G. C. S. Durant, Esq., being abroad.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, stands within the fine demesne
of Tong Castle, and is a spacious and beautiful structure in the pointed
style of the fourteenth century, consisting of nave, side aisles, choir,
chancel, and side chapel. From the centre rises a handsome but singular
tower. Immediately above the roof it is square; on it rests an octagonal
bell-story, which is lengthened in a chastely-executed and lofty spire,
about half-way up adorned with pinnacles, springing as it were out of the
shaft. The nave is divided from the side aisles by three handsome
pointed arches, with clustered pillars on each side. The tower contains
a peal of eight musical bells, besides the great bell of Tong, and is
ornamented with a clock and sun-dial. It is supported by four lofty
pointed arches, rising from clustered pillars enriched with Gothic
tracery. The ceiling is of dark oak, and the pews and reading desk are
of the same material, the latter exhibiting some fine carving. The rood
loft or screen is nearly perfect, and embellished with much carving; the
choir is small, and contains eight stalls on each side, of beautiful
workmanship. The east window is beautifully foliated, and a portion of
it ornamented with stained glass, and underneath is the communion table,
which is of alabaster; a remarkable old font exhibits some fine
chiselling. Adjoining the south aisle is a beautiful chantry chapel,
erected by Sir Henry Vernon, in 1515; the roof is of groined freestone,
having a profusion of delicate ribs and centre pendants. The windows are
richly adorned with stained glass. The tomb of Sir Henry Vernon, Knight,
is in the wall which separates the chapel from the church. It has the
figure of a knight and his lady in a recumbent posture. Over this is a
fine open screen, rising about ten feet; on the divisions are four rich
tabernacles, with the original painting and gilding, but bereaved of
their statues. Within the area of the tower are four superb monuments,
with recumbent figures on altar tombs, all of alabaster, highly adorned
with elaborate workmanship, in memory of the Pembruges and Vernons. It
appears the former family possessed the castle and estates of Tong as
early as the year 1280. In the south aisle is a magnificent tomb, with
the full length figure of a knight and his lady, in memory of the Hon.
Thomas Stanley, second son of the Earl of Derby, and Margaret his wife,
dated 1576, and has the following inscription:—
“Ask who lies here, but do not weep;
Hee is not dead, he do but sleep,
This stonie register is for his bones,
His fame is more perpetual than these stones;
And his own goodness with himself being gone,
Shall live when earthlie monument is none.
Not monumental stone preserves our fame,
Nor skie-aspiring pyramids our name;
The memory of him for whom this stands,
Shall outlive marble and defacer’s hands.
When all to time’s consumption shall be given,
Stanley, for whom this stands, shall stand in heaven.”
In a canopied niche is a carved figure, beautifully executed in
basso-relievo, in memory of Mrs. Wylde, one of the co-heiresses of Sir
Thomas Harris, Bart., the owner of Tong Castle and domain, which he
purchased from the Stanley family about the year 1610. Near to the
pulpit is an alabaster tomb, of superb workmanship, with two figures
representing a knight and his lady with hands joined in the attitude of
prayer, remembering Richard Yernon, of Nether Haddon, and his wife
Margaret. The former died in 1557, and the latter in the year 1500. On
the opposite side is a large monumental tomb of grey marble, the top of
which is inlaid with brass figures, and dated 1460. This also remembers
a branch of the Vernon family. A neat tablet of white marble has been
erected over the vestry door to the memory of Elizabeth Pierpoint, only
daughter of Gervaise Pierpoint, Esq., the grandson of Robert Pierpoint,
Earl of Kingston, a gallant soldier who fell a victim to loyalty in
defending his prince, King Charles I. He was descended from Robert de
Pierpoint, a companion-in-arms of William the Conqueror, whose family is
still extant in Normandy. On the north side of the altar is a sumptuous
pyramidal monument of white marble on a black ground, in memory of George
Durant, Esq., and several other members of that family. A splendid
marble monument also remembers George Durant, Esq., who died November
29th, 1844, aged 69 years. On the left of the altar is a grey marble
monument to the memory of William Skeffington, Esq., of the White Ladies,
who died in 1550. From the crest and armorial bearings, he would appear
to have descended from the ancient family of Massarene. Gervaise Lord
Pierpoint is interred in a family vault under the communion table. He
died May 22nd, 1715, aged 66 years. Thomas Stanley, Esq., and his wife
lie in the same vault. There are many other interesting tablets and
memorials, which our limits will not allow us to notice. The great bell
in this church was given by Sir Henry Vernon, Knt., in 1518. It was
broken by the Parliamentary forces in the troublesome times of King
Charles I., and recast at the expense of the parish in 1720. The bell
remained entire till the first Wednesday in Lent, 1849, when it cracked
while tolling for divine service. It is stated that nine persons may
comfortably stand under this bell at the same time.
King Henry IV., in 1411, in consideration of £40 granted to Isabel,
relict of Sir Fulke de Pembrugge, Knt., the liberty of purchasing of the
abbot and convent of Shrewsbury, the advowson and patronage of the church
of St. Bartholomew, at Tong, then holden of the king in capite, paying an
annual pension of 6s. 8d. to the monastery of Salop; and further, that
the said church should be erected into a college, consisting of five
chaplains, one whereof to be custos or warden of the college. The duty
of the warden and fellows was to pray for the souls of the king and of
his brother, Thomas de Beaufort, and for the soul of the said Isabel.
The endowments, besides the provision for the warden and fellows, were to
be applied for the maintenance and support of thirteen decrepid old men.
The priory of Lapley, anciently a cell of the convent of Rheimes, seized
by King Edward III. as an alien priory, was annexed to this foundation.
The statutes and ordinances of the college, confirmed by the Bishop of
Coventry, were to this effect:—That none of the fellows should be capable
of any other ecclesiastical preferment, except the master; that the
master was to have a man and a pair of horses kept at the expense of the
college, to travel about the business of the fraternity—but, if occasion
required it, he might keep more horses; that the warden was excusable
from constant residence, but with the restriction not to be absent more
than two months in the year, and if longer his salary was to be applied
to the use of the college; that whoever of the fellows were absent from
mass should forfeit one penny. Every Sunday the mass of the Holy Ghost
was to be celebrated for the founders and benefactors; on Mondays the
mass of the Holy Ghost; on Tuesdays, Salus Populi, or the mass for the
salvation of all men; on Wednesdays, the angels’ mass; on Thursdays, the
mass de Corpore Christi; on Fridays, the mass of the Holy Ghost; and on
Saturdays, the mass of rest. That whoever was guilty of adultery,
incest, perjury, sacrilege, robbery, after penance done for the first
offence, he was to take an oath not to commit the like crime again, and
if convicted the second time, to be expelled the house. The church
living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of G. C. S. Durant, Esq.;
incumbent, Rev. George Shipton Harding, M.A. The rectoral tithes have
been commuted, and £391. 1s. 10d. apportioned to the impropriators. The
incumbent receives £80 per annum, with parsonage, and 2A. 0R. 37P. of
glebe land.
CHARITIES.—_Gervaise Lord Pierpoint_, by indenture of the 23rd of
October, 1697, granted to trustees all the tithes (except the tithes of
corn and grain) yearly growing within the parish of Tong, and also six
several annuities or yearly rents of £30, £14, £6, £12, £12, and £10,
making together £84 per annum, to be issuing out of the manor of Tong, on
trust, as to the said tithes and the several annuities of £30, £14, and
£6, to permit the minister or curate to enjoy the same; one of the
annuities of £12 to be distributed among the six poor widows in the
almshouses; and the other £12 to be expended in purchasing Stafford
shalloon, and setting to work the poor people of Tong in manufacturing
the same into cloth, part thereof to be made into six gowns for the said
poor widows, and the remainder to be applied in clothing the necessitous
poor; the residue £10 to be disposed of in buying hemp and flax and
setting the poor at work in manufacturing it into cloth, and after
selling the same, to apply the proceeds in putting forth poor children
apprentices. Lord Pierpoint granted a further annuity of £30, to be also
issuing out of the manor of Tong, on trust, to permit the minister to
receive and enjoy the same from such time as he could not (without covin
or neglect on his part) have and enjoy the said tithes; but the minister
was not to enjoy the tithes and last mentioned annuity at the same time.
The minister had also the privilege of holding a certain chamber in the
castle of Tong, as the same was then furnished with books and presses,
together with the free use of the said books; and also stabling for one
horse, and the privilege of depasturing it for a certain time in Tong
Park. And for the better assuring the performances of the several
grants, Lord Pierpoint granted to the trustees three other annuities of
£5. 40s., and 40s. to be for ever issuing out of the manor, castle, and
premises, and to be respectively forfeited, and to continue payable so
long as the minister should not enjoy the said chamber, stabling, and
pasture, respectively.
By an indenture of the 11th of August, 1725, in which it is recited, that
the premises charged had descended to Evelyn Duke of Kingston, upon the
death of Lord Pierpoint; and that the Castle of Tong had been a long time
uninhabited and Tong Park disparked and inclosed, and that the said duke,
at his own charge, built with brick a strong handsome and convenient
house in Tong, with a room for a library, and stable and hayloft, and
other conveniences, for the habitation of the minister, and had delivered
the books to him and his successors; so that the covenants made by Lord
Pierpoint in respect of the room and library in Tong Castle, and the
stabling and depasturing, were become unnecessary, and the several
annuities granted for enforcing the specific performance thereof should
therefore be repealed; and that the common fields in Tong having been
inclosed and converted into pasture, the revenue of tithes granted to the
minister had been reduced to £12 per annum, but that the duke was
willing, on condition that the said small tithes should be invested in
him and his heirs, to be discharged from the trust; that the said annuity
of £30 should be absolutely and indefeasibly settled and assured to the
said minister and his successors for ever; which, together with the
several annuities of £30, £14, and £6, make £80 per annum. And after
reciting that the said duke and the late Lord Pierpoint had for a long
time paid £4 a year for maintaining a schoolmaster, the said duke for
perpetuating the charily, conveyed a messuage, situated near the west end
of the church, then used as a school-house, in trust, to permit the same
to be occupied as a school for teaching ten poor boys within the parish
of Tong to read, and granted a rent charge of £4 per annum, issuing out
of the manor of Tong, to be paid to the schoolmaster. The library above
mentioned, which is understood to have been augmented by Mr. Peitier, was
removed several years ago to the vestry room.
It appears that shortly after the late Mr. Durant came into the
possession of the estate, the old almshouse and school-house were taken
down, and new ones built by that gentleman on other sites. It is stated
that the old buildings had become too dilapidated to admit of any
effectual repairs, and that Mr. Durant having, under these circumstances,
conceived the idea of erecting new buildings, was induced to select new
situations as better suited for the purpose; and the charity has derived
much advantage from the change. But it is to be observed that no regular
transfer of the new premises was ever made to the trustees, an omission
it appears desirable to supply. In the year 1802, the almshouse having
grown much in need of repair, the sum of £102, from the funds of a
charity to be presently adverted to, was applied to that purpose; since
which time the repairs have been kept up at the expense of the parish,
aided by the voluntary contributions of Mr. Durant. The inmates of the
almshouses each receive £3 quarterly, and occasionally other
benefactions. The ruins of the old hospital are still to be seen.
By an indenture dated 31st May, 1734, it is recited that the sum of £100
was given by the late Lady Harris, for the use of the poor of the parish;
the sum of £200 was likewise bequeathed by Lady Pierpoint, and a sum of
£100 was given by Lewis Peitier, minister of Tong, and party to the said
indenture, making in the whole the sum of £400, which was laid out in the
purchase of certain premises in Albrighton, called the New Lands and the
Hawklees, containing 30A. 3R. 2P., now producing £45 per annum. In 1781
a sale of timber from this farm produced the sum of £100, which in 1802
was applied to the repairs of the almshouse granted by the Duke of
Kingston. In the year 1814 £100 was laid out in the purchase of a
cottage and 1A. 3R. 2P. of land in Horsebrook, which is now let for £10
10s. per annum; the rent of the last mentioned premises is apportioned to
the schoolmaster, who has also £10 from the farm at Albrighton, and £4
from the manor of Tong, making altogether the sum of £24. 10s., with the
additional benefit of a house and garden from the charity of the Duke of
Kingston, in consideration of which the children are taught reading,
writing, and arithmetic, and they are furnished with the necessary books
and clothing from the charity. The master has also £5 per annum for
teaching a Sunday school. The portion of income which is allotted for
general distribution is laid out in the purchase of warm clothing, which
is given to the poor during the winter season.
A feast is held at Tong on the Sunday before St. Matthew’s-day. Mr.
Durant’s agent at the present time is holder of four of the largest farms
in the parish, viz., Tong Park farm, Hubbal farm, Holt farm, and the Mees
farm.
Andrews George, carpenter
Archer Henry, Little White Oak farm
Bennion Owen, Tong farm
Bennion Owen, The Hill farm
Bennion Owen, jun., White Oak farm
Boden John, shoemaker and shopkeeper
Bucknal Richard, farmer and beerhouse
Chipps Mrs. Mary
Cherrington William, wheelwright
Earp William, Lizard Grange farm
Georges The Misses
Harding Rev. George Shipton, M.A., The Rectory
Hempenstall George, Esq., land steward
Higgs William, Offoxey farm
Holder Charles, shoemaker
Hounsom Abraham, farmer, Norton, and deputy land agent
Hufferdine Charles, wheelwright
Humpage Samuel, shoemaker
Icke Thomas, grazier, Vauxhall
Jaundrell John, tailor
Jones William, vict., The Bush Inn, grocer and provision dealer and
farmer
Langford William, nursery and seedsman
Longstaff John, schoolmaster & parish clerk
Milner Thomas, maltster
Page John, vict. and farmer, The Bell
Quantrell Walter, Ruckley Wood
Savage Gilbert Cole, The Knowle farm
Thornycroft Mrs., Tong Lodge
Wilks Samuel, Lizard Grange, corn miller
Worrall William, New Buildings farm, and maltster
WORFIELD
is an extensive parish in a delightful and salubrious part of the county,
watered by the meandering stream of the Worf. The land exhibits
inequalities of surface, and bold swells, which in some instances rise to
a considerable height, from whence most beautiful and varied prospects
over a luxuriant country are seen. The soil is variable, the arable
lands produce good wheat, turnips, and barley, and the meadows and
grazing lands are highly fertile. The farms in most instances are large,
and the houses in general are good residences, with conveniently arranged
out premises. Several ancient dwellings have been taken down, and
handsome villa residences erected in their place. The cottages are for
the most part well built, and in most instances have small allotments of
garden ground. The parish comprises 10,314 acres of land, and at the
census in 1801 had 1,354 inhabitants; 1831, 1,676, and in 1841 there were
357 houses and 1,643 souls. Rateable value, £16,145. 19s. 9d. Thomas
Charlton Whitmore, Esq., M.P., of Apley Park, and William S. Davenport,
Esq., are the principal landowners; the two former, with Mrs. Bache, are
joint lords of the manor. The parish contains the following hamlets or
townships for highway purposes, viz., Ackleton, Allscott, Barnsley,
Bentley, Bromley, Bradney, Burcote, Chesterton, Cranmere, Catstree,
Ewdness, Fenngate, Hilton, Hoccom, Hallon, Hartleberry, Kingslow, Little
Gane, Oldington, Newton, Roughton, Ringleford, Rowley, Stanmore,
Stableford, Swancote, Worfield, Wheel Green, Winscote, and Wyken, which
places are divided into four districts or collections, called north-east
quarter, south-east quarter, north-west quarter, and south-west quarter.
The small and sequestered village of Worfield is pleasantly situated at
the foot of an immense rock of red sand stone, except on the northern
verge where the houses stand on the side of a precipitous acclivity, and
is three and a half miles N.E. from Bridgnorth, eight miles S. from
Shiffnal, and eleven miles S.W. by S. from Wolverhampton. From the
summit of the rock, which is crowned with timber, a most delightful
panoramic view of the surrounding country is seen, the romantic situation
of the village, and the circuitous windings of the Worf adding much to
the picturesque beauty of the scenery. The river Worf is noted for its
fine trout. The land between this place and Claverley stretching as far
as Bridgnorth was the celebrated Morffe Forest, where the inhabitants of
Worfield had common pasture; the king, however, appointed stewards and
rangers to take care of the woods and deer. In the reign of Henry VIII.
the Earl of Shrewsbury was steward or ranger for life with a fee of 4d.
per day. The forest has long been enclosed, and is now covered with
luxuriance and fertility. On the south east side of the Morffe in early
times was an important military station, which may still be traced; the
ground is elevated, and the moat still visible, circumscribing a large
area. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Peter, is an ancient structure of red
sand stone, which has been enlarged and beautified from time to time.
The tower is ornamented with pinnacles, and surmounted with a lofty
spire; it is beautified with a clock, and contains a peal of six musical
bells. The interior has a chaste and beautiful appearance, the side
aisles are separated from the nave by pointed arches rising from
octagonal pillars, the pews are of oak, and upon the gallery at the west
end is a fine toned organ. The pulpit and reading desk are elaborately
carved. Several of the windows are richly adorned with stained glass,
and the altar is of dark oak, exquisitely carved. The chancel is
spacious, and contains memorials to deceased members of some of the
principal families in this locality. A side chapel, separated by a
richly carved oak screen, contains an altar tomb, with two figures in a
recumbent posture, in memory of Sir George Bromley and his lady, dated
1688. Under a canopy of beautiful workmanship are two figures in a
recumbent position, which remembers Sir Edward Bromley, Knight,
chancellor of England, and his wife, dated 1626. There are also many
elegant mural monuments of beautiful design and admirable workmanship, in
memory of the Davenports, Broughtons, Vickers, Marindins, Fletchers,
Masons, Johnsons, and others. In the church-yard are several family
vaults cut in the solid rock. Archdeacon Vickers was entombed in one of
these vaults with much solemnity in May, 1851. The southern entrance to
the church is by an ancient porch, and through a door of remarkable and
curious workmanship. Over the centre of this door are located a swarm of
bees, which tradition states have been there for ages. The living is a
vicarage valued in the king’s book at £16. 15s., in the patronage of
William S. Davenport, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Cornelius Francis
Broadbent, M.A. The Rev. Henry Cunliffe, M.A., is the officiating
minister. The vicarial tithes have been commuted for £288. 10s. Mr.
Davenport, the impropriator of the rectoral tithes, receives £1,745. The
vicarage is an ancient erection a short distance from the church. “The
annals of the church of Worcester assert that King Edward I. gave the
church of Worfield to their prior and convent for the sustenance of three
monks, and for maintaining two wax candles to be kept continually burning
at the feast of St. Wulstan, and for eight days after, and to be daily
lighted at the saying of high mass both at matins and vespers. This was
done in accomplishment of a vow made to St. Wulstan.” There is an
endowed GRAMMAR SCHOOL, which will be found noticed with the charities,
and a NATIONAL SCHOOL for boys and girls—a spacious structure of modern
erection, with residences for the teachers; about sixty boys and fifty
girls attend. It is partly supported by endowment and partly by
subscriptions. DAVENPORT HOUSE is a handsome and spacious mansion of
brick, with stone finishings, the seat of William Sharington Davenport,
Esq., J.P. The situation is delightful, and the extensive park grounds
are richly studded with fine timber, the drives and pleasure grounds are
kept in the most beautiful order, and several of the eminences in the
park are ornamented with sculptured figures.
CHARITIES.—King James I., by his letters patent, dated 1st of May, in the
10th of his reign, in consideration of £5. 4s. paid by Thomas Beech and
Thomas Bradburne, granted to William Lloyd and Thomas Parker, and their
heirs, certain premises in Worfield, Bridgnorth, and Quatford, in trust,
that the yearly proceeds thereof should be employed by the parishioners
towards the maintenance of a school for the instruction of youth in
reading and writing English, and in the accidence and principles of
grammar and the Latin tongue. This is usually called Lloyd and Parker’s
charity, after the names of the original grantees of the crown, but they
appear to have been in fact only the channel through which these premises
were conveyed to the real purchasers, who were Beech and Bradburne.
Besides the rent an annual sum of £9 was received from Mr. Smythe when
the charity commissioners published their report, as interest at 4½ per
cent. on a joint bond from his father and himself for £200, dated
December 13th, 1796, being an accumulation of funds which he held in his
hands as receiver of the rents of this charity. The total income was
£46. 1s., which was applied in a distribution of money to the poor, in
the reparation of the trust premises and schoolhouse, and in paying a
small salary to a schoolmaster. _Thomas Smith_ left a rent charge of
16s. a year, for the instruction of two poor boys to read English.
_William Lewis_, who died about fifty years ago, left £60, the interest
to be applied for educating three boys in Worfield school.
_Thomas Woolley_, in 1609, gave £100 for purchasing lands for the use of
the poor of Worfield, which was laid out in lands at Brierley. Other
premises in Brierley were afterwards purchased by the parish for the sum
of £202. 4s., made up of six different benefactions. Soon after the last
purchase, these properties were combined into one estate. The premises
consist of 17A. 2R. 5P., and produce a yearly rental of £40. In the
course of certain proceedings in chancery respecting this charity in the
year 1808, it appears to have been stated in a valuation on oath before
the master, that the mines lying under these lands were worth £300 per
acre. Of the income, £1. 16s. is paid to the vicar, for preaching
sermons according to the intentions of the donors; £6 to the treasurer of
Lloyd and Parker’s charity; and the rest is distributed to the poor,
according to a list made out by the trustees.
_Thomas Beech_, in 1645, surrendered to the use of his nephew, William
Beech, certain lands in Hilton and Halton, in trust. After the death of
Dorothy, wife of the said Thomas Beech, to pay 12s. 4d. at the feast of
St. Michael, for engrossing the court rolls, and placing them in the
church chest at Worfield; and after the expiration of ninety-nine years,
beginning at the death of the said Dorothy, to pay yearly at the feast of
the Ascension, to the vicar of Worfield 3s., and to the poor of Worfield
10s. The charity commissioners state the land to be vested in Mr. Smythe
and Mr. Hardwick, but there was no evidence to show that these annuities
have ever been paid; and it would appear that forty-two years’ arrears
were then due to the vicar and the poor, as the payment ought to have
commenced in the year 1777.
_William Perry_ charged a loft and half yard of land and a cottage in
Wykem with the payment of 6s. 8d. yearly, on four specified days, to buy
bread for twenty poor people of the parish of Worfield. The premises
afterwards became possessed by Thomas Smith and John Bache, the former
agreeing to pay 2s. 3d. of the said rent-charge, and the other 4s. 5d.
_Dr. William Congreve_, of Broadney, by his will dated 20th October,
1775, reciting that £10 had been left in his hands by his father and
grandfather, the interest to be paid every Good Friday to persons who had
lived servants at Bradney, and that Robert Littleford, his late servant,
had left in his hands £10, the interest to be given yearly, the Sunday
after Midsummer-day, to eight servants who had lived at the least one
year at Bradney. Dr. Congreve charged his lands with the payment of 10s.
and 8s., as the interest of these two sums, which is distributed
according to the donor’s intentions.
_Robert Crudgington_, in 1714, surrendered to the lord of the manor of
Worfield half a yard of land and three parts of a nook of land, in
Newton, on condition that the persons in possession should pay out of the
rents 20s. per annum, to be distributed among poor widows or other
necessitous persons inhabiting in the parish of Worfield.
_Mr. Bache_, of Chesterton, left £5, the interest to be paid on
New-year’s day to ten poor widows nominated by the heirs of the family.
_Mr. Thomas Bache_ gave £10, and directed the interest to be applied in
the same manner. The interest of these two sums is now distributed by
the representatives of Mr. Bache. There is no document respecting these
benefactions, but they are considered as charged generally on the family
estate.
_Thomas Devey_, in 1725, surrendered a croft to the use of his heirs,
subject to the payment of 10s. yearly, which he directed to be
distributed among poor widows of this parish. This seems to be the gift
mentioned on the benefaction table, as a legacy of Mrs. Elizabeth Devey.
_Thomas Smith_, in 1726, charged two pieces of land called Uphill and
Downhill, and the Fen lands with the payment of 30s. per annum, 16s.
thereof to be paid to the schoolmaster of Worfield, and 14s. to be
divided among seven poor persons, to be nominated by the possessors of
the land.
_Mrs. Mary Dolman_ left by will £40, the interest of £20 thereof to be
given among the poor of Worfield, and the proceeds from the other £20 to
be applied in buying bibles; one of her executors secured the payment of
40s. per annum on his estate at Ackleton.
_Mrs. Arabella Davenport_, in 1763, bequeathed £200 to the vicar and
churchwardens, in trust, to be laid out in lands, and the rents to be
distributed among poor widows and maidens of this parish. No purchase of
lands has been made with this money, but it is placed in the hands of Mr.
Smythe, and secured on bond dated 9th September, 1809, with lawful
interest at four and a half per cent.
_Mrs. Sarah Mason_, in 1809, gave to the churchwardens of Worfield for
the time being, an annuity of £5, to be divided among poor widows
residing in this parish. The payment is charged upon the freehold and
copyhold estates of the donor, to be paid on the 24th of June and 25th
December, by equal portions.
It is stated on the table of benefactions that _George Bromley_, _Esq._,
gave £120 to charitable uses, £30 of which had been laid out in a
purchase of land at Brexley, and £90 remained in the hands of the
trustees, which was laid out in 1730 in building a workhouse for the use
of the parish.
The following benefactions appear on the tablet in the church, of which
nothing further is now known. £50 given by _William Rowley_ for a
distribution of bread, £5, the gift of _John Beech_, and a legacy of £20
bequeathed by _John Bradburne_.
ACKLETON is a small well-built village, and township in the parish of
Worfield, two and a quarter miles north-east from the parish church. The
acres and population of the several townships in Worfield are included in
the general returns of the parish. The principal freeholders are the
executors of the late Mr. Eykyn, Mr. Green, Mrs. Clarke, Mrs. Patrick,
Mr. Thomas Priest, and Mr. John Richards. Ackleton House is a good
residence occupied by Mrs. Eykyn. ALLSCOTT is pleasantly situated about
a mile and a quarter north-west from Worfield; the land is the property
of Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq. BARNSLEY township is situated two
miles south-east from Worfield, and the freeholders are Mr. John Hoccom,
Mr. William Hoccom, and Miss Hoccom. BENTLEY lies about two miles to the
south-west of Worfield, and is the property of George Pritchard, Esq.
Bentley House is a good brick residence beautified with tasteful pleasure
grounds, and occupied by Mr. William Sing. The farm premises which are
commodious are situate a short distance from the house. BROMLEY township
is chiefly the property of Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq.; the village is
situated about a mile to the south-west of Worfield. BRADNEY, or
BRADLEY, a pleasantly situated township, half a mile east from Worfield,
is intersected by the Wolverhampton turnpike road. Bradney House, the
residence of Captain Brazier, is a beautiful modern erection with
pleasure grounds tastefully laid out. Warner House, an ancient
residence, is now occupied as a farm dwelling. Capt. James Brazier is
the land owner. BURNCOTE, or BURCOT, is a small rural village and
township situated on a gentle eminence; the principal freeholders are Mr.
John Bell Hardwick, Mr. Richard Hardwick, Mr. Parkes, and Mrs. Bache; the
township is bounded by the river Worf and the Shiffnal and Wolverhampton
turnpike road. In 1809, a large semi-circular cave was discovered at
Burcot, in which were found human bones, sculls, and the bones of several
animals. The ancient name of Bourncote, which in the Saxon language
means the cote or dwelling near to the river, of which this cave is
within a few paces serves to show the probability of this having been the
cote or dwelling, which may have given rise to the word Burcot, the
present name of the township. It is presumed the bones found in this
cave may have been those of persons who made this cave the place of their
occasional residence, and that it was destroyed by a sudden convulsion of
the rock, and downfall of the soil above it. CHESTERTON village is
delightfully situated on a gentle eminence, commanding fine views over a
country teeming with luxuriance. The residence of John Bache, Esq., is a
handsome mansion, with pleasure grounds most beautifully laid out. The
residence of Mrs. Marindin is also spacious and elegant. The landowners
are John Bache, Esq., Mrs. Marindin, Mr. Thomas Wilson, and Mr. Samuel
Marindin. Near to the village, which is about two miles N.E. from
Worfield, are the remains of a Roman encampment, which is said to have
covered an area of more than twenty acres. A small structure in this
township prior to the reformation was used as a chapel, but since that
period has been occupied as an humble dwelling; it was dedicated to St.
John the Baptist. CRANMERE, or CRANMERE HEATH, is situated about a mile
and a half to the N.W. of Worfield. The land is the property of William
S. Davenport, Esq., and Valentine Vickers, Esq. CATSTREE, another small
township, anciently formed part of the demesnes of the Saxon lords of the
manor of Worfield. The family of Catstree resided here till the year
1819. Thomas C. Whitmore, Esq., and W. S. Davenport, Esq., are the
landowners. EWDNESS, a pleasantly situated township on the Bridgnorth
and Shiffnal turnpike road, two miles north from Worfield, contains 441
acres of land, which is the property of Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq.
Rateable value, £490. 4s. 10d. The tithes have been commuted, and £74
apportioned to the impropriator, and £22 to the vicar of Worfield.
Ewdness House is a commodious Elizabethan structure, with bay windows;
the interior contains some fine specimens of antique oak carving. The
house is occupied by Mr. Richard M. Barker. FENN GATE, a hamlet two
miles from Worfield, has only one farm. The land is the property of T.
C. Whitmore, Esq. HILTON is a pleasantly situated village and township
on the turnpike road from Bridgnorth to Wolverhampton, four and a half
miles N.E. from the former place. A small stream here called Hilton
Brook is crossed by a stone bridge erected in 1814, with funds raised by
subscriptions, and from the Bridgnorth turnpike trust. The principal
landowners are Mr. Samuel Ridley, Mr. Kettle, Mr. Thomas Smythe, Mrs.
Hammond, and Mrs. Smythe, besides whom are several other proprietors.
Hilton House, the residence of George Smith Dorset, Esq., is a handsome
residence with grounds tastefully laid out, besides which there are
several other good houses in the village. HOCCOM, or HOCKHAM, is a small
hamlet about two miles N.E. from Bridgnorth; the landowners are Mr. John
Meredith and Mr. William Sing. HALLON is a hamlet adjoining Worfield,
situated on a bold eminence. Hallon House, a beautiful modern erection
of considerable extent, is the residence of James Farmer, gentleman. The
freeholders are William S. Davenport, Esq., and Valentine Vickers, Esq.
HARTLEBERRY is situated N.W. from Worfield, about a mile and a quarter
from the church. Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq., is the landowner.
KINGSLOW is a small hamlet delightfully situated, three miles N.E. from
Worfield. The freeholders are Lord Lewisham and Mrs. Devey. Kingslow
House is a good residence occupied by John Farmer, gentleman. Stanlow
House is occupied as a farm residence by Mr. Thomas Wilson. The hamlet
of LITTLE GANE lies about three miles from Worfield; the freeholders and
residents are Samuel and Edward Ridley, gentlemen. OLDINGTON township is
situated two miles N.W. from Worfield, and is the property of Thomas C.
Whitmore, Esq. NEWTON, situated near to Oldington, is also the property
of the same gentleman. ROUGHTON is a well built and respectable village
on the Bridgnorth and Wolverhampton turnpike road, two and a half miles
from the former place; there are several genteel residences embosomed in
foliage, and beautified with tasteful pleasure grounds. The landowners
are John and George Pritchard, Esq., Mrs. Fletcher and Mrs. Stokes.
RIDDLEFORD, or RHUDDLEFORD, is of British derivation, and signifies the
Red Ford. It is a small township about two miles E. of Bridgnorth, which
formerly belonged to the family of the Walkers, a branch of the Walkers,
of Burncote and Roughton, who disposed of it to the Colley family, and
they to the late William Hardwicke, Esq., of Burncote, who married Miss
Mary Purton, by whom he had two children, John Role Hardwicke, Esq.,
deceased, and William Hardwicke, Esq., of Bridgnorth, an eminent
antiquary and genealogist, whose widow is the present proprietor. ROWLEY
is another small hamlet nearly a mile from Worfield, where William S.
Davenport and Mrs. Martha Johnson are the landowners. STANMORE is a
village and township on the Stourbridge road, two miles E. from
Bridgnorth. John and George Pritchard, Esqrs., W. S. Davenport, Esq.,
and T. C. Whitmore, Esq., are the landowners. Stanmore Grove, the
residence of R. Pigott, Esq., is a good house, pleasantly situated.
STABLEFORD, or STAPLEFORD, is a small hamlet two miles N. from Worfield,
not far from which runs the Cosford Brook. The freeholders are Mr.
Jasper, and the executors of the late Richard Taylor. SWANCOTE is
situated about a mile and a half to the N.E. of Bridgnorth. George
Pritchard, Esq., is the proprietor of the land. Swancote House, a
commodious residence pleasantly situated on a gentle eminence, and
ornamented with pleasure grounds neatly laid out, is occupied by William
Sing, Esq. WHEEL GREEN is a hamlet on the Bridgnorth and Northampton
turnpike road, three and a half miles N.E. from the former place, and
near to the river Worf. WINSCOTE is situated two miles from Worfield,
and the land is the property of T. C. Charlton, Esq. WYKEN, derived from
Wycke, (Saxon, “Place and Residence,” and Hen, British, “Old, or the Old
Place”), is a small township and manor within the parish and manor of
Worfield, situated about three miles N.E. of Bridgnorth. This manor was
granted, together with the church of Worfield, and chapel of Chesterton,
in the same parish, by King Edward II., in the 11th year of his reign, to
the dean of Lichfield, in exchange for the manor of Greenford, in
Middlesex. In the 2nd Edward VI., Richard William, then dean of
Lichfield, with the chapter conveyed this manor with the advowson of the
vicarage of the parish church of Worfield, and most of the great tithes
of that parish, to Sir John Talbot, Knight, of Albrighton, which manor
and tithes are now vested in William Sharrington Davenport, Esq., of
Davenport House, in Worfield parish. The chief landowner in this
township is Joseph Parkes, Esq., (in right of his wife Anna, the only
child of the late John Bache, Esq.,) who resides at Wyken House, situated
on the Streetford Brook, which has its confluence with the Worf below;
Mr. Nicholas and Mr. J. Mollineux are also proprietors in this township.
WORFIELD.
Bennett William, shopkeeper
Brown John, mill manager
Broadbent Rev. Cornelius Francis, M.A., The Rectory
Broughall Geo., corn miller
Clutton George, butcher
Clutton Mary, beer retailer
Crookshanks Alex., gardener
Crow Emily and Caroline, dressmakers
Cunliffe Rev. Henry, M.A., curate
Davenport Elizabeth, gentlewoman
Davenport Wm. Sharrington, Esq., and county magistrate, Davenport House
Hall John, vict., Grey Hound Inn
Humphreys Hugh, National School master
James Samuel, principal of Endowed Grammar School
Mead William, butler
Piper Mary, dressmaker
Piper Thomas, wheelwright
Powell Mr. Edwd., The Low
Price Richard, tailor
Pritchards Theophilus, game keeper
Rogers Thomas, shoemaker, and parish clerk
Sherry William, tailor
ACKLETON.
Eykyn Mrs., The Hall
Gibbons James, farmer
Holden Francis, blacksmith
Painter Thomas, shopkeeper
Poole Francis, beer-retailer and farmer
Priest Thomas, farmer
Richards John, maltster and farmer
Richards Sarah, farmer
Wilson Richard, maltster and farmer
ALLSCOT.
Reynolds Wm., shoemaker
Wray Richard, farmer
BARNSLEY.
Haccom Miss, farmer
Haccom John, farmer
Haccom William, farmer
BENTLEY.
Sing William, farmer
BROMLEY.
Iddins Thomas, farmer
Jones John, wheelwright
Smith Thomas, gentleman
Worrall Richard, farmer
BRADNEY.
Brasier Captain James
Gibbons James, farmer
BURCOTE.
Cartwright John, farmer
Hardwicke John Bell, maltster and farmer
Hardwicke Richard, farmer and corn miller, The Villa
Rowley Richard, machineman (lets)
Sharpe Mrs.
Turner Thomas, manager, Mill
CHESTERTON.
Bache John, Esquire
Holding Francis, blacksmith
Hunt John, farmer & miller
Johnson John, farmer
Marindin Ellen, gentlewoman
Smith Edward, farmer
CRANMERE.
Braidley Thomas, shoemaker
Humphreys John, farmer
CATSTREE.
Nicholls Sarah, farmer
Price John, farmer
EWDNESS.
Barker Richard M., farmer
FENN GATE.
Whitehouse Cornelius, farmer
HILTON.
Darley Thomas, farmer
Davies Edward Harrison, builder and maltster
Dorset George Smith, Esq., Hilton House
Gibbons James, Blue Barn farm
Lane James, beer retailer
Poole Mr. William
Pope William, wheelwright
Ridley Samuel, gentleman
Roles Benjamin, shopkeeper
Tolly John, blacksmith
White John, wheelwright and machine maker
Wilcox Richard, gentleman
HOCCOM.
Meredith George, farmer
Meredith John, farmer
Sing William, farmer
HALLON.
Barney Theophilus, blacksmith
Farmer James, gentleman, Hallon House
Tarrant Isaac, builder and joiner
Turner John, blacksmith
HARTLEBERRY.
Dudley Samuel, wheelwright
Littleford Thomas, senior, farmer
Wood Eleanor, shopkeeper and farmer
Wood Thomas, brick & tile maker, and farmer
KING SLOW.
Farmer John, gentleman, Kingslow farm
Wilson Thomas, Esquire, Stanlow
LITTLE GANE.
Ridley Samuel and Edward, farmers
OLDINGTON.
Worrall Arthur, farmer
Worrall Thomas, farmer
NEWTON.
Sing William, jun., farmer
ROUGHTON.
Meredith John, farmer
Pratt Edward Richard, farmer, miller, & corn factor, Brook Cottage; Corn
Mills at Smestow and Union Steam Mills, Tipton
Smith John, gentleman
Smith William, gentleman, The Hall
Smithyman Mrs Jane
Smithyman William, farmer
Stokes Martha Corser, gentlewoman
RINGLEFORD.
Ridley Samuel and Edward, corn factors, millers, maltsters, farmers,
seedsmen, and guano and tillage dealers
Wellings Benjamin, blacksmith
ROWLEY.
Johnson Martha, farmer
STANMORE.
Beeston Richard, farmer, carrier, and van proprietor
Pigot Richard, Esq., The Grove
Ridley Samuel and Edward, Grove farm
Tedstall Thos., beer-retailer
Warder James, farmer
STABLEFORD.
Hill Henry, farmer
Humphrey George, wheelwright
Jasper John, Esq., The Hall
Smith Thomas, farmer
SWANCOTE.
Sing William, Esq., Swancote House
WHEEL GREEN.
Hammond Jane, farmer and victualler, The Wheel, and Post Office
WINSCOTE.
Sing William, jun., farmer
WYKEN.
Adams Thomas, plumber, glazier, and painter
Bache Ann, gentlewoman
Lloyd James, shoemaker
Lloyd James, blacksmith
Mantle John, shopkeeper, market gardener, nurseryman and seedsman
Mollineux James, gentleman
Mollineux James, butcher and farmer
Mollineux Michael, farmer
Painter John, blacksmith
Parkes Joseph, Esq., The Hall
Piper Moses, shopkeeper
Powell William, bricklayer
THE CONDOVER HUNDRED.
The Condover hundred is bounded on the north by the liberties of
Shrewsbury, on the east by the South Bradford hundred and the Wenlock
franchise, on the west by the Ford hundred, and on the south by the
hundred of Munslow. The land presents a considerable inequality of
surface; the soil is various; in some places there is a good deal of
gravelly loam and sand, and in other places a clayey soil prevails, lying
upon the red sand stone. The Lyth hill stands within the bounds of this
hundred, and the lofty heights of the Caradoc, Lawley, and Longmynd
connect it on the south and west with the hundreds of Munslow and
Purslow. The population of this hundred in 1801 was 5,818, and in 1841,
7,349, of whom 3,701 were males and 3,648 females. At the latter period
there were 1445 inhabited houses and 73 houses building. This hundred
comprehends the Condover and the Cound divisions. The Condover division
contains the following townships and places, viz: Bayston, Betchcott,
Betton and Alkmere, Castle Pulverbatch, Chatford, Church Pulverbatch,
Churton, Condover, Cothercott, Dorrington, Frodesley, Lee Botwood,
Longnor, Meole Brace, Newton and Edgbold, Nobold, Picklescott, Pulley,
Smethcott, Stapleton, Sutton, Walkmills, Wilderley, Woolstaston, and
Wrentnall.
The Cound division contains Acton Burnell, Berrington, Church Preen,
Cound, Cressage, Harley, Kenley, Pitchford, and Ruckley and Langley.
ACTON BURNELL
is a parish and pleasant well-built village, seven miles S.S.E. from
Shrewsbury, comprising 2,650 acres of land, and in 1801 had 272
inhabitants; in 1841 there were 54 houses and a population of 311 souls.
Sir Edward Joseph Smythe, bart., is the land owner and lord of the manor,
and resides at the Hall, an elegant mansion of white free stone,
approached by a beautiful portico of the Ionic order; the pleasure
grounds are tastefully laid out, and the park commands a beautiful
prospect of the surrounding country. Near to the Hall are the ruins of
ACTON BURNELL CASTLE, which is memorable in history for a parliament held
here in the year 1283, by King Edward I., on which occasion the lords sat
in the castle and the commons in a barn. It was in this parliament that
the statute known by the name of the statute of Acton Burnell was made
for the purpose of enforcing the _statutuno de mercatoribus_. It
appoints the mode in which a statute merchant is to be made, and by whom;
fixes the manner of seizing and valuing goods for the payment of debts;
in what case the debtor shall be imprisoned, and how maintained in
prison; when sureties shall be compelled to pay the debts of their
principals, and when they are to be exempted, &c. Sir Robert Burnell,
who lived in the reign of William the Conqueror, had his seat here, and
his posterity flourished in this vicinity for a long period. Philip
Burnell, in the 54th Henry III., had the grant of a market on Tuesday,
and two fairs in the year, the one on the eve, the day, and the day after
the annunciation of the blessed Virgin, and the other on the eve, the
day, and the morrow of St. Michael the Archangel. Robert Burnell, bishop
of Bath and Wells, is said to have repaired or built the castle here in
the reign of Edward I. The walls of the castle are of immense thickness,
and adorned with battlements and rows of curiously carved windows. A
short distance from the castle stood the barn, where the commons are
stated to have assembled when the parliament was held here, it is now a
complete ruin, and the gables only remain. THE CHURCH is a venerable
fabric dedicated to St. Mary; the living is a rectory, valued in the
king’s book at £6. 10s., now returned at £350, in the patronage of Sir E.
J. Smythe and incumbency of the Rev. Edward Arthur Wainwright. Adjoining
the hall is a very beautiful CATHOLIC CHAPEL, which has recently been
considerably enlarged and improved at the cost of Sir E. J. Smythe. The
family at the hall and a great portion of the tenantry usually attend
divine worship here.
ACTON PIGOTT is a hamlet with one farm and a few cottages, one mile
north-east from Acton Burnell.
CHARITIES.—Several sums of money left to the poor by different donors
amounting in the whole to £20, were applied in repairing the workhouse,
and the inhabitants agreed to pay 20s. yearly out of the rent of the said
house, as the interest thereof, to be distributed in bread. _Edward
Bayley_, in 1789, left a rent charge of 10s. yearly for a distribution of
bread. _Thomas Smyth_, in 1673, left 5s. per annum for a distribution of
bread, to be paid “out of his estate to the world’s end, if his estate
should so long continue sufficient to make it good.” It does not appear
that anything has been paid in respect of this charity for a long period.
DIRECTORY.—Sir Edward Joseph Smythe, bart., the Hall; John William
Benbow, farmer; Edward Everall, shopkeeper; Eli Charles Moore, bailiff to
Sir E. J. Smythe; Thomas Morris, farmer; Peter Perry, farmer and
maltster, Acton Pigott; Thomas Reynolds, butcher; William Southall,
vict., Nag’s head; Rev. Edward Arthur Wainwright, rector.
RUCKLEY AND LANGLEY
is a small village and chapelry in the parish of Acton Burnell, about one
mile east from that place, and five and a half miles west from Much
Wenlock. At the census in 1801 there were eighty-two inhabitants; in
1841, fifteen houses and a population of eighty-three souls. The
chapelry contains 952 acres of land, which is the property of Sir Edward
Joseph Smythe, bart., who is also lord of the manor. The chapel is an
inconsiderable structure where divine service is performed only twice
during the year. The living is a curacy subordinate to the rectory of
Acton Burnell. LANGLEY HALL, an ancient mansion of considerable extent,
is now occupied as a farm house, and although much dilapidated it has an
imposing aspect, and shows many traces of its former grandeur. King
Charles during his troubles was for a short period concealed here; a fine
old oak table, elaborately carved, is said to have been in the hall since
the time of King Charles, and was used by that monarch as a dining table.
The _Farmers_ are George Carter, Langley; Ellen Evans, Causway wood;
Richard Farr, Mere Oak; John Grainger, Langley Hall; James Hartwright,
Ruckley; Richard Stedman, Park gate; and Edward Sumner, Ruckley.
BETTON AND ALKMERE is a small township in the parish of St. Chad, in the
Condover hundred. The parish of St. Chad is partly returned in the
Albrighton division and partly in the Ford division of the Ford Hundred,
but is chiefly situated within the limits of the borough of Shrewsbury.
The village of LITTLE BETTON, or BETTON STRANGE, is pleasantly situated
two and a half miles south from Shrewsbury, and was returned at the
census of 1841 as having ten houses and forty-eight inhabitants. The
land owners are Lord Berwick, and George Jonathan Scott, Esq., the latter
gentleman resides at a good house embosomed in foliage usually called
Betton Strange.
The principal residents are Joseph Cross, farmer; Thomas Elsmere, farmer;
and John Scott, Esq., Betton Strange.
BERRINGTON
is a small rural village pleasantly situated four and a half miles S.E.
by S. from Shrewsbury. The parish contains the several townships of
Berrington, Brompton, Betton, Cantlop, and Eaton Mascot, which together
in 1801 had a population of 603 souls; 1831, 684, and in 1841 there were
97 houses and 651 inhabitants. There was no separate return of the
respective townships at the census of 1841. The township of Berrington
contains 880 acres of land, with a fertile soil highly productive. Lord
Berwick and Sir Edward Smythe, Bart., are the principal landowners, the
latter is lord of the manor. The church is an ancient structure,
dedicated to All Saints; the living is a rectory valued in the king’s
book at £10. 12s. 1d., now returned at £400 in the patronage of Lord
Berwick, and incumbency of the Hon. and Rev. T. H. N. Hill. There is a
national school in the village, where 45 children are educated. BETTON
is a small township with 564 acres, which is the property of Lord
Berwick. Rateable value, £759. BROMPTON township has 864 acres, which
is also the property of Lord Berwick. Within the bounds of this township
at Cross Houses is situated the ATCHAM UNION HOUSE, a spacious brick
pile, calculated to accommodate 350 inmates. It consists of a centre and
wings; the receiving wards and infirmary are now in course of erection at
the back part of the premises, the estimated cost of which is £1,510; the
old infirmary was taken down in consequence of its being too small for
the accommodation of the patients. The average number of inmates in the
union house is usually about 200. The average annual expenditure on the
poor of the district for three years preceding the formation of the union
was £9,768. Total expenditure of the union for the year ending March,
1850, £4,101. 5s., being 4s. 4¾d. per head on the population comprised
within the union. Total number of admissions during the year, 586.
Total number relieved during the year, exclusive of vagrants, 703. The
union comprehends the following 43 parishes, viz.:—Acton Burnel,
Alberbury, Albrighton, Astley, Atcham, Battlefield, Bauseley, Berrington,
Cardiston, Church Preen, Church Pulverbatch, Condover, Cound, Cressage,
Criggion, Eaton Constantine, Fitz, Ford, Frodesley, Habberley, Hanwood,
Harley, Highley, Kenley, Leighton, Melverley, Minsterley, Montford,
Pitchford, Pontesbury, Preston Gubbals, Ruckley, Shineton, Shrawardine,
Stapleton, Sutton, Uffington, Uppington, Upton Magna, Westbury,
Withington, Woolaston, and Wroxeter. The guardians meet three times
during the month. _Chairman_: Sir B. Leighton. _Vice-Chairman_: Rev. H.
Burton. _Clerk_: Mr. Thos. Everest. _House Surgeon_: Mr. F. Whitfell.
_Relieving Officers_: Mr. George Jackson and James Hampton. _Governor_:
Mr. Robert Rowlandson. _Matron_: Mrs. Rowlandson. The New Connexion
Methodists have a small chapel in Brompton, which was built in 1836.
CANTLOP, a small township lying to the S.W. of Berrington, contains 681
acres of land, the rateable value of which is £839. The Earl of
Liverpool and E. W. S. Owen, Esq., are the principal landowners. EATON
MASCOT township contains 495 acres of land, which is the property of Mrs.
Williams. The rateable value of this township is £690.
CHARITIES.—_John Churm_, in 1629, gave £13, which was laid out in the
purchase of a rent charge of 20s. per annum, issuing out of a piece of
land called Leeberries. It is the practice to receive the payment once
in three or four years, and distribute it with other money to the poor,
in sums varying from 2s. to 5s. In 1723, _Richard Wellings_ gave £20 for
the good of the poor of Berrington. This money is now in the Savings’
Bank at Shrewsbury. _Margaret Thompson_ bequeathed £6 to buy Bibles for
poor children. This money is also in the Savings’ Bank. The interest on
this and the preceding legacy amounts to 21s. yearly, and in respect of
Thompson’s charity a Bible or prayer book is purchased for the use of the
Sunday school, or given to some poor person of the parish, and the
remainder is distributed among the poor.
BERRINGTON, BETTON, BROMPTON, CANTLOP, AND EATON MASCOT DIRECTORIES.
Bromley John, farmer, Betton
Bromley William, wheelwright, Berrington
Cadwallader Mr. Richard, Brompton
Calcott Charles, farmer, Betton
Calcott Mr. Richard, Brompton
Caswell James, shopkeeper, Brompton
Clark William, farmer, Cantlop
Dilcher Edward, farmer, Brompton
Dixon Joseph, farmer, Betton
Elsmere Thomas, farmer, Berrington
Hill Hon. and Rev. T. H. Noel, Berrington
James Rev. William J., curate, Cantlop
Jones Christiana, blacksmith, Berrington
Lateward John, wheelwright, Berrington
Lawrence William, farmer, Cantlop
Lee Richard, farmer, Brompton
Massie Richard, vict., Bell Inn, Berrington
Miere Joseph, farmer, Berrington
Millward Miss, school teacher, Berrington
Newell Edward and Son, tailors and drapers, Berrington
Onions Henry, butcher, Cross Houses
Parker Thomas, farmer, Cotons
Poole Thomas, farmer, Berrington
Rogers James, vict., Golden Cross, Cross Houses
Rowlandson Robert, governor of Atcham union house
Sides Thomas, shoemaker, Cantlop
Vickerstaff Thomas, beerseller, Cantlop
Wigley John, schoolmaster, Berrington
Whitfield Thomas, corn miller, Cantlop
William Charles Arthur, Esq., Eaton Mascot
Williams Mrs. Sarah H. H., Eaton Mascot
CONDOVER
is a considerable parish, embracing 7,422A. 3R. 21P. of land, of which
6,632 are titheable, and the remainder tithe free. In 1801 there was a
population of 1,451 souls; 1831, 1,455; and at the census in 1851 there
were 1,550 inhabitants. The parish embraces the townships and hamlets of
Condover, Dorrington, Bayston, Chatford, Boreton, Lyth, Ryton, Westley,
and Wheatall. The rectoral tithes have been commuted for £1,303. 5s. E.
W. S. Owen, Esq., is the impropriator. The vicarial tithes are commuted
for £211. 5s. The village of Condover is pleasantly situated in a
fertile vale, five miles south from Shrewsbury, on the road leading
towards Church Stretton and Ludlow. It is a place of considerable
antiquity, and retains the same name as entered in the Doomsday book.
William the Conqueror gave Condover to Roger de Montgomery, who gave the
church thereof to the abbey of Shrewsbury. Upon the attainder of the
last Earl of Shrewsbury of that family, it was seized by King Henry I.,
and continued in the hands of the crown until the 11th of Henry III.,
when that king granted it to his sister, the Princess of Wales. It was
subsequently granted to the Hastings, in whose family it continued till
the time of Edward I., when Robert Burnell, bishop of Bath and Wells,
became possessed of it by purchase. From the Burnells it passed to the
Lovells, and Lord Viscount Lovell forfeited it to the crown. King Henry
VIII. granted it to Richard Cornwell for the term of his life, and
afterwards to Henry Knyvett and his heirs male. George and John Isam,
who had the fee of this manor, sold it to Thomas Owen, Esq., whose
representative, Edward William Smythe Owen, Esq., a considerable
landowner in this neighbourhood, is now the proprietor, and resides at
THE HALL, an elegant mansion in the Elizabethan style of architecture,
built in the year 1598. It is surrounded by a park of considerable
extent, beautifully diversified with picturesque scenery. The Owen
family suffered much for their adherence to the royal cause during the
civil wars.
THE CHURCH, which was appropriated to the abbey of Shrewsbury, is
dedicated to St. Andrew. The living is a discharged vicarage, to which
belong all vicarial tithes and a rent charge of £69, payable out of the
Moot Hall estate. It is valued in the king’s book at £4. 14s. Edward W.
S. Owen, Esq., is the patron; incumbent, Rev. J. W. Harden.
BAYSTON HILL is a pleasantly situated village on the road from Shrewsbury
to Ludlow, partly in the parish of Condover and partly in St. Julien’s
parish. A small District Church was built here about eight years ago,
the necessary funds for which were raised by voluntary subscriptions.
The structure consists of nave and chancel, and a square tower. The
living is a perpetual curacy, enjoyed by the Rev. John Breese. Bayston
township, at the census of 1841, is returned as having 148 houses and
1,193 inhabitants; Chatford township, five houses and 29 inhabitants; and
Dorrington, 66 houses and 328 inhabitants. The above townships comprise
the whole parish.
CHARITIES.—_Thomas Owen_, justice of the Common Pleas, in 1598 charged
certain lands, at Great Ryton, with the payment of 53s. yearly, and
directed a distribution of bread to be made every Sunday after divine
service. _Henry Brickdale_, in 1700, bequeathed £44, to be laid out in
land, and the proceeds expended in bread, and distributed to six poor
housekeepers every Sunday. This bequest, and certain gifts in the hands
of the parish officers of Condover and Pulverbatch, amounting in the
whole to £65. 17s. 6d. was laid out in 1709, in the purchase of a rent
charge of £2. 11s. 8d., of which £1. 5s. 10d. is applied in a
distribution of bread in Condover; 6s. 8d. is carried to the church rate,
and the remaining part of the rent charge, 20s., is given in bread among
the poor in Pulverbatch. _William Haynes_ gave £1. 6s. per annum, which
is charged on lands in Berrington. It is stated, in the Parliamentary
returns of 1786, that _Mr. Owen_ left land for bread to the poor, then
vested in the Rev. Mr. White, and producing £2. 12s. per annum. Mr.
White was the vicar of this parish, and he and his successors have always
paid this sum, which, with the above, is added to the bread charity.
_Henry Haynes_, in 1659, left a rent charge of 26s. per annum, issuing
out of land at Netley, for the benefit of the poor. The owner of this
property, Mr. Hope, in the year 1800, sold it to Mr. Edwards; but the
charge was accidentally omitted to be mentioned in the conveyance, and
Mr. Hope continues to pay the rent charge. _Richard Plumer_ in 1811,
bequeathed £50, in trust, the interest to be distributed on Christmas day
yearly. This money is placed in the Salop bank, and the proceeds
expended in bread for the poor. _Benjamin Price_, in 1797, gave the poor
of the parish of Condover £50, to be given in bread; one-half exclusively
to such poor as should reside in Dorrington, without regard to what
parish they should belong. He also gave to the churchwardens and
overseers of Condover, £500 stock three per cent. consols, in trust, to
receive the interest, and purchase bread therewith for the most
distressed poor, one-third of which interest, or £5 per annum, he
directed should be yearly laid out exclusively for poor persons residing
in Dorrington; and the remaining two-thirds in like manner for the poor
residing in the remaining part of the parish. The sum of £50 above
mentioned, was given away soon after the testator’s death. The dividends
of the £500 stock ore applied in the purchase of bread, and given away on
two different days in the year. _Joseph Pryce_, in 1824, directed his
executors to invest £200, free of legacy duty, in public stock, and to
apply the dividends thereof, as the same should from time to time be
received, in providing a competent person to superintend the education of
poor children residing at Dorrington. This sum of £200 was laid out
together with the like sum belonging to the chapelry, in purchasing £453.
16s. 3d. stock, in the three per cent. consols, immediately after the
testator’s death. The share of the dividends applicable to this charity,
amounting to £6. 16s. 1d. annually, is paid to a person who keeps a
school at Dorrington, who in respect thereof, teaches six or eight
children without any charge. It is stated on the table of benefactions
that Edward Owen left 12d. weekly to the poor. The churchwardens used to
receive this charity at Condover Hall, but it does not appear that
anything has been paid in respect of this charity since the year 1804.
_Benjamin Hodges_ gave £10 for the benefit of the poor, this sum was in
the hands of the churchwardens, who paid 8s. yearly previous to the year
1805, since which nothing has been paid in respect of this charity.
_John Reynolds_ left £50, the interest to be given by the churchwardens
among the poor. In 1786 this sum was vested in the overseers, who paid
£2 per annum as the interest. The same interest was paid by the
overseers to the churchwardens up to the year 1829. In that year the
church was broken open and the communion plate stolen; and it was agreed,
at a vestry, that the sum of £50 owing by the overseers to the
churchwardens should be called in and laid out in the purchase of plate,
which was accordingly done. The parishioners contend that this was money
lent by the churchwardens to the overseers, out of the rents of the
church lands, but as there is no entry in the churchwardens accounts to
justify such a notion, it appears to us more likely to have been the
produce of Reynolds’ charity, which was in the hands of the overseers in
1786, and which is not otherwise accounted for.
There are two parcels of land in the parish of Condover, which forms what
is called the Church Estate, one parcel containing 6A. 3R. 23P. is
situate in the township of Dorrington, and the other containing 8A. 2R.
29P. is situate at Mount Sion, in the same parish. These lands were
originally given for the reparations of the church, and other things
thereto appertaining. The land at Dorrington is let for £22 per annum,
and the land at Mount Sion at the yearly rent of £9. The amount is
applied by the churchwardens to the general purpose of a church rate.
CONDOVER, BAYSTON, BORETON, CHATFORD, LYTH, RYTON, WESTLEY, AND WHEATHALL
DIRECTORIES.
Bowen John, shoemaker, Wheathall
Boyer Thomas, maltster, Condover
Bromley John, farmer, Bomere
Bromley William, farmer, Boreton
Brwyne Richard, wheelwright, Ryton
Carter John, rope maker, Lyth
Cloud John, maltster, Ryton
Crowe Mr. Henry, The Syche, Ryton
Davies John, wheelwright and beerseller, Bayston
Deakin Benjamin, grocer, Condover
Downes Edward, farmer, Weathall
Edmonds Edward, farmer, Lyth
Edmonds Thomas, farmer, Chatford
Edmonds Thomas, farmer, Lyth
Everall Miss Martha, Condover
Ferriday William, farmer, Condover
Frank Thomas, farmer, The Grange
Gittings Thomas, shopkeeper, Bayston
Goff Harriett, farmer, Chatford
Goff John, farmer, Westley
Gough Thomas, shoemaker, Condover
Hampton George, farmer, The Grove, Condover
Hampton Thomas, farmer, Condover
Hancocks Richard, bricklayer, Condover
Harden Rev. J. W., vicar, Condover
Hartshorn John, tin plate worker, Bayston
Heighway Mr. William, Ryton
Hickman Thomas, farmer, Ryton
Hotchkiss John, farmer, Condover
Hotchkiss Richard, farmer, Condover
Holden William, farmer, Bayston
Howells John, blacksmith, Bayston
Hughes Thomas, farmer, Ryton
Humphreys Mrs. Elizabeth, Condover
Hussey Richard, tailor, Condover
Jones George, maltster and shoemaker, Bayston
Jones Richard, farmer, Lyth
Jones William W., farmer, Wheathall
Jones William, schoolmaster, Condover
Loxdale John, Esq., solicitor, Lyth
Lucas John, farm bailiff, Ryton
Mansell Elizabeth, vict., Three Fishes, Condover
Meire Joseph, farmer, Norton
Millington Richard, surgeon, Ryton Fields
Millman Thomas, blacksmith, Condover
Morgan Thomas, farmer, Westley
Owen Edward William Smythe, Esq., Condover Hall
Olliver John, farmer, Bayston
Pincher Richard, wheelwright, Bayston
Probert Samuel, grocer, Wheathall
Roberts Thomas, farmer, Condover
Rogers Richard, butcher, Condover
Russell Mr. William, Ryton
Stewart Robert, Esq., Ryton Grove
Thomas Mrs. Ann, Condover
Thomas John, farmer, Ryton
Thomas William, saddler, Condover
Watters Miss Jane, Condover
Wilcox Philip, gentleman, Condover
Williams John, parish clerk, Condover
Wood Benjamin, vict., Condover Arms
Wood Richard, farmer, Pigeon Door
Wycherley George, painter & glazier, Bayston
DORRINGTON
is a township and improving village in the parish of Condover, six and a
half miles N. from Church Stretton, and seven miles S. from Shrewsbury,
having in 1841 66 houses and 328 inhabitants. It is expected a railway
station will be formed at Dorrington, on the Shrewsbury and Hereford line
of railway, now in course of formation, which will no doubt add greatly
to the importance of the place. A new District Church has been erected
at Dorrington; it exhibits the early English style of architecture, and
contains about 300 sittings, the greater part of which are free. Its
simple and unassuming exterior harmonises well with the retired and
pastoral character of the surrounding country, and forms a very
picturesque object from every point of view. It is built of free stone,
and consists of nave, chancel, and transepts, with a tower surmounted
with pinnacles. The interior decorations are neat and appropriate, and
it has a groined roof; a vestry has since been added. The church was
built by John Thomas Hope, Esq., at an expense of £3,000, and endowed
with the sum of £3,800 by the same individual. An elegant and spacious
parsonage house, commanding a beautiful and extensive view of the Lawley,
Caradoc, and Longmynd hills, has since been erected by the munificence of
the same respected gentleman, at a cost of £1,800. The living is a
perpetual curacy enjoyed by the Rev. George Masters, M.A. The district
embraces 545 acres. Convenient schools have also been erected in the
village. Edward W. Smythe Owen, Esq., is lord of the manor. John Thomas
Hope, Esq., and Mr. George Heyward, are the principal landowners. The
Independents have a small chapel in the village; the congregation is
under the pastoral care of the Rev. J. Beynon.
Beynon Rev. J. (Independent)
Bromley Thomas, farmer
Cavill John, nurseryman and seedsman
Clayton Francis, maltster
Cloud Samuel, schoolmaster
Crumpton Jonathan, brazier and tin plate worker
Evans Eleanor, agricultural implement maker
Evason Thomas, butcher
Farmer Thomas, maltster and vict., Grey Hound Inn
Farr James, cooper
Heighway Philip, saddler & harness maker
Heighway Thomas, vict., Cock Inn
Heyward George, farmer, Walford House
Hope John Thomas, Esq., Netley Hall
Hughes Thomas, plumber and glazier
Jones John, tailor
Jones Mr. Thomas
Jones Mrs. Mary
Maddox John, farmer
Masters Rev. George, M.A., Parsonage
Morgan John, draper and grocer
Pugh Thomas, blacksmith
Shakeshaft Mr. Edward
Snaxton Edward, maltster
Taylor Thomas, beerhouse keeper
Tedstone Richard, boot and shoemaker
Turner Edward, vict., Horse Shoe Inn
COUND
is a parish and small village delightfully situated six miles S.S.E. from
Shrewsbury, and six miles N.W. from Much Wenlock. The township contains
1,406 acres of land, and in 1841 had 107 houses and 511 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £2,006. Mrs. Thursby is the principal landowner and lady
of the manor. The church is an ancient structure, consisting of nave,
chancel, and side aisles, with a tower, in which is a peal of bells. It
contains several monuments, one of which remembers Edward Cressett, D.D.,
bishop of Llandaff, who died February 13th, 1755. The pulpit exhibits an
elaborate specimen of oak carving. The living is a rectory with the
chapelry of Cressage annexed, valued in the king’s book at £33, now
returned at £906. The patronage is vested in Mrs. Thursby; incumbent,
Rev. Henry Thursby, M.A.
HARNAGE is a scattered village containing some respectable residences,
one and a half miles S.E. from Cound: the township contains 1,642 acres
of land, the principal owner of which is John Thomas Smytheman Edwards,
Esq.; the population returns are included in Cound. Rateable value,
£1,854. 6s.
GOLDING is an estate of 385 acres, the property of the Earl of Liverpool.
It is rated as a separate township in the parish books at £441. There
was however no distinct return of it as a separate township at the census
of 1841.
CHARITIES.—_Thomas Langley_, in 1694, left a rent charge of £2. 10s. per
annum for a distribution of bread every Sunday in the year except two,
“for which two Sundays better provision was made.” _Thomas Bishop_, in
1768, bequeathed to the minister and churchwardens of Cound £20, the
interest to be given in penny loaves to the churchwardens on Sunday
mornings. A further sum of £60, supposed to have been left by a person
of the name of _Sicke_, for the benefit of the poor of the parish, with
the above £20, was laid out in the purchase of £102. 4s. 9d. stock, three
per cent consols. _Mr. Dodd_, in 1774, left £20, the interest to be
distributed in bread to the poor. There is a sum of £100, three per cent
consols, standing in the name of John Dodson Esq., which was purchased
with £50, a legacy left by _Richard Dutton_, to poor housekeepers, and
£10. 2s. 6d. added by John Dodson Esq.; of the dividends 30s. are
distributed in Cressage and an equal amount among the poor of Cound.
_Richard Cheese_, in 1808, bequeathed £50 in trust, and directed the
interest to be distributed in bread to the poor on Christmas day. This
bequest was subsequently invested in the purchase of £65. 18s., three per
cent consols.
_Marked_ 1 _reside at Cound_, 2 _Harnage_.
1 Thursby Mrs. Frances, The Hall
1 Thursby Rev. Henry, M.A., rector
1 Bowen Edward, schoolmst
2 Brazener Miss Ann
1 Burd Rev. George
2 Clayton Martha, farmer
2 Clayton William, farmer
2 Corbett Rev. Robert, curate
2 Cuckson John, vict., Fox Inn
1 Farmer Mr. Joseph
2 Granger Edward, farmer
Hill Richard, farmer, Golding Hall
2 Horton Thomas, farmer
1 Linell, George, farmer
1 Meire Thomas L., farmer
2 Norris John, farmer, Mosterley
1 Price John, farmer
1 Price Richard, farmer
1 Richards John, farmer
2 Woodcock Richard, farmer
CRESSAGE
is a chapelry in the parish of Cound, four miles N.W. from Much Wenlock,
and eight miles S.E. from Shrewsbury. The village is delightfully
situated near the Severn, in a fertile district, beautifully diversified
with picturesque scenery. The township contains 1,900 acres of land, the
gross estimated rental of which is £2,393. 12s. 3d. Rateable value,
£1,995. 19s. 4d. At the census in 1841 here were 63 houses and 297
inhabitants. The principal landowners are the Duke of Cleveland, Sir
George Harnage, Bart., and William Morris, Esq. Cressage is supposed to
have derived its name from a venerable oak of gigantic proportions which
stands near the village. Some time ago a fire was kindled in the hollow
of the tree, by which it was greatly injured and nearly destroyed; it is
supported by iron cramps, and there is now flourishing in the midst of
the tree a young oak, raised from an acorn of the old tree. It was
formerly called Christ’s Ache, Ache being the Saxon word for oak, and
eventually became corrupted to Cressage. The shade of spreading trees we
often find were chosen by the early missionaries as preaching places for
the propagation of the Christian faith. Hence we have Bishop’s Oak,
Postle’s Oak, and at Cressage, Christ’s Oak. THE CHAPEL OF EASE is a
small unadorned structure, subordinate to the church of Cound. It was
built in 1841 at a cost of £1,400, and contains 260 sittings. The funds
were raised by voluntary subscriptions and grants from the government and
diocesan church building societies. The original structure was situated
in a meadow a short distance from the village, and from its dampness and
dilapidated condition was totally unfit for divine worship. The Rev.
George Burd is the curate.
This village is celebrated as the birth place of Thomas Lodge, who
settled in London as a grocer, accumulated great wealth, and rose to the
civic honour of Lord Mayor of London in the year 1562. BALSWARDYNE HALL
is a handsome mansion, the seat and property of Sir George Harnage,
Bart.; the estate comprises 750 acres, and is partly in this chapelry,
and also extends into the liberties of Wenlock, Leighton, and Harley. It
was purchased by the ancestor of the present proprietor in the year 1541.
By indenture bearing date January 13th, 1672, it was agreed on the part
of the churchwardens and overseers of the parish of Cound, that 20s.
yearly should be paid to the churchwardens and overseers of Cressage, as
their proportion of the yearly produce of a legacy therein stated to have
been left for the benefit of the poor, by the will of Dame Ann Eldred in
the year 1671. Nothing appears to be known of this charity either in the
parish of Cound, or in the chapelry of Cressage.
Harnage Sir George, Bart., Balswardyne
Brazier William, shopkeeper
Brookes Andrew G., surgeon
Carrington Margaret, vict., Crown Inn
Cross Decima, farmer
Dodson George, farmer
Dorricutt William, tailor, and post office
Edwards John, farmer, The Buildings
Hudson Edward, farmer
James William, joiner and shopkeeper
Langley Mr. Samuel
Lewis William, farmer
Mullard Edward, blacksmith
Mullard Michael, blacksmith and shopkeeper
Pinkey Joseph, farmer
Rogers Thomas, shoemaker
Studley Edward, Esq.
Tudor Joseph, butcher
Wild Sarah, vict., Eagle Inn
Williams Robert, saddler and harness maker
CHURCH PREEN,
sometimes called Preen Church, is a parish and small rural village five
miles W. by S. from Much Wenlock. The parish contains 1,026 acres of
land, the principal owners of which are F. T. Webster, Esq., and the Rev.
Samuel Minton. In the year 1801 here were 84 inhabitants; 1831, 75, and
in 1841, 17 houses and 101 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,026. 18s. 6d.
Here was formerly a small cell of cluniac monks, subordinate to the
priory of Wenlock. “In the 29th of Edward I., the cell of Preene was
holden of the lords of Holgod, and that on a vacancy the lords of that
castle had the custody of the same, and the prior of Wenlock in such a
vacancy presented the custodes to the lords of Holgod, who being so
presented received the temporalities.” THE CHURCH is remarkable for its
length, and the chancel, which belongs to the lay impropriators, occupies
more than half the space. It is situated close to the hall, and indeed
the walls are so incorporated as to form a part of the mansion. The
living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of F. T. Webster, Esq., and
enjoyed by the Rev. Robert Armitage. No tithe or rent charge is paid to
the perpetual curate, but a small modus is due from the landowners, and
the living is also endowed with £800 royal bounty, and £200 parliamentary
grant. THE MANOR HOUSE or HALL, an ancient mansion, originally formed
part of the cell above noticed, is now the residence and property of
Frederick T. Webster, Esq. The main portion of the land in this parish
lies upon a sunny slope, the high grounds of which command some extensive
and beautiful prospects. It is generally thought that coal abounds
beneath the soil in this parish.
DIRECTORY.—Frederick T. Webster, Esq., The Hall. _Farmers_, John Aslop,
John Dixon, John Everall Newhouse, and Edward Madeley.
CHURCH PULVERBATCH,
usually called CHURTON, is a parish and small rural village 7½ miles
S.S.W. from Shrewsbury, and about half a mile from the turnpike road
leading from Bishop’s Castle to the former town. The village is
delightfully situated, and commands a most extensive and beautiful
prospect over thousand of acres of land, with a fine undulating surface
teeming with fruitfulness; the majestic Wrekin, Caradoc, and the Lawley
are seen in the distance, and give an additional charm to the scene. The
parish contains the townships of Church Pulverbatch or Churton, Castle
Pulverbatch, Cothercott, Wilderley, and Wrentnall. In 1801 here were 439
inhabitants; 1831, 557, and in 1841, 543. Acres, 3,583. Pulverbatch was
formerly a place of some consequence, and had a weekly market. We find
Philip Marmyn in the 38th of Henry III. obtained a charter for a market
to be held on a Monday, and a fair on the eve, the day, and the morrow of
St. Edith. An annual fair is still held on September 27th, but the
market has long been obsolete. A short distance south from the village
formerly stood a castle, the site of which may still be traced. In the
6th of King John, William de Cantilupe was governor of this castle. It
was afterwards the seat of the Botelers, and was a place of great
strength. The escheat roll of the 6th of Henry VI., makes mention of a
free chapel belonging to the castle, in the patronage of Edward le
Botiler. THE CHURCH is an ancient structure dedicated to St. Edith. The
living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £10. 13s. 4d., now
returned at £566 in the patronage of Lord Kenyon; incumbent, Rev. George
C. Guise. The township of Churton or Church Pulverbatch at the census in
1841 contained twenty houses and ninety inhabitants. The Hon. H. W.
Powis is the principal landowner and lord of the manor.
CHARITIES.—The poor of this parish have 20s. yearly from Henry
Brickdale’s charity, noticed with Condover. It appears the poor of this
parish are entitled to receive 6s. more in respect of this charity, the
division at present made between this parish and Condover not being
according to the directions of the donor. _Ann Jaundrell_, in 1777, left
by will £20, the interest to be expended in bread for the poor. This
gift was subsequently laid out in pewing the church, and a yearly sum of
20s. is paid by the parish as the interest thereof. The bread is
distributed on St. Thomas’s-day. _James Perkins_, by his will, bearing
date 11th July, 1790, charged his tenement and farm at Marton, in the
parish of Chirbury, with the payment of £1. 6s. per annum to the minister
for the time being of Church Pulverbatch, in trust, to lay out the same
in the purchase of bread to be distributed every Sunday to six decayed
widows, who should attend divine service at the church. There is a
distribution of bread every alternate Sunday, with this gift and
Brickdale’s charity, among the most necessitous poor. _Richard Perkins_,
who died in 1798, left £1. 6s., charged upon his estate at Church
Pulverbatch, to be distributed to the poor on New Year’s-day. The 26s.
is annually expended in bread and given on the above day among the most
deserving poor.
Bowen George, schoolmaster
Bradley John, shoemaker
Gittins Abraham, saddler
Gittins Richard, farmer
Guise Rev. George Clifford, The Rectory
Madewell Rev. Mr.
Oakley John, farmer
Rowson Orlando, butcher
Tibbey Richard, farmer
Woodcock Samuel, farmer and maltster
CASTLE PULVERBATCH
is a small village and township in the parish of Church Pulverbatch,
pleasantly situated on the high road from Shrewsbury to Bishop’s Castle,
nine miles S.S.W. from the former place, and eleven miles N.E. from the
latter. The township contains 994 acres of land, and in 1841 here were
36 houses and 154 inhabitants. Rateable value, £912. 12s. 10d.
DIRECTORY.—Thomas Bromley, farmer; John Brunt, farmer and vict., White
Horse Inn; John Clare, vict., Woodcock Inn; The Misses Gilpin; Thomas
Jordan, shoemaker; Humphrey Roberts, blacksmith; John Savage, maltster.
COTHERCUTT
is a township with a few scattered houses, delightfully situated in a
hilly district, commanding pleasing views of the surrounding country; the
air is peculiarly dry and salubrious, and the situation is one of a
retired and pastoral character. Not far from here is Stiperstone Hill,
which rises an immense height, and is seen at a considerable distance.
Upon this hill are several great heaps of stones, close together, called
by the Britons _Carneddan tewion_. It is uncertain whether these were
some of those alluded to by Giraldus Cambrensis in these words, “The last
Harold on foot with a company of foot soldiers lightly armed, and
furnished with such provisions as the country produced for them, went
over all Wales, and made his way through it in so brave a manner that he
left very few alive. In token and perpetual memory of this victory, you
will find in Wales many heaps of stones, according to the ancient custom
of the places where he gained an advantage, with these letters inscribed
on them:—‘_Hic fuit victor Haraldus_; Here Harold was victorious.’”
Cothercutt is situated eleven miles S.W. from Shrewsbury, and the
township contains 560 acres of land. In 1841 here were six houses and 33
inhabitants.
The resident farmers are David Clayton, John Smith, and William Woodcock.
WILDERLEY
township lies about a mile from Church Pulverbatch, and ten miles S.W.
from Shrewsbury. It contains 671 acres of land, the rateable value of
which is £659. 1s. 4d. In 1841 here were 11 houses and 71 inhabitants.
The principal residents are the following farmers, viz., James Ambler,
Richard Dovaston, Joshua Roderick, and Thomas Jarratt.
WRENTNALL,
a township with 927 acres of land, is situated about a mile N.W. from
Church Pulverbatch; the scenery around is beautifully picturesque, and
the situation one of quiet retirement. In 1841 here were 38 houses and
195 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,195. 8s. The Baptists have a small
place of worship in the village. James Freme, Esq., is the principal
landowner in this township, and resides at an elegant mansion most
delightfully situated on elevated ground, commanding views of great
diversity and beauty.
The principal residents are James Freme, Esq.; John Breese, farmer; and
Benjamin Burgwin, farmer.
FRODESLEY
is a parish and village, eight miles south-east from Shrewsbury,
containing 2,188 acres of land, and in 1841 had 39 houses and 214
inhabitants: population in 1801, 158; in 1831, 186. Rateable value,
£2,322. 7s. 6d. This parish is bounded on the south by one of the
Frodesley hills, which form a connecting link between the Caradoc,
Lawley, and the Wrekin. Though it possesses little to recommend it to
the notice of the antiquarian, it is a parish of ancient date, being
mentioned in the Doomsday Survey as held by one Siward, a freeman; the
manor is subsequently inserted among the fees of Philip Burnel. The
principal landowners are Sir E. J. Smythe, Bart., and Panton Corbet, Esq.
The Roman Watling street runs for about two miles through this parish, in
a line with the present turnpike road from Atcham to Church Stretton.
The Hall is an ancient structure in the Elizabethan style, of rough
stone, with dressed quoins and mullions. It was formerly the residence
of Colonel Scriven, a staunch adherent to King Charles I. THE LODGE is
of a later date, partaking somewhat of the same style as the hall, and
was formerly surrounded by a well-wooded and picturesque park. About the
year 1780 it was inhabited by Godolphin Edwardes, Esq., then the
possessor of the greater part of Frodesley. THE CHURCH dedicated to St.
Mark, a plain structure, was rebuilt in 1809. The interior is neat, and
the chancel was recently entirely refitted and decorated with much taste
by the present incumbent. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s
book at £4. 14s., now returned at £392, in the patronage of the Rev. T.
L. Gleadowe, M.A., the present rector. The rectory is a commodious house
delightfully situated and surrounded with shrubberies and pleasure
grounds tastefully laid out. Major Herbert Edwardes, C.B., was born at
the rectory, whose father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were
severally rectors of Frodesley. A few years ago a coal mine was worked
for a short period, but the bed of coal being very thin and of an
inferior quality it was closed.
CHARITIES.—There is in the parish of Frodesley a slip of land containing
about one acre, formerly a part of the waste which is supposed to have
been given for the use of the poor by Godolphen Edwardes, Esq., who was
lord of the manor. _Thomas Scriven_ left £5 for the benefit of the poor.
This sum was expended in the reparations of the church some time ago, and
the churchwardens pay 5s. yearly as the interest. The _Rev. Francis
Edwardes_, rector of Frodesley, who died in the year 1767, left £20 for
the benefit of the poor. These gifts are distributed by the rector among
the most necessitous parishioners.
DIRECTORY.—Rev. Peter Downward, Longnor Green; Rev. Thomas L. Gleadowe,
M.A., The Rectory. _Farmers_: Thomas Brereton, Frodesley Park; Richard
Deakin, Edward Francis, Richard Hotchkiss, William Ison, and brick, tile,
and draining pipe maker; William Jones, William Keight, The Lodge; Edmund
Meredith, Frodesley Farm; and John Morgan.
HARLEY
is a parish and village, two miles north-west from Much Wenlock, and ten
miles south-east from Shrewsbury, containing 1,955 acres of fertile land,
the most considerable owner of which is the Duke of Cleveland, who is
also lord of the manor. Sir W. W. Wynne, Bart., Samuel Meire, Esq., and
Francis Oakes, Esq., are also proprietors. The soil is various, and
wheat is grown here to a large extent. There are several plots of land
of different dimensions in the vicinity of Harley that are in the parish
of Wenlock, although surrounded by land in the parish of Harley. The
parish in 1801 contained 221 inhabitants; 1831, 257; and in 1841, 219; at
which time there were 47 houses. Rateable value, £1,828. 8s. 4d.; gross
estimated rental, £2,070. 8s. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, has a
handsome tower in the perpendicular style of architecture, the nave and
chancel were rebuilt in 1846 by subscriptions, the greater part of which
was contributed by the Duke of Cleveland, and the present incumbent. The
interior has a neat and chaste appearance, and the east and west windows
are beautified with stained glass, the gift of the late Rev. R. Scott,
B.D. The living is a rectory in the patronage of the Duke of Cleveland,
valued in the king’s book at £5. 12s. 1d., now returned at £290.;
incumbent, Rev. John Gibbons, M.A. The pious and celebrated Benjamin
Jenks held the rectory of Harley for 56 years; he was author of “Prayers
and Devotions for Families,” a work at one time very popular. A neat
monument has been erected to his memory in the chancel, he died in 1734,
aged seventy-eight years. There is a monumental stone slab with brass
ornaments and an inscription in the old English characters in the vestry,
which was formerly placed over a vault in the church. The Rectory is a
commodious residence pleasantly situated near the church, which from the
east commands a picturesque view of Wenlock Edge, the beauty of which is
much increased by an elegant pyramidal monument in the church yard.
There are 46 acres of glebe land, 36 acres of which are situated
contiguous to the rectory. Harley was the birth place of Silas Domville,
one of the parliamentary committee in the time of the great rebellion.
He was a lover of antiquities, and had some curious manuscripts.
_Richard Corfield_, by will 1715, gave to the poor of the parish of
Harley the sum of £20, the interest to be distributed on St. Andrew’s
day. This legacy when the charity commissioners published their report,
was in the hands of Richard Woofe, who paid interest at the rate of four
per cent.
Adney G., farmer & maltster
Bailey Adam, maltster
Bailey Thomas, farmer
Cartwright Mary, farmer
Cartwright Richard, farmer
Casewell William, shoemakr
Davies Richard, farmer and corn miller
Gibbons Rev. John, M.A., The Rectory
Gwinn William, wheelwright
Langford Richard, victualler, Unicorn Inn
Macham William, corn miller
Maddox John, farmer
Meire Samuel, farmer, Castle hill
Partridge Mr. Thomas, Harley Tower
Roberts Robert, blacksmith
Runners Thomas, farmer, Blakeway
Worrall Wm., farmer, Cressage
KENLEY
is a small parish and village with a scattered population four miles W.
from Much Wenlock, which in 1801 contained 300 inhabitants; 1831, 281,
and in 1841 there were 62 houses and a population of 294 souls. The
parish comprises 1,794 acres of land, some of it tolerably good and
others of an indifferent quality. Gross estimated rental, £1,305. 4s.
Rateable value, £992. 1s. The Duke of Cleveland is lord of the manor,
and owner of the whole parish. The tithes are commuted for the sum of
£170. The church is an ancient structure, much dilapidated. The living
is a rectory in the diocese of Coventry and Lichfield, and deanery of
Salop, returned at £131 in the patronage of the Duke of Cleveland, and
incumbency of the Rev. H. R. Slade.
DIRECTORY.—_Farmers_, Ann Bailey, Thomas Bailey, Richard Bishop,
Elizabeth Blakeway, Thomas Bryan, Richard Crowther, Thomas Evans, Thomas
Hall, Henry Hamlet, Thomas Jarvis, and Edward Pattin; John Jarratt,
blacksmith
LEEBOTWOOD,
a small parish and village on the road from Church Stretton to
Shrewsbury, four miles N.N.E. from the former place, contains 1,294 acres
of land, and in 1801 had 81 inhabitants; 1831, 223, and in 1841, 39
houses and 214 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,574. 18s. Panton
Corbett, Esq., and W. Whitmore, Esq., are the landowners. The
industrious poor of this locality find employment in the coal works, and
the manufacture of bricks, which is carried forward in this parish. The
church is an unadorned structure of considerable antiquity, dedicated to
St. Mary, and consists of nave and chancel, with a small tower. The view
from the church-yard is beautiful and extensive, including the celebrated
Caer Caradoc hill. The living is a perpetual curacy, with the chapel of
Longnor annexed, endowed with £200 private benefaction, and £600 royal
bounty. The living is valued in the king’s book at £8. 1s., now returned
at £135 in the patronage of Panton Corbett, Esq.; incumbent, Rev. Waties
Corbett, M.A. The tithes were commuted in 1839 for £104. 9s. 8d. The
poor of this parish are entitled to participate the benefits of the
charities of Sir Richard Corbett, which will be found noticed with
Longnor parish.
DIRECTORY.—John Dickins, blacksmith; William Dodd, vict., The Pound Inn;
Thomas Everall, farmer, The Park; William Heighway, farmer; Mary Lee,
farmer; Richard Preen, shopkeeper; James Smith, coal master, and brick,
tile, and draining pipe manufacturer; Thomas Wigley, carpenter.
LONGNOR
is a parish and small rural village in a well wooded and fertile country,
the prospects of which are enlivened by rich pastoral landscape, rendered
more delightful by its contrast with the majestic Carodoc and other
hills. The village lies on the road from Shrewsbury to Ludlow, eight
miles S. from the former place, and five miles N.N.E. from Church
Stretton. The parish contains 790 acres of land, which is chiefly the
property of Panton Corbett, Esq., who is also lord of the manor, and
resides at Longnor Hall, a handsome brick mansion, built in the year
1670, by Sir Richard Corbett; the situation commands several fine views,
and the pleasure grounds are tastefully laid out. The population of
Longnor in 1801 was 177; in 1831, 244, and in 1841 there were 53 houses
and 243 inhabitants. The church is a small structure situated in the
park, with lancet windows, exhibiting the style of architecture prevalent
during the 12th century. It was formerly a free chapel belonging to the
abbey of Haughmond. The living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of
Panton Corbett, Esq., and enjoyed by the Rev. Waties Corbett, chancellor
of Hereford.
_Sir Richard Corbett_, by his will, dated 19th of November, 1764, devised
for a term of 900 years, all his lands and tenements, on trust, among
other things by sale or mortgage, to raise £100, and lay out the same on
government or other security, and dispose of the interest yearly among
the necessitous poor of Longnor. And upon further trust to raise in the
same manner £700, and to apply of the interest yearly on the 24th of
April £12 yearly among three industrious young or decayed tradesmen,
actual housekeepers and shopkeepers, carrying on business and residing in
the county of Salop, in equal shares, such persons to be appointed by the
owner of the testator’s capital mansion at Longnor, and the residue to be
disposed of yearly in clothing six poor boys and six poor girls of
Longnor, Cardington, Leebotwood, and Frodesley. The testator also gave
the further sum of £200, the interest to be disposed of in the
instruction of poor children in the township of Longnor; and also such
poor children of the tenants as should he thought proper objects in the
parishes of Leebotwood, Cardington, and Frodesley. All the above
legacies remain charged upon the estates of the testator, now in the
possession of Panton Corbett, Esq., who pays the yearly interest, for the
objects specified in the testator’s will.
_George Corbett_, by will, dated 5th of December, 1664, bequeathed £50,
and directed the interest to be applied in clothing two poor persons. In
a memorandum containing an account of the legacies and public money
belonging to Longnor, the above legacy and the following gifts are
noticed, viz.:—£2 given by a maiden relation of William Longford;
Humphrey Corbett £3; Francis Walker £5; Mrs. Anne Corbett £20; Miss
Elizabeth Corbett £10. It is understood that these sums are in the hands
of the owner of the estate at Longnor, and that instead of paying
interest yearly in respect thereof, four or five poor persons of the
parish are permitted to occupy certain cottages rent free. The five
cottages now occupied in this manner are valued at £13. 10s. per annum.
The poor have also a yearly sum of 10s., bequeathed by Edward Bayley.
Corbett Panton, Esq., Longnor Hall
Corbett Rev. Waties, Longnor Bank
Carter Thomas, builder
Dayus Samuel, farmer, maltster, & veterinary surgeon
Edwards John, shoemaker
Everall Charles, shopkeeper
Everall Richard, farmer
Heighway Thomas, farmer
Hamilton Mrs.
Pugh Thomas, blacksmith
Scott Richard, farmer
Thomas Edward, corn miller
Wigley Richard, butcher
Wigley William, wheelwright
Wilcox Thomas, farmer
MEOLE BRACE
is a populous and delightful village situated about a mile S. from
Shrewsbury, and indeed may be considered a suburb to that town, as there
is a continuation of pleasing villas and good residences, occupied by
gentlemen and tradesmen, who have by the exertions of honest industry
acquired a tolerable share of the conveniences and comforts of this life,
scattered on the road from Shrewsbury to the church at Meole. The best
situation for viewing this pleasing village is perhaps on the bank, just
on crossing the bridge. In the front is the little bridge thrown over
the Rea brook, which meanders through the rich meadows, covered with
fruitfulness and studded with plantations. The quiet requirement of
Meole, with the church embosomed in foliage, and a distant prospect of
Shrewsbury, with its turrets, spires, and a pleasing variety of objects,
adds much to the picturesque beauty of the scene. The parish of Meole
embraces the townships of Newton and Edgbold, Nobold, part of Pulley, and
also extends into the borough of Shrewsbury, and in 1801 comprised 1,253
inhabitants; 1831, 1207, and in 1841 there were 209 houses and 1,195
inhabitants. There are 2,487A. 1R. 34P. of land in the parish. Rateable
value, £7,375. 15s. The landowners in Meole are Mrs. Bather, Hon. Henry
Wentworth Powis, James Loxdale, Esq., George Jeffreys, Esq., and others;
the former is lady of the manor. THE CHURCH, dedicated to All Saints, is
a neat brick cruciform structure, with a short tower at the west end. It
stands on the site of an ancient edifice taken down in the year 1799.
The living is a vicarage valued in the king’s book at £5, now returned at
£389 in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. Edward Bather. There is
a NATIONAL SCHOOL in the village, which was built by the late Ven.
Archdeacon Bather. It is supported by voluntary subscriptions and a
small charge from each scholar; 120 boys and girls are educated in the
school. John Davies is the teacher. The rectoral tithes, not purchased
by the landowners, are commuted for £24. 1s. 6d., and the vicarial for
£196. 19s. 1d. A neat almshouse has recently been erected upon an
elevated plot of land near the turnpike road. It is a brick structure
with stone finishings, and was built with funds bequeathed by the late
Mr. Evans, who also bequeathed certain funds for the endowment. There
are nine poor widows inmates; each poor person has a convenient low room
and a bed room, with a small plot of garden ground, and an allowance of
eight pound per annum. There is a respectable inn and BOWLING GREEN kept
by Mrs. Vicars, which is frequented by the tradesmen from Shrewsbury, who
here spend a pleasant evening’s relaxation from business. There are
collieries at Nobold and some other places, but no coal has been got at
Meole for the last four years. The House of Industry noticed with the
account of Shrewsbury stands within the bounds of this parish. There was
formerly a castle at Meole, which in early times was the residence of the
Mackworths; there are no vestiges of the structure left.
Andrews Thomas, farmer
Andrews William, farmer
Badger Joseph, beerseller
Badger Thomas J., Esq., solicitor, Kingsland House
Bather Rev. Edwd., vicarage
Bather Mrs. Mary
Blunt Mr. Henry
Bromley Robert, beerseller
Bullock Thomas, tailor
Burr George, lead merchant, Kingsland
Burr Thomas William, lead merchant, Kingsland
Craig Mrs. Elizabeth, Severn hill
Davies John, schoolmaster and assistant overseer
Darlington Thomas, shoe maker and parish clerk
Edwardes Lady
Edwards Mrs.
Evans Mr. John
Evans Mrs. Martha
Ford Mrs. Ann
Griffiths Thomas, butcher
Hale Miss Elizabeth
Hayward George, tailor
Hiles Timothy, corn miller
Hilditch Mrs.
Holbrook John, shoemaker
Homer Wm., land surveyor
Howells Charles, blacksmith
Hughes John, farmer and maltster
Hughes Wm., corn miller
Humphreys Rev. Henry
Jobson Thomas, farmer, Bank House
Kinaston Miss Eliza
Large Mrs. Elizabeth
Leake Mr. John, Port hill
Mancell Rev. Spencer Percival
Nevett Francis, farmer
Rowlands Benj., beerhouse
Rowlands Elizth., shopkr.
Rowlands Rd., wheelwright
Rowlands Simon, wheelwrt.
Smith John, Esq., Radbrook villa
Stephenson Mrs. Elizabeth
Vaughan Peter Fdk., farmer
Vicars Ann, vict., Bowling Green Inn
Ward Mr. Thos., Kingsland
Woodward Mr. John, Asylum
NEWTON AND EDGBOLD
is a small township in the parish of Brace Meole, about three and a half
miles W.W. by S. from the parish church. In 1841 here were ten houses
and fifty-six inhabitants; the rectoral tithes have been purchased by the
land owners; the small tithes are commuted for £69 16s. 2d. The
landowners are the Rev. Edward Bather, and George Jonathan Scott, Esq.
The residents are John Bather, Esq.; Jacob Brown, farmer and butcher;
Richard Jones, farmer; and Thomas Morris, farmer.
NOBOLD,
another township, situated west by south of Meole, and three miles from
Shrewsbury, in 1841 contained 44 houses and 187 inhabitants, the acres of
which are included with Meole; the land owners here are Robert Parr,
Esq., Mr. Berrington, William Henry Slaney, Esq., Mr. Richard Juson, the
latter is also proprietor of the Corn Mill.
DIRECTORY.—Hartshorn Barney, shoemaker; Thomas Beacall, farmer; George
Farmer, cattle dealer and farmer; Samuel Gammon, blacksmith; Elizabeth
Griffiths, farmer; John Harris, wheelwright; Edward Heath, farmer;
William Juson, farmer and corn miller, Red hill Mill; Thomas Ramsell,
vict., Cock Inn; Thomas Ramsell, shopkeeper; Thomas Ramsell, beerhouse
keeper.
PULLEY
is a township partly in Meole Brace parish, and partly in that of St.
Julian’s, in the former in 1841 there were 77 houses and 295 inhabitants;
and in the latter, three houses and 13 inhabitants. Mr. Timothy Hiles
and the Hon. Henry Wentworth Powis are the principal landowners. The
vicarial tithes are commuted for £64. 7s. 2d., and the rectoral for £63.
The principal residents are Miss Mary Flavell; James France, farmer;
Thomas Griffiths, butcher; Samuel Hiles, farmer; James Hughes, maltster
and farmer; John Mitchell, beerhouse-keeper; John Norris, farmer; Mrs.
Woolaston, farmer.
PITCHFORD
is a pleasant village, containing some genteel residences, seven miles
south from Shrewsbury. The parish contains 1,617 acres of fertile land;
and in 1801 here were 220 inhabitants; 1831, 197; and in 1841, 35 houses
and 186 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,868. 9s. Gross estimated
rental, £1,998. 5s. The Earl of Liverpool is the landowner in this
township. The name of the place arises from a spring, upon which a scum
of a bituminous nature flows. Camden compares the scum of this well with
the matter that is found in the lake Asphalites, in Palestine, and says
there is a spring of the same kind in Samasota. This place was formerly
the seat and inheritance of a family of the same name. In the 5th of
Edward I. we find John de Pycheford held the manor by the service of one
knight’s fee. The last of this family of whom we read is Ralph de
Pycheford, who, in the time of Edward I., levied a fine to Walter de
Langton, bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, and to his heirs of the
advowson of the church and of lands in Albrighton “et de maner de
Pycheford”. In the 15th of Edward II. that bishop was found to be seised
of this manor at his death. THE CHURCH is a venerable fabric, dedicated
to St. Michael, and contains a curious oaken figure in memory of a Baron
de Pycheford, a crusader, in chain armour, who was buried here. There
are also four handsome alabaster monuments to the ancient family of
Ottley. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £6. 5s.
4d., now returned at £228, in the patronage of the Earl of Liverpool, and
enjoyed by the Rev. Charles Powell Peters. PITCHFORD HALL, situated a
short distance from the church, the seat of the Earl of Liverpool, is a
fine and rare specimen of the old English mansion. The house is framed
with timber springing into a variety of forms for its support, the
interstices being filled with plaster and painted black and white. It is
exceedingly picturesque in appearance, and the grounds are beautifully
diversified and richly wooded. It was formerly the residence of the
Ottley family. William Ottley was sheriff of this county in 1499, and
again in 1513. The mansion, from its style of architecture, was probably
built about that period.
CHARITIES.—In the parliamentary returns of 1786 it is stated that _Lucy
Ottley_, by will, in 1687, gave £20, and _Sir Adam Ottley_, by will, in
1693, £50 to the poor of Pitchford, and that there was a parish stock of
£20 then vested in Thomas Ottley, Esq., in respect of which sums £5 was
paid yearly. This payment continued up to the year 1806, when Thomas
Ottley, Esq., died, and his estates became the property of the Hon. C. C.
Jenkinson, afterwards Lord Liverpool. In the year 1807 there is an entry
in the parish book of £5, received from him, “to exempt him from serving
offices,” and that the same sum was paid annually up to the year 1815
inclusive, and from that time the payment was no longer made. In a
letter written by Lord Liverpool to the rector, dated 10th March, 1830,
in answer to an application upon the subject, his lordship states that he
took no personal property from the Ottleys, and that the payment of £5
made by him for a few years after he succeeded to the estate was to
exempt him from serving the parish offices, and that when he took the
office of overseer in 1815, the payment of course ceased.
DIRECTORY.—The Right Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, Pitchford Hall; John
Durnell, surgeon; Maria Hancock, shopkeeper; George Haughton, farmer;
John Lindop, farmer, Stockbatch; Richard Lloyd, tailor; Rev. Charles
Powell Peters, The Rectory; Elizabeth Snaxton, farmer; John Turnbull,
agent to the Earl of Liverpool.
SMETHCOTT, OR SMETHCOTE,
is a parish and village pleasantly situated in a hilly country, eight and
a half miles south-west by south from Shrewsbury. The tops of the hills
have a bleak and barren aspect, but the lowlands are clothed with rich
verdure, and finely timbered, which gives the scenery a very beautiful
and picturesque appearance. A waterfall a little south from the
parsonage and the scenery in its vicinity are peculiarly attractive, and
the frequent resort of pleasure parties. The parish contains the
townships of Smethcott, Picklescott, and the hamlet of Walk Mills. In
1801 there was a population of 338 souls; 1831, 366; and in 1841, 371.
The township of Smethcott contains 1,049 acres of land, and at the census
of 1841 had 27 houses and 129 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,218. 5s.
At the Doomsday survey, Edmund held of Earl Roger Smerecote in Conodoure
hundred. In the 1st of Edward I. it was reputed among the fees belonging
to the barony of Montgomery, then in the tenure of George de Cantilupe.
In the 9th of Edward II., Edward Burnele was seized of the third of the
ville of Smethcott, with the liberty of common in the woods there, and
had 48s. 3d. issuing out of lands in that manor. Upon the attainder of
Lord Lovell, 1st of Henry VIII., Smethcott was given to the Duke of
Bedford in tail, who, dying without issue, 5th of Henry VIII., it was
granted to the Duke of Norfolk. The principal landowners now are W. W.
Whitmore, Esq., and Richard Bromley, Esq. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St.
Michael, exhibits the early English style of architecture, and was almost
re-built a few years ago. It has a neat and chaste appearance. The
expenses were defrayed by the liberality of the parishioners and the
present incumbent. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at
£4. 9s.; now returned at £276; in the patronage of the trustees of
Hulme’s charity; incumbent, Rev. R. J. Buddicom, M.A.
CHARITIES.—By indentures of lease and release, dated 30th September,
1741, _Henry Powis_, lord of the manor of Wilderley, conveyed to the
overseers of Smethcott a cottage and land on Smethcott Common, in trust,
for the sole benefit and advantage of the poor of the said parish. There
are now four cottages, with a little garden to each, and three closes,
containing about an acre and a half of ground altogether. Two of the
cottages were occupied by paupers, rent free, and the other two for three
pounds per annum each. The land is let at £4. 10s. per annum, and the
whole of the rents received are carried to the poor’s rate. All these
cottages and premises, about twenty years ago, were in the occupation of
persons who, having been long in possession, refused to pay rent, or give
them up. By the interference of the magistrates, they were obliged to
pay an acknowledgement, and afterwards a full rent was paid. It appears
from the terms in which these cottages were given, that they were
intended for the benefit of the poor, and therefore any rates received
from the premises ought to be given away in charity, and not carried to
the poor’s rate.
An entry in the parish book, dated 24th May, 1810, states, that the _Rev.
Henry Fletcher_, rector of Smethcott, had that day transferred £200 navy
five per cents, in the name of the rector, the Rev. William C. Curtis,
curate, and Mr. Prestland, his attorney, in trust for the poor of this
parish, for educating six poor children, and for relieving six of the
most necessitous poor widows. Mr. Fletcher died on the 17th of February,
1830, and the sum of £10 was paid on account of this charity by his agent
shortly after. Of the £10 received, £6 are applied in relieving the
distressed poor, and £4 in educating poor children.
BETCHCOTT is a small township in this parish, a short distance from the
village of Smethcott, having 625 acres of land, 3 houses, and 32
inhabitants. Rateable value, £357. The Hon. Henry Wentworth Powis is
the landowner.
PICKLESCOTT, another small township in the parish of Smethcott, has 531
acres of land, and in 1841 had 33 houses and 143 inhabitants. Rateable
value, £435. 5s. There are a few scattered houses in the parish of
Smethcott, usually called THE HAMLETS, which contain 427 acres, and in
1841 are returned as having 15 houses and 67 inhabitants. Rateable
value, £270. 5s. 1d. The Hon. Henry Wentworth Powis is the landowner.
_Those marked_ 1 _reside at Smethcott_; 2 _Betchcott_; 3 _Picklescott_; 4
_The Hamlets_.
3 Bromley Richard, farmer
4 Bromley Richard, farmer
1 Bromley William, farmer, New Hall
4 Bromley William, farmer, Underhill
3 Broxton William, farmer
1 Buddicom Rev. Robert Joseph, The Rectory
1 Davies Thomas, farmer
3 Gamble Edw., blacksmith
1 Gittins Robert, farmer
1 Groves William, farmer
4 Gwilliam Edward, farmer
4 Hill William, farmer
1 Hill William, joiner
3 Howell Richard, farmer
2 Massie Charles, farmer
1 Meredith John, farmer, New House
2 Parry John, farmer
1 Rogers Richard, farmer
1 Rogers Robert, farmer
3 Rogers Thomas, farmer and vict., Bottle & Glasses Inn
2 Rogers William, farmer
4 Savage Jn., farmer, Coppice
3 Thomas David, blacksmith
3 Thomas Samuel, farmer
1 Vaughan Thomas, shop-keeper and post office
3 Willings John, farmer
STAPLETON
is a parish and village, five and a half miles S.S.W. from Shrewsbury,
comprising 870 acres of land, and in 1801 had 228 inhabitants; 1831, 235;
and in 1841, 46 houses and 257 inhabitants. A short distance from
Stapleton are the remains of an ancient barrow, which on being opened
some years ago was found to contain a large funeral urn placed near the
centre, the ashes it contained were no doubt the remains of a person of
distinction in former days. The Hon. H. W. Powis, and John T. Hope,
Esq., are the principal landowners. In the 18th of Edward I., Robert de
Stapleton had a grant of free warren in Stapleton; two years after the
king’s attorney brought a writ of right against the said Robert de
Stapleton, for the manor of his name as being seizen of King Henry II.,
the king’s ancestor, but without effect, for the said Robert died seized
of the manor, in the 49th of Edward III. THE CHURCH is a venerable
fabric dedicated to St. Julian. The living is a rectory valued in the
king’s book at £6. 7s. 6d., now returned at £624, in the patronage of the
Hon. Henry Wentworth Powis, and incumbency of the Hon. and Rev. E. R. B.
Fielding. An ancient residence, now partly surrounded by a moat,
exhibits a fine specimen of the domestic architecture of by-gone days;
the walls are of great thickness, and the house contains some beautiful
specimens in antique oak carving, which are in a good state of
preservation. The moat, now partly filled up, is about 200 yards in
circumference, and the width 36 feet. NETLEY is a small hamlet in this
township. Netley Hall is a good house, the residence of John Thomas
Hope, Esq.; a little west from it is the site of a British camp, some
parts of which have recently been levelled for agricultural purposes, so
that now only a part of it can be traced. In a field not far from here
were found four peculiarly hard stones, with a sharp axe-like edge all
round; they are known by the name of celts, and were used by the priests
to slay the victims of their sacrifices.
Bayley Wickliffe, blacksmith
Allen John, farmer
Allen Mary, farmer
Bromley Jeremiah, farmer, The Moat
Bromley William, farmer
Cassels Robert, farmer, Netley
Clayton John, farmer, Shady Moor
Cook Robert, farmer, Shady Moor
Dickin Edward, farmer, Netley
Evans Thomas, cow keeper
Fielding Hon. and Rev. E. R. B., The Rectory
Gittings William, farmer, Netley
Hope John Thomas, Esq., Netley Hall
Jones William, joiner
Philips Thomas, farmer, Shady Moor
Richards John, farmer, Vinnels
Sankey Edward, farmer, Netley Old Hall
Sankey Humphrey, farmer, The Moat
Woodfin John, farmer
SUTTON,
a small parish and pleasant little village one and a quarter mile S.E. by
S. from Shrewsbury, is watered by the Reabrook stream, upon the banks of
which two corn mills have been erected. This parish was formerly an
appendage to Wenlock priory, and extra parochial. At the general
dissolution of religious houses in the reign of Henry VIII., it fell to
the crown, at which time there was an hermitage here. The parish
contains upwards of 703 acres of land, and at the census of 1841 there
were 16 houses and 67 inhabitants. In 1801 there was a population of 45
souls here. The parish church is a very humble structure of primitive
simplicity, dedicated to St. John; it stands on a gentle eminence, and
commands some pleasing views of rural scenery. The living is a rectory
in the diocese of Hereford and archdeaconry of Salop, valued in the
king’s book at £3, now returned at £17 in the patronage of Lord Berwick
and incumbency of the Rev. Henry Hill. Divine service is performed once
a month. A short distance from the church is the celebrated SUTTON SPA.
“The spring issues from a rocky stratum of ash-coloured clay or
argillaceous schistus, containing (as appears by its effervesence with
nitrous acid) a small portion of lime. Fresh from the spring the Sutton
water is clear and colourless, and exhales a slightly sulphureous smell,
which is most perceptible in rainy weather. It sparkles little when
poured into a glass, having no uncombined carbonic acid in its
composition. When first drawn its strong salt taste is evidently mixed
with a chalybeate flavour; but the latter is wholly lost on exposure for
a few hours, bubbles of air repeating slowly, and a reddish sediment
lining the sides and bottom of the vessel. The Sutton water has by many
been compared with that of Cheltenham, and supposed to contain nearly the
same ingredients. It bears, however, a much closer resemblance to sea
water, and has accordingly been found most beneficial in those cases for
which sea water is usually recommended. In the case of scrophula, the
superior merits of sea water have been universally acknowledged. A
similarity of ingredients would naturally lead us to expect similar
effects from the Sutton water; and I am happy to bear testimony, says Dr.
Evans, that a twenty years attendance at the Salop Infirmary, as well as
in private practice, has furnished me with abundant proofs of its success
in the treatment of scorphulous affections; and in addition to the
properties possessed by the Sutton spring in common with sea water, it
enjoys an evident advantage in containing iron.” It is to be lamented
that there are not any accommodations for the residence of invalids. The
air is pure and salubrious, and as a site for building purposes the
immediate vicinity is peculiarly romantic and interesting. There is a
cottage at the Spa, where parties sometimes take tea, and a bath has been
erected, which is open to the public on reasonable terms. All parties
visiting the spring are allowed to partake of the water without any
charge. The land in this parish is the property of Lord Berwick.
DIRECTORY.—John Bemand, farmer; Joseph Clay, farmer; George Davies,
farmer; Thomas Pugh, corn miller; Edward Thornton, farmer.
WOOLSTASTON
is a village and parish five miles N. from Church Stretton, which
contains 834 acres of land. In 1801 there were 101 inhabitants; 1831,
89, and in 1841 17 houses and a population of 84 souls. In the 9th of
Edward I. Robert Burnel, bishop of Bath and Wells, had a grant of free
warren in Wolfestantone. In the 34th of the same reign we find John de
Sibeton had the privilege of free warren here, with the grant of a free
market to be held on a Wednesday, and a fair to continue for three days.
Upon the attainder of Lord Lovell in the time of Henry VII. this manor
was given to Jasper Duke of Bedford, but he dying without issue, Thomas
Duke of Norfolk had a grant of it in the 5th of Henry VIII. W. W.
Whitmore is now chief landowner in this parish. THE CHURCH is a small
structure, with nave, chancel, and tower. The living is a rectory valued
in the king’s book at £5, now returned at £162 in the patronage of W. W.
Whitmore, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. E. Carr. Richard Lucas, who
died about twenty years ago, was parish clerk for 74 years; he died at
the age of 95 years, and rung the church bell almost to the day of his
death. In the latter part of his life he would frequently observe he had
seen the end of all his parishioners three times over, and had been the
clerk to two rectors and six curates. THE HALL, now occupied by Mr.
Everall as a farm dwelling, was formerly a place of consequence, and the
residence of families of consideration. One of the apartments exhibits
some line specimens of carved oak; the floor, ceiling, and sides are all
of highly polished oak. A piece of land containing about four acres,
supposed to have been given by a person of the name of Pope, for keeping
the church in repair, is in the possession of the churchwardens, and is
let at the yearly rent of £1. 14s., which is carried to the account of
the church rates. There does not appear to be any document in the parish
relating to this land.
DIRECTORY.—Meole Rev. Henry, curate. _Farmers_, Richard Everall, The
Hall; Robert Heighway, and John Wigley. Mary Bowen, shoemaker.
THE MUNSLOW HUNDRED.
The hundred of Munslow comprehends the Upper and Lower divisions, and is
bounded on the north by the hundred of Condover, on the east by the
Wenlock Franchise, the Stottesden hundred, and a detached part of the
hundred of Overs; on the west are the hundreds of Clun and Purslow, and
on the south the county of Hereford. In the hundred of Munslow there is
much clay, with considerable quantities of a stony soil of a great
variety lying upon the lime stone. The upper surface of the rocks is
frequently broken up by the plough and becomes with the soil a rocky
loam, which produces good crops of grain. The population in 1821 was
10,478, exclusive of the borough of Ludlow; the number of houses 1,888.
In 1841 there were 12,043 inhabitants, of whom 8,126 were in the Upper
division, and 3,917 in the Lower division. At the same period there were
1,576 inhabited houses, 49 uninhabited in the Upper division, and 747
inhabited, and 36 uninhabited in the Lower division. The Lower division
comprises the following parishes, viz.: Abdon, Ashford Bowdler, Ashford
Carbonell, Bromfield, Clee, St. Margaret, Diddlebury, Easthope, Holdgate,
Hopton in the Hole, Halford Chapelry, Ludford, Munslow, Onibury, Richards
Castle, Skirmage Extra Parochial, Staneton Lacy, Stanton Long, Stoke St.
Milborough, Stokesay, Tugford, and Weston Cold.
The Upper division contains the parishes of Acton Scott, Cardington,
Eaton, Hope Bowdler, Rushbury, Shipton, and Church Stretton.
ABDON
is a small parish and village in the Lower division of the Munslow
hundred, ten miles south-east from Much Wenlock, which contains 710 acres
of land, the rateable value of which is £609. At the census in 1801 the
parish had a population of 134 souls; 1831, 170; and in 1841 there were
36 houses and 155 inhabitants. Sir Sidney Herbert is the principal
landowner and lord of the manor. THE CHURCH is a small structure
dedicated to St. Margaret, and consists of nave and chancel. The living
is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £3. 6s. 8d., now returned at
£147; patron, Sir Sidney Herbert; incumbent, Rev. John Sheppard. A
commodious school, with a residence for the teacher, has recently been
built by the lord of the manor, at a cost of upwards of one thousand
pounds; it is also munificently supported by the founder. About thirty
children attend.
DIRECTORY.—George Bradley, farmer; Thomas Bradley, farmer; Cheswick
Cooper, farmer; Rev. John Sheppard, rector; Robert Williams,
schoolmaster.
ACTON SCOTT, OR ACTON-ON-THE-HILL,
a parish in the upper division of the Munslow Hundred, three miles and a
half S.S.E. from Church Stretton, is bounded on the western side by the
Shrewsbury and Ludlow turnpike road, and that from Wenlock to Bishop’s
Castle passes through it. It is divided into the townships of Acton
Scott and Alcaston, and contains 1,889 acres of hilly land, moderately
fertile, resting on sand-stone, in some places rich in fossil shells, and
watered by the Quenny and Marbrook streams. At the census of 1801, the
parish contained 164 souls; 1841, 34 houses and 204 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £1,727. On an eminence, above the Shrewsbury road,
called the Castle Hill, it is supposed a fortification once existed; and
in a field, adjoining the church-yard, some remains of a tower were
standing in the memory of some of the old inhabitants, but all traces of
it are now gone. In the year 1817, in straightening a road, some remains
of a Roman ville were discovered, consisting of hypocausts, tiles, &c.
Several eastern coins were also found, which is remarkable as being the
only instance in which these coins have been found in Roman stations in
England. On some of the tiles were impressions of the sandals of the
Roman soldiers, made before the clay had been burned; there were also the
foot-marks of dogs and other animals. These remains were found within a
mile of the Roman road which runs from Wroxeter, by Church Stretton, to
Shenchester. The name of Acton is derived from _Ac_ (the Saxon for oak)
and _ton_ (a town), and that of Scott from a family who were very early
settled here, and about the 12th century ceased to use their original
name and adopted this of their residence only. At the time of the
Doomsday survey the manor belonged to Rainald, the Sheriff, and it
afterwards passed to the Fitzalans. In the year 1290, an inquest was
held to determine the boundaries of the royal forests in Shropshire, when
Acton Scott, Henly, and Alcaston, were declared to be without the limits,
though Shetton, Minton, and Rushbury, were found to be within them, and
subject to all the grievances of forest laws. The present lord of the
manor is Edward William Wynne Pendarves, Esq., of Pendarves, in Cornwall,
one of the representatives in parliament for that county, who succeeded
to the property in 1835, on the death of his brother, who inherited this
and other estates in right of his mother, the only daughter of Edward
Acton, Esq., of Acton Scott, the last male representative of the elder
branch of the family, who died in 1775, Sir John d’Albery Acton, Bart.,
being descended from a younger branch. The mansion house of Acton Scott
is of the Elizabethan period, with projecting gables and bay windows, and
stands in a commanding situation near to the church. It is at present
occupied by Mrs. Stackhouse Acton. The whole of the township of Acton
Scott is the property of E. W. W. Pendarves, Esq.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Margaret, though devoid of architectural
beauty, is remarkably neat, and contains a few monuments, chiefly to the
Acton family, and a brass tablet, of the date of 1579, to the memory of
Elizabeth Mytton. The tower is of much older date than the body of the
church, and was probably an appendage to the church to which the bishop
of Hereford inducted Hugh de Pentone (by lapse of time) in 1276. In the
tower are three bells, on two of which are inscribed in old letters:—“Ave
Maria in gratia plena dominus tecum,” and on the other, “Marie eternis et
bonis resonet campana.” The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s
book at £5. 10s.; patron, the lord of the manor; incumbent, Rev. Walter
Corbett, chancellor of the diocese; curate, Rev. George Magee. THE
RECTORY is a neat residence, pleasantly situated, and there are 40 acres
of glebe land. The tithes are commuted for £230.
CHARITIES.—_John Monsell_ devised four parcels of land, containing, by
estimation, 60 acres, in the parish of Mainstone, upon trust, to pay
thereout the following sums on the 1st March, viz.:—20s. to the parish of
Morvill; 10s. to the poor of Wistanstow; 10s. to buy Bibles for poor
children of Bishop’s Castle; and 5s. to the poor of Acton Scott. The
above sums had all been regularly paid when the Charity Commissioners
published their report, except the yearly sum of 5s. to Acton Scott,
which the owner of the estate agreed for the future to pay. In the
parliamentary returns of 1786 three donations are mentioned as given for
the benefit of poor housekeepers of this parish. To the two first,
amounting to £36, no names are given as the donors thereof; the third,
being £20, is attributed to _Edward Acton_. Interest on the sum of £56
is now paid, which is laid out in fuel by the resident curate, which he
distributes to the poor.
ALCASTON, a small village and township in the parish of Acton Scott,
comprises 527 acres of land, and is situated about a mile south from the
parish church. Rateable value, £381. 14s. Alcaston was at an early
period taken out of the manor of Acton Scott; it consists of three farms,
belonging respectively to Thomas Dunne, Esq., G. M. Benson, Esq., and the
Rev. Mr. Hill; the latter gentleman being of the same family as the Hills
of Hawkestone. This branch was settled here in the reign of Queen
Elizabeth, and occupied a curious old timber mansion, a great part of
which was taken down about ten years ago. Mr. Benson’s farm house also
bears marks of antiquity; it is of brick, and has been moated, but it has
lost much of its ancient character by modern repairs. A portion of the
long line stone ridge, known as Wenlock Edge, stretches into this
township.
DIRECTORY.—The residents in Acton Scott are Mrs. Stackhouse Acton, The
Hall; Rev. George Magee, curate; John Monsell, farmer, Henley; Robert
Morgan, farmer, Church Farm; Joseph Hotchkiss, blacksmith; Mary Keep,
farmer; Thomas Parker, farmer. The residents of Alcaston are Benjamin
Martin, farmer; Richard Edwards, farmer; Thomas Lewis, farmer.
ASHFORD BOWDLER
is a parish and village delightfully situated on the south west bank of
the River Terne, on the southern verge of the county, adjoining
Herefordshire, and about three miles south from Ludlow. The parish
comprises upwards of 600 acres of land, the principal owners of which are
Mrs. Walker and General Russell. Rateable value of the parish, £884. 3s.
At the census in 1801, there were 79 inhabitants; 1831, 99; and in 1841,
17 houses and 96 inhabitants. The village contains several handsome
family residences, and a small but elegant church, consisting of nave and
chancel, with a tower surmounted with a spire. The living is a perpetual
curacy, valued at £55 per annum, in the patronage of the Walker family.
Mrs. Mary Green, of this parish, by will dated October 16th, 1832,
bequeathed to the minister and churchwardens for the time being, the sum
of £55, to be invested in the funds in trust, to pay the interest thereof
annually among such of the poor inhabitants as they should consider most
in need of aid. “Between the village of Ashford Bowdler and Ludlow is
Huck’s Barn, said to have been the residence of George Barnwell, the hero
of the popular tragedy named after him. Barnwell’s Green, near it, was
so called from his waiting there to rob his uncle as he returned from
Leominster fair: adjoining the green is the wood in which he perpetrated
the murder of his relative.”
The principal residents are Mr. William P. Bale, Grove Cottage; Isaac
Froggatt, farmer, Feather Knowl; Thomas Harper, farmer, Ashford Grove;
Thomas G. Powis, farmer; General Lechmere Russell, Ashford Hall; Robert
Thomas, Esq., Church House.
ASHFORD CARBONELL
is a parish and village delightfully situated in the lower division of
the Munslow hundred, three miles south-east from Ludlow. The parish
contains 1335 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,890. 5s.
11d. The principal landowners are J. F. Downes, Esq.; Mr. Walker; John
Carter, Esq.; and William Eaton, Esq.; besides whom there are a few
smaller proprietors. At the census in 1801, the parish contained 227
inhabitants; 1831, 289; and in 1841, 58 houses, and a population of 226
souls. The church is a small unpretending structure, the living of which
is a perpetual curacy, endowed with £800 royal bounty: the living is
annexed to the rectory of Little Hereford, and the patronage is vested in
the Chancellor of Hereford Cathedral. The Rev. William Tomkin is the
officiating minister. ASHFORD HALL is an elegant modern mansion, on
rising ground, commanding extensive prospects, and embellished with
tasteful pleasure grounds. ASHFORD COURT, the residence of Mrs. Walker,
is also a handsome residence.
DIRECTORY—Mr. William A. Bate; John Bloom, boot and shoe maker; Mary
Eaton, farmer; William Eaton, farmer; Mr. Thomas Evans; Edward Evans,
maltster; James Davies, carpenter; Joseph Davies, carpenter; John F.
Downes, Esq., Ashford Hall; Thomas Cantrill, corn miller and vict., The
Bridge Inn; John Carter, farmer, Brook House; Henry George, farmer,
Huntingdon; John Jones, wheelwright; Mrs. Mary Lowe; John Mason,
wheelwright; James Powell, farmer; William Roberts, farmer, Huntingdon;
John Thompson, blacksmith; Mrs. Bridgett Walker, Ashford Court; Richard
Whiteman, farmer.
BROMFIELD
is a parish and pleasant rural village, two miles north-west from Ludlow,
formerly distinguished for its priory which was situated near or
adjoining to the present church. The parish comprises 5,592A. 2R. of
land, the principal owner of which is the Hon. R. H. Clive; the trustees
of Ludlow charities are also proprietors. At the census in 1801, this
parish contained 540 inhabitants; 1831, 517; and in 1841, 114 houses, and
531 souls. Rateable value, £7,308. 17s. 7d. The few remains of the
ancient priory are situated near to the church. The establishment in the
time of Henry I. consisted of a small college of prebendaries or secular
canons. Osbertus Prior, of Bromfield, is witness to a deed before the
year 1148. This priory was greatly enriched by Henry II., who granted to
it his church in Bromfield, which was dedicated to the blessed St. Mary,
with his royal licence and protection of their extensive possessions of
the towns and lands of Haverford, Dinchope, Efford, Felton, Burghey and
Lethewick; three prebends in Bromfield, and three in Halton. In the
second of Henry II. the prior and brothers of Bromfield subjected
themselves, by authority of Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury, to the
Benedictine Monastery of St. Peter’s, near Gloucester, called Lanthony
Secunda, and became Benedictines, and continued so to the time of the
general dissolution of religious houses. At the assizes of Salop, 20th
Edward I., the prior of Bromfield claimed free warren in the manor of
Bromfield by charter of Henry II., which was allowed. The said charter
also comprised a grant of Infangthef; and a jury found one Henry de la
Chapele guilty of theft, who was tried and condemned by the prior, and
hanged at Bromfield. The yearly revenues of the priory were valued at
the dissolution at £78. 19s. 4d. In the 4th of Philip and Mary it was
granted to Charles Fox. He was the founder of four families, most of
which were in opulence for four generations; but his estate at Bromfield,
including what is now called Oakley Park, passed by marriage to Matthew
Herbert, whose descendant George, late Earl of Powis, devised it to his
nephew, the Hon. Henry Clive, whose representative of the same name now
inherits the estate, and resides at OAKLEY PARK, an elegant mansion,
mostly of modern construction, delightfully situated on the banks of the
Terne. The surrounding grounds are extremely romantic and beautiful, and
the pleasure grounds and gardens are tastefully laid out. It commands
many fine views in different directions; the meanderings of the river
adding much to the effect. The park, which formerly contained nine
hundred acres, and included within its circuit the priory to which it
belonged, is yet of considerable extent. It is finely adorned with
groves and clumps of stately oaks. The lordship of Bromfield is
co-extensive with the parish, and the chapelry of Walford and Dinchope,
and the township of Ledwich. The manor abounds with game, and is watered
by the river Terne, esteemed one of the finest fishing streams in the
kingdom.
THE CHURCH is picturesquely situated, and consists of nave, chancel,
transept and tower: it exhibits some fine specimens of elaborate
workmanship, and is said to have formed a part of the structure belonging
to the benedictine priory. The interior has a chaste and elegant
appearance; the roof is beautifully painted, and the windows are adorned
with stained glass. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king’s book
at £6, now returned at £350; the patronage is vested in the Hon. R. H.
Clive; incumbent, Rev. Thomas J. Longworth. The Court of Augmentation
decreed the vicar of Bromfield a yearly pension from the dissolved
monastery at Gloucester; and there are, in vellum hooks in the king’s
remembrancer office, accounts of several decrees relating to the
possessions of the priory and the rights of the vicar of this place.
DIRECTORY.—The Hon. Robert Henry Clive, Oakley Park; Samuel Bluck,
farmer, Bromfield house; the Misses Davies, ladies’ academy; Peter Davis,
farmer, King’s head farm; Henry Fletcher, farmer; George Jacks,
cow-leech; Rev. Thomas I. Longworth, vicar; Henry Lippitt, farmer,
Priors Walton; Thomas Payter, shoe maker; John Preece, vict., The Clive
Arms; William Swift, farmer, Hill Halton; Herbert Titley, farmer,
Cookridge; Richard White, agent to the Hon. R. H. Clive; Henry Vaughan,
farmer, The Butts.
CARDINGTON
is a considerable parish, in the upper division of the Munslow Hundred,
comprising upwards of 6,000 acres of land, and containing the several
townships of Cardington, Broome, Chatwall, Comley, Enchmarsh, part of
Gretton, Holt-Preen, Lydley Heys, Plaish, and Willstone. At the census
of 1801 the parish had a population of 623 souls; 1831, 718; and in 1841
there were 138 houses and 691 inhabitants. The village of Cardington is
situated is a secluded and romantic country, three miles and a half E.E.
by N. from Church Stretton, having the lofty heights of the Caradoc and
Lawley to the east, and the Hope Bowdler hills on the south-west. The
township contains 995 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £815.
15s. Panton Corbett, Esq., is the principal landowner; there are also a
few small freeholders. THE CHURCH is a plain unpretending structure,
consisting of nave and chancel, with a tower, in which is a peal of
bells. The handsome altar tomb, erected in memory of Sir William
Leighton, of Plaish, who died December 20th, 1607, is now much
dilapidated. He was chief justice of North Wales, and one of the council
of the Marches of Wales, which offices he held with integrity and honour
for more than forty years. The living is a vicarage, valued in the
king’s book at £6. 2s. 6d., now returned at £294, in the patronage of
Rowland Hunt, Esq.: incumbent, Rev. William J. Hughes. The court leet
and court baron, with view of frank-pledge, held for the manor of Lydley
and Cardington, as a court of record, is of the highest antiquity, and
accounted a king’s court, of which Panton Corbett, Esq., is the present
lord. The jurisdiction existed long before the conquest, and the first
formation of it is attributed by several law authorities to King Alfred.
“The term leet is not discoverable in Anglo-Saxon jurisprudence, but is
understood to be derived out of the Sheriffs’ tourn, whose power therein
was suspended, if not superseded.” The nature and extent of the court
leet jurisdiction, in its first formation, may probably be best
illustrated by a brief view of the different ranks of people and the mode
of administering justice in the Anglo-Saxon era. The lowest order of the
people were complete slaves, either by birth or by forfeiture of their
freedom, by crimes or breach of faith, and were incapable of any office
of trust or honour. But the spread of Christianity led to the frequent
manumissions, and established a class of people called Frilazin; and
persons so made free were considered to be in a middle state only,
between slaves and freemen. Those who were freemen from birth were
called Ceorls, and constituted a middle class between the nobility and
such labourers and mechanics as were slaves, and being generally devoted
to agriculture, a Ceorl was the usual appellation of a husbandman; but
the acquisition of 500 acres of land, the attainment of holy orders, or
by the owner of a ship or cargo making three voyages beyond sea, advanced
a Ceorl to the dignity of a Thane of the lower order; and the higher
class of this order, which were styled King’s Thanes were of three
different degrees. The Thanes were the only nobility among the
Anglo-Saxons; but all members of royal families were of superior rank.
The kings were chief judges in their respective territories, and
frequently administered justice in person. King Alfred employed both day
and night in hearing appeals, with the aid of learned assessors; thus
forming a supreme court of justice, until the establishment of monarchy,
when it was found necessary to appoint a chief justicary to preside in
the king’s court; and the first institution of such office is supposed to
have been at the time of the incursion of the Danes. In 1622, Sir John
Hayward obtained from the crown a licence to alienate the manor of Lydley
and Cardington to Edward Corbett, Esq., for the sum of £3,200.
CHARITIES.—THE SCHOOL.—_William Hall_, by his will, dated 6th April,
1720, bequeathed £400 to the parsons of the parishes of Cardington, Hope
Bowdler, and Longnor, in trust, for the building a schoolhouse at
Cardington, and the maintenance of a schoolmaster. A school was
subsequently built with part of the above mentioned legacy, and the
residue was laid out in the purchase of copyhold lands, held of the manor
of Lydley and Cardington. In 1827, an order was made in the Court of
Chancery, on the petition of Richard Butcher and others, overseers and
inhabitants of the parish of Cardington, whereby it was referred to the
master to take an account of the charity estate, and of the value
thereof, and to approve of a scheme for the future management of the
charity. The master, by his report made April 1st, 1828, directed £10
a-year to be reserved out of the rents, to put the schoolhouse and the
premises on the school estate in good repair, and afterwards such less
sum as the directors should see fit, but not less than £5; and that the
surplus rents should be paid to the schoolmaster and his assistant. The
school estate consists of 27A. 3R. 32P., and an allotment containing 5A.
1R. 10P. on Cardington Moor, allotted to the trustees of the school under
an enclosure act, passed 41st Geo. III. The estate now produces £34. 3s.
1d. per annum. The school is open to all the children of the parish (boy
and girls) without any charge, except 1s. for entrance and 1s. yearly for
fuel. They are taught reading, writing, and accounts.
_Roger Maunsell_, by will, 1651, devised a piece of ground, called
Bowneford, in the parish of Long Stanton, to the churchwardens of the
parish of Cardington, and their successors, and to Thomas Powell and his
heirs, and ordered that the said churchwardens, at the feast of St.
Michael, should receive the sum of 26s. 8d. yearly for ever. He directed
the first three years after his decease, the said sum of 26s. 8d. should
be expended in a weekly distribution of bread, to be divided among six
poor men one week, and among six poor women the following week; and that
for the next three years it should be laid out in buying sacramental
bread and wine; and the seventh year in adorning or buying any ornament
to be used in the church at Cardington; and so from seven years to seven
years.
_Anne Tipton_ gave a rent charge of £1. 10s. per annum, issuing out of
the Day House, and directed six penny loaves to be given to six poor men
and six poor women of this parish, alternately every Sunday in the year;
but on Easter Sunday, Whit Sunday, the last Sunday in the old and first
Sunday in the new year six threepenny loaves each day.
The sum of £1. 6s. is paid every alternate year to the churchwardens of
Cardington, as a gift of _Dinah Roberts_. This and the like payment made
to the parish of St. Julian, in Shrewsbury, are charged upon a farm in
Wilstone, which was purchased by Archdeacon Corbett about fifty years
ago. The amount is applied in a distribution of six penny loaves every
Sunday in the year in which it is received.
_Francis Southern_, by will, dated May 9th, 1773, bequeathed to the
minister and churchwardens of the parish of Cardington and their
successors £42. 10s., upon trust, that the interest of £32. 10s., part
thereof, should he laid out in bread and given away every Lord’s day to
three poor widows or old men of this parish, who should attend divine
service; and the interest of the other £10 he left to the minister of
Cardington for preaching a sermon every New Year’s-day. Of this money we
are informed £32. 10. was laid out in 1814 in the purchase of a cottage
at the east end of the town, called the Butt, which was formerly occupied
by poor persons placed there by the parish. £1. 6s. is paid from the
church-warden’s account for providing bread for the poor. The remaining
£10 was paid to the churchwarden’s account in 1819, and the churchwardens
pay the interest thereof to the minister.
In the parliamentary returns of 1786 it is stated the poor’s stock
amounted to £45, for which interest was paid for many years. It is
understood that £5 of this money was lost, and that in 1799 £40 having
been borrowed of Joseph Powell by the parish for building a poor house,
the poor’s stock was applied in paying off the debt. Nothing has been
paid in charity in respect of the above sum for a long period. The poor,
we conceive, are entitled to the interest of the money which was left for
charitable uses, and not for the ease of the ratepayers.
_John Russell_, by will, 1813, gave to the minister of Cardington for the
time being £1 yearly for preaching a sermon annually on the day preceding
the day of his interment. He also gave to the poor of Cardington thirty
threepenny loaves on each of the following days—Christmas-day,
Easter-day, Whit Sunday, and the Wakes Sunday; and to six of the poorest
widows of the parish a blue woollen gown every Christmas-day, and the
same to six of the poorest girls of the said parish on the same day, and
also to a schoolmistress £10 a year to teach twelve poor girls of the
said parish to read, knit, and sew. He also gave £5 a year towards a
Sunday school, and he bequeathed to certain trustees £570, on trust, to
place out the same in public funds, and out of the dividends pay the
annuities before mentioned, and also an annuity to the Rev. John Witts
for his life. In respect of this charity there is now £628. 12s. 4d. new
four per cents. standing in the names of the trustees, producing annual
dividends of £25. 2s. 10d. The trustees, after carrying out the specific
intentions of the donor, apply the surplus in the purchase of coal, which
is distributed among the most necessitous poor.
There were in this parish certain lands called the Church Estate,
consisting of several detached parcels; but on the enclosure of the lands
in the manor of Lydley and Cardington, in 1817, exchanges were effected,
whereby between fifteen and sixteen acres lying together were set out by
the churchwardens. There are also nine cottages, chiefly occupied by
poor persons. The rents of these premises were formerly paid half to the
churchwardens, to be applied in the repairs of the church, or in aid of
the church rate, and the other moiety to the overseers of the poor, by
whom the amount was given away in charity. But for many years the rent,
now amounting to £14, has been carried to the overseers’ account, and
applied to the general purposes of the poor’s rate. Coals to the amount
of £5 or £6 are, however, annually given away by the overseers. It
appears questionable, from the usage which formerly prevailed, whether
the rent of this estate ought not to be applied, one moiety thereof in
the repairs of the church, and the other to such poor persons as appear
fit objects of charity.
DIRECTORY.—William Aincham, carpenter and wheelwright; John Brazier,
maltster and beerhouse keeper; John Corfield, farmer; Joseph Dayus,
farmer; Samuel Evans, vict., Royal Oak; Mr. John R. Durnell; William
Eaton, butcher; Samuel Edwards, farmer; Edward Haynes, shopkeeper; Rev.
William Jones Hughes, vicar; John Parker, schoolmaster; George Onslow,
farmer; William Preen, farmer and beerhouse keeper; Thomas Price,
wheelwright; Francis Smout, farmer; Francis Waters, gentleman; Ann Woof,
farmer.
CARDINGTON TOWNSHIPS
BROOME is a small township in the parish of Cardington, having 177 acres
of land, the rateable value of which is £178. 10s. At the census of 1841
there were three houses and thirteen inhabitants. Mr. John Evans is the
only resident farmer.
CHATWALL township in 1841 had six houses and thirty inhabitants, and
contains 763 acres of land, the principal owners of which are Panton
Corbett, Esq., John Norris, Esq., Richard Butcher, Esq., Mrs. Bourne.
The land is mostly poor and cold. Rateable value, £575. 15s. The chief
residents are Samuel Jones, farmer and beerhouse keeper; John L. Mitton,
farmer; Richard Wall, farmer, and Thomas Woodcock, farmer, Lower
Chatwall.
COMLEY AND BOTVYLLE is a township in the parish of Cardington, containing
464 acres of land, which is chiefly the property of Panton Corbett, Esq.
Rateable value, £330 10s. At the census of 1841 there were 17 houses and
57 souls. The principal residents are Edward Evans wheelwright; Philip
Hayward, farmer; William Higgins, farmer, The Shoe Trough; John H. Smith,
farmer; William Tomlinson, farmer.
ENCHMARSH is a township and village two miles N. from Cardington,
comprising 400 acres of land, and in 1841 contained eighteen houses and a
population of 94 souls. Rateable value, £392. 5s. Panton Corbett, Esq.,
is the chief landowner. The principal residents are Richard Evason,
farmer; William Haynes, blacksmith; William Norris, farmer.
HOLT PREEN is a township in the parish of Cardington, situated about a
mile from Church Preen, and four miles N.E. from Cardington. It contains
793 acres of land, and in 1841 had sixteen houses and 111 inhabitants.
Rowland Hunt, Esq., is the landowner and lord of the manor. The
principal resident is Mr. Thomas Norris, Holt Hall.
LYDLEY HEYS, a township in Cardington parish, has 790 acres of land, and
in 1841 had eight houses and 52 inhabitants. Panton Corbett, Esq., is
the sole proprietor in this township. Rateable value, £580. 5s. The
chief residents are Richard Everall, farmer, Day House; Henry Matthews,
farmer, Lawley Farm; John Russell, farmer, Court House; Richard Shuker,
farmer, Pankridge Hall.
PLAISH township in Cardington parish is situated about three miles from
the parish church, and at the census of 1841 had six houses and 37
inhabitants. The township contains 908 acres of land, the rateable value
of which is £611. 10s. Rowland Hunt, Esq., is sole proprietor and lord
of the manor. The Hall is a venerable old structure, partly in ruins,
and partly occupied as workshops and granaries. It was formerly the seat
of Sir William Leighton, chief justice of North Wales, and one of the
council of the Marches. He died in 1607, and was buried under a
sumptuous monument in Cardington church. The Hall contains some fine
specimens of oak carving, and although decayed and ruinous bears traces
of its former splendour. The principal residents in Plaish are Samuel
Eaton, farmer, Plaish Hall, and Thomas Lewis, farmer, The Sheaves.
WILLSTONE, a township in Cardington parish, containing 711 acres of land,
at the census of 1841 had four houses and 34 inhabitants. Rateable value
of the parish, £469. 10s. Panton Corbett, Esq., and Thomas Bolton, Esq.,
are the landowners; the former is lord of the manor. The resident
farmers in Willstone are Isaiah Lindop, and William Minton.
CHURCH STRETTON
is a market town and parish in the Upper division of the Munslow hundred,
thirteen miles S.S.W. from Shrewsbury, fourteen miles N.N.W. from Ludlow,
and 153 miles from London. The parish comprises the townships of Church
Stretton, All Stretton, Little Stretton, and Minton, and contains 5,717
acres of titheable land, and 5,000 of common, making a total of 10,717
acres in the parish, the gross estimated rental of which is £7,592.
Rateable value £6,133. At the census of 1801 there were 924 inhabitants;
1831, 1,302; 1841, 1,604. At the latter period there were 346 houses, of
which 183 houses and 860 persons were in the township of Church Stretton.
This place is supposed to have derived the name of Stretton (formerly
Street Town), from its contiguity to the Watling Street, the Roman road
that led from Uriconium (now Wroxeter), the principal city of the
Cornavii, to Kinchester, near Hereford. This ancient road runs nearly
parallel with the turnpike road from Shrewsbury to Hereford. The town is
small, and chiefly consists of one street, in the widest part of which is
the market hall. It is a polling place for the southern division of the
county, and is situated in a picturesque vale, from which rise gradually
wooded eminences of great beauty, backed by lofty ranges of hills. On
the eastern side are the Lawley and the far-famed Caer Caradoc, one of
the military entrenchments of Caractacus in his long and arduous struggle
with the Romans; on the western side is the lofty range of the Longmynds,
extending eight or nine miles, and on the summit of one called Boddbury
was a Roman station or camp of observation. A pole has been erected on
the highest point of the Longmynds, from which spot there is a most
delightful and commanding view of a wide extent of country. The prospect
includes on the west the Stipperstones, the mountainous district of
Wales, including the Sugarloaf near Abergavenny, the Table mountain,
Cader Idris, and the intervening range from that mountain to Snowdon; on
the east and north-east are seen the Edgwood, the Clee, and Malvern
hills, and the majestic Wrekin; to the south-west are the hills of
Radnorshire, and on the north-west the Denbighshire hills, besides which
there is a fine view of the fertile plains of Shropshire, with many other
objects of deep interest. The secluded and romantic situation of Church
Stretton, the grand and majestic character of the surrounding scenery—its
proximity to scenes of great historical interest—the mildness and
salubrity of the air, which is at the same time peculiarly bracing,—its
general exemption from contagious and epidemic disease, and the
excellence of the water, all conduce to render it peculiarly attractive
to parties in pursuit of health and pleasure. During the summer months
it is a very favourite resort of visitors from the neighbouring towns,
the great variety of the scenery rendering it almost impossible to weary
the most fastidious taste. When it has become more easy of access by
railway it will no doubt become a favourite retreat for persons from all
parts of the kingdom. The Shrewsbury and Hereford railway now in course
of construction will pass within three hundred yards of the town.
Camden, who wrote in the time of Elizabeth observes, “Near Stretton, in a
valley are yet to be seen the rubbish of an old castle called Brocard’s
Castle and the same set amiddest greene meadowes that before time were
fish ponds.” In the 17th of King John, Hugh de Mortimer received command
from the Barons to deliver up the castle of Stretton Dale to Hugh de
Neville, but standing firm to the king he was rewarded the next year by
receiving a grant of the castle of Holdgate from John. The Caer Caradoc
probably acquired that name from having been one of the military stations
of Caractacus, and it was once considered the place where he fought his
last battle until a strict comparison of its situation, with the
description given by Tacitus, caused the opinion to be abandoned.
Formerly a society of gentlemen used to meet annually on this hill to
celebrate the fame of the British chief in compositions of prose and
verse. A very spirited poetical effusion was on occasion delivered
almost extempore by the Rev. Sneyd Davies. Almost every dingle and
narrow valley of this locality has its peculiar brook or rivulet, which
in several instances form beautiful cascades over their rocky channel;
they all produce excellent trout. At the foot of the Caradoc, near All
Stretton, is a farm house called Botvylle which a family of that name at
an early period held under the Knights Templars of Jerusalem. One of
this family was a lawyer, and was called John of the Inns, which was
corrupted into John Thynne, and from him there is a tradition that the
family of the Marquis of Bath is descended, who possessed the manor till
the year 1808, when it was sold to Thomas Coleman, Esq. In the 10th of
Edward III. the king bestowed Stretton on Richard, Earl of Arundel, and
the year following he obtained the grant of a market on Thursday, and a
fair on the eve, the day, and the day after the feast of the Exaltation
of the Holy Cross. The market is still held on Thursday, and is well
attended with provisions. Fairs are held on the Monday before Shrewsbury
first March fair; 14th May, 3rd of July, for wool, 25th of September, and
the last Thursday in November. The Market Hall is a neat and spacious
building in the Elizabethan style, consisting of a good room where public
meetings are held, and an area underneath for the market. It was erected
in the year 1839, at a cost of about £1000, and was conveyed to the
following trustees, some of whom were the principal subscribers to the
funds for its erection, namely: the Earl of Powis, Lord Darlington, Lord
Clive, Hon. R. H. Clive, Rev. N. R. Pemberton, E. W. Smythe Owen, Esq.,
G. R. Benson, Esq., Panton Corbett, Esq., Thomas S. Acton, Esq., E. B.
Coleman, Esq., William Pinches, Esq., Mr. John Broome, and Mr. John
Robinson. The old market hall, an antique structure much admired for its
primitive appearance, was chiefly composed of timber and plaister, and
was built in the year 1617; it was fast falling to decay when it was
taken down; the inhabitants purchased the site and the tolls for £200,
which was raised by subscriptions, so that the market is now toll free.
In a deep valley about a quarter of a mile from the town is a flourishing
flannel manufactory, the machinery being turned by a mountain stream; the
inhabitants are however chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits; large
flocks of sheep are pastured on the neighbouring hills. The principal
landowners are Moses George Benson, Esq., Charles Orlando Childe
Pemberton, Esq., and Mrs. Coleman; the latter is lady of the manor.
THE CHURCH, an ancient cruciform structure with a central tower, chiefly
in the early English style of architecture, is dedicated to St. Lawrence,
having an image of that saint in the eastern angle of the tower. The
tower exhibits some elaborate workmanship, and contains a very melodious
peal of bells and an excellent clock. On the north and south sides of
the edifice are doorways of Norman character. The tower is supported by
four clustered pillars and pointed arches, which divide the nave,
chancel, and transepts. The chancel is beautifully ornamented with
richly carved oak in antique devices, collected at a considerable cost by
the late rector, the Rev. Robert N. Pemberton, who bestowed great care
and expense in the embellishment of the sacred edifice. In the centre
compartment of the altar is an elegant and well carved representation of
Christ after the crucifixion. The windows, principally in the decorated
style, with rich and flowing tracery, are beautified with stained glass.
The eastern one is peculiarly chaste and elegant, and being immediately
over the altar gives the interior a very chastened and effective
appearance. The centre division contains a fine figure of our Saviour,
and on one side is a representation of St. Peter, and on the other of St.
John. This window was the gift of the late rector, the Rev. R. N.
Pemberton. The living is a rectory, rated in the king’s book at £15.
10s., in the patronage of C. O. C. Pemberton, Esq.; incumbent, Rev. Hugh
Owen Wilson. The tithes are commuted for £505, and there is a glebe land
attached to the rectory, of the annual value of £60. The parish is in
the diocese of Hereford, and the triennial visitation is held here by the
bishop. The visitation in the intermediate years is held by the
archdeacon. Roger Mainwaring, D.D., vicar of St. Giles in the Fields,
and chaplain to King Charles I., was born in this town. His two sermons,
entitled “Religion and Allegiance,” were censured in parliament, and he
was afterwards imprisoned and suspended for three years. In 1633 the
king presented him to the rich rectory of Stanford Rivers, in Essex, made
him dean of Worcester, and in 1635 he was consecrated bishop of St.
David’s, which see he held till the bishopric was abolished. He was
cruelly dealt with by the prevailing powers in the time of anarchy and
confusion, and died in 1653, leaving behind him the character of a person
of great learning and true piety.
There is a Branch Savings Bank at Church Stretton, which commenced in the
year 1821, the business of which is conducted at the school house every
Friday. About 300 depositors have their names in the books, and a sum of
about £9,000 standing to their credit. The Independent Order of Odd
Fellows of the Manchester Unity have a lodge here, with their funds in a
prosperous condition. There is also a clothing club for the benefit of
poor families, and one for the supply of coals during the winter season.
A police station has been erected at the expense of the county, near to
the union house, in connexion with which are cells for the temporary
confinement of offenders, and a residence for the superintendent
constable.
THE CHURCH STRETTON UNION WORKHOUSE is situated nearly a quarter of a
mile from the town, on the Shrewsbury and Ludlow turnpike road, and in
the immediate vicinity of the Longmynd hills. The situation is
remarkably dry and salubrious, and the building is admirably contrived
for the convenience and comfort of the inmates. The building is in the
form of a cross, which, with the outer wall, forms four quadrangles, and
these are used as airing yards. It was built in 1838, of the rough stone
got from the neighbouring quarries, with quoins and cornices of hewn free
stone. The cost of the structure was £2,000, and the sum of £200 was
paid for the site and land attached, which covers an area of about two
acres. The money necessary for the erection was borrowed, and it was
agreed to pay back the principal by instalments of £100 per annum: there
remains unpaid at the present time £600. The parishes comprised within
the union are, Acton Scott, Church Stretton, Cardington, Easthope, Eaton,
Hope Bowdler, Leebotwood, Longnor, Rushbury, Shipton, Sibdon, Carwood,
Smethcott, Wistanston, and Woolstaston. The house is capable of
accommodating 110 inmates, and the guardians meet at the board room every
fortnight for the transaction of the business connected with the union.
The expenditure for the half year ending Lady day, 1850, was £1,266.
16s., and the average weekly cost per head of the in-door paupers was 2s.
1½d., of which 3d. was for clothing. The number of in-door paupers at
the same period was 55. John Belton, _Clerk to the Guardians_. Thomas
Heighway, _Relieving Officer_. _Medical Officers_: Richard Wilding, for
the house and first district; Thomas R. C. Downes, second district;
Robert Jones, third district; Charles Mott, fourth district. Rev. P.
Nunn, _Chaplain_. Henry Evans, _Governor_. Mary Ditcher, _Matron_.
Sarah Atkinson, _Schoolmistress_.
CHARITIES.—There is a school and schoolhouse in the town of Church
Stretton, built in 1779 on the site of an old school, supposed to have
been erected on the waste land by subscription, and another room has
since been added thereto. By an act of parliament, passed 28th George
III., for enclosing the commons and waste lands in the manor of Church
Stretton, it was enacted that all encroachments which had heretofore been
made on the said commons and waste lands, for the use of the school and
schoolmaster at Church Stretton, should be confirmed by the commissioners
to the rector of the parish for the time being, together with nine other
persons therein named, and their successors to be appointed as therein
directed, on trust to receive the rents and apply the same to the use of
the schoolmaster as an augmentation of his salary, and to permit such
master to occupy the buildings for the uses for which they were intended.
In pursuance of this act the commissioners allotted a parcel of land
containing 27A. 0R. 29P., (including a road containing about one acre),
which was let, when the charity commissioners published their report, for
the yearly sum of £27.
The following legacies have at different periods been left for the
benefit of the school, viz:—Sir Rowland Hayward, Knt. £1. 13s. 4d.
yearly, payable out of certain lands in the parish. In respect of the
charity of _Thomas Bridgman_, 40s. yearly is paid to the schoolmaster for
teaching four poor children. From _Lloyd’s Charity_ the trustees receive
the sum of £2. 5s., and £3. 3s. yearly for the support of a Sunday
school. The trustees also receive £4. 10s. yearly from _Mainwaring’s
Charity_, and £2. 1s. annually from the churchwardens. The whole annual
income derived from these sources amounts to £42. 12s. 4d. The
schoolmaster is appointed by the trustees, and receives a salary of £40 a
year, and resides in a house free of expense, and for these emoluments he
also teaches a Sunday school. The school is conducted on the national
system: about 60 boys and 60 girls attend.
_Thomas Hawkes_, by will dated 19th August, 1703, left £30 to the use of
the poor of the parish of Church Stretton, to be laid out in land; the
yearly produce thereof to be distributed in bread as follows; viz: eight
penny loaves every Sunday, and sixteen penny loaves every first Sunday in
the year, Easter Sunday, and Whit-Sunday, to such poor persons as should
frequent the church. The aforesaid sum of £30 was laid out in 1708 in
the purchase of a copyhold tenement situated in Church Stretton, called
Walter’s House, formerly used as a poor-house, in respect of which 30s.
is paid yearly as _Hawke’s Legacy_ out of the poor’s rates, and applied
with the produce of other charities hereafter noticed.
_By Indenture_, bearing date 3rd May, 1684, _John Garratt_ and _Henry
Richards_ conveyed a meadow, containing by estimation two acres, in the
township of Little Stretton to Thomas Hawkes and others, and their heirs
on trust, that they should succour and relieve (with the yearly rents and
profits) such poor of the said parish as they thought most needy. The
meadow called Little Stretton Pools, containing 1A. 1R. 2P. of land, is
let at a yearly rent of £5, which is distributed amongst the poor with
the other charities.
_On the table_ of benefactions, it is stated that _Randolph Jones_, in
1710, left £10, the interest to be distributed in bread. This money is
supposed to have been laid out in building the poor-house, and the
interest thereof, 10s., is paid yearly from the poor’s rates, and forms
part of the funds distributed in bread at Easter and Christmas.
_Thomas Bridgman_, by will dated 28th May, 1718, devised to the school at
Church Stretton 40s. yearly, to be paid at Michaelmas and Lady-day to the
schoolmaster, on condition that he should teach four poor children till
they could perfectly read in the Bible, and then to receive four more, to
be nominated from the parish by his executors and trustees, and the
minister of the parish. He also gave to the poor housekeepers of Church
Stretton 20s., to be given on St. Thomas’s day; and also 10s. more to be
distributed in twenty sixpenny loaves to housekeepers of the said parish,
not receiving parochial relief.
_Edward Phillips_, by indenture bearing date 19th May, 1735, left land to
the amount of 2A. 3R. 10P. called the Street Meadow, in trust to apply
the annual rent of the same for the benefit of the poor. This land was
let in 1830 at a rent of £7, which forms part of the general distribution
on St. Thomas’s day and Easter.
_Edward Lloyd_, who died in 1790, bequeathed £100, to be placed out at
interest, half the produce to be paid to the schoolmaster, as an
augmentation to his salary, and the other half to be applied towards
raising a sum to apprentice two boys of the age of 14 scholars of the
said school. He also gave £21, on trust, to place out the same to pay
the interest to sixteen poor parishioners of Church Stretton, on St.
Thomas’s day, to be nominated by the minister and churchwardens. The
testator also charged his estate, called The Bank, in Church Stretton,
with the payment of £3. 3s. yearly to the trustees of Church Stretton
school, for the aid and support of a Sunday school there. The sum of
£100 is placed out on a bond, given out under the provisions of an act of
parliament, passed for rebuilding St. Chad’s church, Shrewsbury, bearing
interest at 4½ per cent. One moiety is paid to the trustees of the
school, as before stated; and the other is carried to a separate account,
called the apprentice fund, from which children are placed out as
apprentices, with a premium of £4 each.
_John Bridgman_, by will, dated 5th October, 1796, bequeathed £100, in
trust, to the minister and churchwardens of Church Stretton, to be by
them placed out at interest, on such security as they should think
proper, and distributed by them on the 28th of March to poor
housekeepers.
_Edward Phillips_, _jun._, by will, dated 22nd of September, 1781, gave
to the parish of Church Stretton the sum of £30, to be laid out in land,
and the produce thereof to be given in bread to poor housekeepers. The
yearly sum of £1. 10s. has been considered as a charge upon land in
Church Stretton, belonging to the Rev. Robert Norgrave Pemberton, which
was formerly the property of the family of Phillips.
_The Rev. John Mainwaring_, by will, dated 12th of May, 1800, and by a
codicil, dated 5th October, 1805, directed that the sum of £100 should be
invested in the purchase of stock in the public funds, the interest
whereof to be applied to the relief of poor industrious persons residing
in the parish as should be thought most deserving; and also £100, the
interest whereof to be paid to the master of the Church Stretton school,
in augmentation of his salary; and he also directed that £21 should he
laid out in the purchase of stock, the interest to be paid to such person
as should have the keeping of the churchyard in order, on condition that
the parishioners of Church Stretton should continue the yearly payment of
8s. or 10s. hitherto allowed for that purpose. Interest is paid on these
sums at 4½ per cent.
The preceding charities, amounting to £27. 1s., are carried to one
general fund, of which £4 are disposed of in bread—20s. worth every St.
Thomas’s day, the like sum every Easter Tuesday, and 40s. towards a
distribution of eighteen pennyworth of bread three Sundays in every
month, the residue being paid from the parish rates. The remainder, £23.
1s., with the money collected at the sacrament, and some voluntary
additions thereto, are distributed to the poor at Easter and on St.
Thomas’s day, in nearly equal proportions.
_William Minton_, in 1701, left £6, the interest to be distributed in
bread every Christmas day. The amount of 6s. is given away in twopenny
and threepenny loaves before evening service on the aforesaid day. It is
stated, on the table of benefactions, that _Thomas Harrison_, in 1794,
left £10, the interest to be given to the poor on St. Thomas’s day.
_Widow Owen_ left £1 yearly, payable from certain houses in Mardol, in
Shrewsbury, to repair the west window of Stretton church. At the time
the Charity Commissioners published their report, there was a surplus of
upwards of £9 ready to be applied to the repair of the aforesaid window.
Andrews Thomas, saddler & harness maker
Beetlestone George, victualler, Crown Inn
Bridgman Mr. John
Bellingham Robert, hair dresser
Broome Mrs. Margaret, Post Office
Corfield The Misses, ladies’ seminary
Childe Thomas, tin plate worker and brazier
Davies Eliza, milliner and dressmaker
Duppa, Banks, & Co., woollen manufacturers
Firm—Duppa Duppa, Esq., and William Banks, Esq., Kington
Evans David, victualler, The Raven
Everall Richard, beerseller
Faulkner John, butcher
Faulkner John, wheelwright
Glover Edward, saddler and harness maker
George William, victualler, The Talbot
Groves Thomas, farmer, Ashbrook
Gwilliam Edward, shoemaker
Howells Mr., farmer
Heighway James, grocer & provision dealer, and agent to the Shropshire
and North Wales Fire Office
Heighway Richard, maltster and farmer, Lower Wood
Heighway Thomas, farmer, Pensylvania
Home Richard, grocer and seedsman, and registrar of births and deaths for
Church Stretton district
Hopwood Mr. Robert, The Priory
Jones Miss Sarah, Lower Wood
Langford William, farmer, Lower Wood
Lewis John, painter and maltster
Lewis John, blacksmith and victualler, The Queen’s Head Inn
Lewis William, plumber and glazier
Lloyd John, shoemaker
Lloyd Charles, victualler, The Buck’s Head
Lucas John, tailor
Lucas Mary, shopkeeper
Mills Jonathan, victualler, The Red Lion
Mills Thomas, farmer
Mott Charles, surgeon
Morris John, leather dealer
M’Cartney Mr., travelling tea dealer
Meredith Lewis & Co., grocers and drapers
Marston William, tailor
Nunn, Rev. Preston, curate
Pearson George, tailor
Phillips Mrs. Maria, Ashbrook
Phipps George, victualler, The Plough
Painter Thomas, farmer, Lower Wood
Robinson John, ironmonger
Robinson James H., draper
Robinson John, shoemaker
Rogers Thomas, butcher
Steadman John S., farmer and maltster
Teague William, victualler, King’s Arms
Wilding Richard, surgeon
Wilson Rev. Hugh Owen, rector
ALL STRETTON
is a township and village in the parish of Church Stretton, situated
about a mile north from the church, which contains 2,192 acres of land,
and at the census of 1841 had 88 houses and 454 inhabitants. Gross
estimated rental, £2,268. 15s. Rateable value, £1,825. 5s. The
principal landowners are the trustees of the late Samuel Wilding, Esq.,
A. B. Markham, Esq., Panton Corbett, Esq., Edward Medlicott, Esq., Duppa
Duppa, Esq. The village is in a romantic situation, near the mountainous
range of the Longmynd, and not far from the Caradoc and Lawley hills.
The occasion of the prefix, “All,” to this Stretton is accounted for by
the following tradition:—When James II. was on his journey from Ludlow to
Shrewsbury, approaching the first, or Little Stretton, he inquired its
name: “Stretton, Sire,” was answered. Arriving at Church Stretton, he
made the same inquiry: “Stretton, Sire,” was again the reply. Coming to
the third, he renewed the question, and received the same answer. “Upon
my word,” said the king, “they are _all_ Strettons in this country.”
LITTLE STRETTON
is a township, about a mile and a half south from Church Stretton, which
contains 816 acres, the gross estimated rental of which is £1,054. 15s.,
and the rateable value £841. 5s. The landowners are, Thomas Bolton,
Esq., Mrs. Davies, John Robinson, Esq., Edward Gibbon, Esq., John
Mansell, Esq., and Mrs. Coleman. The latter is lady of the manor. The
village is pleasant, and the country around is beautifully picturesque.
In 1841 there were 41 houses and 165 inhabitants.
MINTON
township has 803 acres of land, and the village is situated in the wild
and romantic district of the Longmynd range of hills, three miles
south-west from Church Stretton. At the census of 1841 there were 30
houses and 125 inhabitants. Gross estimated rental, £936. 3s. Rateable
value, £752. 10s. The chief landowners are W. M. Beddows, Esq., Mr.
Richard Minton, C. O. C. Pemberton, Esq. The former is lord of the
manor.
ALL STRETTON DIRECTORY.
Belton Mr. John, Innwood
Dolphin Edward, farmer
Donelly Michael, shopkeeper
Edwards Rchd., vict., New Inn
Galliers Rowland, beerseller
Griffiths William, beerseller
Haverkum Mrs. Mary, All Stretton Hall
Heighway Richard, farmer and maltster, Lower Wood
Heighway Thomas, farmer
Hide John, cattle dealer
Hide Wm., vict., Yew Tree
Hince Mr. Cs, Dudgley house
Jones Miss Sarah, Lower Wood
Jones Mr. William
Langford William, farmer, Lower Wood
Lewis John, blacksmith
Lewis William, plumber and glazier
Painter Thos., farmer, Lower Wood
Rawlins Mary, shopkeeper
Smith Timothy, farmer, Dudgley
Taylor Mary, farmer, Hodghurst
Williams Samuel, shoemaker
LITTLE STRETTON DIRECTORY.
Acton Mrs. Mary
Bridgman Francis, farmer
Childe Elizabeth, blacksmith
Corfield William, farmer, The Hall
Davies Mrs., Eleanor The Cottages
Davies George, farmer
Davies John, shopkeeper
Gwynn James, shoemaker
Hammond Thomas, wheelwright
Hammond Richard, wheelwright
Longmore William, farmer
Mansell John, farmer
Miles Thomas, shoemaker
Preen Samuel, butcher
Preen Thomas, tailor
Pritchard John, victualler, Green Dragon
Ray Edward, farmer
Robinson John, maltster
Speake John, farmer
Speake John, victualler, Sun Inn
Simpson William, tanner
Taylor Thomas, tailor
Turner Margaret, victualler, Crown Inn
MINTON DIRECTORY.
Beddows Mrs. Jane, Well House
Beddows William Minton, Esq., Well House
Briscoe Thomas, victualler, New Inn, Marsh Brook
Edwards Francis, miller, Queen Batch Mill
Downes John, farmer, New House
Hotchkiss Thomas, farmer
Jones Pryce, machine maker
Minton Richard, farmer, Manor House
Rogers Edward, farmer
CLEE ST. MARGARET, OR CLEE TOWN,
is a township, parish, and large village in the lower division of the
Munslow hundred, seven and a half miles N.N.E. from Ludlow, containing
988A. 2R. 36P. of land. Gross estimated rental, £1,323. 10s. Rateable
value, £889. 4s. The village is salubriously situated, a little to the
west of the Brown Clee hill, and the inhabitants are celebrated for their
longevity. At the census in 1841 there were 71 houses, including the
hamlet of Coxheadford, and 269 inhabitants; population in 1801, 294;
1831, 294. The principal landowners are Mrs. Thursby, Richard Turner,
Esq., Thomas Millichap, Esq., Mr. Thomas Turner, Mr. William Heighway,
the Earl of Craven, Sir Sidney Herbert, and Mr. Samuel Jones. Mrs.
Thursby is lady of the manor. The church is a small structure of
unpretending appearance, consisting of nave and chancel, with a square
tower. The living is a perpetual curacy, formerly of very little value,
but has been increased by royal bounty, parliamentary grant, and private
benefactions, to £179 per annum. The patronage is vested in the lady of
the manor. Incumbent, Rev. J. Corbett. COXHEADFORD is a hamlet in the
parish of Clee St. Margaret, situated in a sequestered and romantic
dingle formed by two lofty elevations of the Brown Clee hills. Upon that
portion of the Clee hill called Norley Bank are traces of an encampment.
There is a small place of worship belonging to the Joanna Southcotts.
The principal residents in Clee St. Margaret are Edward Burton, vict.,
Shoulder of Mutton; Thomas Hall, farmer, Burnt House; John Hanson,
farmer, New House; Samuel Heighway, farmer, The Marsh; Isaac Howell,
vict., The Boot Inn; Rev. Morgan Jones, The Marsh; Richard Lawrence, corn
miller; Thomas Millichap, farmer; Thomas Wall, farmer, Church House;
Thomas Wheelwright, farmer, Brook House; Thomas Turner, farmer and cider
dealer, Coxheadford; Samuel Hall, weaver and shopkeeper, Coxheadford.
SCIRMAGE, an _Extra Parochial Liberty_ situated about a mile from Clee
Town, where the three parishes of Stoke St. Milborough, Cold Weston, and
Stoke St. Margaret converge, contains about half an acre of land, and one
small house, which is the property of Mr. Thomas Wheelwright, and
occupied by Elizabeth Burton.
COLD WESTON
is a small township and parish in the lower division of the Munslow
hundred, seven and a half miles N.N. by E. from Ludlow, which contains
415 acres of land, three cottages, and a farm house. At the census in
1841 there were 27 inhabitants, and in 1841 31. Gross estimated rental,
£362. 10s. Rateable value, £258. Mrs. Cornewall is the proprietor of
the whole township. The church is a very humble structure, the living of
which is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £2. 8s. 4d., now returned
at £100 in the patronage of Mrs. Cornewall. Incumbent, Rev. Henry
Cowdell; the Rev. Lancelot Dixon is the curate. There was formerly a
woollen mill in this parish. The land in this locality has mostly a poor
soil. Thomas Keysell is the only resident farmer.
CULMINGTON
is a considerable parish in the lower division of the Munslow hundred,
comprising the townships of Bache and Norton, Burley, Culmington, and
Siefton, and embracing 3,460A. 3R. 0P. of land. Gross estimated rental,
£4,874. 10s. 6d. Rateable value, £3,249. The principal landowners are
the Earl of Craven, George Wood, Esq., and James Beddows, Esq. In 1801
there was a population of 419 souls; 1831, 515, and in 1841 there were
109 houses and 541 inhabitants. At the Doomsday survey Earl Roger held
Comintine, which Edric held before the conquest. It was for some time
held by the same lord, and included in the same tenure as the castle of
Corfham. King Henry II. gave Culmington to Walter de Clifford, and it
was afterwards carried in marriage to William Longspe, who, being
overthrown in a tournament, is stated to have died of grief in the flower
of his age. His widow married Sir John Giffard, who procured a charter
of free warren for his lands here, and died possessed of them in the 27th
of Edward I. It afterwards passed to the L’Estranges, and then to the
Talbots, Earls of Shrewsbury. The village of Culmington is delightfully
situated in the beautiful and fertile vale of the Corve dale, five miles
N.W. from Culmington. The church is dedicated to All Saints, and
consists of nave and chancel, with an octagonal tower surmounted by a
spire; the tower contains three bells. The interior is neat, and
contains several tablets, chiefly to the family of the present rector.
The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £18. 9s. 2d., in the
patronage and incumbency of the Rev. William Johnstone. The tithes have
been commuted for £762. 10s., and the glebe land is of the annual value
of £79. 10s. A tower has been built on a plot of land where the estates
of the four principal landowners of this locality converge; the owners
are the Earl of Craven, Hon. Robert Henry Clive, Francis Marston, Esq.,
and George Wood, Esq. The monument is built on a lofty eminence, and
commands a prospect of great extent and diversity.
The principal residents are Alexander Anslow, beerhouse keeper; Samuel
Anslow, blacksmith; Thomas James, wheelwright; John Morris, farmer;
Richard Pearce, shoemaker; Edward Taylor, farmer; James Williams, farmer.
BACH AND NORTON, a township and small rural village six miles N.W. from
Ludlow, in 1841 had 19 houses and 87 inhabitants. The land in this
locality is highly fertile. The chief owners in the township are the
Earl of Craven, the Marquis of Crosemere, and George Wood, Esq.; the
latter is lord of the manor. The principal residents are Richard Bach,
farmer, Norton; Edward Bassett, farmer, Bach; William Bromley, farmer,
Norton; William Tarte, farmer, Bach.
BURLEY is a small township situated about a mile N.W. from Culmington,
returned in 1841 as containing 28 houses and 140 inhabitants. The Earl
of Craven is the landowner. John Onions is the principal farmer.
SIEFTON, a small village and township in the parish of Culmington,
situated about a mile from the parish church, in 1841 had 41 houses and
223 inhabitants. There is a national school in the village, which is
supported by the lord of the manor; upwards of seventy scholars attend.
The rectory of Culmington, a handsome residence, is situated in this
township. The Earl of Craven and George Wood, Esq., are the landowners.
The principal residents are Rev. William Johnstone, rector; William Bach,
farmer, New House; Richard Bach, farmer, Madeley Park; Henry Instone,
farmer; Thomas Lucas, schoolmaster.
DIDDLEBURY
is an extensive parish in the lower division of the Munslow hundred,
which comprises the townships of Corfton, Diddlebury, Earnstrey Park,
Lawton and Little Sutton, Lower Parks and Broncroft, Middlehope Paston,
Peaton, Sutton Great and Westhope, together containing 9,043 acres of
land: population in 1801, 837; 1831, 920; 1841, 896; at the latter period
there were 190 houses. The village of Diddlebury is pleasantly situated
seven miles and a half north from Ludlow, and in 1841 had 25 houses and
132 inhabitants. The township contains 1,149 acres of Land; rateable
value, £1,191. 16s. 8d. The principal landowners are the Cornewall
family, James Davies, Esq., Mr. E. Lodge, William A. Roberts, Esq., and
George Wood, Esq. There was formerly an alien priory at Diddlebury,
which was subordinate to the convent of Seez, in Normandy, and was
afterwards appropriated to the abbey of Shrewsbury. The church,
dedicated to St. Peter, consists of nave and chancel, and has a square
tower, in which are five bells: there are several memorials, chiefly to
the family of Cornewall. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king’s
book at £12. 1s. 3d.; now returned at £384; in the patronage of the dean
and chapter of Hereford; incumbent, Rev. Thomas Underwood. There is a
National school in the village, attended by about forty scholars. The
tithes of this township have been commuted, and £35 apportioned to the
vicar, and £45. 10s. to the dean and chapter of Hereford. DELBURY HALL,
in this township, the property of Herbert Cornewall, Esq., and residence
of Henry Wood, Esq., is said to have formerly belonged to the monks of
Wenlock Abbey, from whom it passed to the family of Baldwin, whose
monuments are in the chancel of Diddlebury church. It was purchased by
Captain Cornewall, father of the late bishop of Worcester, and
grandfather of the present proprietor. There has existed a school at
Diddlebury every since the year 1595. Lord Herbert, of Chirbury, was
partly educated at this school in his youth.
CHARITIES.—The parish officers are in possession of a house which was
purchased in 1720 for £150, of which, £128 was money belonging to the
parishioners of Diddlebury; the residue £22 was borrowed of Philip
Luttley. After paying of interest for the said £22, it was agreed to
appropriate the rent in equal moieties to the support of a school, and to
the benefit of the poor. At a meeting of the parishioners, held May
13th, 1830, it was resolved that the clear rents (then £8 per annum)
should in future be applied to the support of a Sunday school. There was
a sum of £21 in the hands of Mr. Beddoes when the charity commissioners
published their report, for which he paid £4 a year as the interest; but
it is not known from whose gift this charity was derived. This money has
been improperly, as it seems to us, carried to the poor’s rate; but at
the parish meeting above mentioned it has been determined to apply the
interest also for the benefit of the school.
_Mary Valentine_, by her will, bearing date 23rd May, 1822, bequeathed to
the minister, churchwardens, and overseers of the poor of the parish of
Diddlebury, £1,000 four per cent. consols, to be transferred into their
names as trustees, the dividends to be laid out in bread, and distributed
every Sunday to poor housekeepers of this parish not receiving parochial
relief. The dividends, amounting to £35 per annum, are received through
a bank at London. The income is applied in a weekly distribution of
bread amongst all the poor belonging the parish, and not receiving
parochial relief; some who are not resident in the parish being included.
For the purpose of regulating the distribution, the parish is divided
into three districts; and about twenty-six persons from each district in
rotation receive a sixpenny loaf each every third Sunday.
The principal residents are John Child, farmer; Mrs. Mary Downes, Melford
Lodge; Henry Wood, Esq., Delbury hall; John Morris, farmer; Frederick
North, schoolmaster.
CORFTON
is a township and village in the parish of Diddlebury, containing 1,205
acres of land, and in 1841 had 48 houses and 232 inhabitants. Rateable
value, £1,453. 3s. 4d. The tithes of Corfton and Sparchford are commuted
for £116. 17s. The church of Culmington, with the manors of Corfeham,
Culmington, Erneston, and Les Clyves, were held by Walter de Clifford of
King Henry II., by the service of one knight’s fee, paying £31 rent.
“This Walter was the father of Fair Rosamond, the mistress of Henry II.,
and mother of the noted William, Earl of Salisbury, whom she bore to the
king. Walter de Clifford, grandson of the first Walter, espousing the
cause of Richard Mareschal, Earl of Pembroke, then in rebellion, was
outlawed 17th of Henry III., and his castle and manor of Corfeham seized
by the sheriff of Shropshire for the king’s use; but restored to him
shortly after upon his submission. He married the daughter of Lewelin,
Prince of Wales, relict of John de Braose, and left issue by her one
daughter, first married to William Longspe, Earl of Sarum, who had with
her in frank marriage Culmington, in the county of Salop, valued at £28.
8s. 2d. per annum, with this proviso, that in case it did not yield the
sum aforesaid, the deficiency was to be made up out of the manor of
Corfeham: the whole estate given to her in frank marriage being £200 per
annum. After the decease of the Earl of Sarum, her second husband was
John Giffard, of Brimsfield, Knt., of whom she complained to the king,
that he had taken her by force out of her own castle and carried her to
his at Brimsfield, where she was kept in duress. To this accusation Sir
John Gifford made answer that he had the free consent of the countess, as
the sequel would prove, and so tendered the king a fine of three hundred
marks for marrying the lady without licence, which was accepted in
satisfaction of the contempt, if the countess made no further application
upon that score.” It would appear, therefore, that the ancient owners of
the manor were the daughters of the Fair Rosamond.
The principal residents in Corfton are Richard Bowen, farmer, Hill house;
Edward Bowen, farmer, Lower house; James Beddoes, farmer, Sparchford;
Mary Dyer, vict., Sun Inn; Edward Pearce, farmer; William Hince, butcher;
Rev. Thomas Underwood, vicar of Diddlebury.
EARNESTRY PARK is a township in the parish of Diddlebury, situated at the
foot of the Brown Clee Hill, which contains 1,017A. 1R. 33P. of land, a
great part of which is shaded from the sun a considerable portion of the
day by that lofty eminence. The Misses Mytton, of Cleobury North, are
the proprietors of the whole township. The summit of the Brown Clee Hill
is 1,805 feet above the level of the sea, and commands a most extensive
and magnificent prospect of the surrounding country. At the census in
1841 there were six houses and thirty-eight inhabitants. The vicarial
tithes have been commuted for £20, and the rectoral for £33. The chief
residents are Thomas Bradley, farmer; John Evans, farmer; John Hanson,
farmer; and Thomas Hanson, farmer.
LAWTON AND LITTLE SUTTON, a township in Diddlebury parish, five and a
half miles north from Ludlow, in 1841 had fifteen houses and eighty five
souls. Lawton contains 460 acres, the tithes of which are commuted for
£51. Sutton portion of the township comprises 331 acres, and the tithes
are commuted for £33. 11s. The principal landowners are Herbert
Cornewall, Esq., and Charles Powell, Esq.; the former is lord of the
manor. SUTTON COURT is a handsome house of modern erection, and is the
residence of Charles Powell, Esq., J.P., who, with William Cocks, farmer,
Lawton, and Francis Keysell, farmer, Sutton, are the principal residents
in the township.
LOWER PARK AND BRONCROFT, a small township in the parish of Diddlebury,
comprising 795 acres of land, is situated eight and a quarter miles
north-east from Ludlow. At the census of 1841 there were five houses and
twenty-six inhabitants. Rateable value, £627. 13s. 4d. The small tithes
are commuted for £27, and the large tithes for £47; the dean and chapter
of Hereford are the appropriators. George Johnstone, Esq., is the
principal landowner. The chief residents are George Johnstone, Esq.,
Broncroft castle; and John Price, farmer, the Lodge farm.
MIDDLEHOPE, a township in the parish of Diddlebury, contains 1,091 acres
of land, which is mostly the property of John Francis Wright, Esq. At
the census of 1841 there were sixteen houses and 100 inhabitants.
The tithes have been commuted for £60, of which £20 has been apportioned
to the vicar and £14 to the dean and chapter of Hereford. The principal
residents are Thomas Jones, farmer, Berwood; Thomas Jones, farmer; Thomas
Webster, farmer; William Yapp, farmer; and John Yapp, farmer.
POSTON, a township in the parish of Diddlebury comprises 394 acres of
land, two houses, and thirteen inhabitants, and is situated six and a
half miles north from Ludlow; Archdeacon Vicers is the landowner. The
small tithes are commuted for £8. 10s., and the large tithes for £13. 7s.
John Chatham is the resident farmer.
PEATON, a small township and village in the parish of Diddlebury, with 22
houses and 103 souls, contains 1,022 acres of land, which is the property
of Lady Louisa Clinton; the tithes have been commuted for £106, of which
£30 has been apportioned to the vicar, and £76 to the dean and chapter of
Hereford.
DIRECTORY.—William Dyer, shopkeeper; John Gwilt, farmer, New House;
Thomas Passey, farmer; Samuel Price, farmer.
SUTTON GREAT, a township with a scattered population, in the parish of
Diddlebury, six miles north-east from Ludlow, contains 734 acres of land,
principally the property of Herbert Cornewall, Esq.; the vicarial tithes
are commuted for £26, and the rectoral for £35. 14s. At the census of
1841 there were thirteen houses and a population of sixty-four souls.
The chief residents in Sutton are Benjamin Pitt, farmer, and John Yates,
farmer.
WESTHOPE, a township in the parish of Diddlebury, nine miles north-west
from Ludlow, has 1186 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £668.
In 1841 there were 17 houses and 103 inhabitants. There is a Chapel of
Ease here, a small unpretending structure, the living of which is a
curacy subordinate to the vicarage of Diddlebury; the small tithes are
commuted for £25, and the large tithes for £82. 4s.
DIRECTORY.—John Banks, farmer, Westhope House; Thomas Banks, farmer,
Lower Westhope; William Price, farmer, Chapel farm; Richard Smout,
farmer; John Smout, farmer, The Hall End.
EASTHOPE
is a parish and small rural village, situated in Hopedale, in the lower
division of the Munslow hundred, five miles south-west from the ancient
town of Much Wenlock, eight miles east from Church Stretton, and ten
miles west from Bridgnorth. The parish contains 815 acres of land, the
rateable value of which is £803. At the census in 1801 there were 85
inhabitants; 1831, 103; and in 1841, 21 houses and a population of 103
souls. In the 34th Edward I. John de Easthope died seized of the manor
of Easthope, 18th of Edward II. a fine was levied between Thomas de
Easthope and John de Hopton defendant, of the manor and of the advowson
of the church, to the use of Thomas and Joanna his wife in fee tail. The
21st of Richard II. Richard Earl of Arundel was found to have a knight’s
fee in Easthope, holden then by Thomas de Hynkeley. In the 12th of Henry
VII. a fine was levied between Henry Warley and Nicholas Warley
complainants, John Haltman and his wife defendants, of both the manor and
advowson of the church _et de terris_ in Easthope, Presthope, Astwale,
Louthwyche, Willey, Bratton, Henley, and Bould. Moses George Benson,
Esq. is the principal landowner and lord of the manor; the soil is mostly
upon the limestone, and there is a good deal of limestone rock in the
parish and neighbourhood. The water is very good and some of the springs
are accounted efficacious in scorbutic complaints, and are also of a
petrifying quality. The scenery is beautifully diversified and romantic,
and some of the high grounds command fine views of the celebrated Wrekin,
the Clee hill, and Caradoc, so named after Caractacus, who had a camp on
the summit. The Wenlock edge is a great feature in this part of the
country; it is a steep wooded acclivity which runs nearly through the
centre of the parish, and is of an interesting nature to the geologist.
THE CHURCH is a small structure unpretending in its architecture, and
dedicated to St. Peter. It has a short tower, and there is a
well-proportioned window in the east end in the early English style: the
font is very ancient. On the north side of the church, between two
venerable yews, are two tombs without date or inscription but simply a
cross upon each. It is supposed that two monks are interred there, who
might be connected with the Abbey of Wenlock. The stones have given rise
to some curious legends among the people. The living is a rectory valued
in the king’s book at £3. 3s. 1½d., now returned at £133, in the
patronage of M. G. Benson, Esq.; incumbent, Rev. Robert Armitage. The
rectory is a neat structure in a sheltered situation, and there are
thirty-six acres of glebe land.
On some rising ground situated about a mile west of the turnpike road
leading from Wenlock to Ludlow, and about half way between Larden Hall
and Lutwyche Hall, is a celebrated British encampment. It encloses about
eight acres, and the form is nearly a circle, surrounded by inner and
outer fosses; the inner wall falls on the side due east twelve feet,
externally twenty-five feet, across the crest of the parapet, six feet.
The relief of the second vallum rises ten feet from the foss, and is at
present twelve feet wide across its parapet; externally it falls eight
feet. It is however partially obliterated, either in consequence of the
mounds and ditches being planted over, or through their being injured by
natural causes. These ditches have formerly been a post of some
importance, for they supply a necessary link in the chain of British
entrenchments which stretch throughout the country. The present position
is in the immediate view of Nordy Bank, and within observation of both
the Caers Bury ditches and the Wrekin. The entrance appears to have been
on the north-east side. Were there no other reason for the assumption,
the fact of a British urn having been found here would sanction the idea
that these were the works of the ancient Britons. A little to the
north-west is the semblance of a tumulus, which a few years ago was more
prominent than at present; on a recent occasion after making a cut from
west to east, the workmen came to a black deposit which led to the
supposition that the interment had been simple, and by cremation. On a
previous occasion by mere accident an earthen vessel was found by making
a drain about three hundred yards south-east from the encampment. It was
formed of a sort of red clay so slightly baked on the outside that it
washed away when a brush and water were applied to it. The inside was
black and somewhat harder as though it had been baked by making the fire
within. “Before I saw it,” says Mr. Mytton, “the workmen had broken the
lower part which was next the surface of the ground, but by putting the
pieces together the form could be made out. It was found with the mouth
downwards, and contained fragments of bones. At seems most likely that
Astorius made a diversion of part of his forces against Caer Caradoc and
the ditches, and after having driven out the Britons from those elevated
posts he left garrisons in the country.” The Mogg, or Mock Forest, in
which the camp is situated, is reckoned among the ancient forests of this
county.
The principal gentleman’s seat in this parish is LUTWYCHE HALL, built by
Judge Lutwyche, in the time of Queen Elizabeth; a full length portrait of
the judge adorns an apartment inside the mansion. It is supposed that
there has been a mansion at Lutwyche from the time of, or probably
earlier than the Conquest. It was sold in 1786 by the last of the
Lutwyches, and after passing through several intermediate owners was
purchased in 1806 by Moses Benson, Esq., whose grandson Moses George
Benson, Esq. now resides there. The derivation of the word Lutwyche is
said to be from _lut_, the gathering of an army, and _wyche_, a cleft or
valley.
The chief residents in Easthope are Moses George Benson, Esq., Lutwyche
Hall; The Rev. Robert Armitage, The Rectory; Edward Evans, shoemaker;
Samuel Evans, farmer; Edward Preece, wheelwright; Francis Ray, farmer;
Easthope Cottage; Margaret Wadlow, farmer and corn miller.
EATON-UNDER-HEYWOOD
is a parish, in the upper division of the Munslow Hundred, which
comprises the townships of Eaton, Hatton, part of Longville-Lushcott-East
Wall, part of Hungerford, Millichope Upper, and Ticklerton. Population
in 1801, 513; 1831, 539; 1841, 579. The village of Eaton is pleasantly
situated nine miles south-west from Much Wenlock, and the township
contains 1,639 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,026. 3s.
At the census in 1841 there were 12 houses and 77 inhabitants. Among the
landowners are Miss Eatons, Mrs. Stackhouse, Mr. Powell, and Mr. Nugent;
besides whom are several other proprietors. THE CHURCH is a neat
structure, with nave, chancel, and a tower, in which are three bells.
The living is a vicarage, valued in the king’s book at £5. Gross income,
£300. Patron and incumbent, Rev. Richard Sandford. The tithes are
commuted for £178. 10s., and there are 148 acres of glebe land. The
principal residents are Benjamin Beddows, farmer; Richard Cleeton,
farmer; Thomas Farmer, farmer; Thomas Hince, farmer, New Hall; William
Harris, corn miller, New Hall Mill; John Medlicott, farmer; Rev. Richard
Sandford, rector.
HATTON is a township in the parish of Eaton, twelve miles south-west from
Much Wenlock, with 644 acres of land, the rateable value of which is
£407. 5s. In 1841 there were nine houses and 54 inhabitants. The
principal landowners are Edwin W. W. Pendarvies, Esq., Rev. Thomas C.
Powell, and Mr. Downward. The chief residents are Alice Benbow,
victualler, The Bell; Susannah Evans, farmer; Edward Jones, farmer; Joice
Rawlins, farmer; William Wall, farmer.
HUNGERFORD is a township partly in Eaton parish and partly in that of
Munslow. In the former, at the census of 1841 were eight houses and 55
inhabitants, and in the latter one house and nine persons. It comprises
1,002 acres of land. Rateable value, £703. 1s. C. O. C. Pemberton,
Esq., is the principal landowner. The residents are Robert Craig,
farmer, miller, and tanner; Edward Rowley, victualler, Buck’s Head.
LONGVILLE LUSHCOTT AND EAST WALL township will be found in Rushbury
parish.
MILLICHOPE is a small township, in the parish of Eaton, returned at the
census of 1841 as having 15 houses and 94 inhabitants. John Francis
Wright, Esq., is the principal landowner. The resident farmers are
William Downs and John Preece.
TICKLERTON township has 1,384 acres of land, and is also in the parish of
Eaton, and situated about a mile south-west from the church. The village
is pleasantly situated, and in 1841 had 40 houses and 211 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £1,008. 10s. The Rev. Robert Joseph Buddicom is the
principal landowner. The chief residents are the Rev. Robert Joseph
Buddicom; William Downes, farmer; John Edwards, farmer; Thos. Galliers,
farmer; Benjamin Pursland, beerhouse-keeper; Francis Wall, blacksmith.
HALFORD,
a chapelry and small village, formerly united to the parish of Bromfield,
contains, with the hamlet of Dinchope, 1,320 acres of land, and in 1841
had 26 houses and 124 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,328. 19s. The
whole of the land in this parish belongs to the Hon. R. H. Clive, except
about fifty acres, which is the property of James Baxter, Esq. The
former is lord of the manor. The soil is mostly upon the limestone, and
produces tolerable crops of grain, but a considerable portion of the land
is used for grazing purposes. THE CHAPEL is a small structure, and the
living a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Hon. R. H. Clive,
Esq., who is also lord of the manor. The Rev. William E. Lumb is the
incumbent.
DIRECTORY.—John Dalloway, corn miller, Halford Mill; John Davies, farmer,
Halford; Richard Jukes, farmer, Dinchope; Sarah Lambe, blacksmith,
Newington; Richard Marston, farmer, Halford; Henry Ratcliffe, clerk;
Joseph Swift, farmer, Dinchope.
HOLDGATE
is a parish in the lower division of the Munslow Hundred, which embraces
the townships of Holdgate, Bouldon, and Brookhampton, and contains 1,623
acres of land. Population in 1801, 197; in 1831, 188; 1841, 224. At the
latter period there were forty houses. The village of Holdgate seems
once to have been a place of some note, and stands on rising ground,
eleven miles north from Ludlow. The township comprises 649 acres of
land, the rateable value of which is £854. At the census of 1841 there
were 12 houses and 79 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Mrs.
Thursby, Rev. Joseph Corbett, and George Phillips, Esq. The former is
lady of the manor. There was anciently a castle here. Thomas Maudit
being in arms with the rebellious barons, his castle was seized by the
king and given to Hugh de Mortimer, but returning to his allegiance he
had restitution of his castle at Holgot. In the 7th of Henry III., he
obtained the charter for a market there every week upon a Thursday.
After him William Maudit had a confirmation of the grant of the market.
In the 19th of Edward I. Robert Burnel, bishop of Bath and Wells,
procured a charter for changing the market day to Tuesday, and to keep a
fair on the eve, the day, and on the day after the feast of the Holy
Trinity. In the 15th of Richard II., Hugh Burnel, Knt., held the castle
and manor of Holdgate at the yearly rent of £2. 13s. 3¼d., which was
assessed upon several tenants at Clee St. Margaret. The service for the
manor was to find two horsemen at Montgomery for forty days. The heiress
of Burnel married Lord Lovell in the time of Edward II., in which family
the inheritance rested till Jasper, of Hatfield, Earl of Pembroke,
obtained a grant hereof in special trial, who, after the battle of
Bosworth, was created duke of Bedford; but dying without issue, in the
24th of Henry VIII. the king gave the manor to Thomas, duke of Norfolk,
and his heirs, to be held by the fourth part of a knight’s fee. THE
CHURCH, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is evidently of Norman
architecture, having the massive and lofty embattled tower peculiar to
that style, adorned with rude figures, which may go far to prove the
antiquity of the edifice. The principal entrance is through a fine stone
doorway, with a cluster of slender pillars on each side, supporting a
beautifully carved arch, the effect of which is considerably lessened by
several coats of whitewash. The font is of primitive simplicity and
curiously sculptured, seems coeval with the building itself, but is seen
under similar disadvantage. The back of a large pew is ornamented with
the coat of arms, handsomely carved in wood, of the family of Minton, who
formerly resided at the Coates, in this parish. Near to the church-yard
is an artificial mound called “The Mount.” It was probably thrown up to
its present height for the purpose of erecting a watch-tower, or post,
during the civil wars, or in the unsettled times when the warlike barons
of the feudal system were perpetually invading each other’s territories.
The situation is admirably adapted for this purpose, commanding, as it
does, an extensive and important tract of country. The living of the
church is a rectory with that of Tugford annexed, valued in the king’s
book at £13. 9s. 9½d., now returned at £500, in the patronage of the
Bishop of Hereford; incumbent, Rev. Joseph Corbett. In the 12th of King
John it appears that the abbot of Salop had the third part of the
advowson of the church at Castle Holdgate. Thomas Maudit released to him
the right of patronage in two parts of the church; yet he reserved the
third part to himself, for which he presented to the bishop his clerk.
There is a daily school in the village. The poor of this parish enjoy a
rent charge of 10s. per annum, under the will of Robert Ellis, in 1652.
BOULDON is a small township, with a few scattered houses, in the parish
of Holdgate, which comprises 325 acres of land, the rateable value of
which is £274. 10s. At the census of 1841 there were 13 houses and 61
inhabitants. There is a quarry in this township where stone is got in
considerable quantities for building and other purposes.
BROOKHAMPTON is another township in Holdgate parish, with 549 acres of
land, and in 1841 had fifteen houses and eighty-five souls; rateable
value, £390. 15s. Mrs. Thursby and the Corporation of Ludlow are the
landowners; the former is lady of the manor.
DIRECTORY.—Jeremiah Cox, farmer and maltster, Holdgate; William Wall,
farmer, Holdgate; Edward Esq., farmer, Stanton Holdgate; William Cox,
vict., Tally-Ho Inn, Bouldon; William Page, farmer, Bouldon; William
Penn, corn miller, Bouldon; Richard Turner, farmer, Bouldon; Thomas
Clark, farmer, Brookhampton; Thomas Edwards, farmer, Brookhampton; Ann
Harper, shopkeeper, Brookhampton
HOPE BOWDLER
is a parish in the upper division of the Munslow hundred, which comprises
the townships of Hope Bowdler, Chelmick, and Ragdon, and contains 1,385
acres of land. In 1801 the parish had a population of 130 souls; 1831,
202; 1841, 184; at the latter period there were thirty-four houses. The
village of Hope Bowdler is pleasantly situated two and a half miles
south-west from Church Stretton, and at the census of 1841 had 19 houses
and 112 inhabitants: the township contains 741 acres of land, the
rateable value of which is £672. 3s. 6d. Moses George Benson, Esq., is
the principal landowner and lord of the manor. In the 1st of King Edward
I., George de Cantilupe held Hope Bowdler by knight’s service under the
barony of Montgomery. Philip Burnel, at the assizes in the 20th of King
Edward I., upon a _quo warranto_ against him, was adjudged to have free
warren in this manor, with the liberty of a fair and market both granted
by the king. The manor was afterwards carried in marriage by an heiress
of the Burnels to John, Lord Lovel, in whose family it continued till the
attainder of Francis Lord Viscount Lovel, who was slain on the 16th of
June, 3rd of Henry VII., at the battle of Stoke, near Newark-upon-Trent.
THE CHURCH consists of nave and chancel, with a tower in which are three
bells. In the 40th of Henry III. the parson of Hope Bullers impleaded
the prior of Wenlock for estovers in the prior’s wood of Sutley and
Eastwood, and for the common of pasture in the said woods lying in Eaton,
as appendant to the church of Hope Bullers. The Prior pleaded that
Stephen de Hope, patron of the church about twenty-five years past,
dissiezed the prior of the said woods, and a verdict was accordingly
granted to the prior. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book
at £6. 13s. 4d., now £228, in the patronage of certain trustees:
incumbent, Rev. George W. Marsh.
CHARITIES.—The charity commissioners state, “We are informed by the Rev.
George Walkin Marsh, the rector of Hope Bowdler, that for about four
years after he came to the benefice he received from his predecessor 12s.
yearly, to be distributed in bread, 6s. to be given in money on St.
Thomas’s day; that, upon the death of his predecessor about twenty-four
years ago, he applied to his representatives for the principal, and
ultimately received from them £18. This sum Mr. Marsh states he now has
in his hands, that he has added thereto £4, so as to make up £22, and has
signed a memorandum to that effect in one of the parish books. He pays
22s. yearly as the interest thereof, and with the churchwardens
distributes to the poor of the parish 12s. yearly in bread and 10s. in
money on St. Thomas’s day.”
CHELMICK is a township and village in the parish of Hope Bowdler, in a
romantic district near the Ragdon and Hope Bowdler hills, about a mile
south from the parish church. The township contains 305 acres of land,
and in 1841 had thirteen houses and fifty nine souls. Rateable value,
£281. 13s. 7d. The Corporation of Ludlow are the landowners.
RAGDON township in Hope Bowdler parish has 339 acres of land, two houses,
and thirteen inhabitants. Rateable value, £309. 5s. 6d. The landowners
are J. Stanier, Esq., and Thomas Dunn, Esq.
DIRECTORY.—_Hope Bowdler_: William Adams, farmer, The Hall; Richard
Cartwright, farmer; John Craxton, farmer and blacksmith, Francis George,
farmer, The Coombs; John Griffiths, shopkeeper; George Hills, farmer, The
Coombs; John Jones, wheelwright; Rev. George W. Marsh, rector.
_Chelmick_: John Rodgers, farmer. _Ragdon_: Martha Heynes, farmer; and
Thomas, Wilding, farmer.
HOPTON-IN-THE-HOLE, OR HOPTON CANGEFORD,
is a small parish in the lower division of the Munslow hundred, four
miles N.E. from Ludlow, containing 320 acres of land. At the census in
1801 there were 35 inhabitants, and in 1841 six houses and a population
of thirty souls. The church is a small unpretending structure of brick,
and the living a perpetual curacy returned in the king’s book at £5. 13s.
8d., now returned at £51 in the patronage of Sir W. R. Broughton. There
is no resident clergyman in the parish. The resident farmers are Thomas
Green and William Roberts.
LUDFORD
is a parish and village situated about a mile from Ludlow, and separated
from that town by the river Teme, which is here crossed by a stone
bridge. This parish is partly in the county of Hereford and partly in
Salop. The entire parish at the census of 1801 had 34 inhabitants; 1831,
528, and in 1841 there were 46 houses and 294 inhabitants within the
bounds of this county. Acres, 2,920. Rateable value, £3,290. 10s.
LUDFORD HOUSE, the seat and property of Francis Lechmere Charlton, Esq.,
is a fine old mansion, situated on a gentle eminence contiguous to the
village. Though greatly modernized, its interior quadrangle and the
massive style of masonry, are indications of great antiquity. The
proprietor has in his possession a deed in which mention is made of a
house here as early as the eleventh century. This manor in the time of
William the Conqueror was possessed by Osborne, Lord of Richards Castle.
It was afterwards enjoyed by the Jordens, from whom it passed by an
heiress to Howel Vaughan. The hospital of St. John being seized by the
crown at the time of the dissolution of religious houses, this manor, as
appertaining to that foundation, was also conveyed to King Henry VIII.
In the time of Edward VI. it was granted to John Earl of Warwick, from
whom it passed by sale to William Foxe, and in the year 1607 came into
the possession of the Charlton family. This family enjoyed extensive
possessions in this county, and were seated at Apleby Castle, near
Wellington. To the south of the house are tasteful gardens and pleasure
grounds, and on the western side is the park, well stocked with deer, and
remarkable for its fine sylvan beauty and luxuriant woody scenery.
Leland, who visited Ludford between the years 1500 and 1550, observes,
“The suburbs over Teme bridge by south is called Ludford, and in it is a
little parish church. There be three fayre arches in this bridge over
Teme, and a pretty chapel upon it of St. Catherine. It is about 100
years since this stone bridge was erected. Men passed along by a ford a
little below the bridge.” THE CHURCH, an ancient structure, is situated
in the county of Hereford, contiguous to Ludford house, and consists of
nave and chancel, with a square tower. The altar and basons for holy
water indicate that Catholicism had not declined at the time of its
erection. The chancel is evidently a modern appendage to the church, and
was built by William Foxe, who formerly resided at Ludford house. It is
the place of sepulchre for several members of the Foxe family, and also
of the Charltons. In a recess is the figure of Sir Job Charlton,
reclining in his magisterial habiliments. The living is a perpetual
curacy, returned at £105 in the patronage of F. L. Charlton, Esq.
LUDFORD HOSPITAL was founded by Sir Job Charlton in the year 1672 for six
poor and impotent persons, one of whom was to be warden; the
incorporation to be denominated, “The warden and poor of the hospital of
Ludford,” The said warden and poor in their corporate capacity to have
power to purchase and hold lands, and to sue and be sued, and to have a
common seal. The name and distinction of warden as head of the
corporation has long ceased to exist. The latest instance of the use of
the common seal is on a lease of Saunder’s meadow in 1618. The
subsequent lease bears the seal of Sir Francis Charlton. The income is
about £63 per annum. The “pretty chapel of St. Catherine,” noticed by
Leland, has long been forgotten. The celebrated well, however, of St.
Julian, under the garden wall of the hospital, is still remembered by the
inhabitants of the village; but the wonderful cures believed to have been
miraculously performed ceased with the superstition of the times.
DIRECTORY.—Francis Lechmere Charlton, Esq., Ludford House; Thomas Lowe,
farmer, Hucks Barn; George Penny, machine maker and brass founder; John
Wade, paper manufacturer, Ludlow Paper Mills; Margaret Worley, vict.,
Ludford Arms.
SHEET, a township and village situated about a mile from the parish
church, in 1841 contained seven houses and 29 inhabitants. The principal
landowners are the Hon. R. H. Clive, F. L. Charlton, Esq., and the
corporation of Ludlow. The chief residents are Thomas Callon, farmer,
Saltmoor; Mary Lawrence, farmer, Saltmoor; Mary and Betsy Longmore,
farmers, Steventon; James Wild, farmer, Steventon; Frederick Wood, Esq.,
The Sheet.
MUNSLOW
is a parish and small village in the lower division of the Munslow
hundred, which was of sufficient importance in early times to give name
to the division of the county in which it is locally situated. The
parish contains 4,110 acres of land, and embraces the townships of Aston,
Bach, or Beach Mill, Broadstone, Holloway, part of Hungerford,
Millichope, Munslow, Poston, Lower Thonglands, and Topley-vill:
population in 1801, 610; 1818, 770. Rateable value, £3,779. 12s. 9d.
The village of Munslow is pleasantly situated in a romantic district nine
miles north from Ludlow: this township at the census of 1841 had 29
houses and 160 inhabitants. C. O. C. Pemberton, Esq., is the chief
landowner. Sir Edward Littleton, son and heir of Sir Edward Littleton,
of Henley, in the county of Salop, was made Lord Chief Justice of the
Common Pleas, in the 15th Charles I.; and the year following Lord Keeper
of the Great Seal, and Lord Littleton, Baron Munslow.
THE CHURCH is a fine old structure dedicated to St. Michael, and consists
of nave, chancel, and north aisle, the latter divided from the nave by
pointed arches, and a broad obtuse arch; the chancel is divided from the
body of the church by a handsome oak screen. The ceiling is carved,
resting on strong oak brackets. The font is very ancient, and there are
various monuments. Several of the windows are adorned with stained glass
of antique workmanship, one of which was added at the expense of Richard
Sheppard and Joanna his wife, in the time of Henry VII.; the beautiful
decorations of the east window are of more modern date. The living is a
rectory with the curacy of Broadstone annexed valued in the king’s book
at £21. 15s. 2½d., now returned at £730, in the patronage and incumbency
of the Rev. T. C. Powell. In the church-yard there is a singular
building the uses of which are unknown. It consists of a roof supported
by four oak pillars and arches of the same material; as it now stands it
is raised little more three feet from the ground. There is a NATIONAL
SCHOOL in the village which is supported by subscriptions and a small
charge from each scholar.
CHARITIES.—In the year 1795, the sum of £300, five per cent stock, was
purchased with a legacy of £100 left to the poor of the parish of Munslow
in 1762, by _Major John More_, and a legacy of £200 left by his sister
_Catharine More_ in 1792, the interest of which sum it was directed
should be distributed annually to poor housekeepers within the said
parish, at the discretion of the minister and churchwardens. When this
stock was paid off, £328 stock was purchased in the new four per cents,
which is now standing in the name of the rector. The dividends amounting
to £13. 2s. 6d. per annum, are distributed to poor housekeepers in the
parish by the rector.
DIRECTORY.—Arthur Bach, saddler and harness maker; William Bowley,
butcher and shopkeeper; Thomas R. C. Downes, surgeon; Edward Edwards,
farmer; Edward Evans, tailor; Edward Hughes, farmer; Edwin Keysell,
maltster, corn dealer, and seedsman; Charles Pothecary, surgeon; William
Power, surgeon; Rev. Thomas C. Powel, rector; David Pugh, builder;
Obadiah Newnham, schoolmaster; John Roberts, farmer.
ASTON, a small township in the parish of Munslow, at the census in 1841
had 31 houses and 164 inhabitants: the acres and rateable value of the
several townships in this parish are returned with the parish of Munslow.
John Francis Wright, Esq., is the principal landowner. The principal
residents in the township of Aston are John Downes, Esq., Aston Hall;
John Hince, plumber and glazier; Edward Mullard, blacksmith; Miss Ann
Pearce, The White House; Samuel Preece, farmer; William Shirley, farmer;
Benjamin Wall, wheelwright; William Wigmore, vict., The Hundred House.
BACH or BEACH MILL, a hamlet in the parish of Munslow, at the census in
1841 had twelve houses and a population of forty eight souls. The
landowner in the township is Herbert Cornewall, Esq. The principal
residents are James Dyer, carpenter; Samuel Handcocks, blacksmith; Joseph
Sankey, tailor and shopkeeper; Richard Sankey, tailor, and post office;
John Stubbs, shopkeeper.
BROADSTONE, a township and tolerable village in Munslow parish, is
pleasantly situated near the turnpike road from Munslow to Much Wenlock.
There is a small Chapel of Ease at Broadstone, where divine service is
performed once a month. In 1841 this township contained 42 houses and a
population of 120 souls. The chief residents are William Bishop, cooper;
John Blockley, farmer and maltster; Joseph Childe, wheelwright; Thomas
Cocks, vict., Seven Stars; John Jones, shoemaker; Samuel Lewis, farmer;
Thomas Lewis, bricklayer. HOLLOWAY VILLE, situated in the parish of
Munslow, consists of only one farm house, which is occupied by Walter
Watkins.
MILLICHOPE, a township in the parish of Munslow, at the census of 1841
had fourteen houses and fifty-seven inhabitants. The land is chiefly the
property of Charles Orlando Childe Pemberton, Esq., of Millichope Park,
an elegant mansion in the Grecian style of architecture, beautified with
tasteful pleasure grounds and surrounded with woody scenery. The house
is a modern structure, built near the site of an antique mansion which
was chiefly composed of timber and plaster, bearing the characteristics
of the reign of Elizabeth, and was taken down about eight years ago. On
the top of a rock facing the hall, a beautiful Cenotaph has been built in
the Grecian style, in memory of two brothers of the name of More, one of
whom was an officer in the 79th regiment, and the other in the British
navy. It has been erected about seventy-five years. The small but very
ancient manor house of Upper Millichope formerly belonged to the Prior of
Wenlock; it consists of only one room on a floor. The walls are seven
feet in thickness, and lighted by narrow slips of windows; the entrance
is by an ornamented circular-headed doorway, to the right of which are
some steps of an old stone staircase carried up in the solid wall to the
upper chamber, the entrance to which is guarded by three doors, the
centre one being secured by a massive wooden bar which passed through the
wall of the room into the outer wall on the opposite side of the
staircase. The structure now forms part of a farm residence. It is
supposed by antiquaries that the lower compartment in the warlike times
of former ages was used for the purpose of securing the cattle in times
of danger, while the upper story formed the habitation of the family.
The principal residents in Millichope are Charles Orlando Childe
Pemberton, Esq., Millichope Park; Mr. William Cadwallader, Thomas
Clifton, mason; Thomas Wall, blacksmith.
THONGLANDS is a township and small village in the parish of Munslow,
which in 1841 contained fifteen houses and eighty-three inhabitants. C.
O. C. Pemberton, Esq., of Millichope Park, and the Rev. Frederick Lakin,
are the landowners. The chief residents are Joseph Edwards, beerhouse
keeper; William Lello, farmer; and Thomas Wall, farmer. TOPLEY VILLE,
comprising two houses and twelve persons, is in the parish of Munslow.
Mr. John Price is the only resident farmer.
POSTON LOWER is a township in the parish of Munslow, situated six miles
north from Ludlow, which comprises three houses and twenty-three
inhabitants at the census of 1841. The land is the property of
Archdeacon Corbet. John Kelly, blacksmith, and Richard Wellings, farmer,
are the residents.
ONIBURY
is a parish in the lower division of the Munslow hundred, which embraces
the townships of Onibury and Walton, and contains 1,900 acres of land,
the principal owner of which is Earl Craven; the other part is the
property of the Hon. R. H. Clive. At the census in 1801 there were 359
inhabitants; 1831, 438; 1841, 368: at the latter period there were 73
houses. Rateable value £2,311. 17s. The village of Onibury is
pleasantly situated on the east bank of the river Oney, and on the
turnpike road leading from Shrewsbury to Ludlow: 24 miles S. from the
former, and five miles N.W. from the latter. The Shrewsbury and Hereford
line of railway, now in course of formation, will intersect the parish,
and cross the turnpike on a level with the road. A portion of the
village south east of the river is in the respective parishes of Stanton
Lacy and Stokesay. A saw mill has been erected by Lord Craven on the
river Oney. In the time of Edward the Confessor, Oniberie was in the
possession of the bishop of Hereford, and after the conquest Roger de
Lacy held it of him. The manor and patronage of the church was long
possessed by the Burnels, and eventually passed, in marriage, to the
Lovels, in whose family it remained till the attainder of Lord Lovel, in
the time of Henry VII. It was subsequently held by the Mainwarings and
Barkers, and about the year 1620 came into the hands of Lord Craven, the
ancestor of the present proprietor, by purchase. There was formerly a
park at Onibury, which is now divided into farms. Wootton, an ancient
mansion of considerable extent, in the Elizabethan style of architecture,
and moated, has recently been taken down. It was formerly the seat of
distinguished families, and the park above mentioned was in all
probability connected with this mansion. THE CHURCH is rather a plain
structure of the early English style, with a tower at the west end
containing four bells. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s
book at £8. 17s. 8½d.; in the patronage of Earl Craven, and enjoyed by
the Rev. J. J. Hodges. The tithes have been commuted for £330. There is
a good rectory house, and ninety acres of glebe land. THE PAROCHIAL
SCHOOL is a small structure built by subscriptions in the year 1836, and
situated at the south-east corner of the church-yard. The school is free
to the children of the parish, and those resident in the immediate
neighbourhood, and is supported by subscriptions and a rent-charge of £6.
13s. 4d., left for educational purposes by William Norton, in 1593. The
township and small village of WALTON, situated about a mile from Onibury,
in 1841 had fifteen houses and ninety-five inhabitants; it comprises 625
acres of land, which are the property of Earl Craven.
DIRECTORY.—Samuel Amies, farmer, the Park; Philip Bach, farmer; Herbert
Blakeway, farmer, Wootton; William Bright, schoolmaster; William Coston,
farmer; Ann Jones, vict., the Griffin; Rev. John J. Hodges, the Rectory;
Benjamin Pugh, farmer; Thomas Matthews, wheelwright; William Watkins,
blacksmith; Mr. Thomas Wells, Onibury cottage; Thomas Wells, agent to
Earl Craven. The residents at Walton are William Blakeway, farmer;
Samuel Botfield, shoemaker; Thomas Hotchkiss, farmer.
RICHARDS CASTLE,
a parish in the lower division of the Munslow hundred, comprises the
townships of Moore and Batchcott, Overton, and Woofferton, and is partly
in this county, and partly in Herefordshire. The parish contains 4,512
acres of land; and at the census of 1801, 509 inhabitants; 1831, 586;
1841, 656. The village of Richards Castle is delightfully situated about
three miles from Ludlow, in the county of Hereford. It was anciently
called Gayton, and was a place of considerable importance until the reign
of Henry III. “Richards Castle,” says Leland, “standeth upon the top of
a very rocky hill, well wooded, and at the west end of the parish then.
The keep, the walls, and towers of it stand, but going to ruin. There is
a poor house of timber in the castle garth for a farmer. It belongeth
now to the king; it belonged of late to the Lord Vaux; after to Pope.
There is a park impaled.” Robert de Mortimer, in the reign of King John,
had the grant of a fair and market at this place, both of which have long
been obsolete. The castle was built before the conquest. At the
doomsday survey it was held by Osborn Fitz-Richard, whose granddaughter
married Robert de Mortimer, from whose family it passed in like manner by
an heiress to the Talbots, who possessed it till the reign of Richard II.
King Edward VI. granted the manor to the Bishop of Worcester. In the
fifteenth century T. Bradshaw obtained it of the bishop on a long lease,
and his grandson sold the lease to Richard Salwey, Esq., in whose
representatives it is now vested. Some parts of the keep and walls of
the castle are still remaining, but are so embosomed in foliage as
scarcely to be discovered until they are nearly approached. Camden says,
“Beneath this castle nature, which nowhere disporteth itself more in
showing wonders than in waters, hath wrought forth a pretty well, which
is always full of little fish-bones, or, as some think, of small
frog-bones, although they be from time to time drawn quite out of it,
whence it is called Bone Well.” This curious phenomenon is still in
existence, and is the frequent resort of the curious, particularly in the
spring and autumn, when the bones are found in great abundance. On the
declivity of a hill near the castle, the Royalists, amounting to nearly
2,000, were defeated by an inferior number of Parliamentary troops, under
the command of Colonel Birch.
The following is a grant to the burgesses made by Lord Mortimer, in the
29th of the reign of King Edward:—“Know all men present and to come, that
I, Hugh, the son of Robert Lord Mortimer, lord of Richards Castle, I have
given, granted, and by this my present writing conferred, to all my
burgesses of Richards Castle, and to all my tenants of the townships of
Moor Batchcott and Whitbrook, and to all my tenants of the township of
Overton, for their good services done to me in the time of the Welsh war,
and for twenty pounds sterling to me in hand paid common of pasture for
all manner of their cattle and beasts in my fields at Bury Hynton, at all
times after the grain is carried thence, and in all my meadow called
Shule Meadow, after the feast of St. John the Baptist, and also common of
pasture for all their beasts in all my woods within the said lordship of
Richards Castle, as well within the county of Hereford as within the
county of Salop, at all times in the year (except my park called Morbeck,
and my Heys, lying between the ditch called Farthings Lawnde, and one
hedge called the Royard, which are inclosed, and parted in at all times
of the year). I have also given and granted to my said burgesses and
tenants sufficient house-boot, hay-boot, and fire-boot, with all other
necessaries that belong to husbandries, to be yearly taken at all times
of necessaries in the said woods, by the order and delivery of my bailiff
or constable there for the time being; to have and to hold all the
aforesaid common of meadow, pasture, and wood ground as aforesaid, to my
said burgesses and tenants of the aforesaid village of Richards Castle,
Moor Batchcott, Whitbrook, and Overton, of me and my heirs, the sum of
twelve shillings at the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, viz., the
burgesses of Richards Castle four shillings, the tenants of Moor
Batchcott and Whitbrook four shillings, and the tenants of the township
of Overton four shillings, for all manner of service, exaction, and
demand; and if it shall happen that this my grant gains aid, withheld, or
retained by me, my heirs, or by any person claiming under us at any time
for the future, then I will and grant that all my said burgesses and
tenants thereby, their own proper wills shall take and hold the aforesaid
common in all the said meadows, pasture, and wood grounds aforegranted,
and in all places thereby strength and virtue of the said deed: and I,
the aforesaid Hugh, and my heirs, all the aforesaid common, together with
house-boot, hay-boot, and fireboot, as aforesaid, (except as before
excepted,) to the aforesaid burgesses of Richard Castle, and my tenants
of Moor Batchcott, Whitbrook, and Overton, their heirs and assigns, for
the consideration and rent aforesaid, against all nations whatsoever,
will warrant and for ever defend; and that this my grant may be for ever
ratified and established, I have hereunto set my seal.”
THE CHURCH is a fine structure, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, and stands
contiguous to the castle; the tower stands a few feet from the body of
the church, and had formerly a spire, which was burnt down. The windows
contain some beautiful stained glass. The living is a rectory valued in
the king’s book at £15. 1s. 3d. Patron, the Bishop of Worcester;
incumbent, Rev. George Landon. The tithes have been commuted for £650,
and there are 110 acres of glebe land of the annual value of £270. There
are 2,324 acres of land in the township of Richards Castle, the rateable
value of which is £1,652. 8s. Gross estimated rental, £1,862. 8s. 6d.
The principal landowners are the representatives of J. Salway, Esq.,
Walter Stubbs, Esq., and William Moreton, Esq.
MOORE AND BATCHCOTT is a township and pleasantly situated village two and
a half miles from Ludlow, embracing 928 acres of land, the principal
proprietors of which are Richard Betton, Esq., and the trustees of the
Rev. J. Salway. Rateable value, £1,244. 12s. At the census in 4841
there were 37 houses and 206 inhabitants.
OVERTON AND WOOFFERTON is a delightfully situated township and village in
the parish of Richard’s Castle, about two miles south from Ludlow, on the
borders of Herefordshire. The township contains 1,260 acres of land, the
chief owners of which are Francis L. Charlton, Esq., Richard Betton,
Esq., and the representatives of the late E. Salwey, Esq. Rateable
value, £1,677. 8s. At the census of 1841 Overton contained 18 houses and
Woofferton nine houses, and together had a population of 137 souls.
DIRECTORIES.—_Richard’s Castle_.—Edmund S. Davenport, Esq.; Samuel
Davies, shoemaker; Miss Ann Child, Westbrook Cottage; John Hammond,
vict., The Salwey Arms; Charles Mapp, farmer, Church House; Richard
Mason, farmer, The Green; George Mason, farmer, The Rock; Henry Oseland,
farmer and horse trainer, The Wood House; Richard Parker, farmer;
Benjamin Ridley, farmer; Mary Taylor, vict., The Castle Inn; Mrs. Martha
Taylor; Thomas Wheeler, farmer, The Merefield.
_Moore and Batchott_.—William B. Cooke, farmer; Thomas Froggat, farmer,
The Leys; Rev. George Landon, rector of Richard’s Castle; William Parker,
farmer; John Salwey, Esq., Moor Park; Thomas Summers, farmer; John
Williams, blacksmith; William Wood, boot and shoemaker; Richard
Woodhouse, wheelwright
_Overton and Woofferton_.—Richard Betton, Esq., Overton House; Thomas C.
Bridges, Esq., The Lodge; John Burnett, farmer, Overton; Thomas Bywater,
farmer; William B. Cooke, farmer; Richard Green, corn miller, Barratt’s
Mill; John Lancet, farmer; Thomas Lowe, farmer, Hucks Barn; Richard
Hardman, vict., Salwey Arms; William Heywood, farmer; Thomas Nottingham,
farmer; Edward Stubbs, farmer.
RUSHBURY
is a considerable parish in the upper division of the Munslow hundred,
comprising the townships of Rushbury, Stone Acton, Wall-under-Haywood,
and Wilderhope and Stanway, and part of the townships of East Wall and
Getton. The parish comprises upwards of 5,600 acres of land, and at the
census of 1801 had 356 inhabitants; 1831, 507, and in 1841 had 109 houses
and a population of 502 souls. The village of Rushbury is situated about
nine miles S.W. from Much Wenlock, and the township contained 26 houses
and 115 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Mrs. Lutwyche, Barnard
Dickinson, Esq., and Mrs. Thursby; the latter is also lady of the manor.
Some authors conjecture this place to be the Roman station Bravinium,
between Magnum and Uriconum; the distance agreeing better with the Roman
itinerary than Bridgnorth. At the Doomsday survey Roger de Lacy held of
Earl Roger Riseberie, and Odo of him, at which time there was an eyrie of
hawks. In the 11th of Edward I. Hugh Burnel had a charter for a market
on a Thursday, and a fair on the eve, the day, and the day after the
feast of St. Margaret the virgin, which upon a _quo warranto_ brought
against Sir Philip Burnel in the 20th of Edward I. was ratified and
confirmed by the king’s council. In the time of Edward I. Richard de
Harley had free warren here. John de Handelo levied a fine on the manor
of Rushbury in the 14th of Edward III. Among the fees of Roger Earl of
March, Nicholas Burnel held one knight’s fee. In the 3rd of Edward VI.
the king gave Rushbury in exchange to Nicholas Bishop of Worcester and
his successors for lands in Warwickshire. THE CHURCH is a small
structure, dedicated to St. Peter, consisting of nave and chancel, with a
tower in which are five bells. The living is a rectory valued in the
king’s book at £19. 7s. 8½d., now returned at £449 in the gift of the
Bishop of Worcester. Incumbent, Rev. Matthew Y. Starkey. The endowed
school, where twelve children are educated, and the almshouses, will be
further noticed with the various gifts to charitable uses. The tithes
are commuted for £384.
CHARITIES.—_Benjamin Wainwright_, _M.D._, by his will, bearing date 1st
December, 1817, directed certain trustees to raise out of his personal
estate the sum of £1,200, and appropriate £400 in building a school-room
and a small dwelling house for a schoolmaster, and also two almshouses,
all to be erected in the little church-yard near the Pound, in Rushbury,
if the rector would allow it. And he directed that the following words
should be cut upon the stone in the front part of the dwelling
house:—“This school and almshouse were built and endowed by Benjamin, the
seventh son of the late Richard and Mary Wainwright, of Stanway.” The
residue of the said sum of £1,200 he directed to be invested in the
funds, and 50s. of the yearly dividends thereof to be given to each of
the poor widows resident in the said almshouses; the trustees to provide
coals for the almshouses, and also to pay £5 yearly to a schoolmaster for
teaching poor children of Rushbury, Eaton, and the adjacent parishes
every Sunday; £5 to be laid out in warm clothing on the 1st of December
for the poor of Rushbury; £5 per annum to be paid to a schoolmistress for
teaching children to knit and sew, and to pay the remainder of the
dividends to a schoolmaster to instruct nine poor children of Rushbury
and three of Eaton in reading, writing, and common arithmetic. The sum
of £400 above mentioned was reduced by the payment of the legacy duty to
£360, and a school was erected at a cost of upwards of £500, part of the
surplus having been advanced by such of the trustees as were of the
testator’s family. The remainder of the sum of £1,200 was invested in
the purchase of stock, and there is now standing £737 new four per cent.
stock, producing dividends amounting to £429. 10s. per annum, of which
£20 is paid to a schoolmaster for teaching a Sunday as well as a week day
school. Two poor women are appointed by the trustees to reside in the
almshouses, each of whom receives £2 annually, including an allowance of
coals.
There is a parcel of land in the parish called the Poor’s Land,
containing about six acres, and four small tenements with gardens, and
also an allotment set out in respect of the above mentioned premises
containing about an acre and three quarters, altogether producing a
rental of £12 per annum. The four tenements were long used for the
reception of paupers. A portion of the poor’s land was given to the
rector in exchange for a part of the glebe near the church-yard, on which
the school was built. The sum of £2. 2s. is paid to the rector as his
portion of the rent, and the residue is chiefly expended in coals and
distributed to the poor.
_Edward Lutwyche_, in 1601, granted a rent charge of 40s. per annum out
of his lands in Wall-under-Haywood and East Wall, and directed six penny
worth of bread to be distributed every Sunday to six poor parishioners,
each of the said poor people to receive 2s. 4d. in money every Good
Friday. And he directed that every poor person appointed should receive
the charity for life. The yearly sum of 30s. is payable out of Day-house
farm in the township of Holt Preen, as the bequest of _Anne Tipton_. The
amount is distributed in bread to six poor men and six poor women,
alternately, according to the intentions of the donor. _Martha Baker_,
who died about fifty years ago, is stated to have left £20 to the poor of
Rushbury, the interest to be given in bread. This money was applied soon
after the death of the testatrix in repairing a house on the poor’s land
used as a poor house, and in respect thereof £1 is paid annually from the
poor’s rates, which is expended in bread for the poor.
EAST WALL is a township and village seven miles S.W. from Much Wenlock,
partly in the parish of Rushbury and partly in that of Eaton, and is
usually called Longville, Lushcott, and East Wall township. The portion
in Rushbury parish at the census of 1841 contained five houses and 27
inhabitants. Thomas Gibbon, Esq., and Mrs. Lutwyche are the principal
landowners.
GRETTON township is partly in Rushbury and partly in Cardington, and is
situated about a mile N.E. from the latter place. In 1841 thirteen
houses and 73 inhabitants were returned as in Rushbury, and one house and
eleven persons in Cardington parish. Lady Tyrwhitt is the principal
landowner.
STONE ACTON, a township in Rushbury parish about a mile S.W. from the
church, at the census of 1841 had four houses and 24 inhabitants. The
land is the property of Mr. William Jones and Mr. Daniel Mytton. Mr.
William Jones is the resident farmer.
WILDERHOPE AND STANWAY, a township in Rushbury parish, is situated about
five miles S.W. from Much Wenlock, and at the census of 1841 had thirteen
houses and 76 inhabitants. Moses George Benson, Esq., and Richard
Wainwright, Esq., are the landowners.
WALL-UNDER-HAYWOOD, a township and village in the parish of Rushbury,
with 43 houses and 166 inhabitants, is situated about a mile west of
Rushbury. The principal landowners are Mrs. Cleeton and John Baker, Esq.
DIRECTORIES.—_Rushbury_.—Edward Cleeton, farmer; Thomas Corfield, farmer;
Richard Cox, saddler and harness maker; Mary Fewtrell, schoolmistress;
Julian Fewtrell, registrar of births, deaths, and marriages; William
Fewtrell, farmer; Rev. Matthew Y. Starkey, rector.
_East Wall_.—Richard Butcher, farmer, Longville; Thomas Gippins, farmer;
Thomas Haynes, blacksmith and shopkeeper; Charlotte Hotchkiss, farmer;
Thomas Hughson, bailiff; Morris Jones, bailiff, Lushcott; Sarah Makin,
farmer; Edward Onslow, farmer; Thomas Preen, stone mason; Thomas Roberts,
farmer.
_Gretton_.—Edward Esp, farmer; Richard Haynes, bailiff; Timothy Smout,
blacksmith; Edward Humphrey, farmer.—_Stone Acton_.—William Jones,
farmer.
_Wall-under-Haywood_.—Mrs. Margaret Cleeton; Richard Cleeton, farmer;
Thomas Corfield, farmer; Richard Cox, saddler; William Downes, farmer and
maltster; John Evason, shoemaker; William Gough, farmer, Cotes; Thomas
Hammond, blacksmith; John Moore, vict., Lutwyche Arms; George Morgan,
vict., The Plough; John Pritchard, farmer; Thomas Smout, wheelwright;
Richard Smout, wheelwright; Mrs. Mary Woof.
_Wilderhope and Stanway_.—John Norris, farmer, Upper Stanway; John
Webster, farmer, Lower Stanway; Mary Webster, farmer, Wilderhope.
SHIPTON
is a parish and village in the upper division of the Munslow hundred,
pleasantly situated on the road from Much Wenlock to Ludlow, six and a
quarter miles S.W. from the former and fifteen miles N.W. from the
latter. The parish contains 1,570 acres of land. Rateable value,
£2,220. Population in 1801, 119; 1831, 154; 1841, 153, at the latter
period there were 24 inhabited houses. The principal landowners are
Thomas Mytton, Esq., Rev. Robert H. G. More, Moses G. Benson, Esq., and
John Corser, Esq.; the former is lord of the manor. THE CHURCH is an
ancient structure, dedicated to St. James, and consists of nave and
chancel, with a square tower. The interior contains several handsome
memorials, chiefly to the Mytton family. From a brass plate we learn
that the chancel was re-edified from the foundation and glazed, at the
charge of John Lutwyche, of Lutwyche, in the 31st of the reign of Queen
Elizabeth, 1589. The living is a donative curacy in the patronage of
Thomas Mytton Esq. Incumbent, Rev. Robert H. G. More. SHIPTON HALL, a
handsome mansion, the residence and property of Thomas Mytton, Esq.,
exhibits a beautiful specimen of the Elizabethan style of architecture.
Thomas Mytton, Esq., is in possession of the original letter, of which
the following is a copy, addressed by a needy monarch to the ancestor of
Mr. Mytton, then resident at Shipton Hall, and dated February 14th,
1643:—
“TRUSTY AND WELL-BELOVED, we greet you well. Whereas, all our
subjects of the kingdom of England and dominion of Wales, are both by
their allegiance and the act of pacification bound to resist and
suppresse such of our subjects of Scotland as have in a hostile
manner already entered, or shall hereafter enter into this kingdome.
And by law your personal service, attended in a warlike manner for
the resistance of, may be required by us, which we desire to spare,
chusing rather to invite your assistance for the maintenance of our
army in a free and voluntary expression of your affections to our
service, and the safety of this kingdom. And whereas the members of
both houses of parliament assembled at Oxford, have taken into their
consideration the necessity of supporting our army for the defence of
us and our people against this invasion, and for the preservation of
the religious lawes and liberties of this kingdome, and thereupon
have agreed upon the speedy raising of the summe of one hundred
thousand pounds by loane from particular persons, towards the which
themselves have advanced a very considerable portion, and by their
example hope that our well affected subjects throughout the kingdome
will in a short time make up the remainder, whereby we shall not only
be enabled to pay and recruite our army, but likewise be enabled to
put our armies in such a condition as our subjects shall not suffer
by free quarter or the unruliness of our soldiers, which is now in
present agitation, and will (we doubt not, by the advice of the
members of both houses assembled) be spedily effected. We doe
towards so good a work, by the approbation and advice of the members
of both houses assembled, desire you forthwith to lend us the sum of
thirty pounds, or the value thereof in plate, toucht plate at five
shillings, and untoucht plate at four shillings per ounce, and to pay
or deliver the same within seven daies after the receipt thereof to
the hands of our high sheriffe of that our own county, or to such
whome he shall appoint to receive the same, upon his acquittances for
the receipt thereof to the hands of our high sherriffe of that our
county, who is forthwith to returne and pay the same at Corpus Cristi
Colledge in Oxford, to the hands of the Earle of Bath, the Lord
Seymour, Mr. John Ashburnham, and Mr. John Fettiplace, or any of them
who appointed treasurers for the receiving and issuing thereof by the
said members, (by whose order only the said money is to be disposed),
and to give receipts for the same, the which we promise to repay as
soon as God shall enable us. This sum to be advanced with speed. We
are necessitated to apply ourselves to such persons as yourself, of
whose ability and affection we have confidence, giving you this
assurance—that in such further charges that the necessity of our just
defence shall inforce us to require of our good subjects, your
forwardnesse and disbursements shall be considered to your best
advantage. And so presuming you will not fail to expresse your
affection herein, we bid you farewell. Given at our court at Oxford,
the 14th day of February, in the nineteenth yeare of our raigne,
1643.”
DIRECTORY.—Timothy Bluck, farmer, Newhouse; John Corser, farmer, More
House; Mrs. Frances Danzey, Larden Hall; Richard Esp, farmer, Larden
Grange; John Fortune, wheelwright; Richard Jones, farmer; Thomas Mytton,
Esq., Shipton Hall; William Partridge, vict., Bull’s Head; John Price,
blacksmith.
STANTON LACY
is a considerable parish in the lower division of the Munslow hundred,
comprising the townships of Downton, Hayton Lower, Hayton Upper, part of
Henley, part of Hopton, Rock, Stanton Lacy, and Wooton, and the hamlets
of East and West. In 1801 there were 905 inhabitants; 1831, 1,467; 1841,
1,540. Acres, 7,765; rateable value, £11,008. 5s. The township of
Stanton Lacy has 2,393 acres of land; at the census of 1841 it contained
141 houses and 724 inhabitants, of which 146 persons are returned as in
the Ludlow Union Workhouse. The village is pleasantly situated three and
a half miles N.N.W. from Ludlow, near the eastern bank of the Corve. The
Earl of Craven is the principal landowner and lord of the manor. In the
20th of Edward I., a _quo warranto_ was brought against the Prior of
Lantone Prune, in Wales, for claiming pleas of the crown and wayffe, and
for holding a fair and a market in the manor of Stanton Lacy, and in
Rokele. The Prior pleads that he is not lord of the manor, but is only
patron of the church, and holds Rokele that lies in the parish. Hugh de
Lowther replies that the bishop cannot prove any of his predecessors to
have come in with the Conqueror, and to have acquired those privileges by
conquest, because being men in holy orders they come to their freeholds
by the grants of others, and therefore he ought to produce some special
grant from the crown to support his claim. This place was part of the
royal demesnes when the house of York recovered their right to the crown.
In the time of Henry VIII., Sir William Thomas, Knt., held the manor of
Stanton Lacy and a pasture known by the name of Stanton Fryth, for the
term of twenty-one years, at the rent of £7. 10s. THE CHURCH is a fine
old structure, some portions of which are unquestionably of great
antiquity; it has recently been beautified, and the interior has
undergone a complete renovation at a cost of about £1000. The chancel is
very beautiful; the altar exhibits some very elaborate workmanship, and
the floor is covered with tesselated pavement. The living is a vicarage,
rated in the king’s book at £16, now returned at £518, in the patronage
of the Earl of Craven; incumbent, Rev. Joseph Bowles, D.D. There is a
national school in the village, towards the support of which the Earl of
Craven is a liberal contributor. _Richard Nash_, in the year 1814,
bequeathed £100 for the benefit of the poor of this parish.
DOWNTON, a township in the parish of Stanton Lacy, situated four miles
from Ludlow, contains 765 acres of land, and in 1841 had 17 houses and 90
inhabitants. Sir W. E. R. Boughton, Bart., is the principal landowner
and lord of the manor, and resides at DOWNTON HALL, an elegant mansion of
modern erection commanding most beautiful and varied prospects over a
luxuriant country richly clothed with woody scenery. The pleasure
grounds are tastefully laid out and beautifully ornamented with choice
shrubs and flowers.
HAYTON LOWER, a small township and village four miles N.N.W. from Ludlow,
contains 535 acres of land, and at the census of 1841 had 24 houses and
104 inhabitants. The Earl of Craven is the principal proprietor of the
land.
HAYTON UPPER, a village and township in the parish of Stanton Lacy,
comprises 935 acres of land, and is situated four and a half miles N.N.W.
from Ludlow. At the census of 1841 there were 53 houses and 256
inhabitants. The Earl of Craven is the landowner and lord of the manor.
In this township is the hamlet of HAYTON’S BENT, where the Wesleyans and
Primitive Methodists have each a small chapel. A small rivulet which
flows from the hilly ground in this township becomes on its passage
through rocks strongly impregnated with carbonate of lime, and is found
to possess the property of forming petrifactions of such articles as are
placed in it. The township of _Henley_, partly in this parish and partly
in that of Bitterley, is noticed in the latter parish. The township of
_Hopton_ also partly in this parish, is noticed with Hopton parish.
ROCK, a small rural village and township in the parish of Stanton Lacy,
contains 735 acres of land, and runs into the borough of Ludlow. At the
census of 1841 there were 32 houses and 134 inhabitants.
WOOTTON, another small township in the parish of Stanton Lacy, contains
544 acres of land, and in 1841 had 9 houses and 65 inhabitants. Wootton
Hall, a fine specimen of the domestic architecture of by-gone days, has
been taken down during the present year and a farm house erected near the
site. The Earl of Craven is owner of the land in this township.
EAST HAMLET, in the parish of Stanton Lacy, contains 734 acres of land,
the principal owner of which is Frederick Nash, Esq.; William Pattrick is
the farmer. In 1841 there were four houses and twenty-four inhabitants.
WEST HAMLET contains 650 acres of land, and in 1841 had nine houses and
sixty-five inhabitants. The chief landowners are the Earl of Craven,
Hon. R. H. Clive, Mrs. Wakefield, and J. B. Cummings, Esq.
DIRECTORIES.—_Stanton Lacy_: Herbert Blakeway, farmer, Stanton Cottage;
Rev. Joseph Bowles, D.D.; John Davies, blacksmith; John S. Edwards,
farmer; Richard Edwards, farmer, Manor House; Henry Evans, vict., Craven
Arms; Richard Fletcher, butcher and shopkeeper; Edward Farmer, farmer and
shopkeeper; John Hotchkiss, farmer, Woodlands; Ann Oseley, Proprietary
School. _Downton_: Sir William Edward Rouse Boughton, Bart., Downton
Hall; Thomas Hotchkiss, farmer. _Hayton Lower_: Richard Coston, farmer;
Sarah Coston, farmer; Samuel Weaver, farmer; and Samuel Weaver, beerhouse
keeper. _Hayton Upper_: Edward M. Burgess, farmer; Rev. Lancelot Dixon;
William Price, farmer; and Thomas Smout, farmer. _Rock_: Mr. Wm.
Gardener; James Harding, vict., The Raven; James Hince, timber merchant;
John Price, manager at Gas Works; Elias Rollings, coach and jobbing
smith; William Russell, governor of Union House; William Thompson, vict.,
Greyhound; James Watkins, stone and marble mason. _Wootton_: William
Blakeway, farmer, The White House; Josiah Meredith, corn miller. _East
Hamlet_: William Patrick, farmer. _West Hamlet_: Thomas Lloyd, farmer,
Langley; John Mellings, farmer, The Pools; Deborah Sanders, farmer,
Ruckley; John Sanders, farmer; and William Small, farmer, Aintree.
STANTON LONG
is a parish and small rural village in the lower division of the Munslow
hundred, seven miles S.S.W. from Much Wenlock, and ten west from
Bridgnorth. At the census of 1801 there was a population of 206 souls;
1831, 278; and in 1841, fifty-three houses and 327 inhabitants. Acres,
1,710A. 1R. 10P. Rateable value, £2,636. 4s. 6d. The parish extends
about four miles in length and one in breadth, and is adjacent to the
parishes of Holdgate, Shipton, Monk Hopton, and Ditton Priors. The soil
on the north side of the river Corve is well adapted for the growth of
turnips and barley; on the south side it is of a stiffer nature, and
better suited for wheat. The principal landowners are the Duke of
Cleveland; Rev. R. H. G. More; J. Deighton, Esq.; and J. Corser, Esq.;
there are also several other proprietors. Mrs. Thursby is lady of the
manor. BROCKTON and PATTON are two small townships for highway purposes
in this parish, the former containing 376 acres, and the latter 697
acres. THE CHURCH, situated at the south-western extremity of the
parish, is a neat edifice dedicated to St. Michael; the interior,
however, contains little of interest, except a handsomely-carved oak
pulpit, and there are some fine Gothic windows. The living is a
vicarage, valued in the king’s book at £7, in the patronage of the Dean
and Chapter of Hereford. The vicarial tithes are commuted for £95. 6s.
10d.; and there is a good vicarage house and 66A. 3R. 3P. of glebe land
attached, commanding a pleasing prospect of the Corve Dale. The rectoral
tithes are commuted for £133. 17s. 5d., of which £7. 12s. 7d. is paid to
the rector of Holdgate. The Rev. Thomas P. Williams is the curate.
There is a National School at Brockton, capable of containing 120
children. The interest of a sum of £20, left by an unknown donor, is
expended in bread and given to the poor.
The principal residents are Charles Acton, farmer, Brockton; Thomas
Bywater, farmer, Brockton; Thomas Chatham, farmer, Stanton Long; Edward
Corks, farmer and maltster, Stanton Long; William Crudington, shoemaker,
Brockton; Isaac Day, blacksmith, Stanton Long; Evan Davies, farmer,
Patton; Thomas Downes, farmer, Patton; James Edwards, wheelwright,
Stanton Long; Edward Esp, farmer, Stanton Long; Edward Instone, farmer,
Brockton house; Thomas Mancell, blacksmith, Brockton; Edward Philpot,
vict., Feathers; John Pope, carpenter, Stanton Long; Rev. Thomas P.
Williams, curate.
STOKE ST. MILBOROUGH
is a parish in the lower division of the Munslow hundred, comprising
4,400 acres of land, and is divided for highway purposes into the
townships of Clee Downton, Clee Stanton, and Stoke, and the chapelry of
Heath. At the census of 1841 there were 110 houses and 553 inhabitants
exclusive of the chapelry of Heath, which contained ten houses and a
population of sixty-three souls. Rateable value, £4,454. 8s. The
village of Stoke is delightfully situated in a romantic district, near
the southern side of the Brown Clee Hill, six miles and a half N.N.E.
from Ludlow. From the summit of the Brown Clee Hill, which is chiefly
situated in this parish, a most beautiful panoramic view is seen of the
country, which for extent and diversity is not surpassed in England. To
the north and south are seen the fruitful plains of Shropshire,
pleasingly varied with woody hills, and lovely vales dotted with the
humble cottage of the labourer and the mansion of the opulent, whilst the
Cambrian hills, which rear their lofty heights in wild grandeur towards
the west, give an additional charm to the enchanting scene. According to
the description given of the manor of Stoke St. Milborough at the
Doomsday survey, it would seem then to have consisted of seven hides of
land, and a large wood. Earl Roger gave it to the chaplains of the
church of St. Milborough. The principal landowners are the Hon. Sidney
Herbert; Dr. Cavendish Wall; E. H. Owen, Esq.; and Mr. John Patrick;
there are also several other proprietors. The Hon. Sidney Herbert, lord
of the manor, regularly pays a fee farm rent of £29. 10s. 3d. to the Duke
of Cleveland, as the representative of the grantee of it from the crown;
and the Hon. S. Herbert collects from various freeholders of the manor
several rents amounting in the aggregate to the said sum. THE CHURCH is
a venerable structure, dedicated to the saint from whom the name of the
parish is derived. The interior is commodious, and contains an antique
font, and several ancient monuments to the Lee family. It has a handsome
tower and four bells. The living is a vicarage, with the curacy of Heath
annexed, returned at £474, in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev.
George Morgan, M.A. THE VICARAGE is a good residence, and pleasantly
situated. THE METHODISTS and PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have each a small
chapel here; and there is a NATIONAL SCHOOL. “In the afternoon of
Monday, July 25, 1768, there happened an extraordinary gust of wind, a
few miles to the north-west of Cleobury, in Shropshire. Its effects were
most remarkable in the parish of Stoke St. Milborough, where it unroofed
the dwelling house, barns, stables, and every other building belonging to
a farmer of the name of Bishop; one of which buildings was entirely
levelled with the ground. In his orchard it destroyed upwards of sixty
apple and pear trees, which were either broken off in the butt, or forced
up by the roots. Several large elms and poplar trees were likewise blown
down. He computed the damage he had sustained at £300. His son, a youth
sixteen years of age, being in the fold, was lifted four or five yards
above the surface of the ground, and carried to the distance of eighty
yards, part of the space being over a fish-pond, a hedge, and a stone
wall; but at last, falling gradually in a field of hay, he received but
little hurt.” A donation of £400 has been invested by the present
incumbent in the three per cent. consols, in the names of certain
trustees, the dividends of which are laid out in bread, and distributed
among such poor as are most regular in their attendance at church.
DIRECTORY.—Richard Andrews, shoemaker; James Blakemore, farmer; John T.
Bright, farmer and corn miller, Court house; Thomas Colton, vict., Red
Lion; John Humphries, shopkeeper; Thomas Humphries, wheelwright; John
Jones, blacksmith; Samuel Jones, shoemaker; E. H. Owen, Esq., St.
Milborough lodge; John Patrick, farmer; Henry Speak, farmer; John Wall,
farmer.
CLEE DOWNTON, a small scattered village in the parish of Stoke St.
Milborough, consists of a few scattered houses about a mile from the
church. E. H. Owen, Esq., is the landowner. The chief residents are
Edward Powell, farmer; Edward Poyner, farmer; Richard Sambrook, farmer;
William Summers, farmer; and Richard and Thomas Whiteman, farmers.
CLEE STANTON is a village with a few straggling houses, at the foot of
Titterstone Hill, two miles east from Stoke St. Milborough. Sir William
R. Boughton, and Robert Head, Esq., are the landowners. The principal
residents are Henry Ainsworth, farmer; Edward Millichamp, farmer; John
Poter, farmer.
HEATH, a chapelry in the parish of Stoke St. Milborough, contains 386
acres of land, and is situated two miles north by west from the church.
Gross estimated rental, £492. 10s. The landowners are the Earl of
Craven; Edward Turner, Esq.; and Thomas and Edward Millichamp. At the
census of 1841 there were ten houses and sixty-eight inhabitants. The
tithes are commuted for £28, and there are 28 acres of glebe land. THE
CHAPEL is a small but interesting structure, the interior of which is
admired for its beautiful carved oak. Its architecture displays traces
of the Norman style. Service is performed only once during the month.
The principal residents at Heath are Benjamin Cocks, farmer; Edward
Millichamp, farmer, New house; Edward Powis, bailiff to E. Turner, Esq.;
Mr. Edward Price, Heath cottage.
STOKESAY
is a parish and village in the lower division of the Munslow hundred,
containing 3,609 acres of land, and comprising the townships of Aldon,
Stoke and Newton, Wettleton, and parts of Broom and Rowton; the latter
however is chiefly in the Hopesay parish, where it will be found noticed.
At the census of 1801, there were 512 inhabitants: 1831, 529: 1841, 556;
at the latter period there were 108 inhabited houses. Rateable value,
£3,939 15s. The township of Stoke and Newton contains 1,222 acres of
land, and in 1841 had 38 houses and 188 inhabitants. The Craven Arms is
a handsome and commodious hotel, not surpassed by any in the county: in
the front of which is a conical column, on which is inscribed the
distance of this place from all the principal towns in England, Scotland,
and Wales. At the Doomsday survey, Roger de Lacy held Stoches of the
King, at which period there were eight plough lands, twenty villains,
belonging to the manor, and a mill. The Lacy family continued in
possession of it till the year 1207, when it was carried by an heiress to
John de Vernon. Soon after 1240 the manor was sold to William de
Ludlowe, whose son Lawrence de Ludlowe lived at the castle. In 1497 it
passed to Thomas Vernon, and afterwards to Sir George Mainwaring, and he
sold it about the year 1620 to Lord Craven, whose representative the Earl
of Craven is the principal landowner and lord of the manor. STOKE
CASTLE, formerly the seat of the Baldwin family, is a curious specimen of
the castellated mansion of former days. A gate house constructed of
wooden framework, with curious carvings, leads to a quadrangular court,
on one side of which are the remains of the rampart, and on the other
sides the house, offices, and tower. The hall and tower is opposite the
gate house, in the latter is a winding staircase. The hall is very
spacious, but there is no vestige of a fire-place, the ancient mode of
warming apartments of this description being by a reredoss, or brazier,
filled with burning charcoal, and placed in the centre; at one end is the
gallery for the minstrelsy on days of festivity; the wainscot is of oak,
and the chimney piece is elaborately carved. The tower which is lofty
and in the form of an irregular polygon, rises from the south-west corner
of the court, and is crowned with an embattled parapet; the ground floor
is a gloomy apartment lighted by four small pointed windows, and the
upper stories are divided into very small rooms. This stately mansion
has suffered a degradation not uncommon to places of ancient note, part
of it having been used as an out-house to an adjoining farm, and the rest
suffered to fall to decay.
THE CHURCH is a venerable structure situated near the castle, dedicated
to St. John the Baptist, and consists of nave and chancel, with a tower
in which are six bells. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king’s
book at £4. 13s. 4d., now returned at £340.; incumbent, Rev. William
Williams. The Parochial school was formerly held in the church belfry,
it is now taught in a private house, but a new school is expected shortly
to be built. _Roger Powell_ who died in 1616, left to this parish £10. a
year, and directed one shilling a week to be distributed to the poor, and
the residue towards the maintenance of a schoolmaster. Of this annuity,
which is paid out of a farm in Church Stoke and Lydham, £2. 12s; is given
away with the sacrament money on St. Thomas’s day, and the remainder is
paid to the schoolmaster. _Mary Pearce_, in 1769, bequeathed £5 to the
poor of this parish, and it was then agreed that the said sum should be
laid out in the purchase of a bier cloth, the cost of which was £4. 5s.
7½d., and the rest in books for the poor children of the parish; it was
further agreed that in lieu of the interest of the said £5, a bible
should be given yearly on Easter Monday to such poor child as the
parishioners should appoint.
DIRECTORY.—Richard Coston, farmer, Newton; William Jones, wheelwright,
Newton; Enoch Morris, farmer, Stoke Castle; Richard Owen, vict., Craven
Arms Hotel; Francis Owen, vict., Red Lion, Newton; Joseph Speakes,
schoolmaster; Rev. William Williams, vicar, Stokesay.
ALDON, a township and village in the parish of Stokesay, in 1841
contained 45 houses and 236 inhabitants. The chief landowners are Henry
Lester, Esq., Hon. R. H. Clive, and Mr. William Hotchkiss, there are also
a few small proprietors. Limestone is found in abundance in this
township; in getting the stone, bones have frequently been found of
animals that are now extinct,—not long ago some very large antlers of the
deer were found. The principal residents are John Bishop, farmer;
William Hotchkiss, farmer and lime burner; Edward Medlicott, farmer,
Aldon Court; Benjamin Pugh, farmer, Steperside; Lady Mary Ann Syer, Stone
House.
BROOM AND ROWTON is a township partly in the Munslow hundred and partly
in the Purslow hundred, situated about a mile and a half east from
Clungunford. At the census of 1841 two houses and eighteen inhabitants
were returned as in Stokesay parish, and two houses and fifteen
inhabitants as in the parish of Clungunford. The principal residents are
Francis Bach, farmer, Rowton; George Beddows, farmer, Rowton; Timothy
Bishop, farmer, Rowton; John and Richard Marston, farmers, The Weo.
WETTLETON, a township and small village, is situated about half a mile
N.E. from Stoke, and in 1841 had 25 houses and 114 inhabitants. The land
is the property of the Earl of Craven, and the resident farmers are
Jeremiah Sheppard and William Sheppard.
TUGFORD
is a parish in the upper division of the Munslow hundred, nine miles
N.N.E. from Ludlow, which contains 1,990 acres of land, the rateable
value of which is £1,609. 5s. The soil is well adapted for the growth of
turnips and barley. Population in 1801, 165; 1831, 188; 1841, 145; at
the latter period there were 31 houses. The village of Tugford is on a
good road leading to Ludlow, the situation is low, but dry, pleasant, and
warm, being sheltered from the east by a tall plantation rising at the
back of it. A small stream called Tugford Brook turns a corn mill in the
village, and shortly after has its confluence with the river Corfe. In
the time of Henry III. the abbot and convent of Shrewsbury held the ville
of Tugford, which was computed to consist of two hides and a half of
land. At the assizes, in the 20th of Edward I., the abbot of Salop
claimed the liberty of free warren here, of which his successors had a
confirmation in the time of Richard II. The principal landowners are the
Earl of Craven and C. O. Childe Pemberton, Esq. The parish church,
dedicated to St. Catherine, is a small but handsome structure, probably
erected about the middle of the 16th century. The living is a rectory
annexed to that of Holdgate, in the patronage of the Bishop of Hereford.
Incumbent, Rev. Joseph Corbett. The rectory house is a good residence
adjoining the church-yard. _Thomas Clinton_, in 1815, gave £100, the
interest to be given among ten poor widows of this parish. In 1652,
_Robert Ellis_ bequeathed 10s. each to the several parishes of Tugford,
Abdow, Holdgate, Tregnon, and Llanwithilaw. The tithes were commuted in
1839; aggregate amount, £178. 18s. 10d.
The principal residents in Tugford are the Rev. Joseph Corbett, The
Rectory; John Blakeway, shopkeeper; John Blockley, farmer; Edward Downes,
farmer; John Page, farmer and corn miller; Edward Parsons, farmer;
Richard Shirley, farmer; Fanny Wall, blacksmith.
THE WENLOCK FRANCHISE.
The Wenlock Franchise is bounded on the east by the Brimstree Hundred, on
the south by the Stottesden Hundred, on the west by the Condover and
Munslow Hundreds, and on the north by that of South Bradford. The
borough and franchise of Wenlock were formerly co-extensive with the
Hundred of Patintern, mentioned in Doomsday Book, which comprised the
following parishes, viz.:—Much Wenlock, Little Wenlock, Broseley,
Madeley, Benthall, Barrow, Tinley, Badger, Beckbury, Priors Ditton, Stoke
St. Milborough, Eaton-under-Heywood, Hughley, Shipton, Monk Hopton,
Willey, Deuxhill, and the Extra Parochial Liberty of Posenhall. By an
order of quarter sessions, held at Shrewsbury, April 4th, 1836, the
parishes of Badger, Deuxhill, and Beckbury, were added to the Brimstree
Hundred; and the parishes of Eaton, Shipton, and Stoke St. Milborough,
should thenceforward be considered as part of the Munslow Hundred.
Ironstone, coal, limestone, and a superior clay, are found in this
division of the county, which is celebrated for extensive iron-works, the
manufacture of porcelain earthenware, tobacco pipes, bricks, tiles, and
draining pipes. The manufacturing district is chiefly confined to the
north and north-east verge of the franchise. It is intersected by the
river Severn at the northern extremity, and the river afterwards forms
the boundary of the franchise for some distance. At the census of 1841
this division of the county contained 3,703 inhabited houses, 155
uninhabited, and 29 building; and a population of 18,016 souls; of whom
8,936 were males and 9,080 females. Of the total population 16,518
persons were born in the county, and 1,498 elsewhere.
BARROW
is a small but pleasantly situated village and parish, in the Wenlock
Franchise, two miles east from Much Wenlock, and two miles south-west
from Broseley. The parish contains 2,989A. 0R. 39P. of land, the
rateable value of which is £3,086. 6s. 1d. At the census in 1801 there
were 479 inhabitants; 1831, 351; and in 1841 there were 85 houses and a
population of 383 souls. Lord Forester and Sir Richard Acton, Bart., are
the landowners. WILLEY HALL, a handsome mansion, is the occasional seat
of Lord Forester. The lands in this parish abound with game, which is
rigidly preserved. THE CHURCH is a venerable structure, dedicated to St.
Giles, and consists of nave and chancel, with a turret, in which are two
bells. The walls display many tabular monuments, and there is an antique
font, with a capacious basin. On the south side of the church-yard is
buried Tom Moody, the celebrated whipper-in to George Forester, Esq. The
grave-stone is simply inscribed “Tom Moody, died 19th November, 1796.”
The church was formerly an appendage to the Priory of Wenlock. The
living is a perpetual curacy annexed to the rectory of Willey. The Rev.
Henry Bridgeman is the incumbent.
THE SCHOOL AND ALMSHOUSE.—_John Slaney_, merchant tailor of London,
having, in his life-time, built in the parish of Barrow an almshouse for
six poor aged men or women that had been ancient dwellers thereabout, and
appointed six acres of ground to be laid out for their better relief and
to the support of a school. He also directed an allowance of 1s. 4d.
weekly to be made to each inmate, and every alternate year a good frieze
gown to be given to each person, worth 13s. 4d., and hose and shoes to
the value of 6s. 8d. Mr. Slaney also erected a school for the free
teaching of twenty children, and ordained that a great part of the six
acres of land above mentioned should be for the maintenance of the
school; and he gave towards the maintenance of the schoolmaster £10
a-year for ever. For the performance of the said allowance he gave a
rent charge of £30 per annum issuing out of his manor of Willey. And for
the residue of his gift to make up the pensions of the said schoolhouse
and almshouse, he charged his cousin, John Slaney, that he and his heirs
and assignees should for ever pay the same as a rent charge out of his
lands called the Hem, which lands he gave to his said cousin on his
continuing the charities according to the conditions of his will. In
this will Mr. Slaney is directed to keep the school and almshouse in
continual repair, and to provide fuel. The premises thus conditionally
devised became the property of John Stephens, Esq., who, in 1816,
exchanged the lands with Cecil Weld Forester, Esq., lord of the manor of
Willey, for lands situated near Barrow church. The almshouse having
become much dilapidated, the said Cecil W. Forester, Esq., agreed to be
at the expense of taking down and rebuilding the school and almshouse (at
his own expense), and keeping the same in repair during the term of his
natural life, and to find garments and coals, pursuant to the will of the
founder. In pursuance of this arrangement, the almshouse was taken down,
and a new one and a schoolhouse built on the lands which he had given in
exchange. The yearly expenditure when the Charity Commissioners
published their report was £33. 16s., of which the rent charge on the
manor of Willey provides for £30; so that there remained for the annual
charge upon the lands of Mr. Stephens £3. 16s., but which was then paid
by Mr. Forester, besides the cost of twelve tons of coals. With respect
to the terms of this exchange, it cannot escape observation that the £3.
16s. and the twelve tons of coals which are furnished by Mr. Forester, in
pursuance of his agreement, and the expense that he may be at in repairs,
are a part of the consideration that he was to give for the old
schoolhouse and almshouse, and the land belonging to them; and not the
annual supply which Mr. Stephens’s estates were charged by the will of
Mr. Slaney to furnish. When the charity has received Mr. Forester’s
supply, it has received nothing more than the stipulated equivalent for
the old schoolhouse and almshouse premises. But before the exchange it
was entitled to something more, namely, to the supply charged on Mr.
Stephens’s estates. It must, therefore, continue still entitled to that
supply since the exchange; unless the effect of the exchange has been to
exonerate the estates of Mr. Stephens during the life of Mr. Forester at
the expense of the charity. We think that such has not been the effect,
but that Mr. Stephens’s estates are liable to make good to the charity
the annual supply of £3. 16s. and twelve tons of coals yearly, and to
continue that supply in future. The school teacher, in addition to the
£10 prescribed by the will of Mr. Slaney, has the use of a schoolhouse,
and about five acres of land attached to it, with the privilege of taking
private scholars.
It appears from the parish books, that a sum of £9 poors’ stock, which
had for many years been in the hands of successive parish officers, was
applied in the year 1788 to the repairs of the church, as interest of
which the sum of 10s. is distributed by the churchwardens at Christmas in
fourpenny loaves among the poor of the parish.
DIRECTORY.—John Michael Howell, farmer, The Marsh; Thomas Instone,
farmer, Swinney; Augusta Jones, schoolmistress; Robert Peake, farmer;
William Thursfield, Esq., farmer and land agent to Lord Forester.
BENTHALL
is a small parish with a scattered population, three miles and a half
from Much Wenlock, which comprises 1,195A. 3R. 1P. of land, the whole of
which is the property of Lord Forester, who is also lord of the manor.
The land has a bold swelling surface, and abounds in limestone. There
are lime works in this parish, which give employment to a number of the
inhabitants. There is also a tobacco pipe manufactory, and an
establishment for the manufacture of earthenware, carried on by Mr.
Edward Bathurst. At the census of 1801, the parish contained 636
inhabitants; 1831, 525; and in 1841 there were 131 inhabited houses, and
587 souls. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, consists of nave
and chancel, and has a small turret, in which is one bell: it was rebuilt
in 1667, and stands on a gentle eminence: it is neatly pewed with oak
sittings, and has a gallery at the west end. On the north wall of the
chancel there is a tablet to the memory of Ralph Brown, Esq. and
Catherine, his wife; the former died in 1707: he was lord of the manor of
Benthall. On the south wall is a neat memorial to Edward Brown,
gentleman, of Broseley, who died January 29th, 1849, aged 74 years. In
the nave of the church is buried Philip Benthall, Esq., who died July
26th, 1713, aged 81 years. The living is a perpetual curacy, annexed to
the vicarage of Much Wenlock; incumbent, Rev. W. H. Wayne; curate, Rev.
Thomas H. Edwards. BENTHALL HALL is a stone mansion situated near the
church, some portions of which were erected in the year 1535. It is the
property of Lord Forester, but is now unoccupied. In the time of the
civil wars it was garrisoned by the royalists, at which period tradition
states the old church was destroyed.
_Mrs. Ann Brown_, by her will dated 30th May, 1764, directed that the
dividends of £200 stock, consolidated three per cents, belonging to her,
should be yearly, at Christmas, distributed by her brother, Francis
Turner Blithe, and his heirs, and the minister of Benthall, as they
should think fit. The dividends are received under the power of
attorney, and are paid to the minister, who regularly distributes them
about Christmas in small sums among the poor.
_Edward Brown_, _Esq._, of Broseley, bequeathed £200 to the minister and
churchwardens for the time being of Bethnall in the county of Salop, on
trust to invest the same in funds, or government or real securities, and
to apply the interest in repairing and maintaining the vault and
tombstone of his late brother in-law, Sir Humphrey Charlton, situated in
the church yard at Benthall, and to apply the surplus to the relief of
poor persons from time to time resident in the parish.
POSENHALL is an extra parochial liberty, contiguous to Benthall, which at
the census of 1841 is returned as containing five houses and twenty-two
inhabitants. There is only one farm here, which is in the occupancy of
Mr. Thomas Pitt; there is also an earthenware manufactory: the names will
be found included in the Benthall directory.
DIRECTORY.—Edwin Bathurst, earthenware manufacturer, Benthall Pottery;
John and Edward Burton, farmers and brick makers; Joseph Currier,
shopkeeper; John Duckett, timber merchant; Rev. Thomas H. Edwards, B.A.,
curate, Benthall House; Mary Gother, vict., Britannia Inn; John Gother,
joiner; Hiram Hill, lime burner, residence, Broseley; Joshua Instone,
blacksmith; John Jones, vict., Leopard Inn; Warren Taylor Jones,
earthenware manufacturer, Posenhall Pottery; John Patten, lime burner and
barge owner; Ann Pitt, farmer; Thomas Pitt, farmer, Posenhall; Edward
Roden, farmer and corn miller; Mary Roden, farmer; Noah Roden, tobacco
pipe manufacturer; James Shepard, maltster.
BROSELEY,
anciently written BURWARDSLEY, is a parish and considerable market town
in the Wenlock franchise, four miles east from Much Wenlock, 13 miles
south-east from Shrewsbury, and 146 miles north-west from London. The
town is seated on an eminence above the Severn, and consists principally
of one long irregular built street, with minor streets branching off in
different directions. The houses are mostly of brick, some of them of
respectable appearance, interspersed with others of a more humble
description, inhabited chiefly by miners and the operatives employed in
the brick and iron works. It stands in the middle of an extensive mining
district, in which coal and ironstone are obtained; and there is an
extensive iron foundry here, with others in the immediate vicinity. The
town and neighbourhood are also famous for the manufacture of fire bricks
and tobacco pipes, which are exported to all parts of the kingdom.
Broseley is the only place in England where the celebrated glazed tobacco
pipes are manufactured, and it is supposed this was the first place where
the manufacture of this article commenced; upwards of two centuries ago
they were made from clay procured in this locality, now the clay got here
is used for the manufacture of bricks, tiles and earthenware, and the
pipeclay is procured from Devonshire and Cornwall. Messrs. William
Southron and Co. have an extensive establishment for the manufacture of
the glazed pipes, employing upwards of forty operatives, and using forty
tons of the Devonshire pipeclay annually. The bricks and tiles made at
Broseley are not surpassed by any in the kingdom; there are several
extensive establishments conducted by the Messrs. Davies and others. The
parish contains 1,970A. 3R. 24P. of land, the principal owners of which
are Lord Forester: Francis Harrison, Esq.; John Onions, Esq.; John
Davenport, Esq.; and William Taylor, Esq. There are also a number of
other freeholders. At the census in 1801, this parish had a population
of 4,832 souls; 1831, 4,299; 1841, 4,829, and in 1851 there were 4,738
inhabitants, of whom 2,229 were males, and 2,509 females: at the latter
period there were 1,005 inhabited houses, 43 uninhabited, and two
building; rateable value of the parish, £7,891. 8s. 6d. The market held
on a Wednesday is not very numerously attended. Fairs are held on the
last Tuesday in April, and October 28th. The Market Hall is a brick
structure, situated in High street, built about the year 1779. The Court
Room, over the market hall, contains a fine oak chair beautifully carved,
and dated 1626; in this room the petty sessions are held every six weeks.
Here also was formerly held the court of requests, which had jurisdiction
in eight of the neighbouring parishes; this, however, has been superseded
by the new County Court Act.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to All Saints, is a free-stone structure,
consisting of nave, chancel and side aisles, with a square tower in which
are six bells; the nave is separated from the side aisles by five pointed
arches on each side; over the side aisles and at the west end are
galleries; upon the latter is placed an organ. The church was rebuilt in
1845, and in consequence of a grant of £400 from the Incorporated
Society, 694 of the sittings are free and unappropriated for ever; there
is now accommodation for 1,200 hearers; it is neatly fitted up with oak
sittings, and the roof is of groined timber. The old church was a brick
structure, with a low tower of free stone, and had sittings for 782
persons. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £7. 18s.
6d., in the patronage of Lord Forester: incumbent, the Hon. and Rev.
Orlando Watkin Weld Forester, M.A.; curate, Rev. Andrew Burn, B.A. The
tithes are commuted for £453. THE BAPTISTS have small chapels in Duke
street and on Harris’s Green. THE INDEPENDENTS have a chapel in Duke
street. THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a chapel at Duke street and one at
Coalford. THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a chapel at Broseley Wood. THE
NATIONAL SCHOOL is held in a spacious room over the Market Hall, which
measures sixty-one feet long and twenty-one feet broad. The average
attendance of scholars at the present time is one hundred and
ninety-five.
JACKFIELD is a populous hamlet, in the parish of Broseley, stretching
along the banks of the Severn, and situated near a mile north of the
parish church. Here the inhabitants are busily engaged in extensive
works for the manufacture of bricks and tiles. At this place is also
situated the IVANHOE POTTERY, an establishment conducted by Mr. George
Proudman, where all kinds of earthenware are manufactured. The clay used
in the manufacture is got from mines on the premises, and is found in
regular layers above the coal and limestone; some of the mines extend to
the depth of one hundred yards. THE CHURCH (or Chapel of Ease) at
Jackfield is a handsome brick structure, with stone finishings,
consisting of nave and chancel, with a square tower. It is situated on
an eminence overlooking Ironbridge and a part of Coalbrook Dale. It is
dedicated to St. Mary, and was built in 1759, by Francis Turner Blythe,
Esq. The interior has a neat appearance, and on the south side there is
a neat marble tablet to the memory of Alexander Brodie, Esq., ironmaster,
of Calcutt, who died June 5th, 1830. Another neat tablet remembers the
founder of the church, Francis T. Blythe, Esq., who died September 22nd,
1770, aged 61 years. There is also a tablet to Thomas Carter Phillips,
Esq., who died in 1783. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL is a commodious brick
structure, erected in the year 1844. The school-room is used as a place
of worship on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. The rector and curate of
Broseley officiate alternately.
Not far from Jackfield formerly stood the ancient mansion of the Tuckies.
About sixty years ago this house was repaired for Lord Dundonald, father
of Lord Cochrane, who resided here a considerable time, making chemical
experiments, among the principal of which was that of extracting tar from
coals. For this purpose many kilns or ovens were erected on the banks of
the Severn, and the process was conducted in the following manner:—“A
range of stoves was supplied with coal kept burning at the bottom; the
smoke was conveyed by horizontal tunnels into a capacious funnel built of
brick, supported by arches, and covered on the top by a shallow pond of
water. The smoke, condensed by the chill of the water, fell on the
bottom of the funnel in the form of tar, and was conveyed by pipes into a
receiver, whence it was pumped into a large boiler, and boiled to a
proper consistence, or otherwise inspissated into pitch; the volatile
parts which arose during this inspissation were again condensed into oil
used for varnish.” Great quantities of this useful article were sent for
the use of the navy, and much of it was used in japanning. Lord
Dundonald expended large sums of money in these undertakings, which were
unsuccessful as to profitable remuneration. On the site of these
operations was afterwards erected the great iron foundry where so many
cannon were cast by Mr. Brodie during the late war.
A most melancholy accident occurred near Broseley on October 23rd, 1799.
The passage boat in crossing the Severn, which at this place is very
rapid, was overturned. There were forty-one persons in the boat who were
employed in the china works of Messrs. Rose and Co., of these thirteen
only escaped, the remaining twenty-eight were all drowned. Tradition
states that a large house in Broseley was formerly in possession of some
Dutchmen, who had a mint for coining money secreted in cellars under the
house. They lived in a very expensive style, and kept race horses.
There is a curious fossil found here in the stratum of coal resembling a
fish with the head and tail cut off. It is covered with scales, and
measures about eight inches long. Its solidity is much greater than the
substance in which it is infolded, and when broken appears like
limestone; if thrown into the fire it explodes with considerable
violence.
In the year 1711 a very remarkable inflammable spring was discovered at
Broseley, of which the Rev. Mr. Mason, professor at Cambridge, gives the
following account:—“The well for four or five feet deep is six or seven
feet wide, within that is another hole of like depth, dug in clay; in the
bottom whereof is placed a cylindric earthern vessel, of about four or
five inches diameter at the mouth, having the bottom taken off, and the
sides well fixed in, the clay rammed close about it. Within the pot is a
brown water as thick as puddle continually forced up with a violent
motion, beyond that of boiling water, and a rumbling hollow noise rising
and falling by fits; but there was no appearance of any vapour arising,
which perhaps might have been visible had not the sun shone so bright.
Upon putting the candle down at the end of a stick, at a quarter of a
yard distance, it took fire, darting and flashing after a very violent
manner, for about half a yard high, much in the manner of spirits in a
lamp, but with great agitation. It was said that a tea kettle had been
made to boil in about nine minutes time, and that it had been left
burning for forty-eight hours without any sensible diminution. It was
extinguished by putting a wet mop upon it, which it was necessary to keep
there for a considerable time, otherwise it would not go out. Upon the
removal of the mop there arises a sulphurous smoke, lasting about a
minute, and yet the water is cold to the touch. The cause of this
inflammable property is most probably the mixture of the waters with
petroleum, which is one of the most inflammable substances in nature, and
has the property of burning on the surface of water.” In the year 1755
this well entirely disappeared by the sinking of a coal pit in its
neighbourhood.
CHARITIES.—_John Barrett_, _Esq._, of the Madeiras, bequeathed the sum of
£200 to the poor of Broseley. _Frances Morgan_ left £50, the interest to
be divided among twelve poor widows on Christmas-day annually. _Richard
Edwards_, of Rowton, left £110 to be laid out in land, and the profits
thereof to be distributed on Christmas-day and Easter-day, in equal
proportions, among such poor widows of the parish as his heirs and the
minister of the parish should judge proper objects of charity. _Esther
Hollyman_ left £20 to be added to the poor’s stock in 1730. It appears
from entries in a modern parish book and from a memorandum in the
handwriting of a late curate of the parish, that the several legacies
above specified, amounting together to the sum of £380, were lent to the
parish about the year 1777, and employed (with other monies borrowed and
raised by subscriptions) in building a market house and shops, from the
rents of which it was agreed that a sum not exceeding £18 should be
annually distributed among the poor. By a more recent resolution, which
purports to have been made at a parish meeting held on the 31st May,
1802, it was resolved—“That there should be paid to the poor, from the
revenues of the market hall, in half yearly payments, the annual sum of
£18 until the £3 above £15 should liquidate a debt which appeared due to
the said poor of £43; and that then £15 per annum should be paid only as
the permanent interest of £380 borrowed of the trustees of the said poor,
and for the purpose of building the said market hall.” How the debt of
£43 originated we are not able to state, the old parish books, which
would probably have thrown some light upon the subject, having been lost.
It appears to us, however, not improbable that this sum may be the
remains of the poor’s stock arising from the benefactions which are
recorded on the tables in the church, left by ten several donors, and
amounting to £51. 10s. If the debt of £43, stated to be due from the
parish to the poor, was part of the stock arising from the above
benefactions, the resolution by which it was determined to distribute it
by instalments among the poor seems to be at variance with the intentions
of the respective donors, whose object clearly was the establishment of a
fund that should continue permanently productive. It may be necessary to
observe that although by the payment of £3 per annum, according to the
terms of the resolution above mentioned, the debt of £43 would be wholly
liquidated in the year 1816, yet the annual payment of £18 has been since
continued without any abatement. This sum is distributed by the minister
in equal moieties at Christmas and Easter, among the poor inhabitants of
Broseley, in sums proportioned to their necessities.
_William Lewis_, by indenture, dated January 2nd, 1740, granted a yearly
rent charge of 20s., issuing out of a messuage and two acres of land,
situate near the church, in Broseley, with the penalty of 6s. for every
day that the payment should be in arrear, and directed the same to be
distributed among twenty poor widows. It further appears from the
benefaction table that _Andrew Langley_, of the Woodhouse, left 12s.
yearly to be distributed by the minister and churchwardens on St.
Andrew’s-day yearly, and to be paid for ever by the owner of the
Woodhouse estate.
_Mary Cotton_, who died in 1838, bequeathed to the minister and
churchwardens for the time being of this parish the sum of £300, three
per cent consolidated bank annuities, upon trust, to receive the interest
and divide it among forty poor widows of this parish on the 29th of
December, yearly. _Fanny Pritchard_ left £100 in trust to the same
parties, to be invested in government securities, and directed the
interest to be divided among ten poor widows on St. Thomas’s day.
At a place called the Birches, between Buildwas and Ironbridge, and not
far from Broseley, an extraordinary phenomenon occurred in May, 1775, of
which the following account has been given by the Rev. John Fletcher, of
Madeley. “When I went to the spot,” says Mr. Fletcher, “the first thing
that struck me was the destruction of the little bridge that separated
the parish of Madeley from that of Buildwas, and the total disappearing
of the turnpike road to Buildwas bridge, instead of which nothing
presented itself to my view but a confused heap of bushes, and huge clods
of earth tumbled one over another. The river also wore a different
aspect; it was shallow, turbid, noisy, boisterous, and came down from a
different point. Whether I considered the water or the land the scene
appeared to me entirely new, and as I could not fancy myself in another
part of the country, I concluded that the God of nature had shaken his
providential iron rod over the subverted spot before me. Following the
track made by a great number of spectators, who came already from the
neighbouring parishes, I climbed over the ruins and came to a field well
grown with rye-grass, where the ground was greatly cracked in several
places, and where large turfs, some entirely, others half turned up
exhibited the appearance of straight or crooked furrows, imperfectly
formed by a plough drawn at a venture. Getting from that field over the
hedge, into a part of the road which was yet visible, I found it raised
in one place, sunk in another, concave in a third, hanging on one side in
a fourth, and contracted as if some uncommon force had pressed the two
hedges together. But the higher part of it surprised me most, and
brought directly to my remembrance those places of mount Vesuvius where
the solid stony lava has been strongly worked by repeated earthquakes,
for the hard beaten gravel that formed the surface of the road was broken
every way into huge masses, partly detached from each other, with deep
apertures between them exactly like the shattered lava. This striking
likeness of circumstances made me conclude that the similar effect might
proceed from the same cause, namely, a strong convulsion on the surface
if not in the bowels of the earth. Going a little farther towards
Buildwas I found that the road was again totally lost for a considerable
space, having been overturned, absorbed, or tumbled with the hedges that
bounded it to a considerable distance towards the river; this part of the
desolation appeared then to me inexpressibly dreadful. Between a
shattered field and the river there was that morning a bank on which
besides a great deal of underwood grew twenty fine large oaks, this wood
shot with such violence into the Severn before it that it forced the
water in great columns a considerable height like mighty fountains, and
gave the overflowing river a retrograde motion. This is not the only
accident that happened to the Severn; for near the Grove, the channel
which was chiefly of a soft blue rock burst in ten thousand pieces, and
rose perpendicularly about ten yards, heaving up the immense quantity of
water and the shoals of fishes that were therein. Among the rubbish at
the bottom of the river, which was very deep in that place, there were
one or two huge stones and a large piece of timber, or an oak tree, which
from time immemorial had lain partly buried in the mud I suppose in
consequence of some flood; the stones and tree were thrown up as if they
had been only a pebble and a stick, and are now at some distance from the
river, many feet higher than the surface of it. Ascending from the ruins
of the road I came to those of a barn, which after travelling many yards
towards the river had been absorbed in a chasm where the shattered roof
was yet visible. Next to those remains of the barn, and partly parallel
with the river, was a long edge which had been torn from a part of it yet
adjoining to the garden hedge, and had been removed above forty yards
downward together with some large trees that were in it and the land that
it enclosed. The tossing, tearing, and shifting of so many acres of land
below, was attended with the formation of stupendous chasms above. At
some distance above, near the wood which crowns the desolated spot,
another chasm, or rather a complication of chasms excited my admiration;
it is an assemblage of chasms, one of which that seems to terminate the
desolation to the north-east, runs some hundred yards towards the river
and Madeley wood; it looked like the deep channel of some great
serpentine river dried up, whose little islands, fords, and hollows
appear without a watery veil. This long chasm at the top seems to be
made up of two or three that run into each other, and their conjunction
when it is viewed from a particular point exhibits the appearance of a
ruined fortress whose ramparts have been blown up by mines that have done
dreadful execution, and yet have spared here and there a pyramid of
earth, or a shattered tower by which the spectators can judge of the
nature and solidity of the demolished bulwark. Fortunately there was on
the devoted spot but one house, inhabited by two poor countrymen and
their families; it stands yet, though it has removed about a yard from
its former situation. The morning in which the desolation happened,
Samuel Wilcocks, one of those countrymen, got up about four o’clock, and
opening the window to see if the weather was fair he took notice of a
small crack in the earth about four or five inches wide, and observed the
above mentioned field of corn heaving up and rolling about like the waves
of the sea; the trees by the motion of the ground waved also, as if they
had been blown with the wind, though the air was calm and serene; the
river Severn, which for some days had overflowed its banks, was also very
much agitated and seemed to turn back to its source. The man being
astonished at such a sight, rubbed his eyes, supposing himself not quite
awake, and being soon convinced that destruction stalked about, he
alarmed his wife, and taking children in their arms they went out of the
house as fast as they could, accompanied by the other man and his wife.
A kind Providence directed their flight, for instead of running eastward
across the fields that were just going to be overthrown, they fled
westward into a wood that had little share in the destruction. When they
were about twenty yards from the house they perceived a great crack run
very quick up the ground from the river; immediately the land behind them
with the trees and hedges moved towards the Severn with great swiftness
and an uncommon noise, which Samuel Wilcocks compared to a large flock of
sheep running swiftly by him. It was then chiefly that desolation
expanded her wings over the devoted spot and the Birches saw a momentary
representation of a partial chaos! then nature seemed to have forgotten
her laws: trees commenced itinerant!—those that were at a distance from
the river advanced towards it, while the submerged oak broke out of its
watery confinements and by rising many feet recovered a place on dry
land; the solid road was swept away as its dust had been on a stormy
day;—then probably the rocky bottom of the Severn emerged, pushing
towards heaven astonished shoals of fishes and hogsheads of water
innumerable;—the wood like an embattled body of vegetable combatants
stormed the bed of the overflowing river, and triumphantly waved its
green colours over its recoiling flood;—fields became moveable,—nay, they
fled when none pursued, and as they fled they rent the green carpets that
covered them in a thousand pieces;—in a word, dry land exhibited the
dreadful appearance of a sea-storm. Solid earth as if it had acquired
the fluidity of water tossed itself into massy waves, which rose or sunk
at the beck of him who raised the tempest; and what is most astonishing,
the stupendous hollow of one of those waves ran for nearly a quarter of a
mile through rooks and a stony soil with as much ease as if dry earth,
stones, and rocks had been a part of the liquid element. Soon after the
river was stopt, Samuel Cookson, a farmer who lives a quarter of a mile
below the Birches, on the same side of the river, was much terrified by a
dust of wind that beat against his windows as if shot had been thrown
against it, but his fright greatly increased when getting up to see if
the flood that was over his ground had abated he perceived that all the
water was from his fields, and that scarce any remained in the Severn.
He called up his family, ran to the river, and finding that it was dammed
up, he made the best of his way to alarm the inhabitants of Buildwas, the
next village above, which he supposed would soon be under water. He was
happily mistaken, providence just prepared a way for their escape; the
Severn, notwithstanding a considerable flood which at that time rendered
it doubly rapid and powerful, having met with two dreadful shocks, the
one from her rising bed and the other from the intruding wood, could do
nothing but foam and turn back with impetuosity. The ascending and
descending streams conflicted about Buildwas bridge; the river sensibly
rose for some miles back, and continued rising till just as it was near
entering into the houses at Buildwas it got a vent through the fields on
the right, and after spreading far and near over them collected all its
might to assault its powerful aggressor, I mean the grove, that had so
unexpectedly turned it out of the bed which it had enjoyed for countless
ages. Sharp was the attack, but the resistance was yet more vigorous,
and the Severn repelled again and again was obliged to seek its old empty
bed, by going the shortest way to the right, and the moment it found it
again it precipitated therein with a dreadful roar, and for a time formed
a considerable cataract with inconceivable fury, as if it wanted to be
revenged on the first thing that came in its way, began to tear and wash
away a fine rich meadow opposite to the grove, and there in a few hours
worked itself a new channel about three hundred yards long, through which
a barge from Shrewsbury ventured three or four day after, all wonder at
the strangement of the overthrow. Some ascribe it to an earthquake,
others to a slip of the ground, and not a few remain neuter, confessing
that providence has conducted this phenomenon in such a manner as to
confound the wisdom of the wise, and force even philosophers to adore in
silence the God of nature whose ways are past finding out, who giveth not
always account of his matters, and who perhaps strikes an ambiguous blow
to convince us that the how of his vengeance has more than one string,
and that, to say nothing of the other elements, our mother earth may
afford us an untimely grave, either by the slipping of her back or the
convulsion of her bowels. My employment and taste leading me more to
search out the mysteries of heaven than to scrutinize the phenomena of
the earth, and to point at the wonders of grace than those of nature; I
leave the decision of the question about the slip and the earthquake to
some abler philosopher.”
POST OFFICE—_At Mr. Jeremiah Ashwood’s_. Letters arrive at 8 A.M., and
are despatched 5.35 P.M.
_Marked_ 1 _are in Cape or King street_; 2 _Church street_; 3 _High
street_; 4 _Queen street_; 5 _Barratt’s hill_; 6 _Broseley Wood_; 7
_Jackfield and neighbourhood_; 8 _Barber’s row_; _and_ 9 _Duke street_.
2 Amphlet Susannah, vict., The Dog
3 Ashwood Jeremiah, corn miller, maltster, and postmaster
3 Bartlam Edward Glover, Esq., surgeon, and coroner for borough of
Wenlock
5 Bathurst Henry Martyn, schoolmaster (national)
5 Baker Mrs. Frances
3 Baker The Misses, drapers and mercers
2 Baugh George, Esq.
2 Bayliss Miss Helen, ladies’ boarding school
7 Beard Thomas, victualler, Werps Inn
3 Beddoes John, shoemaker
6 Beddow Thomas, grocer
6 Bill Jeremiah, butcher, shopkeeper and beerhouse
3 Birch Thomas, coalmaster
7 Boden Susannah, shopkpr.
3 Booth Henry, farmer and butcher
6 Bradley Richard, tobacco pipe maker
3 Bourne Wm., blacksmith and beerhouse-keeper
2 Boycott Richard, baker and confectioner
2 Broadhurst Thos., timber merchant & wheelwright
2 Brodie Mrs.
7 Brown Edwd., blacksmith, and vict., Summer House
3 Burnet Henry, hosier and haberdasher
3 Burnet Isaac, boot and shoemaker
3 Burnet John, grocer and dealer in hops
7 Burn Rev. Andrew, B.A., curate, Rock House
7 Burton Edward, brick and tile manufr. & barge owner
7 Burroughs John, rope manufacturer
3 Cartwright Chas., butcher
6 Cartwright James, butcher
3 Charlton Humphrey, wine and spirit and hop and seed merchant
4 Colley Bernard Wilkinson, maltster
8 Collins Thos., locksmith
2 Cooke Joseph, victualler, Old Crown
3 Corfield Thomas, butcher
3 Cowley Jas., grocer, ironmonger, and seedsman
3 Cox Robert, saddler
3 Crowder Leonard, painter, plumber, and glazier
3 Crump William, butcher
7 Crumpton William, ferryman and barge owner
7 Cullis William, victualler, Tumbling Sailors
7 Davies Ann, brick and tile maker
7 Davies James, sen., brick and tile maker, The Rock
7 Davies James, jun., brick and tile maker, The Rock
3 Davies John, farmer
6 Davies Samuel, butcher and maltster
7 Davies Thos., shopkeeper, and brick and tile maker
Davies Thomas, tailor, The Delph
6 Dean James, thatcher and beerhouse-keeper
1 Davies Thomas, victualler, Duke of Cumberland
7 Dillon Joseph, bargeowner, Salt house
7 Dodd Andrew, bargeowner, Salt-house
7 Doughty Geo., bargeowner, Salthouse
7 Doughty Robert, bargeowner, Salthouse
7 Doughty Theophilus, brick & tile maker, Lloyd Head
6 Easthope Mrs. Ann
2 Edwards Ann, victualler, Foresters’ Arms
3 Evans Edwin R. auctioneer, accountant, house & estate agent, valuer &
appraiser, agent to the Sun Fire office, and superintendent registrar
3 Evans Mrs. Maria, draper and mercer
9 Evans Richard, registrar of births and deaths
6 Evans John, shopkeeper and poulterer
Evans Robert, Esq., J.P., The Dunge
8 Evans Susan, confectioner
3 Evans Thos., confectioner
8 Everall Robert, butcher and vict., The Plough
1 Everall Thomas, baker and grocer
3 Fawkes Arthur, victualler, Cape of Good Hope
8 Fenton John, brazier and tinman
2 Forester The Honourable and Rev. Orlando Watkin Weld, M.A., The Rectory
5 Firfield Mrs.
5 Francis Robert, tailor
8 Glover Edwd., hairdresser
6 Gough Mrs. Martha
2 Griffiths Edward, shopkeeper, Salt-house
2 Griffiths John, timber merchant and wheelwright
Griffiths Miss, milliner
3 Gwynn Geo., basket-maker
5 Gwynn Martha, basket-maker
7 Harris Richard, tailor, Salt-house
3 Hartshorne Edward, boot and shoemaker
2 Hartshone Frederick H., Esq., surgeon
3 Hartshorne George, auctioneer, appraiser, cabinet-maker, builder, and
upholsterer
1 Harvey John, grocer, draper, accountant, agent to the Birmingham fire
office, and medical, clerical, and general life office
9 Hayman John, glass dealer and victualler, The Fox
1 Holmes Wm., coalmaster
8 Hill Benjamin, joiner and builder
5 Hill Hiram, grocer and coal master
8 Hiskett Thomas, tin-plate worker
7 Holt Thomas, victualler, Woodbridge Inn
3 Humphries John, grocer, chandler, and hop dealer
2 Instone Samuel, grocer
2 Jones Adam, surveyor and victualler, The Pheasant Commercial Inn
Jackson Rev. Wm. (Baptist), Broseley Cottage
8 Johnson John, tailor and habit maker
7 Jones Isaac, blacksmith
7 Jones John, vict., Duke of Wellington, The Werps
6 Jones Samuel, baker
3 Jones Stephen, tailor and habit maker
Jones Rev. Wm. (Baptist), Chapel Hill
3 Jones Richard, painter, plumber, glazier, & paper hanger
7 Jones Thos., fishmonger, and beerhouse-keeper, The Rock
2 Knight Henry, Esq., professor of music
3 Leadbetter Enoch, agent to Crown Life Assurance office
9 Legge Mrs. Margaret
3 Lister Edward, victualler, The Elephant
6 Lister Thomas, Esq.
7 Lloyd Henry, waterman and vict., The Oak
6 Lloyd William, beerhouse-keeper
3 Mason James, shoemaker, and licensed to let post-horses
7 Mapp Thomas, cement manufacturer
6 Mason Henry, hatter and marine-store dealer
6 Mason John, grocer and tea dealer
7 Miles Francis, shopkeeper, Salt-house
3 Miles Thomas, victualler, The Albion
3 Molineux Thomas, boot and shoemaker
6 Morris John Cox, Esq.
Morgan Mrs., Rock House
Mortimer Mrs. Favell Lee, Broseley Hall
3 Nevitt Enoch, stationer
3 Nevitt Samuel, shopkeeper
Nicholas William, Esq., Field House
3 Oakley Jesse, druggist and grocer
3 Oare Charles, Esq.
2 Onions John, Esq., iron-founder, and brick & tile maker, White Hall
7 Oswell George, beerhouse-keeper and ferryman
Page Thomas, maltster
7 Parker Benj., bargeowner & vict., Lloyd’s Head Inn
7 Parker Charles, victualler, Black Swan
3 Parsons Wm., blacksmith
3 Perrin William, draper, mercer, and hatter
9 Peters Moses and Richard, nail makers & ironmongers
3 Potts Geo., Esq., solicitor, clerk to borough of Wenlock & to Madeley
County Court, The Green
3 Potts & Nicholls, solicitors
2 Pountney Edwin, baker
3 Pountney Samuel, grocer
9 Pountney Samuel, tailor
6 Powell Richd., shopkeeper
7 Price Robert, mine agent, Calcott
3 Pritchard’s Boycott and Nicholas, bankers; draw on Barnett, Hoares, and
Company, London
2 Pritchard George, Esq.
3 Pritchard John, Esq.
2 Pritchard Miss
7 Proudman Geo., earthenware manufacturer, Ivanhoe Pottery
3 Pugh Helen, milliner and dressmaker
3 Pugh Thos., china painter
5 Raspass Elizbeth, shopkpr.
7 Reynolds John, bargeowner
3 Rhodes Charles, vict., The Lion Commercial Inn
7 Richards Geo., beerhouse, The Salt-house
7 Richards Robert, victualler, Severn Trow
3 Richards Thomas, saddler
7 Robinson Jas., blacksmith
7 Roden Samuel, brick and tile manufacturer; house, Ironbridge
7 Roden Thomas, joiner, Salt-house
6 Rowe Chas., wheelwright
6 Rufus Hannah, victualler, King’s Head
2 Rushton Henry, joiner and builder
3 Rushton Richard, grocer
2 Shaw William P., agent to legal and general life assurance office, and
to Salop fire office
6 Smith Moses, hosier
4 Salmon John, hosier
6 Southorn Ann, beerhouse
6 Southorn Joseph, tobacco-pipe manufacturer
6 Southorn Wm. & Co., tobacco-pipe manufacturers
4 Speak Thos., shopkeeper
5 Squires Richard, builder
2 Stable Mrs. Mary, The Deanery
2 Stables Miss Jane, The Deanery
3 Stephan Caroline, milliner and dressmaker
4 Taylor William, butcher
7 Taylor William, coal and brick master, The Tuckies
2 Thorn John, Esq., White Hall
4 Thursfield Richard, Esq., surgeon, and high bailiff to Madeley County
Court
5 Tonkiss Richard, tobacco-pipe maker
5 Trupp Thomas, inland revenue officer
7 Transom Jas., bargeowner
9 Watkin Richd., shoemaker
Watkins Wm., victualler, Duke of York
6 Weaver Mary, shopkeeper
9 Weeks John, shoemaker
6 Weeks Thos., shoemaker
9 Weeks Richard, boot and shoemaker, & beerhouse
8 Willings Benjamin, boot and shoemaker
9 Westover John, attorney’s clerk
7 Wiggins John, schoolmaster (national)
7 Wild John, bargeowner
2 Wilkinson John, blacksmith
5 Wilkinson Mrs. Lucia
3 Williams Ann, shopkeeper and poulterer
7 Williams Edward, shopkeeper, and brick and tile maker, The Werps
7 Williams Edwd., jun., vict., Dog & Duck, Lloyd Head
7 Williams Mr. Silvanus, Salt-house
9 Whooton Herbert, butcher and farmer
Wyke Richard, surgeon, Salt-house
5 Yates Elizabeth, victualler, The Crown
7 Yates Robt., vict., Ash Tree
HUGHLEY
is a parish and village delightfully situated in a lovely vale four and a
half miles S.W. from Much Wenlock; the Wenlock Edge bounds the parish on
the eastern side, and on the west is a small mountain stream. The parish
contains 1,111A. 3R. 38P. of land, the soil of which for the most part is
of an inferior description, but produces tolerable crops of oats, and
wheat is also grown. Rateable value £817. The land in this parish is
the property of the Earl of Bradford, except about three roods and a
small cottage. A bridge has recently been built over the stream here,
which is a great advantage and convenience to the inhabitants, as the
waters occasionally rush with great impetuosity from the hilly district,
and render the fording of the stream dangerous. The bridge was built by
subscriptions, under the superintendence and aid of the late rector. In
former times the extensive woods with which Hughley was surrounded were
long the retreat of robbers; a commission was issued in the reign of
Richard II. to inquire into the best means of securing the banditti, and
protecting travellers from their lawless depredations.
THE CHURCH, a small but interesting specimen of the gothic style of
architecture, is dedicated to St. John the Baptist; it is very ancient,
and consists of nave and chancel, the latter divided from the nave by a
beautifully rood loft elaborately carved; on the roof also is some
beautifully carved work. A recess in the wall containing a number of
human bones is conjectured to have been a shrine; the bones are probably
the remains of some reputed saint, and were formerly secured by a door,
but this has long been destroyed. There is a piscina on a pedestal,
whereon in former times would very probably stand the patron saint of the
church. The living is a rectory valued in the King’s book at £4. 11s.
3d., now returned at £160, in the patronage of the Earl of Bradford, and
enjoyed by the Rev. John Wakefield, M.A. The parish of Hughley, at the
census of 1801, contained 83 inhabitants; 1831, 115; and in 1841 there
were twenty houses and 127 souls. Job Littleford, in 1772, gave to the
parish of Hughley 6s. yearly to maintain a poor child at school; 4s. to
be distributed among the poor by the rector; and 2s. 6d. to the parish
clerk yearly. The premises charged with this payment are situate at Holt
Praed, and are the property of Mrs. Thursby.
DIRECTORY.—Richard Bullock, blacksmith; Edward Corfield, miller;
Elizabeth Owen, farmer; Thomas Madeley, farmer; Rev. John Wakefield,
M.A., rector; Andrew Walker, farmer, Upper Hill farm; Richard Walleter,
farmer, Lower Hill farm.
LINLEY
is a small parish in the Wenlock franchise, situated about three and a
half miles south-east from Much Wenlock. The parish comprises 636 acres
of land, the principal owners of which are Lord Forester and John
Stephens, Esq. At the census in 1801 there were 108 inhabitants; 1831,
111; and in 1851, 105; of whom 42 were males, and 63 females. At the
same period there were 19 inhabited houses, and one uninhabited. Gross
estimated rental of the parish, £809. 2s. Rateable value, £729. 18s.
Lord Forester is lord of the manor and impropriator. THE CHURCH, a
plain, unpresuming structure, has the appearance of great antiquity: the
windows are small and square headed, and there is a short tower. The
church is situated in a field, and near it stands a venerable yew tree,
but there is no inclosed burial ground. The living is a rectory, annexed
to that of Broseley. The Hon. and Rev. Orlando Forester is the
incumbent. Divine service is only performed once a month. LINLEY HALL
was formerly the seat of the ancient family of Lacon, who possessed the
greater part of the parish. It is a plain brick structure, now occupied
by Miss Martha Onions.
DIRECTORY.—George Carpenter, vict., Duke of Wellington Inn; Robert
Harrison, farmer; Joseph Langmore, wheelwright and blacksmith; Ann
Newton, vict., Britannia Inn; Miss Martha Onions, Linley Hall; Edward
Owen, proprietor of Owen’s pills and drops, Linley Villa; Josiah
Wellings, bailiff to Mr. Hembry.
LITTLE WENLOCK
is a parish and small rural village, styled in ancient records “Wenlock
under the Wrekin,” and is situated three miles south from Wellington,
thee miles north-west from Ironbridge, five miles N.N.E. from Much
Wenlock, and eleven miles south-east from Shrewsbury. The village is
pleasantly situated on a bold acclivity, near the eastern side of the
Wrekin, commanding some fine views over a picturesque and delightful
district. The Wrekin stands partly in this parish, and also extends into
the parishes of Wellington, Wroxeter, and Uppington. The Willow Moor or
Wrekin farm is situated in a sequestered vale near to the Wrekin. This
valley is supposed to have been the scene of a battle at some remote
period. As a labourer was cutting a drain in the year 1835, about a
hundred yards from the turnpike from Little Wenlock to Wellington, he
suddenly came upon a heap of broken spears, which had been thrown
together, and which it is stated numbered between two and three hundred.
In the immediate vicinity are five barrows, which were opened about
sixteen years ago, but nothing was discovered in them. The parish
comprises 2,460 acres of land, the soil of which is a mixture of clay and
gravel, producing tolerable crops of wheat, barley, and turnips. The
minerals are ironstone, coal, and limestone, but none of these valuable
minerals are got except on the northern verge of the parish, probably in
consequence of their abundance in the adjacent parishes, where extensive
iron works and collieries have long been established. Lord Forester is
the owner of the land, and lord of the manor. At the census in 1801 the
parish contained a population of 980 souls; 1831, 1,057; and in 1841
there were 202 houses, and 1,091 inhabitants, of whom 578 were males, and
513 females; in 1851 there were 1,034 inhabitants, and 199 houses. Gross
estimated rental of the parish, £3,760. 10s. Rateable value, £4,351. 8s.
THE CHURCH is a very ancient structure, dedicated to St. Lawrence. The
body of the church appears of older date than the tower, which was built
in 1667. The fabric was enlarged in 1822 by adding a south transept of
brick; the rest of the structure is of free stone. The tower contains
five bells. The pulpit is of carved oak, very ancient. There is
accommodation for upwards of 600 persons: 520 of the seats are free and
unappropriated. A neat marble font is placed at the west end. The
living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £11. 13s. 4d., in the
patronage of Lord Forester: incumbent, Rev. George Edmonds, M.A. The
tithes have been commuted for £584. 3s. 4d., and there are nine acres of
glebe land. The parish register dates from the year 1689. In the
church-yard are several venerable yew trees. THE RECTORY is a commodious
brick residence, a short distance from the church, from which are seen
some pleasing and picturesque views of the country. The house stands 600
feet above the level of the Severn, whose silvery waters flow in the vale
beneath. WENLOCK HALL is now divided into cottage tenements. HUNTINGTON
is a hamlet about a mile north from the church. COALMOOR a hamlet a mile
south from the church.
CHARITIES.—_Maurice Haywood_, who died in 1760, bequeathed the sum of
£10, the interest thereof to be distributed in bread to the poor of the
parish on St. Thomas’s day, yearly. This legacy was paid to the
churchwarden, and the parish has ever since made a distribution of bread
to the amount of the interest at five per cent. _Mrs. Alice Green_ gave
an annuity of 11s. 6d. to the poor of this parish, payable out of an
estate called the Dairy House Farm, at Brierley, in the parish of
Sedgley, in Staffordshire, of which 10s. was to be given to the poor, and
1s. 6d. to the person who fetched it for his trouble. The estate on
which this annuity is charged is the property of Mrs. Foley. Much
irregularity has taken place in the payment of this little annuity, in
consequence apparently of the distance from which it was to be procured.
_Mrs. Mary Tipton_, in the year 1844, bequeathed £50, and directed so
much of the interest as should be necessary to be applied in painting and
keeping in repair her monument in the church-yard, and the residue to be
annually distributed among the poor. _Mrs. Hannah Shepherd_ bequeathed
the sum of £100, the interest to be applied in the purchase of suitable
clothing for the benefit of the poor.
_Marked_ 1 _are at Coalmoor_, 2 _Huntingdon_, _and the rest in Little
Wenlock or where specified_.
Boore Edward, maltster
Boore George, grocer
Boore John, farmer
1 Boycott Richard, charter master
1 Boycott William, draper, grocer and farmer
Chant Thomas, shoemaker
Davis Richard, farmer
Davis Thomas, farmer and maltster
2 Dawes Benjamin, maltster
Edmonds Rev. George, A.M. rector, The Rectory
Edmonds William, Esq.
1 Garbitt Wm., vict., Peacock
Harper Daniel, farmer, Wrekin farm
Harris Edwin, vict., Spread Eagle
Hulse John, beerhouse keeper
2 Jervis Francis, farmer, maltster, and collector of taxes
Jones Martha, beerhouse keeper
1 Milner William, farmer and maltster
1 Maun James, vict., Labour in Vain
Poole Mrs. Charlotte
Poole Henry, blacksmith and shopkeeper
1 Ralphs John, sawyer and beerhouse
1 Shepherd, Richard, farmer
Steele William, farmer and vict., Five Bells
Walker Edward, farmer, Willow Moor
Wellings, Walter, farmer
Williams Mrs. Emma
Wilson John, farmer
2 Yates Catherine, farmer
MADELEY
is a considerable parish and market town in the Wenlock Franchise, four
and a half miles S.W. from Shiffnal, nine miles N.N. by W. from
Bridgnorth, and fifteen miles S.E. from Shrewsbury. This parish is
celebrated for its valuable mines of coal and ironstone, its extensive
and flourishing ironworks, the Coalport china manufactory, and the
manufacture of superior bricks. The parish comprises 2,810 acres of
land; at the census of 1801 there were 4,758 inhabitants; 1831, 5,822;
1841, 7367; and in 1851, 8,524; of whom 4,163 were males and 4,361
females; at the latter period there were 1,711 inhabited houses, 47
uninhabited, and four houses building. Rateable value, £19,900. The
principal landowners are Joseph Reynolds, Esq., James Foster, Esq.,
Abraham Darby, Esq., Rev. John Bartlet, Francis and John Yates, Esqrs.,
and the representatives of the late Francis Darby, Esq. Joseph Reynolds,
Esq., is lord of the manor. The town of Madeley so far as regards that
portion in the vicinity of the church is irregularly built, and consists
chiefly of detached ranges of cottages rather than streets; in the
immediate vicinity are a number of handsome villa residences and neat
cottages. The Prior and convent of Wenlock in the 53rd of Henry III. had
the grant of a market on Tuesday, to be held at Madeley, and a fair on
the eve, the day, and the morrow of St. Matthew the apostle and
evangelist. This market subsequently became obsolete, but was revived in
1763, when a new market house was built in the Dale at IRONBRIDGE; here a
flourishing market is held on Friday, and fairs are held on January 26th,
May 29th. and October 12th. The extensive establishment of Abraham Darby
and Company, ironmasters, and the porcelain manufactory of Messrs. Rose
and Co., give employment to a great number of the labouring population.
The Madeley Wood Company’s iron works employ about eight hundred
operatives, and in the establishment of James Foster and Company are
employed upwards of five hundred hands, chiefly in making pig iron. A
house and barn not far from the church at Madeley, afforded shelter to
the unfortunate Charles II., after his defeat at the battle of Worcester.
Madeley Court House, an antique old mansion in the Elizabethan style of
architecture, was formerly the residence of Sir Basil Brooke, fourth in
descent from Sir Basil Brooke, a zealous royalist in the time of Charles
I. It is now the residence of Mr. George Jones; in the grounds is a
curious old sun-dial. The MADELEY COUNTY COURT, for the recovery of
debts, embraces the following parishes and places, viz.: Albrighton,
Badger, Barrow, Beckbury, Benthall, Blymhill, Bonninghall, Broseley,
Buildwas, Dawley, Donnington, Kemberton, Linley, Little Wenlock, Madeley,
Much Wenlock, Patshull, Posenhall, Ryton, Sheriff Hales, Shiffnal,
Stirchley, Stockton, Sutton Maddock, Tong, Weston-under-Lizard, and
Willey. _Judge_, Uvedule Corbet, Esq.: _Clerk_, George Potts, Esq.:
_Assistant Clerk_, Mr. William Bailey: _High Bailiff_, Mr. Richard
Thursfield.
THE MADELEY POOR LAW UNION comprehends twelve parishes, embracing an area
of forty-three square miles, with a population returned at the census of
1831 of 22,164 souls: in 1841 the inhabitants had increased to 26,172,
and at the last census in 1851 there were 27,626 inhabitants, of whom
13,668 were males and 13,958 females. The Union House is a plain brick
structure which will accommodate 140 inmates; the average number of
paupers is about 70. The parishes embraced within the Union are Madeley,
Little Wenlock, Buildwas, Dawley, Stirchley, Broseley, Benthall,
Posenhall, Barrow, Linley, Willey, and Much Wenlock. _Clerk to
Guardians_, William Reynolds Anstice, Esq.: _Superintendent Registrar_;
Mr. Edwin R. Evans: _Chaplain_, Rev. James H. Gwyther: _Governor_,
William Wildblood.
THE CHURCH is a handsome and spacious octagonal structure, with a
finely-proportioned square tower in which is a peal of bells. This
fabric was built in 1795, and subsequently enlarged; it is partly fitted
up and provided with commodious galleries, having accommodation for
upwards of a thousand worshippers; the organ is a handsome fine-toned
instrument. The old church which was taken down on the erection of the
present building exhibited the Norman style of architecture; a chantry
was erected in the ancient structure and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, in
the 11th of Richard II. Several of the ancient monuments were removed
from the old church when it was taken down and are now placed in the new
one. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king’s book at £4. 17s.
10d., now returned at £305; incumbent, Rev. James H. Gwyther, who is also
chaplain to the Madeley Union, and the Right Hon. Lord Milford. The
tithes have been commuted, and £226 apportioned to the vicar, and £115.
10s. to Sir Joseph Hawley, Bart., the impropriator. The vicarage,
situated near the church, is a good residence mantled with ivy, and is an
object of attraction to strangers, as being the residence of the
celebrated pious Fletcher, formerly vicar of Madeley, a short account of
whose life will be found on the following page. THE CATHOLIC CHAPEL, a
neat structure, was built about the year 1760, and will hold 300 persons.
The interior has a chaste appearance, and the altar is beautified with
some fine workmanship. The Rev. William Molloy, the priest, resides in a
house adjoining the chapel. THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a neat chapel
built in 1841, capable of holding about 600 hearers. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL
is a handsome structure of brick with stone finishings, built in the year
1845, exhibiting the Elizabethan style of architecture. The cost of the
building was £859. 1s. 4d., towards which the sum of £629. 1s. 4d. was
raised by local subscriptions, and a grant of £230 was obtained from the
Committee of Council on Education. One hundred and thirty boys and one
hundred and twenty-five girls attend the school; it is conducted by Mr.
and Mrs. Johnson and three pupil teachers.
IRONBRIDGE, a populous and interesting portion of the parish of Madeley,
takes its name from an iron bridge which has been erected across the
Severn at this place. Here are many handsome residences, good inns, and
shops in all the different branches of the retail trade. A flourishing
market is held on Friday. A market hall has been built, gas introduced,
and the whole has a thriving and prosperous appearance, and may be
considered the focus of commercial pursuits in the parish. The iron
bridge which spans the Severn is a magnificent structure, and was cast at
the Coalbrook Dale Works, in 1799. The span of the arch is one hundred
feet six inches, height forty feet, and the road way twenty four feet
broad. It was the first iron bridge erected in England. The total
weight of the iron in the bridge is three hundred and seventy-eight tons,
and the whole was erected in the space of three months. The abutments of
the bridge are of stone, covered with plates of iron, with mortices, in
which stand two upright pillars of the same. Against the foot of the
inner pillar, the bottom of the main rib bears on the base plate. This
rib consists of two pieces connected by a dove-tail point, in an iron
key, and secured by screws. The cross stays, braces circle in the
spandrils, and the brackets connect the larger pieces, so as to keep the
bridge perfectly steady; while a diagonal and cross stays, and top
plates, connect the pillars and ribs together in opposite directions.
The bridge is covered with iron top plates, projecting over the ribs on
each side, and on this projection stands the balustrade of cast iron.
The bridge being private property a small charge is made to pass over.
Large quantities of iron, all kinds of castings, coal, and lime are
shipped at the wharf to distant parts of the country. Near to the Lodge
Farm are several beds of fine sand, which is much used by the Coalbrook
Dale Company in their beautiful castings.
THE CHURCH, a handsome structure of brick, dedicated to St. Luke, is
situated on elevated ground, and approached by a flight of steps one
hundred and nineteen in number. It was built in the year 1836, and
consists of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with a tower, in which is one
bell. The east window is richly beautified with stained glass, and has
full length figures of St. Peter, St. James, and St. John, executed by
the celebrated Evans, of Shrewsbury. The church is provided with
galleries, and has a small organ. There are a thousand and sixty-two
sittings, of which six hundred and sixty-two are free and unappropriated.
The living is a perpetual curacy in the gift of the vicar of Madeley.
Incumbent, Rev. John Andrew Jetter. THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a
chapel at Madeley Wood, built in the year 1837, which will hold about
seven hundred persons. They have also a place of worship near to the
wharf, and a spacious Sunday school at Madeley Wood, where four hundred
children are instructed. THE WESLEYAN NEW CONNECTION have a chapel
situated at Foxholes. THE DISPENSARY and SAVINGS’ BANK are at Mrs.
Rogers’s, Bridge-street; Mr. William Smith is the secretary of the
latter. THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, situate on the Madeley road, is numerously
attended, and there is a RAGGED SCHOOL situated in Milner’s-lane. THE
MECHANICS’ INSTITUTION was established in the year 1840. The objects of
the institution are to afford to mechanics and others opportunities of
acquiring at their leisure hours the principles of science and the arts,
and for the cultivation of literature. THE GAS WORKS, situated near the
Madeley Wood brick works, were established in 1839, and the streets in
Ironbridge were first lighted with gas on November 5th, 1839; Mr. Charles
W. Smith is the manager and secretary. An extraordinary phenomenon
occurred at the Birches not far from the iron bridge in 1775, a
particular account of which has been given with Broseley.
COALBROOK DALE, a winding glen two miles from Madeley, hemmed in by lofty
hills and hanging woods, is celebrated for the most considerable iron
works in England; the forges, mills, and steam engines, with all their
vast machinery,—the flaming furnaces, and smoking chimneys, with handsome
residences nestling under the cliffs of the hills, have altogether a most
romantic and singular appearance, and perhaps in no part of the globe are
features of so diversified and wonderful a character brought together
within so limited a compass,—here art has triumphed over nature, and the
barren wilderness has been converted into one of the most animating
abodes of commerce, and being studded with residences of taste and
elegance, it gives the whole a very interesting appearance. Coalbrook
Dale is chiefly the property of the Darby family, who carry on the
extensive iron works here and in the adjoining parish of Dawley, where
they have been already noticed. The Coalbrook Dale Company is one of the
largest establishments in England, justly celebrated for the superiority
of their castings, and for the manufacture of every description of iron
goods. THE FRIENDS’ MEETING HOUSE, a neat brick structure, was built in
1789, and has a small burial ground attached. It stands near the site of
a former meeting house. THE WESLEYAN CHAPEL, a plain brick structure,
was occasionally the scene of the labours of the eminent Fletcher, the
vicar of Madeley. A spacious school room has been built at the expense
of the Coalbrook Dale Company, where about eighty boys are instructed.
It is chiefly supported by the liberality of the same company. The room
above the school is used as an episcopal place of worship, and here the
curate of Madeley usually officiates twice on the Sabbath. A commodious
school for girls has been built near the works, which is supported by
Mrs. Abraham Darby; here about one hundred girls and an equal number of
infants are now receiving instruction. Sunny-side House, a good brick
residence on the heights above the dale, was unoccupied when our agent
visited Coalbrook Dale. The residences of Abraham Darby, Esq., Richard
Darby, Esq., and the Mrs. Darby, are handsome mansions, situated near the
works in the dale. East Field is a good residence at the bottom of the
dale, the seat of Barnard Dickinson, Esq., near to which is Severn House,
the residence of Henry Dickinson, Esq., besides which there are several
other handsome residences.
COALPORT, celebrated for its rich and extensive china works, is situated
about two miles from Ironbridge. The eminent firm of Rose and Company
has been established here upwards of half a century; and the articles
produced at this manufactory, for superior taste and elegant workmanship,
are nowhere excelled. The establishment is known as the Coalbrook Dale
China Manufactory, and is the most extensive in the kingdom. The firm
employs 537 operatives.
CHARITIES.—By an Indenture dated 29th May, 1706, we find that _Basil
Brook_, by his will bequeathed to the poor of the parish of Madeley the
sum of £40, which the churchwardens and parishioners desired might be
laid out in the purchase of lands and tenements for the use of the poor
of the parish. It was witnessed that Comerford Brook, in consideration
of the said £40, and also of a further sum of £30 paid to him by Audley
Bowdler and eight others, parties to the said indenture, granted to
Audley Bowdler and others three cottages with gardens thereto, on trust,
to employ the rents and profits thereof for the use of the poor. By
another indenture, dated 26th December, 1713, William Johnson, in
consideration of £30, conveyed a tenement in Madeley Wood to the trustees
mentioned in the former deed, upon similar trusts. No further account
can be obtained of the source from whence the two sums of £30
consideration money were derived. In course of time, the cottages having
become out of repair, and there being no fund for repairing them, it was
thought advisable to sell them for long terms at nominal rents, and apply
the money received for the leases towards the building of a house of
industry. Accordingly, on the 2nd January, 1797, the vicar, parish
officers, and trustees granted six leases of the trust property for terms
of 999 years, in consideration of a sum of £235. 15s. and a nominal rent
of 4s. 6d. per annum. The sum thus received was added to a subscription
raised in the parish to the further amount of £806. 13s. 6d., making
together £1,042. 8s. 6d., and applied in the erection on a part of the
charity land of a house of industry, the cost of which was £1,086. 14s.
7½d.; and a lease of that piece of land, with the house so erected upon
it, containing 3R. 12P., was granted to certain trustees for the use of
the parish for a term of 999 years, at the yearly rent of £18. The
income of these premises, amounting to £18. 14s. 6d., together with 5s. a
year derived from another fund, has been for many years applied in
providing clothing for the poor.
The annuity of 5s. above mentioned was formerly paid out of premises
belonging to Mr. Beddoes, but by whom given is not known. In the returns
made under the Act of the 26th George III., it is attributed to a person
of the name of Johnson, and there was formerly such a person who had
property in this parish. A person of the name of Bowdler, who held the
premises after Beddoes, became bankrupt, when the premises were sold, and
there being no means of establishing a claim to this annuity against the
purchase, it was agreed that the trustees of the other charity should
receive from the assignees the sum of £5, in lieu and in discharge of
this annuity. This sum, and 20s. for four years arrears, was accordingly
paid to the trustees, and by them placed in the savings bank. _Mr.
William Yate_, in 1810, bequeathed four kneelings in his pew in the
gallery of the church for the benefit of the Sunday school.
The following biographical sketch of the Rev. John Fletcher, formerly
vicar of Madeley, is taken from the account of that celebrated individual
published by the Rev. Robert Cox, curate of St. Leonard’s, Bridgnorth,
and other authorities:—“John Guillaume de la Flechere, or as he was
generally designated in this his adopted country, John William Fletcher,
was born in Switzerland, at Nijon, in the Pays de Vaud. His father, in
the early part of his life, had been an officer in the French service,
but on his marriage retired from the army, and afterwards became a
colonel in the militia of his own country. Young Fletcher having passed
the early part of his boyhood at Nion, was sent to the University of
Geneva, where he was soon distinguished by the superiority of his
talents, and the intensity of his application. About this period
Fletcher met with a providential escape, which he never afterwards
mentioned without the strongest expressions of gratitude. He lived for
some time at a place very near the Rhine, where he frequently bathed,
being careful to keep near the shore that the stream might not carry him
away. Once, however, being less careful than usual, he was drawn into
mid-channel, where the course of the water was very swift. He
endeavoured to swim against it, but in vain, till he was hurried a
distance of five miles from home. At last, despairing of life, he was
cheered by the sight of a fine smooth creek, into which he was swiftly
carried by a violent stream. A powder mill stood directly across it, and
the last thing he could remember was the striking of his breast against
one of the piles on which it stood. He then lost his senses, and knew
nothing more till he rose on the other side of the mill, in a calm safe
place, perfectly well. Many persons gladly welcomed him on shore; and
one gentleman in particular said, ‘I looked when you went under the mill,
and again when you rose on the other side. The time of your being
immerged among the piles was exactly twenty minutes.’”
After Fletcher had gone through the usual course of study at the
university, he was sent to Leutzbourg, a small town in the Swiss cantons,
when, in addition to his other literary pursuits, he studied Hebrew and
German. Hitherto it had been the intention of Fletcher to enter into the
church; but, contrary to all expectation, before he had arrived at the
age of twenty, he manifested views of a very different nature. Disgusted
by the necessity of subscribing to the high Calvinism of the Geneva
articles, and disinclined to enter upon so sacred an office from any
secular motives, he yielded to the desire of some of his friends, and
entered the army. Soon after he obtained a commission in the Portuguese
service, and was ordered to hold himself in readiness to sail to Brazil;
but an accident, occasioned by a servant overturning a kettle of boiling
water on his leg, confined him to his bed until the ship had sailed.
Being disappointed in a subsequent attempt to enter into the Dutch
service, he resolved to visit England, partly from a desire for further
improvement, and partly from a hope of obtaining some situation for his
future support.
After the arrival of Mr. Fletcher in this country, he resided about
eighteen months in the house of a Mr. Burchell, in Herefordshire, under
whose directions he studied the English and various branches of polite
literature. At length he was engaged as a tutor in the family of Mr.
Hill, M.P. for Shrewsbury, who resided at Tern Hall, in this county. Mr.
Fletcher generally accompanied the family to London, when Mr. Hill went
to attend his parliamentary duties; and on one of these journeys he
accidentally met with a poor woman who, he said, talked to him so
delightfully of Jesus Christ, that he knew not how the time passed away.
This little circumstance was attended with the most important results;
and although at first he felt somewhat indignant at the idea of not being
perfectly acquainted with the nature of religion, yet at length he
obtained that lively faith which, through the grace of God, will incite
men to do all they can do, whilst it teaches them to rely upon nothing
which they have done.
Not long after this period, Mr. Fletcher’s attention was again directed
to the work of the ministry; but being diffident of his qualifications
for so weighty an office, two years elapsed before his ordination.
“Before,” said he, “I was afraid; but now I tremble to meddle with holy
things.” At length his reluctance being overcome, he solemnly determined
to offer himself as a candidate for holy orders in the English Church,
and was accordingly ordained deacon at the Chapel Royal of St. James’s,
on the 6th of March, 1757, and preached on the following day. After
having preached to some French refugees in his own language, and also in
several chapels belonging to Mr. Wesley, with whom he was now acquainted,
he determined to return to the charge of his pupils at Tern Hall. The
churches of Atcham, Wroxeter, St. Alkmunds, and the Abbey Church in
Shrewsbury, were now the occasional scenes of his gratuitous services.
In the summer of 1779 he was frequently engaged in performing the duty of
Madeley, and during the following year was presented to the vicarage of
that place. This living he accepted in preference to another of above
double the value, which was offered to him about the same time; his
affection for the people to whom he had ministered would not allow him to
be separated from them. The circumstance of his appointment to Madeley
is worthy of notice. One day, Mr. Hill informed him that the living of
Dunham, in Cheshire, then vacant, was at his service: “The parish,” he
continued, “is small, the duty light, the income good (£400 per annum),
and it is situated in a fine healthy sporting country.” After thanking
Mr. Hill most cordially for his kindness, Mr. Fletcher added, “Alas, sir!
Dunham will not suit me; there is too much money, and too little labour.”
“Few clergymen make such objections,” said Mr. Hill, “it is a pity to
decline such a living, as I do not know that I can find you another: What
shall we do? Would you like to go to Madeley?” “That, sir, would be the
very place for me.” “My object, Mr. Fletcher, is to make you comfortable
in your own way; if you prefer Madeley, I shall find no difficulty in
persuading Chambray, the present vicar, to exchange it for Dunham, which
is worth more than twice as much!” In this way he became vicar of
Madeley, with which he was so perfectly satisfied that he never after
sought any other honour or preferment. The inhabitants of Madeley, at
this period, were notorious for ignorance and impiety; and in this
benighted village Fletcher stood forth as a preacher of righteousness for
the space of twenty-five years.
There was an energy in his preaching, observes Mr. Gilpin, that was
irresistible; his subjects, his language, his gestures, the tone of his
voice, and the turn of his countenance, all conspired to fix the
attention and affect the heart. Without aiming at sublimity, he was
truly sublime, and uncommonly eloquent without affecting the orator. He
was wonderously skilled in adapting himself to the different capacities
and conditions of his hearers. He could stoop to the illiterate and rise
with the learned; he had incontrovertible arguments for the sceptic, and
powerful persuasions for the listless believer; he had sharp remonstrance
for the obstinate, and strong consolation for the mourner. Mr. Wesley
describes him as superior to Whitfield in his qualifications as a public
preacher. Instead of being confined, says he, to a country village, he
ought to have shone in every corner of our land. He was full as much
called to sound an alarm through all the nation as Mr. Whitfield himself;
nay, abundantly more so, seeing he was much better qualified for that
important work. He had a more striking person, an equally winning
address, together with a richer flow of fancy, a stronger understanding,
a far greater treasure of learning, both in languages, philosophy,
philology, and divinity; and above all, which I can speak with full
assurance, a more deep and constant communion with the Father and with
the Son Jesus Christ. It is not to be supposed that so zealous a
minister of the gospel would meet with no opposition. The drunken
colliers and self-interested publicans were his special enemies. The
voluptuary detested his temperance; the licentious were offended at his
gravity and strictness; and the formal were roused to indignation by that
spirit of zeal and devotion which influenced his whole conduct. And to
these opponents must be added some of the neighbouring clergy and
magistrates, who objected to his well-intended but unauthorised
interference in their parishes. In spite, however, of these oppositions,
his piety and benevolence won upon the people, and the church, which at
first was so thinly attended that he was discouraged by the smallness of
the congregation, began to overflow, and he saw an effectual change take
place in many of his flock. Madeley abounded with persons in extreme
indigence, and over this destitute part of his flock Mr. Fletcher watched
with peculiar concern. The whole rents of his small patrimonial estate
were set apart for charitable uses, and he drew so liberally from his
other funds as at times almost to deprive himself of the necessaries of
life. In order to feed the hungry, he led a life of self-denial and
abstinence; and to cover the naked he clothed himself in the most homely
attire.
The incessant labours of Mr. Fletcher, both in public and in private,
with intense application to his studies, at length impaired his health,
and in 1777 he was induced to visit Switzerland for the benefit of his
native air. He continued at Nijon, the place of his nativity, and its
vicinity for nearly three years; during which period, though his health
was gradually improving, he was still too weak to undertake much public
duty, but he employed his time in writing, giving private exhortations,
and in instructing the children who assembled, in the first principles of
religion. The fearless intrepidity of Mr. Fletcher’s Christian character
was strikingly exemplified in his conduct towards one of his nephews
during his residence in Switzerland. This young man had been in the
Sardinian service, where his profligate ungentlemanly conduct had given
such general offence to his brother officers that they were determined to
compel him to leave their corps or fight them all in succession. After
engaging in several duels he was obliged to quit the service, and return
to his native country. As a desperate man he resorted to desperate
measures. He waited on his uncle, General de Gons; and having obtained a
private audience, he presented a pistol, and said, “Uncle de Gons, if you
do not give me a draft on your banker for five hundred crowns, I will
shoot you.” The general, though a brave man, yet seeing himself in the
hands of a desperado capable of any mischief, promised to give him the
draft if he withdrew the pistol. “But there is another thing, uncle, you
must do; you must promise me, on your honour as a gentleman and a
soldier, to use no means to recover the draft or bring me to justice.”
The general pledged his honour, gave him the draft for the money, and at
the same time expostulated freely with him on his infamous conduct. In
the evening, passing the door of his uncle, Fletcher, the fancy took him
to call and pay a visit. As soon as he was introduced he began to tell
him, with exultation, that he had just called upon his uncle, General de
Gons, who had treated him with unexpected kindness, and generously given
him five hundred crowns. “I shall have some difficulty,” said Mr.
Fletcher, “to believe the last part of your intelligence.” “If you will
not believe me, see the proof under his own hand,” holding out the draft.
“Let me see,” said Mr. Fletcher, taking the draft and looking at it with
astonishment; “It is indeed my brother’s writing, and it astonishes me to
see it, because he is not in affluent circumstances; and I am the more
astonished because I know how much and how justly he disapproves your
conduct, and you are last of his family to whom he would make such a
present.” Then folding the draft, and putting it into his pocket: “It
strikes me, young man, that you have possessed yourself of this note by
some indirect method, and in honesty I cannot return it, but with my
brother’s knowledge and approbation.” The pistol was immediately at his
breast; and he was told as he valued life instantly to return the draft.
‘My life,’ replied Mr. Fletcher, ‘is secure in the protection of Almighty
power who guards it, nor will he suffer it to be the forfeit of my
integrity and your rashness.’ This firmness drew from the other the
observation that his Uncle de Gons, though an old soldier, was more
afraid of death than he was. ‘Afraid of death,’ rejoined Mr. Fletcher,
‘do you think that I have been twenty-five years the minister of the Lord
of life to be afraid of death now? No, sir; thanks be to God who giveth
me the victory! It is for you to fear death who have reason to fear it.
You are a gamester—a cheat. You call yourself a gentleman. You are a
duellist, and your hand is red with your brother’s blood; and for this
you style yourself a man of honour. Look there, sir; look there. See,
the broad eye of heaven is fixed upon us. Tremble in the presence of
your Maker, who can in a moment kill your body, and for ever punish your
soul in hell!’ By this time the unhappy man was pale: he trembled
alternately with fear and passion: he threatened, he argued, he
entreated. Sometimes he withdrew the pistol, and fixing his back against
the door, stood as a sentinel to prevent all egress; and at other times
he closed on his uncle, threatening instant death. Under these perilous
circumstances Mr. Fletcher gave no alarm to the family, sought for no
weapon, and attempted neither escape nor manual opposition. He conversed
with him calmly; and at length perceiving that the young man was
affected, addressed him in language truly paternal until he had fairly
disarmed and subdued him. ‘I cannot,’ said he, ‘return my brother’s
draft; yet I feel for the distress in which you have so thoughtlessly
involved yourself, and will endeavour to relieve it. My brother de Gons,
at my request will, I am sure, voluntarily give you a hundred crowns. I
will do the same. Perhaps my brother Henry will do as much. And I hope
your other family will make out the sum among them. He then prayed with
him and for him. By Mr. Fletcher’s mediation, the family made up the sum
he had promised; and with much good advice on one side, and fair promises
on the other, they parted.
In March, 1781, Mr. Fletcher took a final leave of Switzerland and
returned to England, and in the autumn of the same year was married to
Miss Bosanquet, a lady of respectable family and eminent piety. From the
time of his marriage Mr. Fletcher experienced no return of his
consumptive symptoms, and his general health materially improved. In
compliance with the solicitation of Mr. Wesley, Mr. Fletcher was
sometimes present at the annual conference, when his sermons and pious
conversation became the theme of every tongue. No employment of Mr.
Fletcher’s seemed more pleasing to him than that of being engaged in
preparing food or medicines for the poor. On Sundays he provided for
numbers of poor people who came to the church from a distance. Indeed he
scarcely seemed to enjoy his meals unless he knew that some sick or
indigent neighbours should partake of them. But with all his generosity
he was still careful to live within his income. If he overtook a poor
person on the road with a burden too heavy for him, he did not fail to
offer his assistance to bear part of it; and under such circumstances he
would not easily take a denial. As he approached the end of his course
the graces he had kept in continual exercise for so long a season became
more illustrious and powerful, his faith was more assured, his hope more
lively, his charity more abundant, his humility more profound, and his
resignation more complete. After lingering some time under the pressure
of an exhausted constitution, but supported by the hopes and consolations
of Christianity, Mr. Fletcher calmly expired on the 14th August, 1785, in
the fifty-sixth year of his age.
As a clergyman he was never exceeded in zeal, disinterestedness,
affection for his flock, or anxiety for their spiritual welfare. As a
writer Mr. Fletcher was considerably above mediocrity, and had he been a
candidate for literary distinction he had talents to have occupied no
inconsiderable rank. His deportment and manners were of the most
engaging and courteous kind, presenting such a combination of gravity,
condescension, and gentleness as few have ever witnessed. Of his
appearance in the pulpit the liveliest fancy could not frame from any of
the ancient saints an aspect more venerable or more apostolic. The
abundant current of his charity flowed in affection towards all, and his
liberal heart rejoiced in the spiritual welfare of other denominations.
In the church-yard is a plain and simple tomb to his endeared memory,
covered with a cast iron plate, on which in raised letters is the
following memorial:—
“He lies the body of
The Rev. JOHN WILLIAM DE LA FLECHERE,
vicar of Madeley.
He was born in Nijon, in Switzerland,
September 12th, MDCCXXIX,
and finished his course in this village,
August 14th, MDCCLXXXV,
where his unexampled labours will be long remembered.
He exercised his ministry for the space of
twenty-five years in this parish,
with uncommon zeal and ability.
Many believed his report and became his joy
and crown of rejoicing,
while others constrained him to take up the
lamentation of the prophet:—
‘All day long I have stretched out my hands
unto a disobedient and gainsaying people,
yet surely my judgment is with the Lord
and my works with my God.’
‘He being dead yet speaketh.’”
The following is a copy of the entry in the parish register:—“John
Fletcher, clerk, died on Sunday evening, August 14th, 1785. He was one
of the most apostolic men of the age in which he lived. His abilities
were extraordinary, and his labours unparalleled. He was a burning and
shining light, and as his life had been a common blessing to the
inhabitants of this parish, so the death of this great man was lamented
by them as a common and irreparable loss. This little testimony was
inserted by one who sincerely loved and honoured him. Joshua Gilpin,
vicar of Wrockwardine.”
MADELEY DIRECTORY.
Albert William, plumber, glazier, & painter
Alker Thomas, plumber, glazier, & painter
Bailey John, builder
Bailey John, chartermaster
Bailey Joseph, chartermaster
Bailey William, assistant clerk, county court
Barker John, boot and shoemaker
Bartley Thomas, grocer and draper
Bartlett Rev. John, M.A., Marnwood
Beddell Thomas, beerseller
Blanthorne Isabella, beerseller
Bowdler Henry, farmer, Cuckoo Oak
Brewer Francis, grocer
Brickhill Mr. Solomon
Bryan Arnold F., draper
Cartwright George, butcher
Caswell John, boot and shoemaker
Chalmers Rev. John, curate
Currier Thomas, cabinet maker
Dainty William, chartermaster
Davies John, brick, tile, & draining pipe mkr
Dawes William, organ builder
Dyas Charles, vict., Royal Oak
Dyas William, butcher, farmer, maltster, and grocer
Eastwick Miss Mary
Edwards Mr. Edward
Farmer Miss Ann
Farr James, wheelwright
Farr John, beerseller
Fenton Samuel, brazier and tin plate worker
Ferriday Charles James, Esq.
Ferriday Miss Jane
Fisher Jesse, manufacturing chemist
Ford John C., draper
Foster & Co., iron & coal masters; Francis Pearce, agent
Garner Joseph, stone mason
Glaze George, beerseller
Glover Thomas, hair dresser
Green Henry, beerseller
Griffiths Philip, tailor and clothier
Groom Richard, tailor
Guy Benjamin, beerseller
Gwyther Rev. James H., vicar, surrogate for granting marriage licenses,
and chaplain to Madeley union
Harper Ann, draper and grocer
Harper William, farmer
Harris William, chartermaster
Harvey Richard and Randall John, grocers and ironmongers
Harvey Thomas J., vict., Horse Shoes
Headley James, chemist and druggist
Heaford William, tailor and woollen draper
Holmes John, chartermaster
Hopley Peter, farmer and chartermaster
Hopley William, chartermaster
Jacks John, chartermaster
Jacks Joseph, painter and glazier
Johnson William, schoolmaster
Jones George, mine agent to James Foster, Esq., Madeley Court
Jones Jonas, chartermaster
Kearsley James, chartermaster
Kearsley Sarah, milliner
Keay John, beerseller and grocer
Keay John, chartermaster
Keay Peter, beerseller
Lane John, wheelwright
Lavender Samuel, draper and milliner
Lissiter William, beerseller
Madeley Wood Company ironmasters; Mr. Anstice, agent
Millard Thomas, gardener and seedsman
Mollineaux Thomas, grocer
Molloy Rev. William
Morgan Mr. Joseph, Gothic Villa
Morris Richard, blacksmith
Munday Thomas, bookseller and stationer
Onions James, confectioner
Owen Thomas, saddler and harness maker
Page William, butcher
Patrick Miss Mary Ann
Pearce Francis, agent to James Foster, Esq., Park Cottage
Peirce Richard, surgeon
Penn Thomas, furnace manager to James Foster, Esq.
Powell William, beerseller
Rayner Mr. Charles, Holley House
Roberts Charles, boot and shoemaker
Rodgers William M., grocer
Rose Mrs. Appilona
Rushton Jane, milliner
Rushton Samuel, blacksmith
Rushton William, grocer
Smith Edward, ale and porter merchant, and maltster and limeburner
Smith Samuel and Co., brick, tile, and drainage pipe manufacturers
Smith Thos., architect, builder, & surveyor
Street Elizabeth, earthenware dealer
Thompson Matthew, chartermaster
Trevor Thomas, grocer and chandler
Walker John, beerseller
Wall William, shopkeeper
Ward Mrs. Alice
Ward George, mine agent to Madeley Wood Company
Ward William, chartermaster
Watson Andrew, tailor
Webb Matthew, surgeon
Wilkins James, grocer and ironmonger
Willcox Mr. Thomas
Williams Mrs. Elizabeth
Williams James, beerseller
Williams Joseph, wheelwright
Williams Richard, farmer, and furnace manager to Madeley Wood Company
Williams Richard, farmer, The Cottage
Williams Susannah, beerseller
Wones John, beerseller and shopkeeper
Yate Joseph, Esq., Madeley Hall
* * * * *
POST OFFICE at _Mr. Henry P. Baldwin’s_, Bridge street. Letters arrive
at 7 45 A.M., and are despatched at 5 50 P.M.
IRONBRIDGE AND MADELEY WOOD DIRECTORIES.
Anstice John, Esq., manager to Madeley Wood Company, The Lloyds
Anstice Wm. Reynolds, solicitor and clerk to Madeley Board of Guardians,
Church street
Bartlett Rev. John, M.A., Marnwood
Ball William, supervisor, Church street
Bayliss William, engineer to Madeley Wood Company, The Lloyds
Cartwright Mrs., Hodge Bower
Clarke William, tea and whiskey dealer, Severn Terrace
Cock Miss Ann, Brockholes
Cooke Emanuel, locksmith, Lincoln’s Hill
Davies Mrs., The Orchard
Evans William, secretary to Mechanics’ Institution, house, Broseley
Fisher, John, Esq., Madeley Wood
Ford John, parish clerk, Church street
Gordon, Wm. Pierson, Esq., solicitor & clerk to magistrates, residence,
Linley
Haywood John, wire worker, Bridge street
Jetter Rev. John Andrew, incumbent, The Parsonage
Jones Thomas, nail maker, Madeley Wood
Kelsall Rev. Henry, curate, Brockholes
Lewis John Bennett, inland revenue officer, Severn Terrace
Lewis Edward, manager to Joseph Reynolds, Esq., Coalport
Madeley Wood Company, ironmasters, and brick and tile manufacturers, John
Anstice, Esq., manager, The Lloyds
Nicholas Joseph, patten maker, Lincoln Hill
Nickless Enoch, ale, porter and cider merchant, Lincoln Terrace
Pugh Charles, agent to Lilleshall Company and Beriah Botfield, Esq.,
Coalport
Pugh William, Esq., porcelain manufacturer, Coalport
Reeves William, chartermaster, Lincoln Hill
Riddiough William, patten and clog maker, Madeley Wood
Rose John & Co., porcelain manufacturers
Rose William, Esq., porcelain manufacturer, Coalport
Stokes William Smith, gent., Old Parsonage
Wase John, farmer, The Hay
Whiteley Mr. James, agent to Jno. Rose & Co. porcelain manufacturers,
Coalport
Wildblood Wm., governor of Union House, Brockholes
Woodruff James, gent., Lincoln Terrace
Wright Henry, ale & porter dealer, Lincoln’s Hill
Yates Adam, gent, Madeley Wood
Weare William, auctioneer, house and estate agent, accountant, agent to
Shropshire and North Wales Fire Office, and British Empire Life Office,
Madeley Wood
* * * * *
Academies.
Brassington & Southern, the Misses, (Ragged School), Severn Side
Evans Wm., Waterloo street, house, Broseley
Johnston John, (Boarding) Brockholes
Lusmore Miss, (Parochial) Severn Side
Timmis Mrs and the Misses, (Ladies Brdng) Dale Coppy
White Miss, (Ladies Boarding) Church street
Attornies.
Anstice Wm. Reynolds, and clerk to Madeley Board of Guardians, Church
street
Gordon Wm. Pierson, & clerk to magistrates for borough of Wenlock, house,
Linley
Bakers and Flour Dealers.
_See also Shopkeepers_.
Broadbridge Chas., Bridge st
Milner George, Bridge street
Bankers.
Savings Bank, Church street, William Smith, manager, residence,
Bridgnorth
Shropshire Banking Compy., Hy. C. T. Dickenson, Esq., manager, The Elms
Barge Owners.
Bailey James, The Lloyds
Burton J. & Edw., The Wharf
Goodwin George, The Wharf
Owen Benjamin, The Wharf
Owen Thomas, The Wharf
Owen Edward, The Wharf
Yates Francis and John, The Wharf
Blacksmiths.
Bisall John, Madeley Wood
Edwards Jno., Madeley Wood
Walton John, Church street
Booksellers, Binders, Printers and Stationers.
Slater John, Bridge street
Smith Geo. Mortimer, Market square
Smith Saml. C. Bridge street
Boot & Shoe Makers.
Blocksidge John, Coalport
Crowder John, The Lloyds
Dodd Richd., Church street
Hughes Chas., Bridge street
Lloyd Benj., Madeley Wood
Price Thos., Madeley Wood
Roberts Thos., The Wharfage
Wood Thos., The Wharfage
Braziers & Tin-plate Workers.
Bartham Chas., Bridge street
Fenton Thomas, & constable, Waterloo street
Brick & Tile Manufacturers.
Bayliss John and George, Madeley Wood
Burton John and Edward, The Wharfage
Davis John, Madeley Green
Madeley Wood Company, Waterloo street
Roden Saml., Hodge Bower
Butchers.
Barnett Thos., Bridge street
Barnett Wm., Bridge street
Delves Joseph, Bridge street
Dyas William, Bridge street
Page John, Bridge street
Poole Charles, The Lloyds
Wilcox John, Madeley Wood
Wilcox William, Brockholes
Cabinet Makers and Upholsterers.
Davies George, High street
Jones William, The Wharfage
Chemists & Druggists.
Baldwin Henry P., and post master, Bridge street
Hartshorne Wm., Market sqre
Clothiers.
Cohen Luke, Bridge street
Gotthimer Aaron, Waterloo st
Confectioners.
Barclay William, & dealer in British Wines, Bridge st
Milner George, Bridge street
Rogers Mary, Bridge street
Cooper.
Roberts Richd., Church street
Curriers.
Cock John and James, Madeley Wood
Stirrop Robert J., and leather cutter, Bridge street
Drapers & Silk Mercers.
Brown Samuel, and laceman, Bridge street
Bowyer Thomas, and woollen draper, Market square
Charlton Henry, Bridge st
Evans Thos., Madeley Wood
Goodwin Wm., The Wharfage
Greenhalgh Brothers, Bridge street
Pardoe Edward, Bridge street
Farmers.
Barnett Thos., Bridge street
Dyas William, Bridge street
Thompson Isaac, Lodge Farm
Wase John, Hay Farm
Yates Francis and John, Castle Green
Fire & Life Office Agents.
British Empire Life, William Weare, Madeley Wood
Clerical, Medical & General Life, George M. Smith, Market square
Medical, Legal and General Mutual Life, George M. Smith, Market square
Shropshire and North Wales Fire, Wm. Weare, Madeley Wood
Furniture Brokers.
Davies George, High street
Franks William, High street
Jones Wm., The Wharfage
Grocers & Tea Dealers.
Dax William, Madeley Wood
Evans Wm., Madeley Wood
Franks Benj., Madeley Wood
Greenhalgh Brothers, Bridge street
Hammond Thos., Brockholes
Latham John, & glass dealer, Madeley Wood
Milner Betsey, Bridge street
Price Chas. L., (firm, Smith and Price) Bridge street
Smith & Price, Bridge street
Smith Charles W., Bridge st
Smith Henry, (firm, Smith and Price) Bridge street
Wilcox Thos., Madeley Wood
Hair Dressers.
Baugh George, Bridge street
Poole Thomas, Bridge street
Reynolds Rd., The Wharfage
Hat Manufacturers.
Shingler John, The Lloyds
Shingler John, Bridge street
Hosiers and Haberdashers.
Brown John, Madeley Wood
Crowther The Misses, The Wharfage
Owen Miss Sarah, Bridge st
Hotels, Inns, and Taverns.
Bird in Hand, John Shingler, The Lloyds
Blockhouse, John Heighway, The Lloyds
Golden Ball, John Wilcox, Madeley Wood
Half Moon, Joseph Pugh, Madeley Wood
Horse, Joseph Edwards, Lincolns Hill
Lake Head, William Yates, The Lloyds
Retreat, William Shingler, Bridge street
Robin Hood, James Bailey, The Lloyds
Rodney, Susannah Lloyd, The Wharfage
Royal Oak, Thomas Nivitt, Church street
Swan Inn, John Barrow, The Wharfage
Swan, Wm. Fowler, Lincolns Hill
Talbot, George Boycott, The Wharfage
Three Tuns, Thos. Corfield, and licensed to let post horses, Bridge
street
Tontine Hotel, and commercial and posting house, Elizabeth Jones, Bridge
st
Unicorn, Samuel Harvey, Madeley Wood
White Hart, commercial and posting house, William Shingler, The wharfage
Beerhouses.
Broadbridge Chas., Bridge st
Davies Jas., Madeley Wood
Franks Benj., Madeley Wood
Harper Joseph, Brockholes
Jones Ann, The Wharfage
Lloyd Samuel, Waterloo st
Morrall Rd., Madeley Wood
Hoole Fred. W., Bath lane
Pugh Thos., Madeley Wood
Taylor Catherine, The Loyds
Thompson Isaac, Madeley Wood
Wood Thos., The Wharfage
York Mary, Madeley Wood
Ironmongers.
Davies Richard, and patten maker, Wharfage
Smith Chas. W., Bridge st
Joiners and Builders.
_Marked * Builders only_.
Bailey Wm., senr., Madeley Wood
Bailey Wm., jun., Madeley Wood
* Barclay John, Bridge street
Davies George, High street
* Jenks Thomas, High st
Nevitt & Co., Madeley Wood
Nickless Enoch, Lincoln ter.
Maltsters.
Barrow John, The Wharfage
Lloyd Benj., Severn Terrace
Smith Edward, Park lane
Yates Francis and John, The Wharfage
Milliners & Dressmakers.
Armstrong Miss Maria, Market street
Crowther Miss Sarah, The Wharfage
Ferrington The Misses, Church street
Owen The Misses, Bridge st
Stodd Miss Emma, Bridge st
Painters, Plumbers, & Glaziers.
Crowther Leonard, The Wharfage
Hinsley John, The Loyds
Williams Abr., The Wharfage
Saddlers & Harness Makers.
Poole George Hy., Bridge st
Woof Edwd., The Wharfage
Spirit Vaults.
Charlton Humpy., Bridge st
Stirrop Robert, Bridge street
Straw Bonnet Makers.
Acton Mrs., Market square
Hartshorne Mrs., Bridge st
Surgeons.
Proctor Richd., Esq., Severn Terrace
Rowlands Jas., Esq., Church street
Tailors.
Bates Edwin, Madeley Wood
Gwynne Thomas, & woollen draper, Market square
Heaford Hiram, & woollen draper, The Wharfage
Shotton John, Madeley Wood
Timber Merchant.
Chune Joseph Fred., Lincolns Hill
Watch & Clock Makers.
Hinkley Wm., Bridge street
Peplow Fran., The Wharfage
Omnibuses.
_To Shiffnal_ at 7-30 A.M. from the Tontine Hotel, returning at 6-45 P.M.
_To Wellington_ at 8 A.M. and 4-30 P.M. from the Tontine Hotel, returning
at 2-45 P.M. and 9 P.M.
COALBROOK DALE DIRECTORY.
_Marked_ 1 _reside at the bottom of the dale_.
Bailey Benj., boot & shoekr.
Bailey John, beerhouse kpr.
Bailey William, grocer
Biddiough William, grocer
Boycott Thomas, accountant
Branford Thomas, painter, plumber and glazier
1 Chune George and Joseph, timber merchants
Chune John H., miller and corn factor, Coalbrook Dale Mill
1 Clarke William, grocer and seedsman
Coalbrook Dale Company, ironmasters
Cookson Samuel, engineer
Crookes Mr. Chas., manager of the foundry, Paradise House
Darby Abraham, Esq., The Chesnuts
Darby Mrs. Hannah, White House
Darby Mrs. Lucy, Dale House
Darby Richard, Esq.
Delves Joseph, butcher
1 Dickenson Henry C. T., bank manager, The Elms
1 Dickinson Barnard, Esq., East Field
1 Dickinson Henry, Esq., Severn House
Dorsett Joseph, shopkeeper and blacksmith
1 Dunbar Sarah, hosier
Edwards Edward, surgeon
Fox John, accountant
Gething George, tailor
Graham Mr. Thos., Woodside Cottage
Harbridge John, accountant
Hughes John, draughtsman
Lane Julia, schoolmistress
1 Lloyd Aaron, grocer
1 Lowe Geo., tailor & draper
Morgan The Misses Priscilla and Rebecca
Norris William, cashier
1 Oliver William, shopkeeper
Onions Isaac, schoolmaster
1 Owen Benj., barge owner
1 Owen Edwd., barge owner
1 Owen Mr. Thomas
1 Phillips John, tailor
Ramsell Edward, shoemaker
Robinson Mr. John
Roberts William, clerk
Rose Mrs. Ann
Buckley Mrs Sarah, Hawkeshead Cottage
Sankey Mrs. Hannah
Smith and Price, grocers
1 Turton George, inland revenue officer
Timmis Mrs., boarding schl.
Weston Phillip, accountant
Wilbraham Charles, draper, (travelling)
Wright Benjamin, registrar of births, deaths, and marriages, & Commercial
Inn and posting house
Wright Peter, farmer, and agent to the Royal Exchange Fire & Life Office
COALPORT DIRECTORY.
Anstice John Esq., agent to Madeley Wood Company
Blocksidge John, grocer & shoemaker
Doughty Daniel, butcher
Fennell Susannah, shopkr.
Hargreave Rebecca, beerhse
Harper John, butcher
Harper Joseph, beerhouse
John Rose and Co., porcelain manufacturer
Lewis Edward, manager to Joseph Reynolds, Esq.
Musgrave Wm., beerhouse
Oakes George, shopkeeper
Pugh Chas., agent to Lilleshall Company and Beriah Botfield, Esq.
Pugh Wm., Esq., porcelain manufacturer
Rose William, Esq., porcelain manufacturer, Rock House
Wase John John Holland, farmer, Hay Farm
Wheeler Thomas, beerhouse
Whiteley James, Esq., agent to porcelain manufactory
MONK HOPTON
is a parish and small rural village pleasantly situated six miles W. from
Bridgnorth, and four and a half miles S. from Much Wenlock, contains
2,240A. 0R. 37P. of land, chiefly the property of Lord Wenlock, who is
also lord of the manor. The farm houses and cottage residences are
mostly neat structures, having been in many instances rebuilt by the late
proprietor Sir Francis Lawley. Rateable value, £1,814. 13s. 9d. At the
census in 1801 this parish had a population of 212 souls; 1831, 208, and
in 1841 there were thirty-five houses and 189 inhabitants.
THE CHURCH, a small structure, has been beautified and repaired within
the last few years. The living is a perpetual curacy in the gift of the
lord of the manor, and incumbency of the Rev. Robert W. Dayrell. There
is a school in the village, which is chiefly supported by Lord Wenlock
and the minister; about forty children attend. WESTON is a hamlet in the
parish of Monk Hopton, about two miles from the church; the Duke of
Cleveland and Mrs. Susannah Butcher are the landowners.
The principal residents are Edward Bradley, farmer; Rev. Robert W.
Dayrell; William Dixon, farmer and corn miller; Mary Evans,
schoolmistress; Elizabeth Evans, blacksmith; Edward Marston, farmer, Monk
Hall; Richard Nichols, vict., Wenlock Arms; William Shiston, bailiff;
Richard Wall, wheelwright. The residents in Weston are Susannah Butcher,
farmer; Richard Lewis, farmer; and Thomas Reynolds, farmer.
MUCH WENLOCK
is a parish, market town, and borough, having separate and independent
jurisdiction, twelve miles south east from Shrewsbury, and 148 miles from
London. The town consists principally of two streets, at right angles to
one another. The houses in general have an ancient appearance, and are
ill built; there are, however, several houses and shops of modern
appearance of a more respectable character. The parish contains 8,821
acres of land; and at the census of 1841 had 2,487 inhabitants. In 1851
there were 2,398 souls, of whom 1,179 were males, and 1,219 females; and
at the same period there were 487 inhabited houses and 17 uninhabited.
Rateable value, £14,006. 11s. The townships comprised in this parish are
Much Wenlock, Atterley, Bourton, Callaughton, Farley, Wyke, and Bradley,
Harley Wigwig and Homer, Presthope, and Walton. The township of Much
Wenlock contains 2,492 acres of land, the principal owners of which are
W. W. Wynne, Esq., and Lord Forester. At the census of 1841 there were
373 houses and 1,627 inhabitants in the township. Gross, estimated
rental, £7,440. 6s. 2d. Rateable value, £6,549. 5s. The tithes have
been commuted, and £341 apportioned to the vicar, and £387. 14s. to the
impropriators. Monday is market day, for which the town is indebted to
the Prior and other religious brethren. Fairs are held second Tuesday in
March, May 12th, October 17th, and December 4th. The fair held on July
5th has been discontinued within the last few years.
A charter of incorporation was granted to Wenlock in the 8th of Edward
IV. The second and last charter, which is a confirmation and extension
of the former, was granted in the 7th of the reign of Charles I. Under
this charter the government was invested in a bailiff, a recorder,
bailiff’s peers, a treasurer, a coroner, a town clerk, a
serjeant-at-mace, and other officers. The bailiff, recorder, and
bailiff’s peers, were justices of the peace; the recorder held his office
for life, and the others were elected annually on Michaelmas day by a
jury of the burgesses. The jurisdiction of these magistrates was
co-extensive with the borough. By the charter they were allowed a court
of common pleas every second Tuesday, and also an assize court for the
trial of criminals, not even excepting those suspected of capital crimes;
and from the early registers of the parish of Wenlock many executions
seem to have taken place. A court of record was also held by the mayor
every alternate Tuesday, and considerable business was done in this
court. Under the municipal reform act the government of the borough is
vested in a mayor, six aldermen, and eighteen councillors. Quarter
sessions are held before the recorder. The mayor is elected annually on
the 9th of November by the council. His duties are to preside at all
meetings of the council, and to sign notices thereof, and with the
assessors to revise the burgess list. He is a justice of the peace
ex-officio for the year of his mayoralty and the year following, and has
precedence within the borough, and is returning officer at elections for
members of parliament. In the absence of the recorder he is empowered to
open and adjourn the court of quarter sessions. Any councillor elected
mayor, but refusing to serve, is liable to a fine not exceeding £100.
The aldermen are one-third of the number of councillors, and are elected
triennially by the council on the 9th of November. Half of their number
go out of office every three years, but are eligible to be re-elected.
An alderman is to preside at elections in case of death or inability of
the mayor, and refusing office is to pay a fine not exceeding £50. The
councillors are chosen in the different wards on the 1st of November, by
persons whose names are on the burgess roll; one-third of the councillors
go out of office annually, but are capable of re-election. All such
elections are held before an alderman, and two assessors appointed for
each ward. The recorder is appointed by the crown, has precedence after
the mayor, and is sole judge at quarter sessions and in the court of
record, and ex-officio justice of the peace. He must be a barrister of
at least five years standing. He cannot be a member of parliament,
alderman, or councillor, of the borough. The town-clerk is appointed by
the council, and must be an attorney. The freemen’s roll is made out by
him. He receives from the overseers, on the 5th of September, the list
of burgesses, which he has to get printed, and expose copies on the Town
Hall door. He receives claims of persons omitted in the burgess list and
of persons objected to. He issues instructions to overseers to make out
lists of electors, and publishes the same when revised; attends and takes
minutes of all proceedings at council meetings, and makes out warrants
for borough-rates, and has charge of all borough registers and other
documents. The clerk of the peace is appointed by the council. His
duties are to give ten days’ notice of time and place of holding quarter
sessions; to summon, at least seven days before, a sufficient number of
jurors, and to make out a list of names and descriptions of jurors
summoned. The fees paid to this officer are fixed by the town council,
and confirmed by the secretary of state. The coroner is appointed by the
council, and makes an annual return of the inquests held by him to the
secretary of state, as well as a quarterly return to the council. The
following is a list of the members of Parliament, the corporate body, and
the municipal officers of the borough and franchise of Wenlock for the
year 1851:—
_Members of Parliament_:—The Hon. George Cecil Weld Forester, Esq., and
James M. Gaskell, Esq.
_Justices of the Peace_:—Moses George Benson, Esq.; George Pritchard,
Esq.; John Pritchard, Esq.; Thomas Mytton, Esq.; William Pugh, Esq.;
Henry George Harnage, Esq.; John Anstice, Esq.; John Stephens, Esq.; W.
P. Brookes, Esq.; and Richard Thursfield, Esq.
CORPORATION.—_Mayor_: Charles Belsher, Esq.
_Aldermen_: Richard Thursfield, Esq.; William Nicholas, Esq.; J. W.
Rowlands, Esq.; John Anstice, Esq.; Charles Belsher, Esq.; and John
Parry, Esq.
_Councillors of Wenlock Ward_: George Adney; Joseph Amphlitt; William
Canlin; Robert Horton; William Newill; and William Jeffrey.
_Broseley Ward_: George Pritchard; Thomas Lister; John Onions; William
Thursfield; Thomas Pitt; Robert Evans.
_Madeley Ward_: Henry Charlton; George Chune; William Cooke; Edward
Edwards; Henry Davies; Henry Dickinson.
_Recorder_: Uvedale Corbet, Esq. _Clerk of the Peace_: George Potts,
Esq. _Town Clerk_: Roger Charles Blakeway, Esq. _Clerk to Justices_:
William P. Gordon, Esq. _Treasurer_: Mr. Joseph Roden. _High
Constable_: Mr. Richard Patten.
Wenlock is remarkable as being the first borough that acquired the right
of representation by charter in parliament. The boundary of the present
parliamentary borough is the same as prior to the passing of the Reform
and Corporation Act, but the municipal boundary is not so extensive. The
revising barristers divided Wenlock into the three wards of Wenlock,
Broseley, and Madeley; Wenlock ward to consist of the several parishes of
Much Wenlock, Ditton Priors, Hughley, Monk Hopton, and such part of the
parish of Shipton as lies on the left side of the streams called Brockton
brook and the river Cowe in descending the same. The Madeley ward to
consist of the parishes of Madeley and Little Wenlock; and Brosley Ward
to consist of the parishes of Broseley, Barrow, Benthall, Linley, and
Willey, and the Extra Parochial Liberty of Posenhall. And having regard
as well to the number of persons rated to the relief of the poor in each
ward, as to the aggregate amount of the sums at which all the said
persons are so rated, they apportioned and assigned six councillors and
two aldermen to each of the said wards. The town returned one member to
parliament in 1478. It afterwards acquired the privilege of sending two,
who were elected by the burgesses (in number about five hundred), the
writ being returned by the bailiff. The greatest number of electors
polled previous to the Reform Act was 258. The freedom was acquired by
inheritance, and occasionally by election from a common hall. The whole
precinct now called the franchise appears to have been included in the
original charter. The number of electors is now upwards of nine hundred.
The lord of the manor holds annual courts at Michaelmas and Easter, at
the former of which constables are appointed.
The town of Wenlock gives name to a deanery, and the Borough and
Franchise were formerly co-extensive with the hundred of _Patintern_,
mentioned in Doomsday book, which comprised the following parishes—viz.,
Much Wenlock, Little Wenlock, Broseley, Madeley, Benthall, Barrow,
Linley, Badger, Beckbury, Priors Ditton, Stoke St. Milborough,
Eaton-under-Heywood, Hughley, Shipton, Monk Hopton, Willey, Deuxhill, and
the Extra Parochial Liberty of Posenhall. By an order of Quarter
Sessions, held at Shrewsbury, April 4, 1836, the parishes of Beckbury and
Badger, were henceforward to be taken as part of the Shiffnal division of
the hundred of Brimstree; and the parish of Deuxhill was henceforward to
be taken as part of the Bridgnorth division of the hundred of Brimstree:
the parishes of Eaton and Shipton were henceforward to be taken as part
of the upper division of the hundred of Munslow; and that the parishes of
Culmington and Stoke St. Milborough shall henceforward be taken to be
part of the lower division of the hundred of Munslow; and it was further
ordered that the day from which this should take effect, should be the
11th day of April, 1836.
THE PARISH CHURCH, which stands near the ruins of the priory, is a
venerable structure, consisting of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with a
square tower, surmounted by a neat spire of timber, covered with lead.
The structure bears many evidences of great antiquity, and the
architecture of the Saxon and Norman ages is discoverable. The interior,
during the present year, has been restored and re-pewed at a cost of
£1,350. The arches, which separate the nave from the side aisles, rise
from clustered pillars, and are very beautiful, having been cleared of
the plaster and mortar which had accumulated for ages. A lofty round
arch separates the nave from the chancel, which contains the remains of a
very elegant sedilia, together with a piscina and aumbrey, and several
old brass memorials. The Church is dedicated to the Holy Trinity; and
from the parish register, it appears that service was first celebrated in
the English tongue in this church on the 26th of June, 1559. The
church-yard has just been enlarged by the addition of three quarters of
an acre, and contains several tombs, but none of them sufficiently
remarkable as to deserve special notice. The living is a vicarage, rated
at £12. 9s. 6d., in the patronage of Sir W. W. Wynn: incumbent, Rev.
William Henry Wayne. The Methodists have a small chapel in the town.
The National School was built in 1847, at a cost of about £1,000, of
which £500 was obtained of the National Society and the Committee of
Council on Education. 150 children attend.
THE TOWN HALL or GUILD HALL is an antique structure, chiefly composed of
timber and plaster, resting on piazzas. It is evidently of great
antiquity, but there is no record to show the date of its erection. In
the parish register of Wenlock, however, which seems to have been also a
chronicle of remarkable events of the parish, it is stated that the house
over the prisons, which is clearly an addition to the original building,
was put up in 1577. The interior consists of two commodious rooms, the
first is the sessions room, and over the Recorder’s seat are the arms of
Charles II. The inner room is the Municipal Court House, which has
recently been panelled and furnished with carved oak of the most
elaborate and costly workmanship, principally at the expense of W. P.
Brookes, Esq., one of the borough magistrates. The chairs (two of which
were presented to the corporation by the Rev. R. H. G. More), as well as
the table, chimney piece, and seats, are remarkably handsome, the cost is
stated to have been not far short of £1000.
THE SAVINGS BANK is a plain brick building situated near the church. The
total number of depositors on November 20th, 1850, were 1,909, including
thirty-six charitable societies and thirty-four friendly societies. The
capital stock of the bank at the same period amounted to £62,650. 12s.;
of the total number of depositors there were 1,061 whose respective
balances did not exceed £20., 451 were above £20 and not exceeding £50.,
210 not exceeding £100., 66 above £100 and not exceeding £150., 42 not
exceeding £200., and nine were above the latter sum. The deposits of the
charitable societies at the same period amounted to £2,608. 11s. 8d., and
of the friendly societies to £3,248. 17s. 6d. _Treasurer_, George
Pritchard, Esq.: _Secretary_, Mr. William Smith.
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY is situated near the ruins of the abbey, and contains
about 1,500 volumes, mostly valuable works, chiefly presented by
gentlemen in the neighbourhood, and the Duke of Wellington, the Marquis
of Anglesey, and Major Herbert Edwards. WENLOCK EDGE is a precipitous
ridge about two miles from Wenlock, formerly densely covered with wood.
King Henry I. on his March to Shrewsbury to besiege that town was under
the necessity of employing detachments from his numerous army to cut down
the wood and make a road ere he could proceed.
WENLOCK MONASTERY, Bishop Tanner says, that a nunnery was erected at
Wenlock about the year 680, by Milburga, daughter to King Merwald, and
niece to Walphere king of Mercia, of which she became abbess; she was
renowned for sanctity, and it is recorded by William of Malmesbury, who
wrote early in the 12th century, that for some “time after the arrival of
the Normans, through ignorance of the place of her burial she was
neglected; lately however, while a new church was erecting, a boy running
violently along the pavement, brake into the hollow of a vault and
discovered the body of the virgin, when a balsamic odour pervading the
whole church she was taken up, and performed so many miracles, that the
people flocked thither in great multitudes; large spreading plains could
hardly contain the troops of pilgrims, a common faith impelling all, nor
did the saint deceive their expectations, for no one departed without
either a perfect cure or a considerable abatement of his malady, and some
were even cured of the king’s evil where medical advice had been
unavailing.” Traditions of miracles worked by Milburga are still
preserved in the neighbourhood, and her shrine is said at length to have
been burnt in the market place. The blind devotion which led crowds of
people of all ranks with their hands filled with rich oblations to offer
at this shrine produced a large income to the monastery, and for some
time kept in the shade the wondrous doings of canonized saints of the
rival establishments in this neighbourhood. The canonization of saints
was for centuries a source of great wealth to the Roman Catholic Church,
and much of their success no doubt depended on a wily priesthood
trumpeting forth their miraculous powers among the ignorant multitude.
To show the craftiness of the priesthood in this respect we may observe
that St. Dunstan after his death in 988 was canonized, and his relics
were held in such esteem that they shortly after produced an immense
revenue to the cathedral of Canterbury. About the time of Henry VII.
however, the monks of Glastonbury anxious to bring a portion of grist to
their own mill, began to boast of having the relics of St. Dunstan in
their possession, which soon turned the tide of affairs and caused the
rich offerings and oblations to flow to Glastonbury. This sorely
troubled the archbishop of Canterbury, who had the tomb of Dunstan
opened, when the body was found in a lead coffin in his pontifical habit;
the archbishop therefore immediately issued his mandate charging the
monks of Glastonbury to desist from all further boasting of their
possession of St. Dunstan’s relics. Notwithstanding the objectionable
mode the priesthood had of obtaining riches, it is but justice to observe
that their revenues and gains were all expended either in alms or
hospitality, or in building and adorning their magnificent churches and
abbeys; and although learning was then at a low ebb, it being generally
styled the dark or illiterate age, yet what learning there was then was
mostly to be found in the cloister of the monks, where some attained to
great reputation for their proficiency in knowledge.
The house founded by Milburga was destroyed by the Danes, but was
restored by Leofric Earl of Chester, at the request of his wife, the lady
Godiva. Before the Norman conquest it had again fallen into decay, and
in the 14th of William the Conqueror was rebuilt and endowed by Roger de
Montgomery, Earl of Arundel, Chichester, and Shrewsbury, a person of vast
possessions in these parts, who placed therein a prior and convent of
monks of the Cluniac order, and made it a cell to the house of De
Charitate, in France; this house suffered the same fate with other alien
priories till it was naturalized in the 16th year of Richard II. It was
dedicated to St. Milburga, and according to Dugdale, in the 26th of Henry
VIII. had revenues to the yearly value of £431. 1s. 2d.
In the Monastican is the patent of King Edward III. reciting and
confirming the charter of Isabel de Say, lady of Clun, whereby she
granted to these monks the church of St. George, at Clun, with seven
chapels depending on it, namely, the chapel of St. Thomas, in Clun, of
St. Mary’s, at Waterdune, of St. Swithin, at Clumbierie, St. Mary, at
Cluntune, St. Mary, at Appitune, with those of Eggedune, and Subbledune.
There is likewise an inquisition taken the 29th of Edward I. determining
the right of presentation to the cell of Ferne to be in the monks of
Wenlock. In “Stevens’ Supplement,” seven deeds are translated into
English from the Latin originals in the hands of Francis Canning, Esq.,
of Foxcote, in the county of Warwick, viz., the deed of Geoffrey de Say,
for the manor of Dointon; a confirmation of that deed by Henry II.;
another deed by the same king, granting that these monks might always
enjoy the said manor, unless he and his heirs gave them eleven pounds per
annum in churches and other things in lieu of it; the charter of Henry
III. to them for the same manor; the deeds of William Mitleton and Adam
Fitzwilliam about a yard of land in Mitleton; a composition between
Simon, Dean of Brug, and the prior and convent of Wenlock, about the
chapel at Duddington. The prior of Wenlock, John Cressage, on
surrendering the monastery to King Henry VIII. had a pension of £80 per
annum assigned him, together with the manor house of Madeley; twelve
monks had also pensions assigned to them amounting in the aggregate to
£100 per annum. Besides the churches already mentioned, the following
advowsons belonged to the monastery at the time it was surrendered, viz.,
Wenlock Magna, Wenlock Parva, Clun, Burton, Shipton, and Eaton. It had
also at an earlier period Sutton, near Shrewsbury, Stoke St. Milborough,
and Church Preen. During the wars between Henry III. and his barons he
was often called into the Marches of Wales, and several documents were
signed at Wenlock by the king, which would lead to the supposition that
he was frequently lodged and entertained by the Prior. The monastery is
situated near the east end of the churchyard, and the entrance from the
town was through a massive gateway; very considerable remains of this
magnificent and spacious fabric are still to be seen, and fragments are
scattered to a great distance from the site. The great centre tower has
long since disappeared, but the four massive piers the bases of which are
still in existence, show that it must have been built on a scale of no
ordinary splendour, and the size must have been equal to many of our
cathedrals. The Chapter House is probably a part of the building erected
by Roger de Montgomery, and is a singularly beautiful example of
interesting Norman arches, supported on columns of which the capitals are
all of different designs. It was entered from the cloisters by three
richly ornamented circular porches. Of the Priory church only the south
transept and a part of the south aisle of the nave remain, they present
an elegant example of the early English style of architecture, but no
record has been discovered of the date of their erection. The fragments
of the south side of the nave consist of pointed arches which have never
been open, but within them there are inserted lower arches of a similar
form rising from octagonal pillars. Over the higher arches are the
remains of a beautiful gallery which ran along the whole of the second
story of the church, and consisted of a series of pointed arches, divided
by slender clustered pillars; above these are single lancet windows
forming a clerestory; between every arch runs a slender clustered
pilaster, and where they break off at the top are remains of the
ramifications of a groined ceiling. The room adjoining the dormitory was
probably occupied by those monks whose task it was to perform the
midnight office of the choir. From the bases of the columns which are
all that remain of the choir it appears to have been in the same style of
architecture as the Chapter house. The Lady Chapel was east of the choir
and may still be traced by its foundations. The length of this stately
structure from east to west was 401 feet, the nave being 156 feet, space
under the middle tower 39 feet, choir 156 feet, Lady Chapel 48 by 40, and
the breadth of the nave and aisles 66 feet.
Adjoining the south side of the nave was the great cloister, which was
encompassed by the refectory, dormitory and chapter house. Two arched
doors which open in the cloisters still remain, but not a fragment of the
cloister itself. The chapter house is an oblong square, 66 feet by 31
feet. It communicates by a small door with the house of the Prior, the
exterior of which, and some of the apartments, retain their original
character. The whole of the eastern side of the building has a singular
cloister or ambulatory, consisting of upper and lower story, each of
which is formed by a continued line of arches, that have originally been
glazed. Opening into the upper gallery are two apartments, one of which
is supposed to have been the dining hall, which was lighted by a line of
windows somewhat resembling those of the ambulatory, but having in the
angles curious little pedestals, of the height of a table. In some parts
of these apartments are traces of fresco painting. A narrow stone
staircase in one corner communicates with the kitchen underneath. In
another part is the private chapel, now divided into several rooms, in
one of which is the stone altar, and a beautifully carved dish was dug up
some years ago. The architecture of the Prior’s house would lead to the
conclusion that it had not been built long at the time of the dissolution
of the priory. Fragments of this opulent monastery are scattered to a
great distance, and the precinct included full thirty acres. About a
century ago a considerable part of the ruins was taken down by an agent
of the manor to rebuild some houses which he had on lease, but Sir W.
Wynne put a stop to any further demolition.
The site of this monastery and manor was granted soon after the
dissolution to Augustine de Augustine, and was sold in 1545 to Thomas
Lawley, Esq., who made it his residence, and it continued in the Lawley
family till it was sold by Robert Bertie (who was the son of Ursula, the
great granddaughter of the said Thomas Lawley,) to the family of Gage.
Viscount Gage sold it about the year 1632 to Sir John Wynne, of Wynnstay,
in whose family it continues in the person of Sir W. W. Wynne, whose
father was happily called (by George IV., when Regent) “the real prince
of Wales.”
The most memorable prior was one Joybert, a Norman, who held the
monasteries of Coventry, Daventry, Wenlock and Bermondsey, all at the
same time. The annals of Worcester state that a confederacy was entered
into in the year 1253, between that house and this, for the mutual
support of both; and the same annals take notice of one William, a monk
of Wenlock, who put himself at the head of a gang of robbers, but was
afterwards taken and executed. John Cressage, who surrendered this
monastery January 26th, 1539, had a pension assigned him of £80 per
annum.
CHARITIES.—The _Rev. Francis Southern_ by his will, proved on the 19th
December, 1778, left to the minister and churchwardens of Great Wenlock,
and their successors, the sum of £300, to be disposed of as follows. The
interest of £200 to be paid to a school-master for teaching ten poor boys
to read and write, to be continued till they can read the Bible and write
a plain legible hand, and repeat the catechism with Lewis’s expositions
readily and distinctly, and understand the first five rules of
arithmetic. The interest of £65 to be laid out in bread, to be given
every Lord’s day to six poor widows, or old men, who should attend divine
service. The interest of £25 to buy Bibles, Testaments and Expositions,
to be distributed on New Year’s day among the poor schoolboys. And
lastly, the interest of the remaining £10 he gave to the minister for
preaching an annual sermon on New Year’s day. This legacy of £300 was
invested in the purchase of £640. 2s. 3d. three per cent consols, the
dividends of which amount to £19. 4s. per annum, and are disbursed in the
following manner. £14. 5s. 10d. paid to a schoolmaster; £1. 5s. expended
in books; 12s. 6d. to the minister for a sermon; and £3. 0s. 8d. is
distributed in bread. There have been always ten free boys in the
school, and generally twelve. A charge is made to each of 2s. 6d. a year
for fire money, which is the only expense incurred by them.
The following benefactions to the poor of this parish are noticed on a
table in the church, the donors of which directed the interest of the
several sums affixed to their names to be distributed in bread:—_Ralph
Pendlebury_ and _Dorothy_ his wife, £20; _William Churchman_, £5; _Thomas
Lokier_, £4; _Henry Sprott_, £5; _Edmund King_, £5; _Joan Patten_, £8;
_William Parsons_, £111; _Richard Cleveley_, £10; _John Clark_, £5;
_Richard Littlehales_, £10; _Edmund Hancocks_, £10; _Joseph Read_, £10;
_Mrs. Jane Litllehales_, £5; and _Thomas Patten_, £10. Of these specific
benefactions, the total amount of which is £213, no further trace remains
in any parish book or document; but there is a sum of £240. 19s. 4d.
stock, in the three per cent. consols, now standing in the name of
trustees, supposed to have resulted from a part of these benefactions.
The money with which a part of this stock was purchased was £150, which
had formerly been placed on the security of the Wenlock turnpike trust.
With the dividends of this stock, amounting to £7. 4s. per annum, 420
fourpenny loaves are annually distributed to the poor.
_John Murrall_, dyer, by will, dated in 1796, bequeathed to such poor
people as frequent divine service in the parish church of Much Wenlock,
the yearly sum of £7. 4s. to be distributed in bread; twelve twopenny
loaves on every Sunday in the year, and ten twelvepenny loaves on each of
the following days, namely, St. Thomas’s day, Old Christmas day, Good
Friday, and Easter day. Mr. Murrall died in 1769, and his will having
been contested, his executors were not able to establish any fund for
securing the payment of this charity till 1781, when a sum of £250 stock
in the three per cent. consols was purchased for that purpose. The
dividends, amounting to £7. 10s. a year, are now received by Dr. Rowley
and Geo. Pritchard, Esq., and a distribution of bread takes place on St.
Thomas’s day and Good Friday.
_John Skett_, by will, dated 13th March, 1727, left 10s. per annum to be
given to the poor of this parish in bread, chargeable on a certain house
in Shineton street, the property of Mr. France.
_John Littlehales_, by will, 1760, devised to Richard Woof a messuage in
Shineton street, in Much Wenlock, in trust, that he and his heirs should
pay yearly out of the profits thereof, to the minister and churchwardens,
the sum of 30s., on the 25th of December, to be given in wheaten bread,
as follows:—Twelve twopenny loaves to be placed near a tombstone erected
by him, before the service begins, on the first Sunday of every month,
and to be given when the communion is ended by his heirs, the vicar and
churchwardens, to twelve ancient people of the parish, regard being had
to those who frequent the church service; and so to continue the first
Sunday of each calendar month, Christmas day, Good Friday, and Easter
day, yearly.
_Mrs. Mary Smyth_, by will, dated 23rd November, 1773, gave the interest
of ten guineas to be distributed yearly in sixpenny loaves on the feast
of St. Thomas, amongst poor widows and housekeepers of the parish of
Wenlock.
ALMSHOUSES.—_Mrs. Ann Sprott_ bequeathed £10, the interest to be applied
in the repairs of the almshouses. In the parliamentary reports of 1786
it is stated that a person of the name of _Price_ left, for clothing the
poor in the almshouse, land then vested in Harry Yate, and producing £4
a-year. With respect of the first mentioned sum of £10, it is
conjectured that it formed part of a sum of £150 poor’s stock, previously
noticed, as an entry found in the churchwardens’ book, in 1773, states
that 10s. was then received, to be laid out in the repairs of the
almshouse, being part of the money due to the poor of the parish from the
turnpike security; but nothing has been paid for this purpose from the
produce of the poors’ stock for many years. With respect to Price’s
benefaction, it appears that clothing was formerly provided for the poor
in the almshouse by Harry Yate, formerly a draper at Ludlow, in respect
of a small estate in Herefordshire, but this was discontinued upwards of
seventy years ago by the above mentioned Harry Yate, on the ground that
the gift was void under the statute of George II., c. 36.
At the time the Charity Commissioners published their report, William
Moseley, Esq., the representative of the Sprott family, appointed the
almspeople, and stated that when he succeeded to the estate he found the
almshouses consisting of four tenements, in miserable condition, and was
requested to repair them; and that he rebuilt three brick tenements, with
tiled roofs, adjoining another tenement in a different part of the town,
with the approbation of the inhabitants. This he did chiefly from
charitable considerations; but he was unable to give any information
respecting the almshouses from any documents in his possession. He
always understood that they were for the benefit of decayed widows of the
parish of Wenlock, to be nominated by or with the approbation of the
representative of the Sprott family. After referring to the legacy as
stated to have been left by Mrs. Ann Sprott, he stated he should decline
paying anything in future for the repairs of the almshouses, unless the
interest of that money was brought in aid; but that if the churchwardens
were willing to advance any money for this purpose he should always be
ready to join them.
_Mrs. Ann Minshull_ left £20, the interest to be applied in teaching poor
children to read. Nothing has been paid in respect of this legacy for
upwards of fifty years. A legacy of £10, left by the _Rev. George
Carver_, and £5 left by the _Rev. Mr. Baker_, noticed on a tablet in the
church, have long been lost.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. Thomas Lawley’s_, _Wilmore street_. Letters arrive
at 7-30 A.M. and are despatched at 5 P.M.
_Those Marked_ 1 _reside in Barrow street_; 2 _The Bank_; 3 _Bull Ring_;
4 _High street_; 5 _Shienton street_; 6 _Spittal street_; _and_ 7
_Wilmore street_
1 Adney Miss Elizabeth
5 Adney George, tanner
5 Ainsworth Thomas, farmer
4 Amphlett Joseph, currier
6 Aston Jeremiah, victualler, Bull’s Head
2 Aston Jonathan, beerseller
1 Barnett Joseph, butcher
1 Beavan Thos., vict., Black Lion
7 Belcher Charles, grocer
6 Binnell Henry H., tailor and woollen draper
Blakeway Roger C., Esq., solicitor
Boughton Chas., Esq., The Abbey
6 Bowyer Mrs. Fanny
6 Boycott Rd., confectioner
7 Brookes Wm. P., surgeon
Canlin William, maltster, Burton road
7 Castle Wm., provis. dealer
1 Clayton William, boot & shoemaker
1 Christopher James, joiner
4 Coley James, brazier and tin plate worker
1 Cooper & Purton, bankers, (draw on Williams & Co., London), open on
Monday and Thursday
2 Cooper Jermh., limeburner
4 Cooper John, vict., The Fox
4 Cooper Lettice, milliner
7 Cooper Thomas & Samuel, graziers
1 Crowther George, boarding school, and registrar for Wenlock district
2 Crowther Edward, farmer
Davies Mrs. Eliz., Burton rd
4 Devey John, shoemaker
3 Divers James, schoolmastr.
4 Edwards Thos., wheelwrt.
2 Felteaus John, vict., Robin Hood
6 Fox William, joiner
4 Franks Richard, builder
1 Griffiths William, agent to Salop fire office and legal and commercial
fire and life offices
1 Hartland Rt., vict., Raven
6 Haynes Thos., blacksmith
3 Heighway Mary, librarian
4 Hopton Henry, grocer
Hollis Mary, schoolmistress
1 Horton Ann, vict., The Plough
6 Horton Robert, chemist & druggist
Hinton Edward, land agent to Sir W. W. Wynne
1 Hughes Edwd., shoemaker
5 James James, farrier
5 James John, farrier
4 James Wm. A., surgeon
Jeffreys William, farmer and miller, The Downes
1 Jeffreys Elizabeth, draper
1 Jenks Sarah, vict., Royal Oak
1 Johnson Thomas, tailor
1 Johnson John, tailor
6 Jones Ann, milliner
1 Jones John, skinner
1 Jones Jno., vict., Britannia
6 Jones Sarah, butcher
6 Jones William, skinner
4 Keysell Edwin, maltster, seedsman, and corn dealer
7 Lawley Thomas, stationer and printer
6 Mansell Thos., ironmongr.
4 Martin Mary, vict., The Harp
3 Mason Edwd., vict., Punch Bowl
4 Mason Wm., shoemaker
4 Massey Thomas, boot and shoemaker
6 Miles Thomas, maltster
Minton Rev. Samuel, St. Mary’s lane
4 Minshall Josiah, saddler
7 Moreton George, vict., The Pheasant
6 Moreton George, vict., Talbot
6 Moreton Francis, hat manufacturer
5 Newell William, farmer & maltster
1 Nicholson Martha, tea dealer
5 Palmer Thomas, nailmkr.
1 Parton Benjamin, vict., The Swan
1 Patten Mr. Richard
1 Pearce Chas., wheelwright
1 Phillips Mr. Thomas
1 Phillips Henry & Samuel, curriers
4 Phillips Andrew, solicitor
5 Power Elizabeth, schoolmistress
1 Poyner Wm., confectioner
4 Rhoden Joseph, vict., Wynnstay Arms, hotel and posting house
6 Rowe John, vict., Crown
1 Share Thomas, painter, plumber and glazier
Shepherd George, farmer & limeburner, Westwood Cottage
6 Smith William, grocer & druggist
1 Summers Thomas, draper
1 Thomas Henry, beerseller
5 Silley William, tailor
7 Trevor Edward, provision dealer and baker
6 Trevor Henry, grocer, chandler, & stamp office
5 Vaughan Miss Sarah
4 Wayne Rev. Wm. H., vicar
Wayne William H., Esq., The Grange
6 Webb Feild, saddler
4 Wheeler John, watchmkr.
4 Wheeler George, vict., The Falcon
6 Williams Thomas, grocer
4 Wilkinson Francis, shopkr
4 Woofe William, saddler
4 Yardley Edwin, cooper
6 Yates Mary, vict., The George
6 Yates Thomas, hairdresser
2 Yates Wm., blacksmith
MUCH WENLOCK TOWNSHIPS.
ATTERLEY is a small township in the parish of Much Wenlock, two miles
S.E. from the parish church, and at the census of 1841 contained eight
houses and 52 inhabitants. This township and that of Walton conjointly
contain 903A. 3R. 11P. of land, the principal owner of which is Sir John
Acton. WATTON is situate about a mile S.E. from Much Wenlock, and in
1841 had four houses and a population of 23 souls. Gross estimated
rental, £1,115. 15s. 4d. Rateable value, £1,016. 18s. The tithes of
both townships are commuted for £54. 13s.
The principal residents in Atterley and Walton are Thomas Bayer, farmer,
Atterley; Ann Howells, farmer, Walton; John Howells, farmer, Walton;
Frank Pardoe, farmer, Atterley.
BURTON, or BORTON, and CALLOUGHTON are two townships in the parish of
Much Wenlock, containing together 3,163A. 2R. 39P. of land. Gross
estimated rental, £3,501. 7s. 1d. Rateable value, £3,160. 8s. Burton is
situated two and a half miles S.W. from Much Wenlock, and at the census
in 1841 is returned as having 33 houses and 181 inhabitants; Calloughton
at the same period had 23 houses and 149 inhabitants. Lord Wenlock, the
principal landowner, occasionally resides at Burton Cottage—an elegant
and ornamental structure of only one story in height, the interior of
which is very beautifully furnished. The farm houses have most of them
been rebuilt by the late proprietor, Sir Francis Lawley, Bart. They are
good residences, with commodious and convenient out premises. The church
is a small but interesting structure in the gothic style of architecture,
consisting of nave, chancel, and side aisle, the latter added at the
expense of Lady Lawley; it has a tower containing four bells. The living
is a perpetual curacy in the gift of the vicar of Much Wenlock, and
enjoyed by the Rev. Samuel Minton. The income of the living is derived
from a farm in Radnorshire of the annual value of £50, and a sum of £200
given by Sir Robert Lawley to augment the living. The village of
Calloughton is situated about a mile and a half south from Much Wenlock,
and is chiefly composed of cottage residences. The farms are scattered
and mostly modern erections; there is also a corn mill which can either
be worked by steam or water power, in the occupancy of Mr. W. B. Childs.
The tithes of Burton and Calloughton are commuted for £74. 18s.
DIRECTORY.—Those marked 1 are at Burton, and 2 are at Calloughton. 2
Benjamin Ainsworth, farmer, Beggarley Brook; 2 Samuel Ainsworth, farmer,
Spoonbill; 1 Thomas Blunt, agent to John Onions, Esq.; 1 John Brooks,
farmer; 2 William Baldwin Childs, corn miller; Francis Dickinson, farmer;
1 Joel Evason, shopkeeper; 2 Thomas Instone, farmer; 1 Thomas Instone,
farmer; 1 Edward Kinsey, gentleman; 1 Thomas Lewis, blacksmith; John
Massie, farmer, Bradeley; 2 Thomas Trow, farmer, Spoonhill; 1 John Woof,
painter and vict., Talbot.
FARLEY WYKE AND BRADLEY, a township in the parish of Much Wenlock,
situated three miles N.E. from the parish church, comprises 960A. 0R. 8P.
of land. Gross estimated rental, £1,948. 5s. 3d. Rateable value,
£1,787. 8s. The principal landowners are Sir W. W. Wynn, Abraham Darby,
Esq., and Lord Forester. At the census in 1841 this township had 34
houses and 166 inhabitants. Farley is situated in a romantic dale,
watered by a small brook. In the dingle there is a corn mill in the
occupation of Mr. Thomas Harper and Son, which is worked both by steam
and water power. The tithes are commuted for £18. 19s. 5d.
The principal residents in this township are Ann Cadwallader, beerhouse
keeper; Thomas Chidley, wheelwright and beerhouse keeper; Thomas Harper,
corn miller; Caleb Harper, corn miller; Edward Hill, wheelwright; William
W. Hull, Esq., Tickwood; John Perry, farmer, Wyke; Joseph Lloyd, farmer
and stone dealer.
HARLEY-WIGWIG AND HOMER, a small township in the parish of Much Wenlock,
containing 552A. 1R. 20P. of land, at the census of 1841 had 47 scattered
houses and a population of 218 souls. Gross estimated rental, £861. 11s.
6d.; rateable value, £765. 6s. The principle landowners are the Duke of
Cleveland, Lord Forester, Samuel Meire, Esq., Sir George Harnage, and the
Rev. Samuel Minton. The land is chiefly farmed by the owners except at
Harley. The residents in this township are chiefly cottagers, and the
houses are for the most part scattered. The tithes are commuted for £48.
15s.
PRESTHOPE is a township with a few scattered houses in the parish of Much
Wenlock, situated on the Wenlock Edge, upwards of three miles from the
parish church; at the census of 1841 there were fourteen houses and 71
inhabitants in the township, which comprises 742A. 2R. 8P. of land, the
principal owners of which are Lord Bradford, and M. G. Benson, Esq.
Gross estimated rental, £807. 6s. 8d.; rateable value, £727. 6s. WENLOCK
EDGE is a precipitous ridge running about eleven miles in a
south-westerly direction. King Henry I. after the capture of Bridgnorth
commanded his army to pass through Hunel Hege and lay siege to
Shrewsbury. “Hunel hedge is the English name for a passage through a
wood; in Latin it may be called _malus callis_ or _vicus_; for it was a
hollow way of a mile in length, full of great sharp stones, and so narrow
as scarcely to admit two horsemen abreast. It was overshadowed on each
side by a dark wood wherein were stationed archers in ambuscade who
greatly annoyed the army with arrows and other missile weapons; but as
the king had more than 60,000 men in his army he detached large parties
to cut down the wood and make a wide road which should endure for the use
of posterity.” From this period we may probably date the existence of a
road over this steep ridge which has since been rendered more commodious.
Many of the passes however down this rugged steep retain much of their
wild and romantic character. The tithes are commuted for £80. 6s.
The chief residents at Presthope are Richard Child Milner, farmer; Rev.
Robert H. G. More, and John Shirley, farmer.
PRIORS DITTON,
or DITTON PRIORS is a parish and village pleasantly situated on the
northern verge of the Brown Clee Hill, eight miles south-west from
Bridgnorth. The parish contains the townships of Priors Ditton, Ashfield
and Ruthall, and Middleton Priors, and has 5,284 acres of land, mostly of
an inferior quality, the rateable value of which is £3,451. 4s. 8d. At
the census of 1801 the parish had a population of 620 souls; 1831, 620;
and in 1841 there were 137 houses and 660 inhabitants. The township of
Priors Ditton contains 2,154A. 0R. 34P. of land, and in 1841 had 81
houses and 359 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,597. 1s. 8d. The
principal landowners in this township are Philip Henry Howard, Esq.,
William Millward, Esq., and Mrs. Ann Howells; the former is lord of the
manor, and impropriator. THE CHURCH dedicated to St. John the Baptist,
is an ancient structure consisting of nave, chancel, and south aisle,
with a short tower upon which was erected a spire in the year 1831, at a
cost of £231; the roof is of groined timber finely wrought, which gives
the interior a very beautiful appearance. The living is a vicarage,
valued in the king’s book at £5. 15s. 8d., now returned at £147, in the
patronage of Philip Henry Howard, Esq.; incumbent, Rev. Edward Ridsdale.
This church was formerly an appendage to the abbey of Wenlock. In the
reign of Henry VIII., Humphrey Pakington, citizen and mercer of London,
purchased of the king the farm of the manor of Dutton, alias Dytton, in
Shropshire, with the rectory there, late the property of the Priory of
Wenlock, The METHODISTS have small chapel built in 1816.
CHARITIES.—_Mrs. Catherine Barker_, by her will dated the 24th of
January, 1699, devised to trustees certain freehold estates in Priors
Ditton, on trust, (after certain other purposes specified by her) that
they should out of the residue assure to the use of the poor of the said
parish the yearly sum of £5, to continue for ever, and to be paid to the
parson and churchwardens at the feast of Christmas and St. John the
Baptist in equal portions. This annuity is paid by Francis Canning,
Esq., of Foxcote, in the county of Warwick, who is the proprietor of the
premises charged. The amount is distributed in small sums among the
poor. _Mrs. Dorothy Holland_, by her will dated November 15th, 1723,
bequeathed to the churchwardens and overseers of the poor of the parish,
the sum of £20 in trust, to be invested in lands, and the rents of such
lands she directed to be laid out in bread and distributed by the
minister and churchwardens among twelve poor people of the parish, one
half on Easter-day and the other half on Christmas-day. We do not find
any account of the disposal of the money prior to the 2nd June, 1783,
when it appears to have been placed in the hands of Francis Canning,
Esq., at five per cent interest, upon the security of his bond. The
interest is distributed by the churchwardens in the same manner as
Barker’s charity, a course of distribution which is somewhat at variance
with the directions of the donor.
ASHFIELD AND RUTHALL is a small township in the parish of Priors Ditton,
on the north-west side of the parish, and within the bounds of the
Munslow hundred, the rest of the parish being in the Wenlock Franchise.
The township contains 697A. 3R. of land, and at the census of 1841 had
nine scattered houses and fifty-five inhabitants. Rateable value, £373.
6s. Lady Boyne is the proprietor of the land at Ashfield. The
landowners in Ruthall are Thomas Roberts, Esq., Richard Onslow, Esq., and
John Adney, Esq.; the former is lord of the manor. The lord of the manor
claims a heriot (usually the best beast) on the death of every owner in
his lordship.
MIDDLETON PRIORS is a township in the parish of Priors Ditton which
comprises 2,450A. 0R. 34P. of land, mostly an inferior soil. The land as
chiefly the property of Philip Henry Howard, Esq., who is also lord of
the manor. At the census in 1841 there were 47 houses and 109
inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,479. 19s. 6d. MIDDLETON HALL is a
spacious modern house which stands on a considerable elevation and is a
conspicuous object many miles around. It was formerly the residence of
the Howard family, when the top story of the hall was converted into a
private oratory; it is adorned with some fine paintings, and over the
altar is a beautifully executed representation of the crucifixion;
adjoining is a room for robing and unrobing the priests, and another room
is used as the confessional. A commodious and airy school room has been
built by the lord of the manor, who also pays for the gratuitous
education of the children; about sixty attend. A dwelling house for the
teacher has also been built.
PRIORS DITTON, ASHFIELD AND RUTHALL, AND MIDDLETON PRIORS DIRECTORIES.
Adney John, farmer, Ruthall
Amies John, wheelwright, Priors Ditton
Andrew William, vict., Plough, Priors Ditton
Barnbrooke, Timothy, farmer, Middleton
Bradley Thomas, farmer, Priors Ditton
Chidley Edward, farmer, Priors Ditton
Cubby William, schoolmaster, Middleton
Davis Edward, surgeon, Priors Ditton
Darrell Thomas, farmer, Middleton
Downes John, farmer, Manor house, Ruthall
Easthope Thomas, farmer, Middleton
Evans John, farmer, Priors Ditton
Evans William, wheelwright, Priors Ditton
Goode Thomas, farmer, Priors Ditton
Green Henry, farmer, Priors Ditton
Green Mary, farmer & corn miller, Middleton
Hicks William, blacksmith, Priors Ditton
Jones George, farmer, Priors Ditton
Jones Thomas, farmer, Middleton
Millward William, farmer, Priors Ditton
Power Michael, maltster, miller, and steward to P. H. Howard, Esq.,
Middleton
Prentice Mrs. Martha, Priors Ditton
Reynolds Francis, farmer, Priors Ditton
Reynolds Richard, farmer, Middleton
Reynolds Richard, farmer, Priors Ditton
Ridsdale Rev. Edward, vicar, Priors Ditton
Smallman Richard, blacksmith, Priors Ditton
Southern Henry, vict., Cannings Arms, Priors Ditton
Thomas Edward, farmer, Middleton
Thomas John, cattle dealer, Priors Ditton
Wainwright Mary, farmer, Ashfield
WILLEY
is a small parish comprising 1353A. 2R. 6P. of land, situated in a
pleasant part of the county, four miles east from Much Wenlock, and four
and a half miles north-west from Bridgnorth. At the census in 1801 there
were 163 inhabitants; 1831, 159; and in 1851, 144; of whom 75 were males,
and 69 females. Inhabited houses, 30. Rateable value, £1,888. 8s. 5d.
Lord Forester is the principal landowner, and lord of the manor. Henry
Cartwright, Esq., is also a proprietor. WILLEY PARK, the magnificent
seat of Lord Forester, is a spacious and elegant mansion of freestone,
delightfully situated in an extensive and richly wooded park. The
principal front, with the offices, extends upwards of three hundred feet,
and is approached by a portico of the Corinthian order, greatly admired
for superb workmanship and architectural effect. The interior of the
mansion is splendidly furnished, and contains many fine paintings, many
of which are the exquisite productions of some of the most celebrated
masters. The library is extensive, and contains a valuable and choice
collection of standard works. The gardens and pleasure grounds are laid
out with great taste, and the park is beautifully adorned with sylvan
beauty, a fine lake adding much to the interest of the scene. The family
of Weld had anciently a seat at Willey. “William Weld was sheriff of
London in 1352: his descendant, Sir John Weld, purchased Willey from Sir
Thomas Lacon, of Kinlet, between 1612 and 1623. His descendant in the
fourth degree, Elizabeth Weld, married Brooke Forester, of Dothill Park,
near Wellington; whose son George, dying unmarried, bequeathed Willey and
his other great estates, with an injunction to adopt the name of Weld, to
his cousin, Cecil Weld Forester, created Lord Forester, of Willey Park,
in 1821.” Mr. Moule, author of a work on Heraldry, says, “Lord Forester
is lineally descended from John Forester, Esq., of Watling street, who
held a singularly curious grant from King Henry VIII. to wear his hat in
the royal presence; which identical document is preserved in the family.”
THE CHURCH is a small venerable fabric, consisting of nave and chancel,
with a short tower, which contains three bells. There are several
memorials to the various members of the ancient family of Weld. The
living is a rectory, with the perpetual curacy of Barrow annexed, valued
in the king’s book at £5. 6s. 3d., now returned at £329, in the patronage
of Lord Forester: incumbent, the Hon. and Rev. George O. Bridgeman. The
tithes of Willey have been commuted for £233. 18s.
CHARITIES.—_Robert Evans_, of the Dean, bequeathed 10s. per annum to be
expended in bread for the poor. The payment of this gift commenced in
1709, and the legacy is now considered to be secured by a bond in the
possession of the parish, given by the late Mr. John Perry, of Willey,
whose executors pay the money to the parish officers.
_The Rev. Francis Wheeler_, rector of Willey, bequeathed 10s. yearly, to
be paid at Christmas by the ministers of the two churches in Bridgnorth;
5s. each to be given to the poor of Willey in money or bread. This gift
is distributed at Christmas, together with the sacrament money and Evan’s
gift.
The following benefactions, also given to the poor of Willey, are
involved in much obscurity. _Elizabeth Weld_ in 1688 gave £10. _Dorothy
Weld_ in 1674 gave £10, the interest to be distributed on St. Thomas’s
day. _Mrs. Mary Saltalston_ £20, to be added to the poor’s stock, and
the interest of £10 to be distributed to the poor yearly. _Mary Ogden_
gave 40s. to the poor in 1680. _Judith Corbett_ £5 in 1691. _Mary
Evans_ £5 in 1729. _Mrs. Catherine Strange_ £20. From the parish books
it appears that £10 of Mrs. Saltalston’s benefaction, and £10 of Mrs.
Weld’s, were applied in 1712 towards building a new tower to the church.
It further appears that at a vestry meeting held 7th October, 1777, it
was agreed that £40, part of a stock of £60, left for the benefit of the
poor of Willey, and then in the hands of Mr. Thomas Perry, of the Dean,
should be laid out in the necessary repairs of the church, and that the
parish should pay reasonable interest for the same, to be distributed one
half on St. Thomas’s day, and the other half on Good Friday. Another
agreement, not entered in the parish books, dated 15th August, 1802, and
signed by Morgan Jones, minister, and two respectable farmers of the
parish, stating that the interest of the £40 mentioned in the former
agreement, which had never been paid, then amounted to £50, and agreeing
to consolidate the principal and interest, making together £90, and to
pay interest on the whole. From the entries in the parish books above
stated, it clearly appears that £60 of these benefactions were applied to
the repairs of the church, but what became of the rest we have in vain
endeavoured to discover. No interest appears to have been paid by the
parish, but there has been for many years an annual distribution of corn
made by the farmers to the poor on St. Thomas’s day, to the value of £5
and upwards.
The principal residents in Willey are the Right Hon. Lord Forester,
Willey Park; the Hon. and Rev. George O. Bridgeman; Henry Cartwright,
Esq., The Dean; George Goodfellow, bailiff to George Pritchard, Esq.;
Edmund Raby, farmer; and John Stobbs, farmer.
LUDLOW
is a borough and market town, on the southern border of the county, 143
miles N.W. by W. from London, and twenty-five south from Shrewsbury,
situated on an eminence, at the junction of the Corve with the Teme, and
surrounded by a country varied with delightful prospects in every
direction. This ancient and populous town is upwards of a mile in length
and half a mile in breadth, having a number of regular and wide well
paved streets, lying in diverging and inclined directions from the
highest and most central part of the town; a circumstance which greatly
promotes its cleanliness and salubrity. The houses in general are neat,
well built, and better arranged than those of most inland towns of the
same antiquity. The town is skirted by the rivers Corve and Teme, and
abundantly supplied with water by pipes from springs in the vicinity to
the public pumps, as well as from the river Corve by machinery and pipes
to the different houses. The glove trade formerly employed upwards of
one thousand hands here, but owing, it is thought, to the introduction of
French gloves, and the establishment of marts for articles of a cheaper
fabrication in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, the trade declined
some years ago, and has now become almost extinct. Malt is made to a
considerable extent, and there is a paper mill, and an establishment for
the manufacture of blankets and a coarse kind of woollen cloth chiefly
used for horse collars. The town has, however, been kept in a
flourishing state by the numerous respectable residents which the extreme
beauty of its situation has attracted to it. There is a market here on a
Monday for grain, provisions, and poultry, which is usually well
attended. Markets are also held on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays,
for provisions. Fairs for horned cattle, horses, pigs, and general
merchandise, are held on the Monday before February 13th, Tuesday before
Easter, May 1st (for hiring servants), Wednesday in Whitsun-week, August
21st, September 28th, and the first Mondays in November and December.
Population in 1801, 3,897; 1831, 5,253. In 1841 the parish of St.
Lawrence contained 1,086 houses and 5,064 inhabitants; of whom 3,041 were
males and 3,157 females. Rateable value of the borough, £12,812. 4s. 9d.
An act of parliament was obtained in 1794 for lighting and paving the
town. The annual races are held in July, and continue for two days.
Ludlow was no doubt a town of note in the time of the Britons from the
British name it bears (_Dinan_), though we have no historical record left
of it. How it came to be called Dinan, a word of no affinity with
Ludlow, we have not found. After the conquest, a noble knight assumed
the name of Dinan in honour of the place. It may be observed that
_Dinas_ and _Dinan_ are words of frequent occurrence in the account of
British antiquities; and upon a careful investigation, it will generally
appear that places so denominated have been formerly occupied by some
chief or prince of the country. Ludlow seems to have been incorporated
from time immemorial. The earliest charter extant is one of confirmation
from Richard Duke of York, father of Edward IV. This charter, styling
the corporation as “the bailiff’s, burgesses, and commonality, of the
town and borough of Ludlow,” and conferring important privileges, has
ever since, till the date of the recent municipal act, been deemed, in
effect, the governing charter of the borough, though numerous charters
were hereafter granted by succeeding sovereigns. The following corporate
officers were appointed by charter, viz.:—Two bailiffs, two capital
masters and justices, a recorder, twelve aldermen, twenty five
common-council, a town clerk, coroner, three serjeants-at-mace, four
beadles, and a town crier. No small display of civic pomp and splendour
has been here exhibited in the annual election of the corporate officers.
The high bailiff was appointed by charter to be elected by the aldermen,
and the low bailiff from among the common councilmen; indeed the system
of self-election was strictly established, and so were its usual
consequences. The bailiffs, and recorder, or steward and capital
masters, were all appointed to act as justices of the peace, ex-officio,
within the liberties. General sessions of the peace were appointed by
Charles I. to be held quarterly, in the same week as the county sessions.
Capital convictions, it is said, with executions on the Gallows-hill,
anciently took place. Prisoners on higher offences were latterly,
however, sent to Shrewsbury gaol for trial at the assizes. The privilege
of burgess-ship was inherited by the sons of burgesses; and those who
marry their daughters were entitled also to be admitted into this body;
for which purpose they were required to petition, according to a
prescribed form given in a by-law made in the year 1663. A court of
record was instituted by Edward IV. for the trial of debts of 1s. and
upwards, and the trial of issues in all personal actions within the
municipality. Ludlow first returned members to parliament in the 12th of
Edward IV. The boundaries of the borough were little more than
co-extensive with those of the old municipal borough; but they have been
much extended. Previous to the passing of the Reform Act the borough
returned two members, as it still does, and is one of the polling places
for the southern division of the county.
Under the Municipal Reform Act, a commission of the peace has been
granted anew, and the court of quarter sessions re-appointed. Petty
sessions are held weekly, and a court leet annually for swearing in
constables. The borough is now governed by four aldermen and twelve
councillors, under the usual corporate style. The persons qualified to
vote for the town council, after the passing of the act, amounted to 307
in the parish of St. Lawrence, and seven in the township of Ludford, of
which latter district the boundary commissioners proposed the exclusion,
it being practically beyond the corporate limits. In other respects, the
boundaries laid down in their report are extended on the west and east;
particularly the latter, which stretches into the parishes of Stanton
Lacy, on building ground as far as the parliamentary borough. The
following is a list of the members of parliament, borough magistrates,
and corporate officers for the year 1851:—
_Members of Parliament_: Colonel Salwey and Henry B. Clive, Esq.
_Magistrates_: Francis Massey, Esq.; Humphrey Smith, Esq.; John Thomas,
Esq.; Robert Thomas, Esq.; and Benjamin Urwick, Esq.
_Mayor_: Richard Marston, Esquire. _Aldermen_: Francis Massey; Benjamin
Urwick; Samuel Valentine, and Henry Whittall. _Councillors_: Francis
Boulton, Joshua Cooper, George Griffiths, Ambrose Grounds, James Hand,
Charles Harper, James Jones, Horatio Russell, Edward B. Smith, Richard
Valentine, Philip Wayn. _Town Clerk and Coroner_: John Williams, jun.
_Treasurer_: Thomas Childe. _Assessors_: George Cocking and Richard
Jones. _Auditors_: Thomas Jones and Samuel Oliver. The corporate
property chiefly consists of that anciently belonging to Palmer’s Guild,
which in 1833 produced a yearly income of £2,120. 8s. 8½d. In 1840 it
was reduced to £968. 13s. This great reduction was caused by the
corporation having to pay several expensive law suits.
It is well known that the aboriginal inhabitants of this island made a
last and determined stand against their invading enemies in that district
which had its boundary in what in later times was called the Marches of
Wales, in which Ludlow seems to have been anciently included. This
tract, however, might be extended from time to time, one way or the
other, as either party occasionally gained ground; it is certainly known
that Ludlow was early occupied as a military station to withstand the
incursions of the Britons, who manfully disputed every inch of ground as
they slowly retreated before their powerful enemies. The Romans are said
to have been engaged nearly two hundred years in subduing Britain, and of
the active operations of the contending parties interesting traces yet
remain. Upon the remarkable hill called Caer Caradoc, historical
accounts agree in stating it to have been occupied by the brave
Caractacus, and many fierce battles to have been fought in its vicinity.
An ancient writer describes this place as “exceedingly well fortified,
both by nature and art, upon the toppe of an high hill, environed with a
tripple ditche of greate depth. There were iij gates, and on three sides
steepe headlong places, and compassed on the lifte hande with the river
Colun, on the right with Themis.” Different situations have been
ascribed to the scene of the last decisive action between Ostorius and
Caractacus, but none rest upon such strong grounds of probability as the
stations of Brandon Camp and Coxwall Knoll. The first of these is
situated a little west of the Roman road leading from Magna to Ariconium
or Wroxeter. The second is within sight, and distant from the Roman Camp
about three miles, near the village of Brampton Brian. It crowns the
summit of a lofty hill, and is of irregular shape, strong by nature, but
made stronger by art. A survey of these two camps by the antiquarian
must be peculiarly interesting, when he recollects that an Ostorius stood
on one camp and a Caractacus on the other; and that their heroic deeds
were recorded by the pen of a Tacitus. Each particular related by the
historian concerning their respective situations coincides with the
natural position of the river Teme and the camps of Brandon and Coxwall
hills. From the departure of the Romans to the Norman conquest history
supplies no certain information concerning Ludlow; yet it is probable
that there existed here a town or fortress previous to the recorded
erection of the castle.
LUDLOW CASTLE. It is recorded in old chronicles that “Roger de
Montgomery erected the greatest part of the castle, and fortified the
town with walls,” from which it may be inferred, that in the times and
place alluded to a town and fortress must have been co-incident with each
other. This Roger came over with the conqueror, to whom he was related,
and led the centre division of his army in the memorable battle which
secured the conquest of England, and was afterwards advanced to the
Earldoms of Arundel and Shrewsbury. He was the liberal founder of
several rich monasteries and churches, particularly the monastery of
Wenlock, and the abbey of Shrewsbury. Having completed his favourite
structure, “Ludlow Castle,” he enjoyed it until his death in 1094. It
was forfeited to the crown by the attainder of his son Robert, who being
banished the realm, King Henry I. gave Dinan or Ludlow, with the
territory of Corvedale, to a Norman Knight, known by the name of Fulke
Fitzwarine, surnamed de Dinan; between whom and Walter de Lacy, Lord of
Ewias by right of conquest, there arose several contests, whether out of
emulation, or about fixing the boundaries of their royalties, is not
known. In one of these skirmishes the said Sir Walter de Lacy, and his
trusty knight, Sir Ernauld de Lis, were taken prisoners of war and
carried to Dinan, where being in custody, by intriguing with a fair
damsel they found a way to make their escape. Gervas Pagnel, governor of
the castle, having betrayed his trust in joining the Empress Matilda,
King Stephen besieged it, and in conducting the operations of the siege
the king gave a signal proof of his courage and humanity. The young
Prince Henry, son of King David, who was actively engaged in this
enterprise, having approached too near the walls of the castle, was
caught from his horse by means of an iron hook fastened to the end of a
rope. Stephen, observing the perilous situation of the young prince,
boldly advanced and rescued him at the risk of his own life. What right
or title the several governors had in the reign of Henry II. is
uncertain; though it is most probable that they were only governors,
without any fixed interest, till the 16th of King John, when Walter de
Lacy had a grant of Ludlow, from whom the title of the place is clearly
derived to the house of York, whereby it became vested in the crown.
Between the governors of this castle and Hugh de Mortimer terrible
dissensions arose. At length it happened that Mortimer was surprised and
seized. He was conveyed to Ludlow Castle, and confined in one of the
towers, which to this day bears his name.
In the 47th of Henry III., Roger Mortimer, James de Alditheley, and Hamo
L’Estrange had a general rendezvous with the barons of the Marches at
Ludlow, to concert proper measures for suppressing the insolence of Simon
de Montford, Earl of Leicester, and the other barons who had taken up
arms against the king. The Earl of Leicester, to oppose the powers of
the Marches, made a league with Leoline Prince of Wales, who with united
forces attacked the castles of Hay and Ludlow, which were both burnt and
demolished. Roger Mortimer, governor of the castle in the time of Edward
II., was committed to the tower for a riot that he promoted on account of
his dissatisfaction with the ministry of the Spencers: being jealous of a
design against his life, he made an entertainment for Sir Stephen de
Segrave, the constable of the tower, and in the midst of their cups and
jollity, he privately gave him a soporiferous medicine, which, with the
contrivance of his keeper, gave him an opportunity of sliding down a
rope, and so flying into France. Upon his return, out of a grateful
acknowledgment of divine providence for his deliverance out of the tower,
he built a chapel in Ludlow castle, dedicated it to St. Peter, and
appointed a priest to celebrate divine service for ever. In the second
of Edward III. he was made chief justice of Wales, and created Earl of
March; and the same year he celebrated with great magnificence the feast
of the round table at Bedford. Soon after, the king making a progress
into Wales, he was entertained at Ludlow. The promotion of this lord to
exalted stations made him excessively proud, and he eventually fell into
disgrace at court. He was apprehended at Nottingham, and carried under
arrest to London; all his land being seized, and his chattles secured at
the same time to the king’s use. The two main articles against him were,
his having a hand in conspiring the murder of King Edward II., and his
lewd familiarity with the queen, for which he was executed near
Smithfield, where his corpse hung two days, and was exposed to greater
indignities than usual. The castle, on his insurrection, having come
into the possession of Richard Duke of York, was subjected to a siege by
the forces of Henry VI. As he advanced towards Ludlow, the army of the
Yorkists was drawn out into an intrenched camp in the fields of Ludford.
Sir Andrew Trollop, who had been made marshal of the Yorkist army,
deserted to the royalists, carrying with him the veteran troops under his
particular command, and betrayed all their councils to the king.
Dismayed by this defection, the Yorkists broke up their camp and fled,
and the Lancasterians entered Ludlow, and wreaked their vengeance on the
town and castle, which are said by old historians to have been plundered
to “the bare walls.” The Duchess of York, with her two sons, were taken
and placed in safe ward, and many of the rich partisans of the duke were
executed, and their estates confiscated.
Edward Earl of March was on the Welch border when he received the first
intelligence of the disastrous battle of Wakefield, and of the death of
his father. He had collected an army in the north and was already
marching against the Queen when he was called to oppose a large force of
Welsh and Irish, which, under the Earl of Pembroke were advancing in the
hope of making themselves master of his person. The two armies met at
Mortimer’s Cross, near Ludlow, and it is said that before the battle
commenced three suns appeared in the sky over the field, which approached
each other till they joined in one, and that Edward taking this as a
favourable omen subsequently adopted a sun as his badge in remembrance of
this circumstance. The Yorkists obtained a decisive victory and nearly
four thousand of the enemy were slain. All the persons of rank were
beheaded at Hereford in retaliation for the Queen’s cruelties at the
battle of Wakefield. Edward immediately proceeded to London and was
proclaimed king under the title of Edward IV. Among the towns which had
supported the house of York, none had been more staunch than that of
Ludlow. On the 7th of December, in the first year of his reign, he
rewarded the townsmen with a charter which extended the privileges of the
inhabitants. He created his eldest son Edward, then a mere infant,
Prince of Wales, and sent him and his younger brother to the Castle of
Ludlow. Hall, in his Chronicles, tells us that he was sent to Ludlow
“for justice to be doen in the Marches of Wales, to the end that by the
authoritie of hys presence the wild Welshemenne, and evill-disposed
personnes should repair from their accustomed murthers and outrages.” On
the King’s death, in 1483, the two princes were immediately recalled to
London, and perished there within a few weeks, amid the mysterious events
which attended the accession of Richard III. to the throne. In 1631, Sir
John Egerton was appointed Lord President of Wales and the Marches. At
this period Charles I. visited Ludlow, and was welcomed with much
ceremony and rejoicing, at which time the exquisite effusion, the “Mask
of Comas,” was performed before his Majesty. It is said to have been
founded on an incident which occurred in the Lord President’s own family,
and which is thus related by Nightingale:—“When the Earl had entered on
his official residence he was visited by a large assembly of the
neighbouring nobility and gentry. His sons, the Lord Brackley and Sir
Thomas Egerton, and his daughter, the Lady Alice, being on their journey,
were benighted in Haywood Forest, in Herefordshire, and the lady, for a
short time, was lost. Their adventure being related to their father on
their arrival at the Castle, Milton, at the request of his friend Henry
Lawes, wrote the Mask. Lawes set it to music, and it was acted on
Michaelmas night, the two brothers, the young lady, and Lawes himself,
each bearing a part in the representation.” The poem, familiar to every
English reader, has been allowed by the most competent judges to be one
of the finest compositions in the English language, and will ever be held
in peculiar estimation, as exhibiting the fair dawn of that genius which
burst forth in full splendour in the poem of Paradise Lost.
In the civil wars between Charles I. and the Parliament, Ludlow was
occupied by the royal party. In the summer of 1645, a force of nearly
two thousand horse and foot, drawn together out of the garrisons of
Ludlow, Hereford, and Worcester, were, by a less number of the
Parliamentary forces, defeated at Stokesay, near Ludlow. It was not,
however, till the following year that Ludlow Castle fell into the hands
of General Sir Wm. Brereton, to whom it was given up by Sir Michael
Woodhouse. The Earl of Bridgwater, governor of the castle, died in 1648,
and was succeeded by Richard Lord Vaughen, Earl Carbery. Samuel Butler,
the satirical author of “Hudibras,” was appointed his secretary and
steward. A tower is still shown as the place where Butler wrote a part
of his incomparable work, the first part of which was published in 1663.
This poem was universally admired; the King quoted, the courtiers
studied, and the royalists applauded it, but the author was the dupe of
promises which were never fulfilled. In the midst of disappointment and
neglect he published the third part in an unfinished state, and in 1080
he died in indigence.
The ruins of this ancient baronial fortress are strikingly fine; the
sullen stillness that now reigns throughout these forlorn and deserted
towers, once the scene of royal splendour and feudal revelry, present a
spectacle of the fallen magnificence of past ages, rarely to be equalled.
The structure stands at the extremity of a bold headland, and its
foundations are laid upon a bare grey rock. The part towards the north
consists of square towers, with high connecting walls which are
embattled; the old foss and part of the rock have been formed into walks
and planted with beech, elm, and lime trees. These trees having now
arrived at maturity, form an agreeable shade, and add much to the
picturesque ruins of the castle. The principal entrance is by a gateway
under a low pointed arch, on the height of which are the ruins of the
barracks, which were in constant use when the castle was the residence of
the lords presidents of the Marches of Wales. A portion of the barracks
has lately been converted into a dwelling house. Further on is a square
tower, the embattled rampart pierced with loops here and there, remain in
picturesque masses. On the left is a range of stone buildings supposed
to have been the stables; contiguous are the ruins of the court house,
and beyond it rises a lofty tower called Mortimer’s Tower. The lowest
apartment of this tower appears to have been a prison, the original
entrance being through a circular aperture in the ponderous keystone of
its vaulted roof. On the north and west sides a deep foss cut in the
solid rock guarded the body of the castle. The place of the ancient
draw-bridge is supplied by a stone bridge of two arches. The portal was
built during the presidency of Sir Henry Sidney; over it are the arms of
England and France, and the following inscription:—
“_Anno Domini Millessimo Quinquitesimo Octagesimo completo_, _Anno regni
illustrissimæ ac serenissimæ regina Elizabethæ vicesima iertio currente_,
1581.”
The court is an irregular square, and not very spacious, but the lofty
embattled walls by which it is enclosed, though in ruins, still preserve
their original outlines, and the frowning towers and bold masses,
luxuriously mantled with ivy, present a rare specimen of the fallen
magnificence of the feudal ages. The keep is a large square embattled
tower, divided into four stories, and rises to the height of 110 feet.
It is probably the only part of the castle which dates from the time of
Roger de Montgomery. Most of the windows and doorways are distinguished
by their round Norman arches. The ground floor is the dungeon half under
ground. The arched roof is twenty feet in height. In the arch are three
square apertures, which communicating with the chamber above, served for
the purpose of admitting and inspecting the prisoners, and were probably
intended also for raising supplies of ammunition and provisions, during a
time of siege. On the second floor is a room measuring 30 feet by 18,
with a fire place. The room communicates on the left with a square
arched chamber, and on the right with a narrow oblong room. This tower
measures 46 feet by 34, and the walls are from 9 to 12 feet thick.
Facing the gate is the hall, measuring 60 feet by 30, and was originally
approached by a flight of steps. There remains now neither roof nor
floor to this once elegant apartment where the splendid scene of Comus
was first exhibited, and where hospitality and magnificence blazed for
ages in succession without diminution or decay. Two pointed arches lead
to a spacious tower attached to the west end of the hall, in which are
several apartments, one of which is still called Prince Arthur’s room.
On the opposite end of the hall is another square tower, one of the rooms
of which is pointed out as the banqueting hall. A spacious chamber above
has been adorned with an unusual degree of rude magnificence.
The chapel was built in the reign of Henry I. by Joce de Dinan; all that
now remains of it is the nave—a circular building, one of the earliest of
this description in England. The approach is by a remarkably elegant
Norman doorway, richly adorned with ornaments peculiar to the style of
the period in which it was built. In the interior rising from the floor
are fourteen recesses in the wall formed by small pillars, with indented
capitals supporting round arches, which have alternately plain and zigzag
mouldings. A filleted ornament runs round the exterior of the wall. A
covered way led from the state apartments to the chapel. In the time of
Queen Elizabeth the interior was covered with panels exhibiting the
armorial bearings which church-yard describes as “armes in colours sitch
as few can shewe.”
From an inventory of goods found in Ludlow Castle bearing date 1708, the
eleventh year of the reign of Queen Anne, we learn that about forty rooms
were found entire at that period. Among these were the hall, council
chamber, lord president’s and my lady’s, with drawing rooms, the
steward’s room, great dining room, chief justice’s room, second judge’s
room, Prince Arthur’s room, captains’ apartments, kitchen, &c.; and as in
this inventory a table and altar are stated to have been found in the
chapel, we may presume the choir was at that time remaining. In the
account prefixed to Buck’s antiquity published in 1774, it is observed
that many of the apartments were then entire, and that the sword of state
and the velvet hangings were preserved. Dr. Todd in his learned edition
of Comus says, “A gentleman who visited the castle in 1768 has acquainted
me that the floor of the great council chamber was then pretty entire, as
was the staircase. The covered steps leading to the chapel were
remaining, but the covering of the chapel was fallen, yet the arms of the
lord presidents were visible. In the great council chamber was inscribed
on a wall a sentence from I. Samuel, chapter 12, verse 3; all which are
now wholly gone. On the accession of George I. an order is said to have
come down for unroofing the buildings, and stripping them of their lead.
The decay of this magnificent structure soon ensued. Many of the panels
bearing the arms of the lord presidents were converted into wainscotting
for a public house in the town, a former owner of which enriched himself
by materials clandestinely taken away. The Earl of Powis, who previously
held the castle by virtue of a long lease, acquired the reversion in fee
by purchase from the crown in the year 1811.”
THE CHURCH, which stands in the highest part of the town, is a very
beautiful cruciform edifice in the decorated gothic style of the latter
part of the fifteenth century, forming undoubtedly the finest
ecclesiastical fabric in the county, and perhaps the most stately
parochial church in England. The structure is dedicated to St. Lawrence,
and has a lofty and noble appearance; it consists of nave, chancel,
choir, side aisles, transepts, and two chantry chapels, with a handsome
tower rising from the centre, having at each angle an octangular turret,
surmounted by a pinnacle. The tower contains eight musical bells, and a
set of chimes was put up at the expense of the parish in the year 1795.
The principal entrance is by a large hexagonal porch. The nave is
divided from the aisles by six lofty pointed arches on each side,
springing from light clustered pillars. Above them is a clerestory with
a range of heavy windows. The four great arches under the tower are
remarkably bold, beneath the eastern arch is the choral rood loft,
embellished with open carved work, but upon it is erected a modern
gallery, above which stands a powerful and fine toned organ, the gift of
Henry Arthur Earl of Powis, in the year 1764; it cost £1,000. The choir
is lighted by five lofty pointed windows on each side, and one of much
larger dimensions at the west end. This window is richly adorned with
stained glass, chiefly representing the legend of St. Lawrence, the
patron saint of the church. The other windows in this venerable edifice
bear evidence of having once been enriched with a profusion of stained
glass of the most exquisite workmanship. The large eastern window
containing the legendary history of St. Lawrence having been so defaced
and wantonly broken that the various subjects could with difficulty be
traced. It remained in this state till the year 1828, when the
corporation of Ludlow directed Mr. David Evans, of Shrewsbury, to restore
the window according to its original design. It was completed in a
masterly manner in 1832, and the skill displayed by the artist in
overcoming the difficulties he had to encounter has excited the
admiration of every one who has seen it. The window is justly considered
the most magnificent specimen of the art of glass staining in the county,
and for general effect is surpassed by few in England. The window is
divided into sixty-five compartments, and contains five hundred and forty
feet of glass. The whole of the subjects depicted in the window are
under elegant canopies of delicate tabernacle work, differing in design;
and the costume of the figures throughout the various scenes are
particularly curious, and well deserve attention, as the richness of
colour and general effect is not inferior to some of the finest specimens
of the ancient stained glass. The window is supposed originally to have
been setup during the episcopacy of Thomas Spoford, who was promoted to
the see of Hereford in 1421. The three large windows on the south side
of the chancel display full length figures of bishops, apostles, and
Romish saints, the apex of each containing twelve small curious figures.
The glass in the windows on the north side has been greatly mutilated,
but sufficient remains to show the splendour and magnificence of the
colouring.
The north and south chapels of the choir are separated from the transepts
by remarkably handsome carved screens; in the windows are paintings
representing the history of the apostles, and also very splendid remnants
of stained glass, portraying the story of the ring presented by some
pilgrims to Edward the Confessor, who, as “The Chronicles” relate, “was
warned of his death certain days before he died by a ring that was
brought him by certain pilgrims, which ring he had secretly given to a
poor man that asked his charity in the name of God and St. John the
Evangelist. These pilgrims, as the legend recites, were men of Ludlow.”
The ceiling is of oak resting on corbels, which spring from highly
decorated figures of angels bearing shields. The extreme length from
east to west is 203 feet, and the breadth across the transepts measures
130 feet. The tower rises 131 feet in height, forming a prominent
object, and gives considerable beauty to many prospects from the
neighbouring country. In the church there are two highly finished
effigies of Judge Bridgeman and his lady, but much mutilated. The head
of the tomb was opened in 1805 (on sinking a grave for the body of Mrs.
Turner) when the hair of both Sir John and his lady was found perfectly
entire; the coffins mouldered on exposure to the air. In the high
chancel is a large Grecian monument displaying an elegant sculptured
cherub and emblems of time and eternity, in memory of Theophilus Salwey,
Esq., who died in 1760. A handsome altar tomb of white marble has
recumbent effigies of chief Justice Waiter and his lady; and on the front
are figures representing their issue. Judge Walter died in 1592. Within
the communion rails is a tomb in memory of Sir Robert Townsend and his
lady, with two full length figures, and surrounding the base stand their
children. Dame Mary Evre, who died in 1612, has a tomb erected to her
memory, at the back of which are the armorial bearings of the family.
Upon the tomb is a recumbent figure resting on a cushion, habited in the
dress of the times and the head covered with a hood. In various parts of
the building will be found several interesting tablets and mural
monuments. Though not collegiate the church of St. Lawrence anciently
possessed a chantry of ten priests, maintained by the rich guild of St.
John, who gave to its choral services the splendour of a cathedral. The
living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £19. 12s. 6d., now
returned at £160 in the patronage of the lord chancellor. The tithes
have been commuted for £23. 13s. 6d. Ecclesiastical courts are held here
for granting probates of wills and letters of administration.
THE INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, situated in Old street, is a neat structure
capable of accommodating upwards of three hundred persons, and was
erected in 1830. The congregation formerly assembled for divine worship
in a chapel still standing, situate on the banks of the river, near the
bottom of Corve street. Before the erection of this fabric, in which
they continued to meet for nearly a century, the dissenters conducted
their religious services in a licensed dwelling house, where, in the
early part of 1731, they were furiously assailed by a mob. This vain
attempt to crush them led to the erection of the first dissenting house
in the borough. The Rev. Theophilus Davies is the pastor of the
congregation.
THE METHODIST CHAPEL, a plain structure situated in Lower Broad street,
was enlarged in 1835, and is now capable of holding about five hundred
hearers. THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL, situated in Old street, is a
substantial building erected in 1836, and has accommodation for upwards
of three hundred worshippers.
THE BOYS’ NATIONAL SCHOOL is held in a spacious room over the Market
Cross; and the GIRLS’ SCHOOL is held in a house in Brand lane. They are
supported by voluntary subscriptions and charitable benefactions: the
latter will be found noticed with the general charities of the borough.
The gross income for the year 1850 was £155. 16s. 3d.
THE SAVINGS’ BANK, held in the public buildings, Castle street, was
established in 1816. On November 20th, 1850, the total number of
accounts was 1,939, of which twenty-three were charitable societies and
eighteen friendly societies. The capital stock of the bank at the same
period amounted to £70,958. 18s. 4d. The respective balances of 961
depositors did not exceed £20; 543 were above that sum and not exceeding
£50; 231 not exceeding £100; 96 not exceeding £150; 62 not exceeding
£200; and five accounts exceeded the latter sum. Mr. John Williams,
actuary.
THE LUDLOW COUNTY COURT, for law proceedings in actions and claims not
exceeding £50, embraces the following places, viz., Abdon, Ashford
Bowdler, Ashford Carbonell, Aston, Acton Scott, Bitterley, Bromfield,
Burrington, Cainham, Clee St. Margaret, Cold Weston, Culmington,
Diddlebury, Downton, Elton, Halford, Heath, Holdgate, Hope Baggot, Hopton
Cangeford, Leinthall Starkes, Leintwardine, Ludford, Munslow, Onibury,
Richards Castle, St. Lawrence Ludlow, Sibdon Carwood, Stanton Lacy, Stoke
St. Milborough, Stoke Say, Tugford, Wigmore and Wistanston. _Judge_,
Uvedale Corbett, Esq.; _Clerk_, John Williams, Esq.; _High Bailiff_,
William Davies.
THE LUDLOW LIBRARY, AND MECHANICS’ INSTITUTION, established in 1841, is
held in one of the rooms of the market hall, the use of which has been
granted by the corporation. The institution has an interesting library
of nearly 300 volumes. Mr. George Cocking is the secretary.
THE PUBLIC ROOMS, situated in Castle street, were erected in 1840 by a
company of shareholders. One portion is set apart for the _Ludlow
Natural History Society_, where there is deposited a choice and valuable
collection of fossils, British and foreign birds and animals, &c. This
institution was established in 1834. There is also a spacious and
elegant _Assembly Room_, and another for magisterial purposes, besides a
_Reading Room_ well supplied with the principal London and provincial
journals. THE MARKET CROSS is a neat edifice, with a cupola, where
butter and other productions are sold on the market days. THE MARKET
HOUSE is a plain brick building in Castle street, containing large and
convenient rooms for the meetings of the corporation.
THE DISPENSARY is supported by voluntary subscriptions, a collection made
in Ludlow church every alternate year, and the dividends of certain
charitable bequests. The number of patients cured or relieved during the
year 1851 was 279. Mr. H. Hodges, consulting surgeon; and Mr. Harley,
dispenser. THE LYING-IN INSTITUTION was established in 1810, since which
3,561 persons have been relieved and visited, under the direction of the
managing directors.
THE GAS WORKS. The Union Gas Works were established in 1840 by a company
of shareholders with a capital stock of £3,050. The old gas works are
situated on the road to the Clee Hill.
THE WATER WORKS are the property of the corporation. The water is forced
by an engine from the river to a reservoir at the top of the Market-hall,
and thence conveyed in pipes to different parts of the town. There are
also conduits supplied by pipes with excellent water from the
neighbouring hills.
LUDLOW POOR-LAW UNION WORKHOUSE is a spacious stone edifice, situated in
the parish of Stanton Lacy. The union comprehends an area of 125 miles,
and embraces the following parishes, viz.:—Abdon, Ashford Bowdler,
Ashford Carbonel, Bitterley, Bromfield, Caynham, Clee St. Margaret, Cold
Weston, Culmington, Diddlebury, Halford, Heath, Holdgate, Hope Baggott,
Hopton Cangeford, Munslow, Onibury, Richard’s Castle, St. Lawrence
Ludlow, Stanton Lacy, Stoke, St. Milborough, Stokesay, and Tugford, all
in the county of Salop; Aston Burrington, Downton, Elton, Leinthall
Starkes, Richard’s Castle, and Wigmore, in Herefordshire; the parishes of
Leintwardine and Ludford are situated in both counties. Expenditure for
the year ending 28th September, 1850, £3,533. 15s. 10½d. _Clerk_: Robert
Thomas. _Medical Officers_: Henry Meymott, John Southern, Charles
Pothecary, Daniel Gingell, Robert Jones. _Relieving Officers_: William
Russell, James Jones, John Harding, Edward Millichap. _Chaplain_: Robert
Meyricke. _Master and Matron_: William and Mrs. Russell.
GAOLFORD TOWER, a small structure, situated in Tower street, has four
cells for the confinement of prisoners, and a day room and airing yard.
It was built by the corporation in the 4th of George III.
DINHAM HOUSE, an elegant and spacious mansion, situated near the Castle
(now the residence of John Thomas, Esq.), towards the close of the late
war was occupied by Lucien Bonaparte, being then detained a prisoner in
England. He left Ludlow on Sunday, June 30th, 1811.
Among the customs peculiar to this town that of rope pulling is not the
least extraordinary. On Shrove-Tuesday the corporation provides a rope,
three inches in thickness and thirty-six yards in length, which is given
out at one of the windows of the Market House, when a large body of the
inhabitants, divided into two parties (one contending for Castle street
and Broad street wards, and the other for Old street and Corve street
wards), commence an arduous struggle; and as soon as either party has
gained a victory, by pulling the rope beyond the prescribed limits, the
pulling ceases. The rope is usually purchased from the victorious party,
and then given out again. Ludlow preserves the custom of walking over
the limits of the township once a-year. This procession takes place on
the Wednesday before Holy Thursday, on which occasion the boys of the
different schools, attended by one of the clergy, proceed from the church
to a place near Corve Bridge, where a cross formerly stood. Here the
Epistle for the preceding Sunday is read; from whence passing to Weeping
Cross, the boys again kneel down, and the Gospel for the same day is read
by the clergyman.
THE BROAD GATE, the only one now remaining entire, receives its name from
an ancient religious foundation called Barnaby House, famous in past ages
as the temporary resting place of the numerous devotees passing through
Ludlow on their way to the Holy Well of St. Winefrede, in North Wales.
Adjoining formerly stood a chapel, dedicated to St. Mary of the Vale.
The Gateway of Millgate is at the end of Barnaby lane. In Lower Millgate
traces of the town wall are still to be seen. In 1786 Dinham gate
remained entire, adjoining which anciently stood a chapel, approached by
a flight of steps. The land leading from the bottom of Mill street to
Dinham bears the name of Camp, from the frequent encampment of soldiers
there. Old Gate stood at the bottom of Old street.
A religious house of WHITE FRIARS was founded at Ludlow, in 1349, by Sir
Laurence de Ludlowe, Knt., which we are informed by Leland “was a fayre
and costlie thinge, and stoode without Corve Gate by north, almost at the
end of that suburb.” Stukeley, who wrote about the year 1720, says,
“There was a rich priory out of the town, on the north side. Little
remains now to be seen, excepting a small adjoining church once belonging
to it. About the same place an arched gateway went across the street,
but now demolished.” The church above mentioned was the chapel of St.
Leonard, founded in 1590, and intended for a charitable and religious
establishment, the almshouse having survived its chapel, and, according
to the will of the founder, contributes to the maintenance of four poor
persons. Near to Friars’ lane was situated the establishment of
AUGUSTINE FRIARS, to which Edmund de Pontibus was a benefactor. There
was an HOSPITAL, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, situated near the
bridge, founded by Peter Undergod, and endowed with certain lands for the
maintenance of certain religious brethren, and sustentation of poor and
infirm people. The annual value at the dissolution was £17. 13s. 3d.
Thomas Johnes, Esq., was born at Ludlow, in the year 1783. He received
his early education at Shrewsbury school, and took his degree of M.A. at
Oxford. In 1783 Mr. Johnes erected an elegant mansion at Hafod, which in
1807 was consumed by a destructive fire, with much of its valuable
contents, the loss amounting to £70,000. Notwithstanding this disaster,
he rebuilt and adorned his mansion anew. Here he indulged his taste for
literature, employed a printing press on his own premises, and produced
some elegant historical works. He died in 1814, and was buried in the
church which he had built at Hafod.
Richard P. Knight, Esq., an elegant scholar and distinguished in the
literary circles of Europe, represented Ludlow in parliament for many
years. Mr. Knight bequeathed his fine collection of medals, drawings,
and bronzes (worth at least £30,000), to the British Museum. They
include a single volume of drawings by the inimitable Claude, which was
purchased for £1,600 from a private individual, who a short time
previously had given £3 for the same volume.
CHARITIES.—_The Grammar School_.—It appears that all the premises
specified in a certain grant, and constituting the possessions of the
Guild or Fraternity of Palmers, had been unconditionally surrendered by
them to King Edward VI. by deed under their common seal, dated 1st June,
in the fifth of his reign. The property thus unconditionally surrendered
to the king was granted by him to the corporation for the relief and
better sustaining of the town and borough of Ludlow, and for the
corporation, “_at their own costs and charges_,” to maintain a free
grammar school, and other charitable institutions mentioned in the
charter. It appears the legal import of the charter was not to grant the
property upon trust to employ the whole of the rents and profits to the
maintenance of the charities, but to make a beneficial grant of it to the
corporation, coupled with a condition that they should, out of the income
they thus acquired, sufficiently maintain the charitable institutions
therein specified. The school premises comprise two houses, in which the
master resides. About fifty years ago, the premises were nearly rebuilt,
at a cost of £700. The school is open to the whole town, without any
limitation of number, on payment of £3 annually. Four of the boys,
nominated by the bailiffs, receive a benefaction of £2. 13s. 4d. per
annum, under the will of _Dr. Langford_. The school is also entitled to
two exhibitions of £45 to Baliol College, Oxford, for 11 years, founded
by the _Rev. Richard Greaves_ in the year 1704. There are also three
exhibitions of £50 for three years to any college in Oxford, Cambridge,
or Durham. It is stated in the particular of the Guild estate, that
“there is an almshouse to the Guild appertaining, with thirty-three
chambers therein inhabited by poor people, according to the foundation
and ordinance of _John Hoyser_, to every of which poor people is weekly
allowed 4d.” THE PALMERS GUILD was a religious fraternity, established
about the year 1248, for the relief of the poor, and for the
administration of charitable bequests. Before the period of the
Reformation, their funds had increased so considerably that they formed a
college, with a warden for three priests, and maintained the above
almshouse for thirty-three poor people, and the grammar school. On the
passing of the Municipal Act, in 1835, it became necessary to separate
the charity from the municipal property; and, after much litigation,
lands yielding a clear rental of £1,800 a-year were secured to the
charity for the purpose of maintaining the above-named objects. The
preacher, now called the lecturer (and who, as well as the assistant, is
appointed by the corporation), received from them a salary of £26. 13s.
4d. per annum, when the Charity Commissioners published their report. It
appears that the Palmers Guild had been used to pay yearly to a
schoolmaster, for keeping a free grammar school, £10; to one priest, £6;
and to two others, £5. 6s. 8d. each. The particular duties of these
priests are not specified; but it seems probable that the usher,
preacher, and assistant, were intended to be substituted by the charter
in their stead.
From an old book belonging to the corporation, containing copies of wills
and other documents relating to the charities of the town, it appears
that _James Walters_, _Esq._, in 1624, devised an annuity of £20 to be
paid out of his lands in Stanton Lacy and Richards Castle; £10 thereof to
be distributed among the inmates of the almshouse, and £10 to be bestowed
on the preacher. It appears that a fee farm rent of £24. 13s. 4d.,
reserved by a charter of King Edward IV., out of certain lands granted to
the corporation of Ludlow, and also the rent of £8. 13s. 4d., reserved by
charter of King Edward VI., eventually became vested in the corporation;
and £20 is now paid to the treasurer of the national school, and the
remainder, £13. 6s. 8d., is considered as forming a part of the weekly
payments to the almspeople.
_Thomas Candland_, by will dated 1617, gave a house and shop in Ludlow to
William Bevan and Alice his wife, and their heirs, in trust, that they
should pay annually the sum of 20s. out of the profits thereof to the
bailiffs of the town, to be disposed of by them; to every chamber in the
almshouse, 4d.; and the residue of the said 20s. to such other poor of
Ludlow as they should think fit. _William Archer_, by deed dated 1677,
charged his close, called Sutton’s close, with a yearly rent of 20s., to
be divided among the poor in the almshouse near the parish of St.
Lawrence. _Susan Gay_, by indenture dated 1724, conveyed to Richard
Plummer and his heirs, a piece of land called Old Hill, in Kingsland
parish, in Herefordshire, in trust, that after her death the bailiffs,
rector, lecturer and reader of Ludlow for the time being, should receive
from the rents and profits thereof an annuity of £7 for ever; £6 thereof
to be yearly distributed among the poor of the almshouses in the upper
room and in Corve street, and 20s. to the person who received the rent
and looked after the estate. An annual sum of 13s. 4d, from one of the
Earl of Powis’s stewards, which is distributed among the 33 almspeople in
the upper almshouse. The origin of this payment is not known. _Mary
Beetenson_, who died about the year 1806, bequeathed to the bailiffs of
the town of Ludlow, and their successors, the sum of £100, to be placed
out at interest, and distributed to the poor people inhabiting the
almshouse opposite the church of St. Lawrence. _Ann Smith_ in 1809 gave
£50 to the corporation of Ludlow, in trust, to be placed out at interest,
and distributed in coals to the poor inhabiting the upper almshouse.
_Susannah Smith_, by will in 1801, gave to the rector of the parish of
St. Lawrence, in Ludlow, the sum of £100 to be placed out at interest,
and distributed among the inhabitants of the almshouses near the church.
These small payments amount annually to the sum of 12s. 5¾d, for each of
the almspeople.
_Charles Foxe_, by his will dated 1590, after reciting that he had lately
purchased the chapel of St. Leonard, in Corve street, Ludlow, and a
parcel of ground near thereto, whereon he had begun to erect four
almshouses, for four poor and impotent persons, gave and bequeathed to
certain trustees, in trust, four messuages, and all lands, tenements and
hereditaments, with their appurtenances, situated in the city of
Worcester, of the annual value of £8; to be by them so settled that out
of the rents £4 should be paid to the four poor persons in the almshouse,
and divided amongst them quarterly. To the curate of Ludford, or some
other sufficient minister, for reading divine service to the poor there,
the sum of 40s. yearly. To some learned preacher for a sermon in the
said chapel at Christmas, 6s. 8d.; and the like sum for a sermon there in
Lent. And the residue of the rents (being £1. 6s. 8d.) he directed to be
employed for the necessary repairing the said almshouses and chapel, and
other necessary charges. He gave two bells to be hung up in the steeple
of the chapel. About the year 1751 the chapel had gone greatly to decay,
and the houses in Worcester become so ruinous and incapable of repair,
that in 1758 the ground on which the tenements stood was let on building
leases, at an annual rent of £11. 9s. 6d., for 99 years. James Foxe the
trustee, by deed in 1769, conveyed to the bailiffs, burgesses and
commonalty of Ludlow, the aforesaid premises, in trust, for the support
of the almshouse, in consequence of his residing so remote from Ludlow.
The present income of the charity is £14. 13s. 10d. The almshouse
consists of four dwellings, with a garden to each, and is inhabited by
two poor persons from the parish of Bromfield, and two from Ludlow; who
also receive from the corporation 1s. 6d. per week each, and 3s. 2d.
yearly from Mrs. Susan Gay’s benefaction.
_Thomas Lane_, by will in 1674, after giving certain legacies, bequeathed
all the rest of his estate to Sir Job Charlton and two others, to be
disposed of by them as he should appoint; and in default of such
appointment, to some charitable use according to their best discretion.
From the will of Sir Job Charlton, bearing date 1691, it appears that the
money derived from this bequest had been employed in repairing and
furnishing an old house which had been granted to the trustees by the
town of Ludlow, and in purchasing certain lands in Middleton of the
annual value of £30. Under the residuary clause of Thomas Lane’s will, a
reversion passed to the use of this charity of a dwelling house, a
garden, and two meadows, containing 5A. 1R. 9P. of land, which had been
granted to his wife by a codicil to his will. These lands, comprising an
area of 74A. 2R. 9P. of land, and let at an annual rent of £44 per annum,
were exchanged in 1790 with C. W. B. Rouse, Esq. for meadow and pasture
lands, situated in Stanton Lacy, containing 41A. 3R. 7P. of land, let for
£56 per annum. At the time the charity commissioners published their
report, the income of the charity amounted to £120, (exclusive of the
interest of £216. 8s. 3d., the amount of a balance due in 1816, arising
from savings of income,) which was applied in paying to the governor of
the workhouse a salary of £20; in disbursements for taxes and repairs of
the building and furniture; and in providing flax, hemp and yarn for
making stockings, and leather for shoes, for the poor people in the house
to work up.
_Thomas Lane_, by a second codicil to his will, in 1676, devised his
closes of meadow and pasture land, lying near the east side of Broad
street, in Ludlow, to be conveyed to feoffees in trust, that the rents
and profits should be weekly disposed of in bread and money to twelve
poor widows of the town of Ludlow. The land contains 1A. 3R. 34P., which
produces an annual income of £23. 10s.
From an entry in an old book belonging to the corporation, it appears
that _Evan Phillips_ gave £22 to remain a stock for ever for the poor of
the town of Ludlow; and directed certain trustees to dispose of the same
in the purchase of lands, or otherwise, as they should think fit; the
profits of the £20 to be given to twelve poor persons, and the remaining
40s. to be spent by the trustees, for their recreation, at their meetings
on the business of the charity. It appears from the same book that he
also gave a judgment debt of £10, due to him, for the use of six more
poor persons of Ludlow. There is now a piece of land in Lynney
appropriated to this charity, called the Poor’s Close, containing 3R.
26P., which is let at an annual rent of £13; of which £12. 6s. 8d. is
distributed among eighteen poor persons by the bailiffs of the town.
_Richard Davies_, by will dated 1699, bequeathed £100 to be laid out in
lands, in trust, to distribute the rents and profits among eight poor
widows of Ludlow, not partakers of any other charity in the town. In
respect of this sum the corporation make an annual payment of £6, which
is distributed as the donor directed. _Eleanor Handford_ left £25, the
interest thereof to be given to ten poor persons in Castle street ward on
Good Friday, yearly. _John Long_, by will, gave to the poor of the
parish of St. Lawrence, in Ludlow, the sum of £20, the interest thereof
to be distributed among the poor. There is also found copied into the
charity book a statement that Mrs. Robinson left £100 to the poor of
Ludlow, the interest to be applied as follows; viz.: 50s. to the Charity
school, and 50s. to twenty poor housekeepers, to be named by the bailiffs
and rector on St. John the Evangelist’s day.
_Thomas Meyricke_, by will, dated 1724, bequeathed to the bailiffs,
burgesses, and commonalty £40, in trust, to lend it from time to time to
four poor tradesmen, not being ale sellers for three years, without
interest, in sums of £10 each, upon sufficient security. _Sir Timothy
Tourueur_, _Knight_, also gave £100, to be lent for a like time to four
young tradesmen upon good security. Thomas Meyricke also bequeathed £40,
the interest to be paid to the charity schools at Ludlow.
_Richard Gwilliams_, by will, dated 1629, gave to the parson of Ludlow
and vicar of Leominster, and the vicar of Kings Capel £3 a year, issuing
out of all his messuages, lands, tenements, and hereditaments in the
county of Hereford, to the intent that they should distribute 20s.
thereof yearly to the poor impotent people of each of those places.
_Charles Sonnibank_, _D.D._, by deed dated 10th of October, 10th Charles
I., after reciting a grant made by him to Margaret Postern and her heirs
of a messuage and lands containing about 155 acres, situated at Brome, in
the parish of Hopesay, in Shropshire, reserving to him and his heirs a
rent of £13. 6s. 8d., granted the said rent to trustees, in trust, to
distribute it among ten poor widows inhabiting Ludlow, in weekly payments
of 6d. each, and the parson to retain 6s. 8d. for his care in receiving
it.
_Robert Horne_, by will, dated 1640, gave to the rector and rectors of
the parish church of St. Lawrence, in Ludlow, for the time being for
ever, a rent charge of £10 per annum issuing out of lands in the parish
of Kingsland, in the county of Hereford.
_Jane Higginson_, by will, dated 1707–8, gave £5 per annum to five
decayed tradesmen’s widows in Ludlow, for keeping clean the chancel of
the church, to be paid on the 28th day of February. She likewise gave an
annuity of £5 to the rector of Ludlow and his successors for ever.
_The Rev. Richard Morgan_, in 1766, left £140, in trust, the interest
therefrom to be expended in teaching poor children. The present fund
derived from this bequest is £120, three per cent. consols, the dividends
of which are £3. 12s. per annum, which is now paid to the national
school. There was an ancient charity school in Ludlow called the Blue
Coat School, which has formed the basis of a national school now
established there. It has been seen in the report of Tonlyne’s charity
that in the year 1716 it was ordered by the corporation that £20 should
be secured to the trustees of this charity school out of the tolls of the
market, as forming part of Mr. Tonlyne’s charity. From an entry in the
corporation ledger in 1782 it appears that this sum of £20 was paid by
the chamberlain to the treasurer of the charity school till the 28th of
October, 1761, from which time it had been in arrear; and that this
arrear, together with the interest of the several sums of £100, £50, and
£40 due to the charity school on several bonds from the corporation, then
amounted to the sum of £629, which sum was afterwards invested in the
purchase of £1,000, three per cent. consols. It appears from the ledger
that on the 29th of October, 1806, a further arrear of the annuity and of
the interest on the bonds had occurred, which left a balance due from the
corporation of £458. This balance it was resolved to apply in the
purchase of a schoolhouse, which was effected in 1815. The purchase
money of this house, with the charges of repairing and fitting up,
amounted to £600. 13s., exceeding the amount of the arrears by £142.
13s., which was paid out of the corporation funds. From the year 1806
the annuity of £20 was paid by the charity school till its combination
with the national school. The house is now used for the female
department of the national school. The children of the Blue Coat School
were clothed, and accordingly clothing to the amount of £27 a year is now
given to children in the national school, chosen by the subscribers in
rotation. These children are also put out apprentice with a premium of
£3 each.
_Thomas Hollingworth_, by will, dated 1809, gave £50 four per cent. bank
annuities, to be transferred to the rector and churchwardens of St.
Lawrence, Ludlow, the dividends to be laid out in bread and distributed
at Christmas to poor widows, inhabitants of the said parish. _Richard
Nash_, by will, dated 1814, gave to the ministers and churchwardens of
the parish of St. Lawrence, Ludlow, £100, the interest thereof to be
distributed among the poor of the parish. _Lost Charities_: Among the
books of the corporation are mentioned charities left by six several
donors, amounting in the whole to £200, which have long been lost to the
poor.
Letters arrive from London and Shrewsbury at 8 A.M., Birmingham and
London 8.45 P.M., Hereford, &c., 9.58 A.M., and Worcester at 11.58 A.M.,
and are despatched to London and Shrewsbury at 4.50 P.M., Birmingham 8.45
A.M., Hereford, 2.47 P.M., and Worcester at 1.30 P.M.—_Eleanor Sankey_,
_post-mistress_.
Acton Capt. Edward, Gravel Hill
Barnes Thomas, wool agent, Castle street
Baxter Mrs. Elizabeth, Broad street
Breakwell Mr. Thomas, Friars Cottage
Brittle Mrs. Penelope, Broad street
Bryce Dr. Charles, Broad street
Burlton Miss Ann, Mill street
Butler Miss Sarah, Mill street
Calvert Mrs. Hannah, Old street
Childe Mr. Thomas, Corve street
Crocker Joseph, inland revenue officer, Corve street
Davenport Mrs. Mary, Bull Ring
Davies Mrs. Ann, Mill street
Davies Miss Mary, Mill street
Davies Rev. Theophilus, (Independent), Brand lane
Dean Rev. Wm., (Prim. Meth.), Old street
Gardner Mr. William, Upper Gaolford
Greenhouse Mrs., Old street
Griffiths Mrs. Ella, Dinham
Hammond Richard, town crier, Old street
Hodges Mrs. Elizabeth, Broad street
Hodges Miss Ann, Cave street
Hodson Mr. William, Castle street
Hookey George, gentleman, Corve street
Hutchings Hubert, Esq., Broad street
Jefferson Mrs. Mary, Mill street
Jenson Mary, poulterer, Harp lane
Jones Robert, superintendent of police
Jones Miss Selina, Brand lane
Lambe Mr. William, Corve street
Lambe Mrs. Sarah, Mill street
Leake Mr. John Linney
Ledderdale Miss Margaret, Corve street
Leech Mr. Edward, Corve street
Locke Rev. John, (Wesleyan), Old street
Mallett Mrs. Mary, Corve street
Maund Mrs. Sarah, Mill street
Middleton Rev. Joseph (Prim. Meth.), Old st
Owen Mr. John, Corve street
Pardoe Miss Isabella, Broad street
Page Mrs. Martha
Parry James, pump maker, Brand lane
Parsons Mrs. Hannah, Brand lane
Penny Mr. John Dingham
Penwarne John, Esq., Mill street
Phillips Rev. John, Broad street
Pillinger Maria and Charlotte, Italian warehouse, Bull Ring
Price John, manager of gas works, Upper Gaolford
Pritchard Mrs. Ann, Corve street
Ree Adam, organist, Mill street
Robinson John, parish clerk, Dinham
Rocke, Eytons, Campbell, and Co., bankers, Broad street
Russell Miss Ann, Mill street
Russell Mr. Benjamin, The College
Salwey Mrs. Isabella, Broad street
Sargeant Richard, supervisor, Corve street
Smith Mr. Jacob, Dinham
Smith The Misses, Broad street
Stott Rev. Ralph, (Wesleyan), Lower Broad st
Swainson Rev. Edward C., Broad street
Taylor Mrs. Elizabeth, Dinham
Thomas John, Esq., Dinham House
Thomas Mrs. Jane, Old street
Thomas Edward, warden, Almshouses, The College
Vaughan Mr. Brettle, Castle street
Warman George, horse trainer, Raven lane
Wayn Mary, stamp office, Corve street
Weems Mrs. Mary, Corve street
Wellings Capt. George, Brand lane
Williams John, town clerk, Mill street
Woodyatt Mary, fancy repository, High st
Academies.
_Marked * take Boarders_.
Copner Maria, Linney
* Evans Caroline, Castle st
* Evans Thomas, Old street
* Harley Elizabeth, Linney
* Lewis Misses, Corve street
Legge John, College
National, John Robinson and Charlotte Baker
* Powill E. & C., Castle st
* Russell Horatio, Mill street
Williams John, Mill street
Willis Rev. Arthur, (Free Grammar School), Mill st
Whitwell Thomas, Old street
Accountants.
Oliver Samuel, Old street
Whitwell Thomas, Old street
Agricultural Implement Maker.
Hodges Chaplin, Dinham
Artists.
Gill George, Mill street
Gwynn William, Corve street
Attorneys.
Anderson George & Rodney, Mill street
Clark Lutrell, Mill street
Dansey George, Castle street
Lloyd John, Brand street
Russell Charles, College
Salwey Humphrey, Guildhall
Southern Francis, Mill street
Urwick & Marston, Castle st
Weyman Thomas, Corve st
Williams J. & Son, Guildhall
Auctioneers and Valuers.
Bach James, Broad street
Crosse John, High street
Davies William, Guildhall
Griffiths Thomas, Bull ring
Bakers and Flour Dealers.
Christmas William, Corve st
Collings George, Bell lane
Crundell James, Tower st
Davies John, Lower Broad st
Gatehouse Richard, Corve st
Harris William, Harp lane
Holloway Charles, Old street
Jacob Joseph, Old Gate Fee
Leary Edward, Tower street
Lewis Thomas, Bull ring
Whatmore John, Broad st
Bankers.
Shrewsbury and Ludlow Old Bank, Broad st. Rocke, Eytons, Campbell, &
Co.; draw on Robarts and Co., London
Ludlow & Tenbury Banking Company; draw on Barnett and Co., London. H.
Whittall, manager
Basket Makers.
Price Edward, Corve street
Price Joseph, Lower Gaolford
Blacksmiths.
Lowe Joseph, Corve street
Pillinger Sarah, Bull ring
Pound John, Raven lane
Pugh Richard, Raven lane
Rudd Thos., Lower Gaolford
Booksellers, Binders, Printers and Stationers.
Evans John, Castle street
Felton William, Narrows
Griffiths Thomas, Bull ring
Griffiths Thos. jun., Narrows
Humphries George, Bull ring
Jones Richard, Broad street
Partridge Edward, Broad st
Woodyatt William, High st
Boot & Shoe Makers.
Ashcroft Edward, Bull ring
Baker John, High street
Barker Thos., (and Grindery dealer), Brand lane
Byrne Hugh R., Brand lane
Evans John, Bull ring
George James, Raven lane
King Henry, Bull ring
Morris Thomas, Old street
Needham John, High street
Pearce Alex., Lower Broad st
Pugh William, Bell lane
Robinson John, High street
Venables Charles, Broad st
Watkeys Mary, High street
Wilkes Ricd., Lower Gaolford
Brazier & Tin-plate Worker.
_See also Ironmongers_.
Cobbin Jph., Upper Gaolford
Builders.
Atkins Robert, Corve street
Griffiths Jno. Lower Gaolford
Grosvenor John, Bell lane
Smith Blakeway, Corve street
Stead Edward, St. John’s
Brick & Tile Manufacturer.
Sheffield T. Upper Gaolford
Butchers.
Chipp S., Tower st. & Bell ln
Coleman Thomas, Broad st
Dayus Samuel, Bull ring
Griffiths John, Old street
Nash John, Bull ring
Pitt Benjamin, High street
Preen Thomas, Old street
Price John, High street
Price Richard, Bull ring
Towers, John Harrows
Williams Charles H., Harp ln
Cabinet Makers.
_Marked * are Upholsterers_.
* Bowen Thomas, Bull ring
* Davies William, Bull ring
Harper Joseph, Broad street
Price Edward, Castle street
Carvers and Gilders.
Bowen Richard, Old street
Gwynn William, Old street
Chemists & Druggists.
Cocking George, Bull ring
Foster Edward, Castle street
Grounds Ambrose, King st
Grieves John E., Old street
Marston Richard, Broad st
Coach Makers.
Griffiths James, Raven lane
Hunt Thomas, Raven lane
Rollings Elias, Upper Gaolford
Confectioners.
Crane Thomas, Bull ring
Crundell James, Tower street
Lewis Thomas, Bull ring
Powell George, Narrows
Taylor William, Broad street
Coopers.
Bayliss Thomas, Bull ring
Cooke James, Bull ring
Green Geo., Lower Gaolford
Price Edward, Corve street
Sankey Jeremiah, Broad st
Sankey Mry, Lower Gaolford
Curriers and Leather Cutters.
Griffiths Margaret, Narrows
Lello Thomas, Bull ring
Mantell Fred., Lower Gaolford
Cutlery Dealer.
Bursnell Francis, Tower st
Farmers.
Ball Richard, Broad street
Griffiths George, Bull ring
Hand James, Corve street
Fellmonger.
Weaver Joseph, Tower street
Fire & Life Offices.
County.—E. Foster, Castle st
Merchants’ and Tradesman’s.—Geo. Cocking, Bull ring
North Wales.—Philip Wayn, Corve street
Norwich.—William Felton, King street
Phœnix.—Thos. Laurence, Broad street
Salop.—Richard Marston, Broad street
Sun.—T. Griffiths, Bull ring
Fishmongers.
Messer James, Bull ring
Russell Mr., Old street
Williams William, High st
Fruiterer.
Humphries George, Bull ring
Furniture Broker.
Williams William, High st
Glass and China Dealers.
Brown Elizabeth, Bull ring
Crump Ann, Broad street
Milner Benjamin, Harp lane
Jolley Sarah, Broad street
Jones Edward, Broad street
Glover.
Bottomley Mary, Bull ring
Grocers, Tea Dealers, and Cheesemongers.
Bowen John, Narrows
Brown Charles, Tower street
Harding William, Narrows
Hawkins Joseph, Broad st
Mason Charles, King street
Morris Benjamin, Tower st
Morris Thomas, Castle street
Patrick William, Old street
Penny William, Bull ring
Pugh George, Harp lane
Reynolds John, Bull ring
Stokes Mary, High street
Valentine Samuel, Broad st
Gun Makers.
Holland Titus, Old street
Lonorgan Timothy, Old st
Hair Dressers and Perfumers.
Anthony John, Bull ring
Crundell George, Broad st
Griffiths Catharine, Broad st
Pearce Benjamin, King st
Hat Manufacturers.
Ashworth John, Broad street
Jones Blanch, High street
Hop Merchants.
Lloyd Henry, Old street
Rawlins William, Corve st
Hosiers.
Jones Mary Ann, Broad st
Powell Edward, High street
Hotels, Inns, and Taverns.
Angel, Eliz. Cooke, Commercial Inn & Posting House, Broad street
Barley Mow, Eliz. Juckes, Broad street
Bear and White Lion, Mary Ann Harrington, Bull ring
Bell, Ths. Js., Upper Gaolford
Bell, Jas. Pillinger, Lower Broad street
Black Boy, Thomas Jenkins, Tower street
Blue Boar, J. Davies, Mill st
Bricklayers’ Arms, Andrew Fielding, Upper Gaolford
Bull Inn, William Whiteman, Commercial Inn & Posting House, Bull ring
Coach and Horses, Henry Oliver, Bell lane
Compasses, J. Pearce, Corve st
Crown and Horse Shoe, G. Davies, Lower Broad st
Dolphin, Thomas Cooper, Upper Gaolford
Eagle, Jno. Mantell, Corve st
Elephant & Castle, Matthew Evans, Bull ring
Feathers Hotel, T. Prothero, Commercial Inn & Posting House, Bull ring
Fox, Esther Davies, Upper Gaolford
Friars, John Hancock, Old st
George Inn, Margaret Bach, Castle st
Globe, William Coates, Hand and Bell lane
Golden Lion, Wm. Morris, Old street
Green Dragon, Ed. Edwards, Corve street
Green Dragon, Tho. Hodges, Old street
Greyhound, Wm. Thompson, Upper Gaolford
Half Moon, John Davies, Lower Gaolford
Hand and Bell, Jas. White, Hand and Bell lane
Harp, James Dye, Harp lane
Hop Pole, Jno. Wems, Mill st
Horse and Jockey, Wm. Key, Old Gate Fee
Horse Shoes, William Lugg, Upper Gaolford
Mitre, Robert Allum, Corve st
Lowe Frederick, beerhouse, New road
King’s Arms, Ann Owen, Bull ring
Knight John, beerhouse, Lower Broad street
Nag’s Head, James Evans, Corve street
Old Red Lion, Timothy Price, Hand and Bell lane
Ozyer John, beerhouse, Old Gate Fee
Paul Pry, Richard Powis, Lower Broad Street
Pheasant, Henry Hardwick, Tower street
Plough, Thomas Whatmore, Raven lane
Plumbers’ Arms, Jas. Collier, Raven lane
Portcullis Arms, Ed. Painter, Gaolford
Prince of Wales, Wm. Pea, Raven lane
Queen’s Arms, Richard Bird, Corve street
Queen’s Head, Tho. Sheldon, Lower Gaolford
Railway Arms, Hy. Thomas, Old Gate Fee
Ram, John Evans, Corve st
Raven, Jas. Harding, Upper Gaolford
Raven, Rd. Pugh, Raven lane
Rose and Crown, Thomas Amies, Bull ring
Royal Oak, William Pearce, Lower street
Spread Eagle, Ann Ellis, Corve street
Star and Garter, Thomas Coston, Corve street
Sun Inn, William Shepherd, Castle street
Talbot, Jph. Weaver, Tower st
Three Tuns, Thomas Dunn, Mill street
Trotting Horse, Richard Coleman, Corve street
Unicorn, Hny. Oliver, Corve street
Wheat Sheaf, Thomas Humphries, Lower Broad st
White Hart, Thos. Berrington, Old street
Wright John, beerhouse, Lower Broad street
Ironmongers.
Cooper & Bluck, Castle st
Egginton Edward, Bull ring
Hodges Chaplin, Dinham
Penny Thomas, Bull ring
Smith John C., King street
Joiners.
Davies Samuel, Raven lane
Evans John, Mill street
Smith Rd., Lower Broad st
Land, Estate, & House Agents.
Baines Thomas (wool agent), Castle street
Harrison John (wool agent), Linney
Linen and Woollen Drapers and Silk Mercers.
Boulton Francis, Corve street
Evans James, The Cross
Gardener Robt. G., Bull ring
Harding Jas. & Ewd., High st
Harper Charles, High street
Jones Wm. & Harley, High st
Leake James, Castle street
Shepperd John, Broad street
Steward Mr., Narrows
Maltsters.
Acton William, Corve street
Atkins Robert, Corve street
Corfield John, Corve street
Davies Richard, Corve street
Harding Henry, Corve street
Hand James, Corve street
Hockey James, Old street
Jones James, Bull ring
Jones John, Corve street
Lloyd Henry, Old street
Rawlins Wm., Corve street
Smith John, Corve street
Millers and Corn Dealers.
Harding William, Mill street
Hockey James, Old street
Williams Joseph, Dinham
Whatmore John, Broad street
Milliners & Dress makers.
Cartwright Martha, Corve st
Daniel Decime & Catherine, Corve street
Glaye Matilda, Broad street
Hotchkiss Elizabeth, King st
Heighington Harriet, Brown street
Jones Ann M., Broad street
Lello Mary, Bull ring
Montgomery Margaret
Pearce Sarah, King street
Price Sarah, Castle street
Poole Mary, Harp lane
White Mary, Corve street
Millwright.
Hodges Chaplin, Dinham
Nursery and Seedsmen.
_Marked * are Nurserymen only_.
Bowen Ann, Broad street
Cooke Ann, Raven lane
* Cox Elizabeth, Old street
Hand James, Corve street
* Pillar Thomas, Old gate fee
* Rooke Owen, Corve street
* Tyler William, Old street
Painters.
Bowen John, Broad street
Cooke Thomas, Old street
Gwynn William, Old street
Osborn John, Old street
Powell Edward, Castle street
Powell Samuel, Raven lane
Ward James, Raven lane
Wayn Philip, Corve street
Pawnbroker.
Collins Francis, Corve street
Paper Manufacturer.
Wade John, Paper mills
Physician.
Bryce Charles, Broad street
Plumbers and Glaziers.
Collins Samuel, Old street
Cooke Thos. (and gas fitter), Old street
Powell Edward, Castle street
Powell Samuel, Raven lane
Round Jas., Lower Gaolford
Ward James, Raven lane
Wayn Philip, Corve street
Williams Richard, Brand lane
Poulterers.
Evans Sarah, The Narrows
Jenson Mary, Harp lane
Professor and Teacher.
Price John (dancing and fencing) Corve street
Saddlers & Harness Makers.
Amies Samuel, Bull ring
Gough John, Castle street
Hotchkiss Thos., King street
Jones James, Bull ring
Roberts Edward, High street
Sharebroker.
Bach James, Broad street
Shopkeepers.
Bradley Thos. Lower Gaolford
Dukes Richd. Lower Gaolford
Frances Rosetta, Corve street
Griffith Martha
Hodnett Martha, Lower Broad street
Jones David, Tower street
Leary Edward, Tower street
Pelly Thomas, Old gate fee
Small Wm., Lower Broad st
Spade Tree Makers.
Harper John, Linney
Sankey Jeremiah, Broad st
Stone & Marble Masons.
Greenhouse John, Broad st
Hammond Andrew, Corve st
Russell Edward, Old street
Russell John, Mill street
Stead Samuel, Castle street
Watkins Jas. Upper Gaolford
Straw Hat Makers.
Baker Maria, High street
Gray Hannah, Bull ring
Powell Jane, Old street
Wall Ann, High street
Surgeons.
Hodges George, Broad street
Hodges Henry, Broad street
Meymott Henry, Broad street
Southern John, Broad street
Valentine Richard, College
Walker Henry, Broad street
Surveyors.
Brettle Cornelius (land and mine), Broad street
Clark Edwin F., Corve street
Evans Herb. (land), Castle st
Smith E. Blakeway, Corve st
Tench John & Richard (and land agents), Church-yard
Tailors.
_Marked * are Woollen Drapers also_.
* Carter John, Narrows
Crosse Samuel, Mill street
Crundell Daniel, High street
Downes Edward, Tower street
* Jones Isaac & Son, High st
Morgan Edwin, Bell lane
Pearce Samuel, Bell lane
* Wall Henry, High street
Wall Richard, Brand lane
Williams Henry, Harp lane
Tanner.
Unwick Benjamin, Corve st
Timber Merchants.
Harper John, Linney
Hind James, Upper Gaolford
Sankey Jeremiah, Broad st
Toy and Fancy Repositories.
Crosse Elizabeth, High street
Crundell George, High street
Woodyett Mary, High street
Trunk Maker.
Powell John, Harp lane
Turner in Wood.
Bennett Wm., Lower Gaolfrd
Veterinary Surgeons.
Cresswell Charles, Broad st
Jones James, Corve street
Watch and Clock Makers.
Ashby John, Raven lane
Edwards Robert, Raven lane
Farmer Joseph, Old street
Payne George, Bull ring
Phillips William, Castle street
Wood Samuel, Bell lane
Whitesmiths.
Day George, Lower Broad st
Halford Thomas, Bell lane
Wells Henry, Old street
Wine & Spirit Merchants.
Evans Edward, The Cross
Massey Francis, Bull ring
Parry Jas., Hand & Bell lane
Powell Edward, Castle street
Sankey Eleanor, Broad street
Woollen Manufacturer.
Evans Wm., Lower Broad st
Carriers.
To SHREWSBURY—Dodd Daniel, Corve street
To WORCESTER—Webb Hry. and James, Upper Gaolford street
THE HUNDRED OF STOTTESDEN.
The hundred of Stottesden is bounded on the north by the Wenlock
franchise, on the south by the hundred of Overs and the county of
Worcestershire, on the east by the liberty of Bridgnorth and the county
of Staffordshire, and on the west by the Wenlock franchise and the
hundreds of Munslow and Overs. Farlow is a detached part of the hundred
of Herefordshire, bounded by this hundred and an isolated part of Overs.
The minerals found in this hundred are coal, ironstone, and limestone.
On the western verge of the hundred is a range of hills, some of which
rise to a considerable altitude; there are also considerable inequalities
of surface, and bold swells in most parts of the hundred. The soil is
various; the land which lies over the limestone is mixed with a
calcareous gravel, and mostly fertile; the soil over the freestone
produces good turnips and barley. The population in 1821, exclusive of
the borough of Bridgnorth, was 12,160; and in 1841 there were 12,282
inhabitants, and 2,426 inhabited houses. At the latter period the
liberty of the borough of Bridgnorth contained 1,231 inhabited houses,
and a population of 6,198 souls. This hundred is divided into the
Chelmarsh and Cleobury divisions.
The Chelmarsh division contains the parishes of Acton Round, Alveley,
Astley Abbotts, Billingley, Chelmarsh, Chetton, Cleobury North, Deuxhill,
Glazeley, Higley, Middleton Scriven, Morville, Neenton, Oldbury,
Quatford, Quatt, Rudge Sheinton, Sidbury, Tasley, and Upton Cressett.
The Cleobury division contains Aston Botterell, Burwarton, Cainham,
Cleobury, Mortimer, Coreley, Dowles, Hope Baggot, Hopton Wafers, Kinlet,
Neen Savage, Stottesden, Wheathill and Farlow chapelry.
ACTON ROUND, OR ROUND ACTON,
in a parish and small village six miles north-east by east from
Bridgnorth, which contains 1,940 acres of land, the rateable value of
which is £1,447. At the census of 1841 there were 36 houses and 180
persons. Population in 1801, 200; and in 1831, 203. Sir John Acton,
bart., is the principal landowner, and lord of the manor. THE CHURCH is
an ancient edifice, situated on an eminence commanding extensive and
varied prospects of the surrounding country. In the church are several
monuments to the memory of deceased members of the Acton family. The
living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of Sir John Acton, Bart.;
Rev. William G. Day is the incumbent.
DIRECTORY.—William Ainsworth, farmer; William Davies, farmer; Rev.
William G. Day, perpetual curate; Margaret Duff, cow keeper; Thomas
Embrey, farmer; Richard Evans, farmer; George Farmer, farmer; Samuel
Littlewood, farmer; William Lowe, farmer; Jasper Madeley, farmer; Francis
Powell, wheelwright; John Powell, bailiff; William Preen, farmer; Charles
Rhodes, farmer; Richard Russell, farmer; Edward Tipton, farmer; Henry
Wadlow, farmer, the Hall.
ALVELEY
is a considerable parish in the Chelmarsh division of the Stottesden
hundred, which comprises the townships of Alveley, Nordley Regis, and
Romsley Liberty. Population in 1801, 791; 1831, 949; 1841, 1,062; 1851,
1,041. The parish is bounded on the western side by the river Severn, on
the south and east by the county of Stafford, and on the north by the
parishes of Quatt and Claverley. The soil in this parish is variable; in
some parts a red sand and loamy earth prevails, and in other parts it is
light and sandy. The farms are generally large, and particular attention
has been paid to draining and the improvement of the lands; the farm
houses are mostly of brick, and have been greatly improved of late years.
The village of Alveley is well built and pleasantly situated, six miles
and a half south from Bridgnorth, and eight miles north from Bewdley.
The township in 1841 contained 187 houses and 914 inhabitants; and has
5,147A. 2R. 37P. of land, 122A. 3R. 15P. of which are in woods and
plantations. Rateable value, £5,601. Among the landowners are Miss
Green; Mrs. Brittle; Mr. John Crowther; Mary Hayward; Rev. William
Wakeley; Trustees of Claverley school; Mr. Edward Hughes; Christ Church
College, Oxford; Mr. Richard Veal; Mr. Homer; Messrs. Tunnicliff; Mr.
John Hall; Mr. William Wyer; Mr. John Stockall; Rev. Dr. Jenkins, dean
and chapter of Bath and Wells; Thomas Beach, Esq.; William Beach, Esq.;
Lord Standford; John Bacon, Esq.; the poor of Alveley; John M. Wingfield,
Esq.; William Trow, Esq.; Mr. William Corser; Mrs. Hand; Mr. Thomas
Feriday; Mr. William Bowen; and others.
THE CHURCH is an ancient structure, dedicated to St. Mary, and consists
of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with a square tower, in which are six
musical bells. The nave is divided from the side aisles by four
semi-circular arches, and there are two side chapels belonging to the
owner of the Coton estate. The tower was taken down and rebuilt in 1666,
part of the chancel was rebuilt in 1585, and the south part was repaired
in 1638. There are several neat tablets. The church will accommodate
416 hearers. At the east end of the church is a large stone coffin. The
living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of Edward G. Gatacre,
Esq.; incumbent, Rev. Robert Augustus Wellesley Considine, M.A. THE
PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, and residence for the teacher, are situated in the
churchyard. It is endowed with certain lands, as will be seen on
reference to the charities, from which the teacher receives £25 per
annum, in consideration of which he teaches a limited number of scholars
free; the rest pay a small weekly stipend; about fifty scholars attend.
The feast is held on the first Sunday after the 15th of August. A court
leet and baron is held for the manor every three years. Stone quarries
near the village are worked to a considerable extent; immense blocks are
raised and worked into grinding stones for gunsmiths and others.
NORDLEY REGIS is a township with a few scattered houses in the parish of
Alveley, pleasantly situated two miles north-east from the church. COTON
is a small hamlet in Nordley Regis. COTON HALL and estate have recently
been sold by E. L. Gatacre to the Rev. Mr. Wakeley. The house is a
stuccoed mansion pleasantly situated on a gentle eminence, commanding
some fine views of the adjacent country. The park comprises about eighty
acres, and is pleasingly diversified with graceful undulations.
ROMSLEY is a township and village situated about two miles east from
Alveley, which at the census of 1841 contained 27 houses and 110
inhabitants; and has 1,900 acres of land, the rateable value of which is
£1,334. 5s. 6d. Abraham Stephen Cresswell, Esq., is lord of the manor
and the principal landowner. Dr. Jenkins is also a considerable owner;
and John M. Wingfield, Esq., the Misses Cresswell, Mr. Richard Palmer,
and Mr. Stephen Cresswell, are also freeholders.
CHARITIES.—_John Grove_, by will, dated 10th of December, 1616,
bequeathed a yearly stipend of £10 to the schoolmaster of Alveley, and a
like yearly payment of £10, to have continuance for ever, to be
distributed among five poor aged and impotent men. For the establishing
of these yearly stipends, the executors purchased a messuage, with the
appurtenances, called Longhurst, situated in Ledbury and Eastnor, in
Herefordshire, which contained 74A. 2R. 4P. of land, and which was
exchanged with Charles Lord Somers in the year 1793 for certain lands in
Alveley parish, containing 111A. 0R. 27P. of land, which was held at the
time the Charity Commissioners published their report at a rent of £73
per annum. The schoolmaster’s stipend was increased in 1800 to £20, and
has since been augmented to £25, with a house rent free, and an allowance
of two loads of coal; and five poor men of Alveley receive from this
charity a yearly stipend of £6 each.
_Thomas Grove_, in 1743, left certain lands, comprising 31A. 3R. 0P.,
upon trust, that the annual rents and profits should be divided among the
poor of the parish of Alveley. The land is let to several tenants, at a
rent of £42 per annum.
This parish participates in the charity of _Mr. William Seabright_, who,
by his will, dated 1620, gave certain premises, the rents thereof to be
employed towards the relief of the poor of several parishes in Worcester,
Stafford, and Salop, of which Alveley is one. The parish receives from
the charity money wherewith to distribute fourteen pennyworth of bread
every Sunday, which is given among the poor.
_James Bowen_, by will, dated 1st April, 1715, gave to the poor of
Alveley the sum of £6, to be put forth at interest by the churchwardens,
and the proceeds to be applied to the purchase of good books, to be
distributed to the poor families of the parish. About thirty years ago
this charity was lost, in consequence of the bankruptcy of the person in
whose hands it was placed.
_George Garbett_, by will, dated 19th June, 1758, bequeathed £100, to be
put out at interest, which was to be disposed of on the 1st of January
every year to such poor persons of the parish of Alveley as should not
receive parochial relief.
_Humphrey Dovey_, in 1700, left £20, the interest thereof to be
distributed among the poor of the parish in bread. In respect of which
forty-three penny loaves are distributed on Good Friday, and forty on St.
Thomas’s day.
_Arthur Arden_ left a piece of land, containing two acres and a half, the
profits of which were to be expended in bell ropes (when required) for
the use of the parish church. At the time the Charity Commissioners
published their report the land was let at a rent of £6 per annum. It is
said the land was given to the parish clerk on condition that he should
find bell ropes, but the original conveyance, which had been kept in the
church chest, was lost about fifty years ago; and it appears that for
more than 100 years the rents of the land have been received by the
parish clerk for his own use, and he has provided the bell ropes as they
were wanted.
_Thomas Russell_, in 1842, gave the sum of £40, and directed the interest
to be appropriated for the benefit of poor parishioners.
POST OFFICE—_At William Evans’s_. Letters from Bridgnorth at 9.45 A.M.,
and are despatched at 3.30 P.M.
ALVELEY DIRECTORY.
Ameys Edmund, farmer
Ameys Thomas, farmer, Dunbolds
Bache William, farmer, Leekhouse
Bacon Jno., farmer, Hall Close
Brewer William, Gorton’s Flour Mills
Bridge James, farmer
Clarke John, butcher and shoemaker
Clarke Stephen, butcher and farmer
Considine Rev. Rbt. Agustus Wellesley, M.A.
Craig John, farmer
Crow Wm., farmer, Turley Green
Davies Henry, farmer
Doolittle Samuel, maltster
Evans George, stone mason and farmer
Evans John, farmer
Evans Thomas, farmer, Moor House
Evans William, postmaster
Fellows Michael, farmer, Pool Hall
Fereday Thomas, farmer
Fox John, farmer
Foxall Mary, farmer, Dod’s Green
Giles Thomas, vict., Bell Inn
Griffiths William, tailor and shopkeeper
Haines Joseph, blacksmith
Harris Rchd., farmer
Hayward John, farmer, The Butts
Hayward Mary, Little London farm
Head John, beer-retailer, Kitlands
Hick Thos., farmer, Hadleys
Higgs John, butcher
Hobbs William, victualler, Squirrel Inn
Hobbis Mary, vict., Three Horse Shoes
Jenning William, shoemaker
Jones James, Hollies farm
Lane John, quarry-master and farmer
Lane Thomas, quarry-master and mason
Lowe Thomas, farmer
Millward John, beerhouse-keeper and wheelwright
Powell Francis, shoemaker
Richards Thomas, farmer
Stockall John, farmer, Cookscroft
Taylor Job, farmer
Veal Rd., farmer, Langford
Walker Charles, butcher and farmer
Warder John, farmer, Hay farm
Webb Benjamin, carpenter
Wilks Jos., farmer, Turley Green
Williams Thos. quarry-mstr.
Wood James, stone mason
Wood James, quarry-owner
Wyer Wm., farmer, Cookscroft
Yates William, wheelwright
NORDLEY REGIS DIRECTORY.
Bache Thomas, Esq., Greenfield House
Berkin Geo., farmer, Astley
Bowen Thomas, farmer
Bowen William, farmer
Cox Thomas, miller, Alan Bridge
Crowther John, farmer, Bolthole
Edmonds William, farmer, High Barns
Edwards Martha, farmer, Hubbolds
Fereday Thomas, farmer, Tuck Hill
Hobbs Wm., farmer, Bird’s Green
Lowe Thomas, farmer, Perry House
Marston George, farmer, Barretts
Massey William, shopkeeper
Nicholls John, farmer
Page William, farmer
Webb Benjamin, shopkeeper, Bird’s Green
Wootton John, beer-retailer
ROMSLEY DIRECTORY.
Cox Thomas, miller and farmer, Alam Bridge
Cresswell Abraham Stephen, Esq.
Cresswell, Ezekiel, farmer, Pool House
Cresswell Nancy, gentlewoman, The Hall
Cresswell Sarah, farmer, The Hall
Cresswell Stephen, farmer
Doolittle Wm., beer-retailer
Edmonds John, farmer, Bowels farm
Foxall John, blacksmith
Foxall William, blacksmith
Gritton Jos., farmer, Harts Green farm
Hincks Wm., farmer, Ulet Hall
Leigh George, wheelwright
Winnell John, farmer, New House
ASTLEY ABBOTTS,
a parish and village in the Chelmarsh division of the Stottesden Hundred,
two miles and a half north from Bridgnorth, contains 3,137 acres of land,
intersected by the Broseley turnpike road and the Tasley and Linley
streams, and is bounded on the eastern side by the river Severn. 193
acres are in woods, plantations, and water. The soil in some parts is a
mixture of earth and sand, and in other places a strong loam. Rateable
value £4,023. 1s. 2d. At the census in 1801 there were 740 inhabitants;
1831, 666; and in 1841, 657. At the latter period there were 139
inhabited houses. The situation of Astley Abbotts is pleasant and highly
salubrious, and there are several handsome residences. The farms are
mostly of considerable extent, and by a judicious outlay of capital in
draining and other improvements have been brought to a state of great
productiveness. The principal landowners are Thos. Charlton Whitmore,
Esq.; Lady Tyrwhitt Jones; John Stephens, Esq.; Mr. John Ward; Miss
Pilkington; Mr. John Bowen; Rev. C. Whitmore; Lord Forester; Mr. John
Lee; Sir John Acton, Bart.; Mr. Thomas Yapp; and George Pritchard, Esq.
The former is lord of the manor. There are also several smaller
proprietors. THE CHURCH, an ancient fabric neatly pewed with oak
sittings, has a groined roof, resting on hammer head projections, upon
which are carved figures of the apostles. A neat tablet remembers Sir
Tyrwhitt Jones, Bart., F.R.S. and M.P., who died in 1811. The same
tablet also records the deaths of several other members of the family.
An elegant tablet commemorative of Sir Thomas Jones, Knt., is dated 1782.
A memorial of elaborate workmanship to Francis Billingsley, Esq., of
Astley, an officer in the army of King Charles, is dated 1656. It also
records the deaths of various other members of the Billingsley family.
Upon a garland suspended from the sounding board hangs a pair of white
kid gloves, and from an inscription we learn that Henry Phillips died in
1707 when presenting himself at the altar to be married. The lady to
whom he was about to be united survived him but a short period. The
reading desk and pulpit exhibit an exquisite specimen of carved
workmanship. The living is a perpetual curacy, enjoyed by the rector of
Stockton; officiating minister, Rev. John Wing, B.A. The lord of the
manor is patron of the living. The tithes are commuted for £220. ASTLEY
HALL, the elegant mansion of Alfred Darby, Esq., is delightfully situated
near the banks of the river Severn, and presents a beautiful specimen of
the decorative style of the Elizabethan age. The house was originally
built in 1642, but has been greatly enlarged and beautified at subsequent
periods. The pleasure grounds are tastefully laid out, and the park is
richly clothed with sylvan beauty. ASTLEY ABBOTTS HOUSE is an ancient
timbered mansion, the residence and property of George Pritchard, Esq.
ALBYNES, a good house of modern erection, the residence and property of
John Stephens, Esq., is pleasantly situated in a bold undulating
district, and surrounded with park-like grounds. DUNVALL HOUSE, the
property and residence of Mr. John Bowen, is a place of great antiquity,
and was formerly the seat of the Acton family. It is chiefly composed of
massive timber and plaster, and is an interesting specimen of the
domestic architecture of by-gone days.
CHARITIES—_John Huxley_, _Esq._, in the year 1714, gave by his will a
rent charge of 20s. per annum, to be distributed among twenty poor
widows. A sum of £20, supposed to have been left by one _Litttehales_,
was lent to a person named Bache, of Bridgnorth, and afterwards to
William Bourne, a baker, of the same place, who used to send a monthly
supply of bread to the amount of the interest. Shortly before the
Charity Commissioners published their report Mr. Bourne became bankrupt,
and the parish officers had not applied to prove this debt, from an idea
that they had not the means of substantiating the claim. _Mrs. Catherine
Phillips_, by will, 1815, gave to the incumbent and churchwardens of
Astley Abbotts the sum of £300 stock in the three per cent. consols, in
trust, to pay out of the yearly dividends the sum of 20s. among twenty
poor widows on St. Thomas’s day, and the remainder to some proper person
for teaching poor children to read and write, and for bringing them to
church every Sunday in an orderly manner.
Baldwin William, block and pump maker, and vict., Fox and Hounds, Linley
Brook
Bate William, beer-retailer and bricklayer
Bentley John, butcher, Cross Houses
Bowen John, farmer and maltster, Dunvall House
Bromley James, farmer, Frog Mill
Clutton Wm., farmer, Nordley Common
Clutton William, butcher
Cox John, farmer, Binnall
Craig Wm., farmer, Bowlings
Crowe John, farmer
Darby Alfred, Esq., Astley Hall
Downes Edw. farmer, Rhodes
Farmer Thomas, farmer
Hall John, farmer, Raven’s Nest
Jones Thos. market-gardener
Littlewood Jane, beer-retailer, Cross lane head
Lowe Launcelot, beer-retailer, Nordley
Morris Wm., farmer, Severn Hall
Nock Thomas, Severn Hall
Nock Thomas, farmer, Cross lane head
Phillips Richard, farmer
Pritchard Geo., Esq., Astley Abbotts House
Pugh Wm., farmer, Hoard’s Park
Reynolds Mrs., Weavers’ Coppice
Smith Caroline and Sarah, Cantern Bank
Stephens John, Esq., The Albynes
Ward John, farmer & brick maker
Wing Rev. John, B.A., curate
Yardley John, blacksmith
Yardley William, shopkeeper
ASTON BOTTEREL
is a parish and scattered village nine miles S.W. of Bridgnorth,
containing 2,198A. 0R. 14P. of land, the rateable value of which is
£1,960. 11s. 10d. Population in 1801, 247; 1831, 260, and in 1841 173.
The principal landowner is the Duke of Cleveland. John W. Sparrow, Esq.,
John Hincksman, Esq., and Henry George Mytton, Esq., are also
proprietors. The manor of Aston was formerly held under the Fitzalans
Earls of Arundel, by the family of Botterels, from whom it received the
addition of their name to distinguish it from the other Astons in the
county. In the 48th of Henry III. Thomas Botterel had a grant of a
market on Tuesday, and a fair at Michaelmas, and also the privilege of
free warren. At the time of the commonwealth circular letters were sent
to chose one hundred and four godly men to assist Cromwell in his
government, and for this county the choice fell upon William Botterell,
and Thomas Baker.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, is an ancient structure built of
stone, having a square tower, in which are three bells. The interior
contains nave, chancel, and south aisle, in which is a monument to the
memory of John and Mary Botterel, supposed to have been erected about the
year 1585. The side aisle is separated from the body of the church by
three pointed arches. The church was enlarged and repaired in the year
1830, when one hundred and eight free sittings were provided, in addition
to twenty formerly free. The registers of the parish commenced in the
year 1559. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £7. 1s.
0½d. The tithes are commuted for the sum of £345. There are seventy
acres of glebe land. Patron of the living, His Grace the Duke of
Cleveland; rector, Rev. Forbes Smith, B.A.
DIRECTORY.—Rev. Forbes Smith, B.A., The Rectory; Thomas Beddoes, farmer,
Moor Brook; Richard Bishop, farmer, Norton; William Bryan, tailor; Edward
Davies, farmer, Norton; Richard Eddowes, farm bailiff, The Bould; John
Hincksman, farmer, Charlcott; Francis Lawley, farmer and vict., The Fox;
Mrs. Elizabeth Lowe, farmer, Aston Hall; George Meredith, farmer; William
Meredith, farmer; Ann Miles, farmer, Charlcott; Joseph Wellings,
blacksmith; Nathan Weatherall, farmer, Haywood.
BILLINGSLEY,
a parish in the Chelmarsh division of the hundred of Stottesden, six
miles S. of Bridgnorth, is pleasantly situated on the Bridgnorth and
Cleobury Mortimer turnpike road. It contains 1,285 acres of land, the
rateable value of which is £900. 10s. In 1841 there were 29 houses and
149 persons; population in 1801, 320; 1831, 161. The Duke of Cleveland
is the principal landowner. William Lacon Childe, Esq., and the rector
are also proprietors. This place it is said was anciently called
Biligesleague, and that an important congress was held here in 1055
between King Harold and Griffin Prince of Wales, in which they engaged to
maintain peace and mutual good will. Dr. Thomas Hyde, the great linguist
and librarian, was born at this place in 1638. THE CHURCH is a small
structure containing nave, chancel, and has a turret, in which are two
bells. The accommodation of this church was increased in 1836, by which
means twenty additional sittings were obtained, and in consequence of a
grant from the Incorporated Society fourteen of that number are declared
free and unappropriated for ever. The living is a rectory valued in the
king’s book at £4. 13s. 4d., now £195. The Duke of Cleveland is patron
of the living, and the Rev. Thomas Vaughan is rector.
DIRECTORY.—John Barker, blacksmith; Margaret Benbow, farmer, The Hall;
William Birchley, farmer and vict., The Cape of Good Hope; John Green,
shoemaker; Darius Griffin, farmer and carrier to Bridgnorth (every
Saturday); Edward Humphries, farmer, The Oak; John Humphries, farmer, The
Upper House; Rev. William Lewis Jones, curate; Samuel Jordin, farmer;
Mary Lawley, farmer, The Bank; John Parry, farm bailiff, The Hall;
Benjamin Reynolds, shoemaker.
BRIDGNORTH
is a populous and well built market town and borough, both corporate and
parliamentary, having separate jurisdiction, and locally situated in the
Stottesden hundred, 139 miles N.W. from London, twenty miles S.E. from
Shrewsbury, thirteen miles S.W. from Wolverhampton, and eight miles S.E.
from Much Wenlock. The town is situated on the banks of the Severn which
divides it into two portions called the Upper and Lower towns. The Upper
town is on the western bank of the river, on the sides and summit of a
red sandstone rock which rises to the height of near two hundred feet
above the level of the river. The appearance of this part of the town is
remarkably picturesque, and the view is very fine, especially from that
part where the remains of the castle stand, where a terrace walk has been
laid out, overlooking the Lower town, the river, and a widely spreading
country. This walk extends 622 yards, and was much admired by King
Charles I. who was at Bridgnorth three times during the civil wars, and
preferred it to all other terraces, in the kingdom. Persons visiting
Bridgnorth universally consider it highly interesting, and are charmed
with the beautiful scenery it opens to view. The town contains many good
houses and handsome shops in the different branches of the retail trade,
there are also some good family mansions and villa residences, which are
ornamented with pleasure grounds tastefully laid out. Under the brow of
the hill are many rude dwellings cut out of the sandstone rock, with
several caves, over which the inhabitants have gardens, which gives the
whole a very romantic appearance. The road from the Low town to the High
town winds round the rock, but the nearer approaches for foot passengers
are by several flights of steps, one of which called the Stoneway-steps
formed by pebbles secured by a framing of ironwork, consists of 179
steps. The town comprises the two parishes of St. Mary Magdalene and St.
Leonard, and at the census of 1801 had 4,408 inhabitants; 1831, 5,065;
and 1841, 5,770. Rateable value of St. Mary’s parish, £7,402. 12s. 8d.
Rateable value of St. Leonard’s parish, £7,635. 10s. 11d. The principal
trade of Bridgnorth is an extensive establishment for the manufacture of
carpets and rugs, malting, worsted spinning, and boat building. The
town, however, derives its chief importance from its situation on the
river, and is a thriving inland port. A large portion of the labouring
class obtains employment in the navigation of the Severn, but the market
and retail trade with the neighbourhood afford the principal source of
profit to the inhabitants.
Bridgnorth is a place of great antiquity; it was originally called
Brugia, or Bruges, and derived its name from a bridge erected over the
Severn here. The first memorable transaction that we find of this town
was in King Alfred’s days, A.D. 894, when the Danes being driven from
Norfolk, were forced to leave their ships and spend the winter at Brug
upon Severn, on the borders of Wales, where they built a strong fort.
Whether the fort was destroyed by the chance of war we are unable to
discover, but it is stated that Elfled, daughter of King Alfred, repaired
both the town and castle, then fallen to decay. It subsequently
underwent the common vicissitudes of the country, being harassed both by
the Saxons and the Danes, till Roger de Montgomery having obtained a
grant of the earldom of Salop, built a new castle here. Robert de
Belesme, eldest son of the said Roger, in the time of Henry I. declared
for Robert Curthose, and fortified his castle against the king, but after
a siege of three weeks it was surrendered, and with the rest of his
possessions annexed to the crown. In the 16th of Edward III. the
out-liberties of the castle which anciently were held of the Norman earls
of Shrewsbury by the annual service of ten marks, were incorporated with
the town. The fee of the keeper of this castle in the time of Elizabeth
was £9. 2s. 6d. The castle having not been a sufficient defence of the
town without walls about it, therefore in the 11th of Henry III. an aid
was granted for two years for the walling of the town, and six years
after another aid was granted for the same purpose. The first charter of
which any knowledge exists is of the 16th of King John, which grants to
the burgesses of Bruges and their heirs, certain liberties and free
customs, and freedom from toll throughout the kingdom, except within the
liberties of London. The burgesses maintained a suit at law against the
Salopians, who hindered them from bringing raw hides and flannel cloth in
their market, both towns depending on the validity of their charters
which were fully enquired into. In the 10th of Henry III. the grant of a
fair was obtained to be held on St. Luke’s day, which subsequently became
remarkable for the sale of hops, cheese, and walnuts. The burgesses had
liberty in this reign of holding pleas in personal actions, and of
erecting fraternities or guilds of tradesmen. In the 33rd of Edward III.
the inhabitants obtained the grant of a fair to be held at the feast of
the Translation of St. Leonard, and for the three days following. Fairs
are now held on the third Thursday in February, third Tuesday in March,
1st May, third Tuesday in June, first Tuesday in August, third Tuesday in
September, 20th October, and the first Tuesday after Shrewsbury December
fair. The market is held on Saturday, and well supplied with butchers’
meat, butter, poultry, and other provisions of excellent quality. The
corn market is numerously attended, and business to a considerable extent
is usually transacted.
The old corporation consisted of two bailiffs, a recorder, a deputy
recorder, twenty-four aldermen, forty-eight common councilmen, two
chamberlains, and two bridge masters, with a town clerk, sergeants at
mace, and other officers. The bailiffs were justices of the peace, and
justices of the court of record; the senior acted as coroner for the
borough. The recorder held his office for life; his deputy whom he
appointed was always a barrister, and the legal adviser of the
corporation. The bailiffs were chosen every year on St. Matthew’s day,
out of the twenty-four aldermen, in the following remarkable manner:—The
court being met, the names of twelve aldermen, seniors of those then
present, being separately written upon small bits of paper, all of them
of the same size and rolled up close by the town clerk, were thrown into
a large purse, which after being well tossed by the chamberlains was held
betwixt them before the bailiffs, when each bailiff according to
seniority took out a scroll; by these scrolls the callers were fixed, who
immediately mounting the chequer, alternately called the jury out of such
persons as are burgesses, and then presented them to the court to the
number of fourteen; these being all sworn, (neither to eat nor drink till
they, or twelve of them, had made choice of two fit persons, who have not
been bailiffs before for three years), were locked up until they were
agreed, a regulation which has sometimes occasioned long fasting. At the
election in 1793, the jury fasted no less than seventy-four hours. By
the new municipal act, Bridgnorth is governed by a bailiff, or mayor,
four aldermen, and twelve councillors. A commission of the peace has
been granted, and a court of quarter sessions and recorder appointed.
The following is a list of the members of parliament, borough
magistrates, and corporate body, for the year 1851:—
_Members of Parliament_: Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq., and Sir Thomas
Pigot, Bart.
_Borough Magistrates_: Henry Slater Richards, Esq., mayor; William Jones,
Esq., Henry George Mytton, Esq., Thomas Whitmore Wylde Brown, Esq.,
Edward Farrer Acton Esq., Joshua Sing, Esq., Farmer Taylor, Esq., Thomas
Bangham, Esq., Wm Hallen, Esq., and John Stephens, Esq.
_Mayor_: Henry Slater Richards, Esq.
_Aldermen_: John Smalman, Esq., Thomas Nock, Esq., Edward Ridley, Esq.,
and Benjamin Boucher, Esq.
_Councillors_: Thomas Deighton, James Brown Grierson, Joseph Southwell,
Joseph Minton Glase, Samuel Nicholls, James Henry Martin, Robert
Harrison, Joshua Sing, Henry Slater Richards, James Edward Newall,
Frederick Homfray, and William Jones. _Recorder_: Uvedale Corbet, Esq.
_Coroner_: William Dones Batte, Esq. _Town Clerk_: John Jacob Smith,
Esq. _Clerk to Borough Magistrates_: Edward William Hazlewood, Esq.
_Town Crier_: George Evans.
The ruins of a CASTLE fortified by Robert de Belesme, the third Norman
earl of Shrewsbury, are still standing. The edifice was erected on the
site of a former structure, but a portion of the square tower now
standing 17 degrees out of its perpendicular is almost the only relic of
this baronial fortress left. A chapel within the walls of the castle was
made collegiate, and had a dean and six prebendaries. When Robert de
Belesme held this castle in rebellion in 1102, against Henry I., Ralph de
Pitchford behaved himself so valiantly, that the king gave him the little
Brugg near it to hold by the service of finding dry wood for the great
chambers of the castle, against the coming of his sovereign. A romantic
act of loyalty is related of Hubert de St. Clare, who with King Henry II.
was besieging the castle of Bridgnorth, and seeing one of the enemy
taking aim at his sovereign, stepped before him and received the arrow in
his own breast, and therewith his death-wound. In the civil wars the
castle was garrisoned for the King, who marched here from Shrewsbury to
meet the parliamentary army; an engagement took place near to St.
Leonard’s church wherein the royalists were defeated, the castle totally
demolished, and the collegiate church so injured that it had to be taken
down and rebuilt. The GATES and WALLS of the town were thrown down in
the civil wars. The north gate was afterwards rebuilt at the expense of
the corporation, over which is a room now used for the Blue Coat School.
A handsome and substantial stone BRIDGE crosses the Severn, and stands
near the site of a former bridge erected by the Saxons. A _portion_ of
the Lower town is subject to be flooded by the Severn overflowing its
banks. THE RACES have been discontinued for several years, but have been
revived during the present year. The race-course is situate about a mile
from Bridgnorth, in the parish of Tasley. There are BILLIARD TABLES at
the Raven Inn, Whitburne street, and the Star Inn, Underhill street. Mr.
Edwards has generously granted the use of Trap-field for a CRICKET
GROUND.
There is a BOWLING GREEN at the Hundred House Inn, situated about a mile
from Bridgnorth; Mr. George Jarratt is the proprietor. BATHS were
established in 1841 upon the premises of the South Shropshire Infirmary.
The SOCIETY FOR THE PROMOTION OF RELIGIOUS AND USEFUL KNOWLEDGE hold
their meetings annually in December. The depository for the CHRISTIAN
KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY is at Messrs. Wilmot and Brickley’s, Market street.
THE MECHANICS’ INSTITUTION, situated in High street, is furnished with a
library comprising 366 volumes. A reading room has also been
established, which is furnished with periodicals, and some of the leading
London and provincial journals; Joseph L. Whatmore, secretary. THE TOWN
LIBRARY is situated in Castle Terrace, and contains 3,037 volumes; John
Pinkstone is the librarian. The Public Library in St. Leonard’s
church-yard contains upwards of 4,000 volumes. There are also
Circulating Libraries at Mr. Smith’s and Miss Partridge’s. THE STAMP
OFFICE is at Mr. Southwell’s, West Castle street, and the EXCISE OFFICE
at the Castle Inn.
THE TOWN HALL, situated in the centre of the market place, is an antique
structure, built in 1682, and supported by pillars and arches. The large
room is appropriated to the town’s business and magisterial purposes.
The space under the hall is used for the sale of butter and poultry on
the market days. No sessions were held in the town in 1646 by reason of
the war. In this conflict the high town was burnt.
THE INFIRMARY, in Listley street, is a handsome structure salubriously
situated, and constructed with every attention to the convenience and
convalescence of the inmates. This institution was established in 1841,
and is chiefly supported by subscriptions, and a few small benefactions
left by charitable individuals; the Rev. J. Purton is the treasurer.
THE WATER WORKS.—The town is supplied with water raised from the Severn,
and forced by machinery through a four inch main into a tank, situated
upon Castle Walk, which when full is capable of holding about 6,500
gallons. The funds for the support of the works are levied by a rate
upon the inhabitants. These works being inefficient for the supply of
the town, it is proposed to construct a capacious reservoir near Palmer’s
Hospital, six feet above the present tank, and twenty feet above High
street, capable of holding 14,000 gallons, and so to improve the
hydraulic machinery, as to give the inhabitants an abundant supply of
this pure beverage of nature; Mr. Thomas Corser is the superintendent.
THE GAS WORKS, situated on the western banks of the Severn, were
established in 1838, by Mr. Edward, of Wellington. There are two
gasometers for the reception of the luminous vapour, and a charge of 8s.
6d. per cubic feet is made to the consumer; John Lloyd Whatmore, manager.
THE POLICE OFFICE is in East Castle street; Thomas A. Wilmot is the
superintendent. THE LOCKUP is in Whitburne street. The mayor and
borough magistrates hold a court every alternate Monday for the trial of
petty offences committed within the borough. The county magistrates hold
quarter sessions and petty sessions every alternate Saturday, and the
borough has continued to return two members to parliament since the time
of Edward I. The places embraced within the jurisdiction of this borough
are the parishes of St. Mary, St. Leonard, Quatford, Oldbury, Tasley, and
Astley Abbots, and the townships of Quatt, Jarvis, and Eardington, and
the liberty of Romsley. In the year 1850 there were 721 electors to vote
in the choice of members to serve in parliament. Of this number 387 were
freemen of the borough, and the rest electors in right of occupation.
The principal freeholders in the parishes of St. Mary and St. Leonard are
Lord Sudeley, Thomas C. Whitmore, Esq., Sir John Acton, Bart., Trustees
of Christ Church, Oxford, Messrs. Grierson and Law, A. F. Sparkes, Esq.,
Mr. John Green, Joshua Sing, Esq., Earl of Shrewsbury, Robert Harrison,
Esq., Messrs. F. and J. Oakes, Mr. John Reece, Mr. Thomas Southall, Mr.
John Summers, and others, are also proprietors.
THE COUNTY COURT, St. Leonard’s place, for the recovery of debts, and in
all pleas of personal action where the damage does not exceed £50,
comprises the following parishes and townships, namely:—Alverley, Astley
Abbotts, Acton Round, Aston Eyres, Billingsley, Burwarton, Chelmarsh,
Chetton, Claverley, Cleobury North, Deuxhill, Ditton Priors, Eardington,
Glazeley, Middleton Scriven, Monkhopton, Morville, St. Leonard’s, St.
Mary Magdalene, Neenton, Oldbury, Quatford, Quatt, Romsley, Sidbury,
Stanton Long, Tasley, Upton Cressett, and Worfield. _Judge_, Uvedale
Corbett, Esq., Aston Hall. _Clerk_, Harry Childe, Esq. _High Bailiff_,
Mr. John Lacon Bennett. _Appraiser_, George Evans. _Treasurer_, W. B.
Collins, Esq.
THE BRIDGNORTH UNION HOUSE stands in an open and pleasant situation at
the Innage, and was built in 1850, at a cost of £5,299. 17s. 8d., and
will accommodate 200 inmates. The number at present on the books is 53.
The union embraces an area of 68,076 acres of land, and a population of
15,805 souls. The parishes in the union are 29 in number, namely:—Acton
Round, Alverley, Astley, Abbotts, Aston Eyres, Billingsley, Burwarton,
Chelmarsh, Chetton, Claverley, Cleobury North, Deuxhill, Ditton Priors,
Eardington, Glazeley, St. Leonard’s, St. Mary Magdalene, Middleton
Scriven, Monk Hopton, Morvill, Neenton, Oldbury, Quatford, Quatt,
Romsley, Sidbury, Stanton Long, Tasley, Upton Cressett, and Worfield.
_Chairman to the Guardians_, Richard H. Gwyn, Esq. _Vice Chairman_, John
Wilson, Esq. _Clerk to the Guardians_, Arndell Francis Sparkes, Esq.
_Surgeons_, William P. Brookes, Charles Pothecary, William Thursfield,
James H. Martin, and Thomas Haslehust. _Chaplains_, Rev. George Bellett,
Rev. William K. Marshall, and the Rev. Robert A. W. Considine.
_Relieving Officers_, George Griffin and William Wall. _Master and
Matron_, Seth Bennett Barber and Mrs. Barber. _Superintendent
Registrar_, James H. Martin. _Deputy Registrar for Bridgnorth_, William
Roberts.
THE SAVINGS’ BANK is situated in Bank street, the capital stock of which
on November 20th, 1850, amounted to £81,045. 2s. 3d., at which time there
were 2,167 depositors; 60 charitable societies and 24 friendly societies
had accounts with the bank. Of the depositors there were 1,161 whose
respective balances did not exceed £20; 531 were above £20 and not
exceeding £50; 290 were above £50 and not exceeding £100; 102 not
exceeding £150; 59 not exceeding £200; and 24 exceeding the latter
amount. The gross amount of capital invested by the charitable societies
is £5,170. 16s. 1d., and of the friendly societies £2,672 19s.
THE CHURCH of St. Leonard, an ancient and venerable edifice, rebuilt in
1448, was nearly destroyed during the civil wars, but repaired soon after
the restoration. It is built of red sandstone, in the Gothic style of
architecture, and has a massive square tower, crowned with pinnacles,
containing a peal of six bells, a clock, and sun-dial. The interior
consists of nave, side aisles, and chancel, the latter of which underwent
a complete reparation a few years ago. The south compartment is
separated from the body of the church by three arches. The church is
neatly pewed with oak, and in the gallery is a powerful and fine-toned
organ. The roof is supported by a framework of oak, each beam of which
is ornamented by a figure of one of the apostles. The window at the east
end was restored by subscription, and beautified in memory of the late
Thomas Whitmore, Esq., who by will gave the rectoral tithes of
Bridgnorth, due to him as impropriator to the minister of this church,
and also to that of St. Mary Magdalene. On the south side is a stained
glass memorial window, “restored in 1847 in memory of Mr. Boulton,
formerly of the grammar school, by a priest of the English church, as a
poor offering of thankfulness to Almighty God for many means of grace and
good instruction vouchsafed both in this church and at the adjoining
grammar school.” This church had near it a college for the habitation of
two chantry priests, appointed to pray for the rest of the soul of Thomas
à Beckett, archbishop of Canterbury. It was destroyed, with most part of
the high town and church, at the time the parliamentary forces took
possession of Bridgnorth. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the
patronage of Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev.
George Bellett. The tithes are commuted for £308. The parish of St.
Leonard contained at the census of 1841, 627 houses and 2,997
inhabitants.
THE CHURCH dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene is a handsome edifice in the
Grecian style of architecture, built in the year 1792, of white
freestone, at an expense of £6,027. 11s. 9d. It has a tower, surmounted
by a cupola, containing six bells, a clock, and four dials. The interior
is spacious and handsome, and on the western gallery is a fine-toned
organ. The altar is of oak, richly carved. The church is styled in
ancient records, “_Liberia regia capella_;” that is, a free chapel of the
kings, made exempt from episcopal jurisdiction by King John, who
personally visited this town on his way to Worcester. It was made
parochial in 4th Edward III. This church was a free collegiate chapel,
founded by William the Conqueror, consisting of a dean and five prebends.
The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of Thomas Charlton
Whitmore, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. W. K. Marshall. The tithes
are commuted for £268. There are thirteen and a half acres of glebe
land. The parish of St. Mary Magdalene in 1841 contained 577 houses, and
2,773 inhabitants.
THE BAPTIST CHAPEL, situated in West Castle street, is a brick structure,
and will accommodate about 280 persons. It was built in the year 1704.
THE CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH, in West Castle street, is a commodious
edifice, built of freestone in the year 1835. The building has Gothic
windows, ornamented with stained glass. The interior has a beautiful
appearance; the altar is of stone, and there are richly carved oak stalls
and desks for the priests. The seats are all free. “The congregation is
under the rule and government of the apostles, being in charge of an
angel, who, with priests, assisted by deacons, fulfil their several
duties clothed with appropriate vestments.”
THE INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, built of brick in the year 1711, will accommodate
about 400 hearers. It is situated on the Stoneway Steps.
THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHAPEL, situated on St. Mary’s Steps, was erected
in the year 1832, and has since been enlarged. It is now capable of
seating 250 persons. A Sabbath school is connected with the chapel,
where about seventy children attend.
THE NATIONAL AND INFANT SCHOOLS, situated on elevated ground in Listley
street, were established in 1820. There is accommodation in these
schools for 300 children: 150 boys and 50 girls attend. The schools are
supported by annual subscriptions, donations, charity sermons, and small
weekly payments from the scholars. The income for the year ending March
25th, 1851, amounted to £228. 14s. 3d.
THE BRITISH SCHOOL, in West Castle street, is held in a spacious and
convenient room under the Baptist chapel: it is numerously attended.
There is also a school taught in a room over the Independent chapel,
where about sixty children are instructed.
ST. MARY’S SCHOOL, situated in the Low Town, is a commodious building of
brick, erected by public subscriptions in 1847, at a cost of £756.
Upwards of 100 children attend the school.
THE FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.—This school was founded more than three hundred
years ago, by the bailiffs and burgesses, for the purpose of affording,
free of expense, to “_all comers_,” instruction in literature and good
learning, until they shall be capable to be sent to the universities of
Oxford or Cambridge. For the better maintenance of the school, Sir
Rowland Hayward, in 1624, gave a rent charge of £20 per annum; £4 a year
was left by his son; £2 a year was left by Sir John Hayward for the
usher; and £8 a year, called the king’s allowance, was also paid to the
usher out of the audit money. In 1639, the lease of a house was granted
by Sir William Whitmore, at an annual rent of 8s., for a residence for
the master. In 1687 Sir William Whitmore renewed the lease, and by a
covenant therein, bound his successors to continue the lease on the same
conditions, as long as the school should continue to be a free school.
It appears that the master of the free school has always received some
allowance from the corporation, which in 1726 amounted to £10; in 1817 it
was increased to £30; and it was further agreed to supply from the
private funds of those members of the corporation who sent their sons to
this school, as much money as, in addition to the several sources of
emolument before particularised, would make up an annual salary of £100
for the master. For the last two years the grant from the corporation
has been discontinued: it is hoped, however, the corporate body will see
the propriety of renewing their grant. The various bequests to this
school, and the exhibitions at Christ College, Oxford, will be found
noticed with the following account of the general charities of
Bridgnorth.
CHARITIES.—_Edward Careswell_, by will dated 3rd February, 1689, left
certain lands in the counties of Salop and Stafford, in all containing
1,075A. 2R. 23P. of land, chargeable with the maintenance of eighteen
scholars in the college of Christ Church, in Oxford, four of the
aforesaid scholars to be chosen from Shrewsbury Free Grammar School,
three from Bridgnorth, four from Newport, three from Shiffnal, two from
Wem, and two out of Donnington, in the parish of Wroxeter, who were to
receive while undergraduates £18 each for four years, after he should
have commenced bachelor of arts; £21 each for three years, until he
should commence master of arts; and £27 yearly to each for three years
after he should commence master of arts, and no longer. In the year
1813, a considerable surplus of the rents and profits having accrued, the
sum of £1,500 was applied to the purchase of the rectoral tithes of the
Walker’s Low and Walkham Wood farms: and in 1815 the further sum of
£1,515. 7s. was laid out in the purchase of 26A. 0R. 38P. of land, with a
new built brick and tiled barn in the parish of Quatford. This farm had
previously gained an addition of 36A. 1R. 14P., under the Morfe Enclosure
Act; and on the Priors Ditton enclosure, in 1813, an allotment of 10A.
1R. 2P. was awarded to the Sydnall Farm. The tenants of the land
respectively hold from year to year, and the rents are varied from time
to time, as circumstances are found to require. At the time the charity
commissioners published their report, the annual rent was £1,191. 2s.
From the surplus rents and profits there remained on 25th January, 1820,
the amount of £9,394. 7s. 6d. three per cent. consols, and in cash the
sum of £1,093. 18s. 1d.; the former sum affording an income of £281. 16s.
7½d., which, with the rents, make the sum of £1,472. 18s. 7½d. as the
total annual income, which is subject to a charge of £308. 1s. 4d. for
repairs, leaving for the objects of the charity the sum of £1,164. 17s.
3½d. By a codicil to the will of the aforesaid Edward Careswell, dated
24th February, 1689, he devised the sum of £10 to be annually paid to the
minister of Bobbington, in augmentation of his salary, which sum was to
be deducted out of the several allowances of the eighteen scholars, when
the same shall become payable, by an abatement of 11s. 1½d. out of each
of the said scholars’ allowance.
_Arthur Weaver_, _Esq._, by will, dated 27th February, 1709, gave to his
son Anthony and his heirs the granary, and garden thereunto adjoining, in
Bridgnorth, and £112. 12s. 6d. to be disposed of as follows:—First, he
desired that it should be employed for keeping about 900 bushels of corn,
to be bought when it was 2s. 6d. per bushel and sold when it was above
4s. per bushel, and that the residue of the building and garden should be
employed towards the charge of looking after the corn. For perpetuating
the stock, he desired that 2s. 6d. should be reserved out of each bushel
sold, the residue to be given from time to time to the poor housekeepers
having three or more young children of both the parishes of Bridgnorth
only, as also the product of the stock when not laid up in the said
granary, it being found after the testator’s death impossible to comply
with those directions, the sum of £112. 12s. 6d. was placed out at
interest and the interest, as also the rents of the granary, were
distributed as directed by the will. In 1779, by an order, the aforesaid
sum was directed to be invested in the three per cent. consols, and the
interest is now distributed to poor housekeepers. The rents accruing
from these charities are now applied in aid of a free school, called the
Blue Coat School, in which thirty boys are instructed and clothed, and at
the time of their leaving school a small sum is allowed to each scholar
to apprentice him to some trade. The school is situated over the North
Postern Gate.
THE ALMSHOUSES—The earliest mention of the almshouses is contained in a
document preserved among the archives of the corporation, which purports
to be the presentment and verdict of a jury, impanelled at Bridgnorth, on
the 2nd of September, in the 6th year of Charles I., under a commission
of charitable uses, by which they presented that _William Swanwicke_ gave
to divers feoffees, on the 2nd of March, 2nd and 3rd of Philip and Mary,
a tenement and three gardens for the use of the poor almsfolk residing
within the almshouses in Church street of the said town. They further
presented that _Henry Taycock_ gave towards the relief of the poor
almspeople aforesaid a certain close called Brown’s Croft, and seven
acres and two selions of land; and _William Sparry_, by indenture, dated
the 2nd of May, 26th Elizabeth, gave two acres of ground in Astley
Abbotts, for 3,000 years, to the intent that the profits of one acre
should redound to the use of the poor almspeople aforesaid, and the rent
of the other acre to the use of the poor of St. Leonard’s parish.
The sum of £80 was vested by the bailiffs and burgesses in the year 1709,
with other monies, in the purchase of an estate at Higley, of which we
shall give an account when treating of St. Leonard’s parish. In respect
of this, an annual sum of £4 is distributed by the churchwardens of St.
Leonard’s among the twelve almswomen, together with 10s., which in some
of the earlier entries in the parish books is termed “the interest of
£10,” and in others, “the interest of late Milner’s money.”
In a common hall order, dated 18th of January, 1768, reciting that twenty
elms, the property of the almshouses, were sold for £11, it was agreed
that the corporation should take the money, and pay the almswomen 12s.
yearly at Christmas for the same. The corporation likewise pays the sum
of 20s. yearly for the interest of £25, which was left for the use of the
poor people in the almshouses. The inmates have the interest of £100,
left in 1838, by _Mr. Milner_, and of a sum of £37. 5s. 6d., the gift of
_Mrs. Bell_ in 1832. Each almswoman has 3s. 6d. weekly. They are
appointed by the corporation.
_Paul Bridgen_, by will, dated 24th of February, 1769, gave to the
corporation of Bridgnorth the sum of £24, for the poor women of the
almshouses to have a shilling each paid to them on Good Fridays, and one
upon the second day of March, it being the interest thereof.
_Sarah Pardoe_, in 1808, left the sum of £100, to be placed out at
interest for the use of the almshouses. This donation was invested in
the purchase of £156. 3s. 3d. consols, the dividends of which being £4.
12s. per annum, which sum, after deducting charges, is divided among the
twelve poor women in January and July, in shares of 3s. 10d. each.
_Mr. Clark_ left 10s. for a sermon on the 11th day of January, and three
shillings to be given in bread the same day.
_William Taylor_, by will, dated 6th of February, 1735, directed that
every person who should hereafter be an owner of his two freehold
messuages, land, and premises, with the appurtenances, situated in High
street, in the parish of St. Leonard’s, should yearly for ever provide a
dinner on the 26th of December, for the poor persons called
almshouse-women; or, in default, he ordered the sum of £10 to be divided
between the aforesaid almswomen, the same to be chargeable yearly upon
the said messuages and premises.
_Mary Childe_, by her will, dated 27th of August, 1817, and proved in
November, 1819, gave the sum of £100, to be placed at interest on some
good security, and to pay the interest, dividends, and produce thereof,
in equal shares at Christmas, to the almswomen of Bridgnorth.
BREAD FUND.—The almswomen also participate in the general distribution of
bread from the parochial fund of St. Leonard’s, of which we shall give an
account among the charities of that parish.
_Walter Wrottesley_, by will, proved in 1630, bequeathed to the poor
people of Bridgnorth the sum of £100, to be disposed of by the
magistrates of the town as they should think fit. It was resolved in
1633 to repair the conduit pipes of the town with the principal, and that
£5 per annum as interest should be given to the poor of St. Leonard’s and
St. Mary’s parishes; which sum they now receive.
_William Pulley_ bequeathed a house and land, situated in Beauchamp
Roothing, in Essex, on the 20th of December, 1640, to the inhabitants of
Bridgnorth for ever, on condition that they should give £16 every year to
two young men or women who should stand in need of it; and that those who
had it one year should have it no more for the space of three years
after.
_The Rev. Francis Wheeler_, by will, dated 8th of February, 1686, gave
five meadows in St. Mary’s parish, containing 21A. 2R. 5P. of land, on
condition that the sum of £10 should be given to the poor of Bridgnorth,
as an annuity or rent charge; £10 per annum for a sermon to be preached
by the minister of St. Leonard’s on the feast of St. James. And having
further charged the lands with an annuity of 50s. yearly to the curate of
Masemoor, and 10s. to the poor of Willey, he directed that if the rent of
the premises should be improved, the increase of the rents should solely
redound to the settled public preachers of Bridgnorth. The premises were
let in 1818 for a rent of £102. 2s. 6d., which, after deducting the rent
charges, left the sum of £44. 11s. 3d. to each of the two ministers,
subject to occasional expenses for repairs.
_The Spinners’ Money_—It seems that the sum of £215 is in the hands of
the corporation (which was left by Mr. Blakeway, Mr. Lamb, and Mr.
Elliot, for the use of the spinners and carders), for which is paid the
small sum of £3. 18s, 4d. yearly, as interest, which is divided among the
poor of the town.—_Bridge Lands_: There are several tenements in
Bridgnorth, the rents of which are applied to the repair of the bridge,
but when and by whom left is unknown. The annual rents amount to £18.
7s. 2d.
CHARITIES OF THE UPPER TOWN.—PALMER’S HOSPITAL.—_The Rev. Francis
Palmer_, by will, dated 2nd September, 1680, bequeathed the sum of £800,
to be laid out in the purchase of free lands in or near the county of
Salop, of the clear yearly value of £30 per annum; and he also willed
that his executors should cause to be erected an almshouse containing ten
distinct rooms for ten several poor widows of the Upper Town, such as
should frequent the church, and to allow each of them the sum of £3 per
annum, save only repairs to be deducted. The executors purchased an
estate in Hopton Wafers, containing 111A. 3R. 32P., which was let in
1807, at a rent of £93. 6s. per annum; by a valuation of premises made
when the Charity Commissioners published their report it was found that
the annual value was £119. 6s. 3d. From sales of timber in 1797 and
1810, and a donation of £200 in 1803 from the executors of the late Mr.
Hawkins, the sum of £24 is paid to the charity as interest of the money,
in addition to the rent of the land.
_Mary Elton_, by will, dated 24th of September, 1770, bequeathed the sum
of £200, upon trust, to apply the interest for the use and benefit of the
ten poor widows of Palmer’s Hospital.—_Richard Adney_ bequeathed in 1805
the sum of £200, the interest thereof to be divided among the inhabitants
of Palmer’s Hospital.
_William Warter_ gave the sum of £20 to Palmer’s Hospital, in respect of
which 20s. is paid from an estate at Rudge, which formerly belonged to
the donor, on St. Thomas’s day, and distributed among the inmates.
_Bread Fund_.—The poor women of this charity also participate in the
general distribution of bread in the parish of St. Leonard’s.
THE LOW TOWN.—_Sir Robert Lee_, _Knt._, in 1635, bequeathed £100, to be
applied in the purchase of land, the rents and profits thereof to be
given for the use of the poor residing in the Low Town of Bridgnorth.
The money was applied in the purchase of a close containing about five
acres of ground, situated in Oldbury Lordship, the annual rent of which
amounts to about £21, which is distributed as the donor directed.
CHARITIES OF ST. LEONARD’S.—_Henry Bourne_ bequeathed in 1693 the sum of
£50, the interest thereof to be given away to the poor of the parish in
bread every Sunday, as the churchwardens and overseers should think
fit.—_Edward Jackson_, who died in 1709, gave the sum of £100, the
interest of which was to be given to the poor in bread every first Sunday
in the month. In the year 1709 the bailiffs and burgesses of Bridgnorth
purchased an estate at Highley for the sum of £390, which was made up of
the following sums:—£50 of Henry Bourne’s legacy, £100 of Edward
Jackson’s charity, £50 of John Lem’s legacy, the interest of which was
left for the minister of the parish, together with a further sum of £10,
said to be given for putting out apprentices, £80 of the almshouse money,
and the residue, £110, was money belonging to the parish. This estate
consists of 33A. 2R. 20P. of land, which produced in 1820 the sum of £70.
16s. 9½d., and after payment of £4. 10s. to the almspeople, has formed
the basis of a general bread fund.
_John Bennett_, by will, dated 18th January, 1732, gave an annual rent
charge of £5, clear of all reduction, to be paid out of his estate at
Bobbington, to be laid out in bread and given to such poor as attended
church on the days of Wednesday and Friday. He also gave 20s. yearly to
the minister of St. Leonard’s for a sermon to be preached every 10th day
of October. The £5 for bread forms one of the items in the general
distribution.
_John Guest_, by will, dated 15th of December, 1773, gave to the bailiffs
and burgesses of Bridgnorth for the time being the sum of £200, to be put
out at interest, and he directed that the interest of £50, part of the
said legacy, should be laid out in bread and distributed every 9th day of
January, or the Sunday following, at each of the parish churches of
Bridgnorth. This legacy was invested in the three per cent. consols, and
produces the annual sum of £7. 17s. 6d., of which the sum of £1 is
annually paid to the parish of St. Leonard’s, and forms part of the
general bread fund, and £1 to the parish of St. Mary.—_John Guest_, the
younger, by will, dated 10th December, 1780, gave £20 to the two parishes
of Bridgnorth, in trust, to apply the interest annually for the use of
the poor, to be distributed in bread.
_William Guest_, by will, dated 21st June, 1811, bequeathed £400, upon
trust, to apply the interest thereof in the purchase of bread, to be
distributed among the industrious poor of the parish.
_Bread Fund_.—A general distribution of bread is made every Sunday in the
year by the churchwardens to such objects as appear to be most in need,
from the charities of Wheeler, Bennett, John Guest, John Guest, jun., and
William Guest, which in all amounts to £96. 19s. 10½d.
_Edward Guest_, by will, dated 13th March, 1797, bequeathed the sum of
£300, upon trust, to place out the same at interest, and of the profits
thereof to pay one-third part to the minister of the church of St.
Leonard, and one-third part to the minister of St. Mary’s, and he gave to
the churchwardens and overseers of the poor of each of the said parishes
£50, to be by them placed out at interest, and the dividends distributed
in bread at Christmas, to the poor of the said parishes.
The £2. 10s. which the parish of St. Leonard’s receives on account of
Wrottesley’s charity, as stated in the report of the borough, has been
hitherto improperly applied in aid of the poor’s rates.
_Mrs. Law_, by will, bequeathed the sum of £40, upon trust, to place the
same out at interest, or purchase land with it, and yearly to buy as much
cloth or linsey woolsey as the interest or rent would buy, and have the
same made into ten women’s petticoats, and to give the same away at
Christmas to ten poor widows, four of whom should be of the parish of St.
Leonard’s and six of the parish of St. Mary’s. The benefactions to the
minister, amounting to the sum of £65. 11s. 3d. annually, have been
noticed in the preceding pages.
_Mary Elton_, whose bequest to Palmer’s Hospital has been already
mentioned, further gave the sum of £100 towards augmenting the income of
the minister of this parish. There is reason to believe that this sum
formed part of a sum of £200, which the Rev. Thos. Littleton appears to
have deposited in the year 1775 with the Governor’s of Queen Anne’s
bounty, the remaining £100 being probably a benefaction of his own. This
sum, with a like one advanced by the governors, was applied to the
purchase of certain premises, containing, by estimation, about nine
acres, in the parish of Eye, in Herefordshire.
_The Earl of Thanet_ left a legacy of £200 in the year 1776, for the
augmentation of the living of St. Leonard’s Church. The Governors of
Queen Anne’s bounty having added a like sum, the amount was applied in
1777 to the purchase of certain premises at Tenbury, in Worcestershire,
containing about ten acres of land, which produces a sum of £15 annually.
The rents of two houses and a garden have been long applied to the
repairs of the church, but from what source they were derived is unknown.
The annual rents amount to £25. 10s.
CHARITIES OF ST. MARY’S PARISH.—_The Rev. David Llewellin_, by his will,
dated 25th of April, 1794, gave the sum of £50, on trust, to the
minister, churchwardens, and overseers of the parish of St. Mary’s, to
place the same out at interest, on good security, and to apply the
interest thereof to the use of the poor, in such manner as they should
direct.
_Eleanor Church_, by will, dated 1798, gave the sum of £20, the interest
thereof to be distributed in bread the first Sunday after the 26th of
May. _John Guest_ bequeathed a legacy of £20 to this parish, which is
mentioned in our report of St. Leonard’s parish. _Sarah Medlicott_ gave
the sum of £10 in the year 1780, the interest thereof to be laid out in
sixpenny loaves, and given to twenty poor housekeepers of this parish, on
every 14th day of February for ever. BREAD FUND.—There is a general
distribution of bread weekly, amounting in the whole to £10. 8s. per
year. The distribution in September, 1819, appeared to have settled to
the amount of four shillings worth of bread weekly, which was far short
of the amount of the several charities for which the charity trustees
were accountable. _Richard Goodden_, in 1806, assigned four pews in the
church of St. Mary Magdalene to the minister and churchwardens, on trust,
to pay and distribute the rents among poor persons not receiving
parochial relief, in sums of not more than 5s. each. The rents amount to
£3. 18s. annually.
_Mrs. Law’s Charity_; the particulars of which (the parish of St. Mary’s
is entitled to six-tenths) have been given in the report of St. Leonard’s
parish.
_Paul Bridgen_, by will, dated 1763, gave £10 to this parish to purchase
a pew, or part of a pew, in the church, from the rent of which 5s. was to
be given to the minister for preaching a sermon on Good Friday, and one
shilling to the clerk to toll the bell on the said day, and the remainder
to be given to the poor. The benefactions to the minister, amounting to
£49. 1s. 3d., have been noticed in the preceding pages. _William Hand_,
by will, in 1706, bequeathed to the minister of this parish and his
successors, for ever, a messuage, which is let to weekly tenants at 2s.
6d. per week, which sum the minister now receives. _Bridget Stackhouse_,
by will, in 1756, gave the sum of £131 to the minister of the parish of
St. Mary Magdalene and his successors, for ever. This legacy was
invested in the purchase of £145 South Sea annuities, the dividends of
which, amounting to £4. 7s. per annum are duly received by the minister.
It appears that in the year 1811 and 1812 the Governors of Queen Anne’s
bounty agreed to augment the curacy of St. Mary’s with five several sums
of £200 each, out of grants made to them by parliament, and that, in the
year 1816, they agreed further to augment the same with the sum of £300
out of the said grants, in conjunction with _Thomas Whitmore_, _Esq._,
the patron, who gave the sum of £200, and paid the same to the treasurer
of the said governors for the purpose of such augmentation, which said
several sums, amounting together to the sum of £1,500, were ordered by
the said governors to be laid out in the purchase of lands, tithes, or
other hereditaments, to be settled for the perpetual augmentation of the
curacy of the said parish. The sum of £1,150 was laid out in 1816 in the
purchase of a dwelling-house, with appurtenances thereto, situated in
Bridgnorth, together with a pew in the parish church of the said parish.
The minister also receives the sum of £14, as interest on £350 (the
residue of the said £1,500), which remains on their hands applicable to a
further purchase.
_Thomas Milner_, by will, dated 1837, bequeathed £150, the interest
thereof, to be distributed in bread on the first Sunday in every month,
after divine service, to the poor of this parish. He also gave the sum
of £100, the interest thereof to be applied towards clothing and
educating boys of the Blue Coat School, and the sum of £100, the interest
to be applied to the benefit of the poor widows of the almshouse of
Bridgnorth.
POST OFFICE—_Mr. Charles Edward Macmichael’s_, East Castle street.
Letters from all parts arrive at 6.35 A.M., and are despatched at 5.30
P.M.
Acton Edward Farrer, Esq., Gateacre Park
Acton Sir John E. D., Bart., Aldenham Hall
Adams Mrs. Anne, West Castle street
Audsley Thomas, engineer, West Castle st
Ayre Rev. Legh Richmond, M.A., Newtown
Bache John, Esq., Chesterton
Backhouse Richard Onions, solicitor, Whitburne street
Baker John, Esq., Walsbatch
Baugham Benjamin, Esq., Oldbury Wells
Baugham Thomas, Esq., St. Leonard’s
Bank, Cooper, and Co., High street
Bank, Pritchards, and Co., Waterloo terrace
Bank Saving’s, Bank street
Barber Rev. John, Stoneway head
Barker Rev. John, West Castle street
Batte William, Esq., East Castle street
Batte William Jones, gent., West Castle st
Beeston Richard, van proprietor, The Lodge
Bellett Rev. George, St. Leonard’s Rectory
Bennett John Lacon, St. Mary’s street
Benwell Rev. John Fred., Neenton Rectory
Blathwayte Rev. Chas. W., Clelmarsh Rectory
Brazier Captain James, Bradney
Briggs Rev. Fred. Wm., Wesleyan minister
Brown Mrs. Sarah, St. Mary’s street
Brown Thomas Whitmore Wylde, Esq., Woodlands
Carr Rev. Edmund, M.A., Quatt Rectory
Childe Harry Joseph, solicitor, St. Leonard’s
Clarke Joseph and Brother, Listley street
Colley Miss, Mill street
Colley Mrs. Elizabeth, Cann Hall
Colley Mrs. Mary, St. John’s street
Corser Thomas, engineer, West Castle st
Cooper John Henry, Esq., Knowle sands
Curtis Mr. William Fitz Harry, St. Leonard’s
Darby Alfred, Esq., Stanley Hall
Dalton Thomas Wm., gent., East Castle st
Davenport Wm. S., Esq., Davenport House
Deeton Mrs. Mary, The Square
Deighton Thomas, Esq., Castle Terrace
Downes John, gentleman, High street
Dyer John, accountant, High street
Edmonds Edward, Esq., Tasley
Elson Thomas, inland revenue officer, St. Leonard’s Walk
Fernie Mrs. Mary, Whitburne street
Gabert Christopher, Esq., Claverley
Gabert Rev. G. H. B., Claverley Rectory
Gatacre Edward Lloyd, Esq., Gatacre Hall
Gillitlie George, inland revenue officer, Whitburne street
Gitton Miss E., High street
Gitton Thomas, solicitor, High street
Grierson and Law, worsted spinners, Spital
Grierson Thomas, gentleman, The Grove
Green Mr. George, Head’s Buildings
Greenstreet Rev. Frederick Wm., Low Town
Gwyn Richard Hodges, Esq., Astbury Hall
Hall J. Claude, land agent, East Castle st
Hall Mr. Joseph, West Castle street
Hallon Captain William, St. Mary’s steps
Hanbury Mr. George, West Castle street
Hardwicke Thomas Bell, solicitor, High st
Hardwicke T. H. P., Esq., Whitburne street
Harrison Robert, Esq., Mill street
Haslehurst Edwin Wm., solicitor, High st
Haslewood Edward W., gent., East Castle st
Haslewood John, gentleman, Tower House
Haynes Robert, Esq., Danesford
Herbert Rev. Richard, Chetton Rectory
Homfray Frederick, Esq., St. Mary’s steps
Jackson Thomas Austin, gent., Eardington
Jones Mr. Joseph, accountant, St. Mary’s st
Jones William, wine merchant, Underhill st
Kettle Geo. Mackenzie, Esq., Dalicot House
Law John, gentleman, Underhill street
Lea Mrs. Wolryche, Ludstone House
Leah Rev. Mr., curate of St. Mary’s
Leake Mr. Robert, High street
Leonard Wm. Henry, engraver, High street
Lewis Anne, wine merchant, High street
Lewis Miss Elizabeth, Chapel House
Lewis Miss Ann, High street
Lewis Misses Ann & Mary, Head’s Buildings
Llewyllan Mr. Thomas, St. Mary’s street
Lloyd Mrs. Ann, Mill street
Locke Miss, Head’s Buildings
Macmichael Charles Edward, West Castle st
Macmichael Elizabeth and Son, High street
Marshall Rev. William Knox, M.A., St. Mary’s Rectory
Martin Mr. James Henry, Mill street
Merriman Rev. Henry Gordon, M.A., Grammar School
Nicholls Samuel, gentleman, Mill street
Nock Thomas, gentleman, High street
Parkes Joseph, Esq., Wyken Hall
Parsons George, Esq., Whitburne street
Phillips John, gentleman, Whitburne street
Pilkington Miss Mary Ann, East Castle st
Pilkington Mr. Samuel, Head’s Buildings
Pinkstone Mr. John, Library steps
Postlethwaite Rev. John, Tasley Rectory
Potts and Nicholls, solicitors, Mill street
Pritchard George, Esq., Astley Abbots
Purton Rev. John, High street
Purton Thomas, gent., St. Leonard’s Cottage
Purton Thomas Pardoe, Esq., Faintree Hall
Reece John Smythyman, castrator, Newtown
Reece Mr. Edward, Severn side
Richards Henry Slater, Esq., St. Mary’s st
Ridley Edward Wm., Mill street
Ridley Messrs. Samuel and Edward, factors, Mill street
Ridley Mrs., Mill street
Robinson Mrs. Baths, Infirmary
Roby Mrs., The Lodge
Rowley Rev. Thomas, D.D., Middleton Scriven
Rowley Mr. William Jepson, High street
Sing Joshua, Esq., East Castle street
Smalman John, Esq., Quatford Castle
Smith Herbert, solicitor, St. Leonard’s
Smith John Jacob, Esq., St. James’s
Smith Wm. Henry Steedman, gentleman, Listley street
Southwell Fred., accountant, Whitburne st
Southwell Joseph, gentleman. East Castle st
Southwell Robert B. stamp office, West Castle st
Southwell Mr. William, Rock House
Sparkes Arndel Francis, sol., St. John’s st
Stephens John, Esq., Albynes
Strange William, M.D., High street
Stringer Mrs. Ann, Salop-road House
Stringer Mrs. Catherine, St. Leonard’s lane
Taylor Farmer, Esq., Chykenell
Tilly Rev. Alfred, Bap. min., East Castle st
Titler George, gentleman, East Castle street
Trevor John, Esq., The Vinery
Trevor Mrs., Bank street
Vickers Henry, Esq., East Castle street
Wall James, Esq., Severn Cliff
Wasley Rev. George Leigh, Knowle Sands
Watts Benjamin, gentleman, Listley street
Westhall Mr. John, St. Mary’s street
Whitcombe Thos., woolstapler, Underhill st
Whitmore Thomas Charlton, Esq., M.P., Apley Park
Whitmore Wm. Wolryche, Esq., Dudmaston Hall
Williams Charles, land agent, Morville Hall
Williams Mr. Edward Vaughan, Bank street
Wilmot Mr. Thomas Abel, superintendent of police, High street
Wilson John, estate agent, Aston Hall
Wilson Thomas, corn agent, High street
Wing Rev. John, Astley Abbots
Wylde Miss, Head’s Buildings
Wyllie James, inland revenue officer, High st
Academies.
_Marked * receive Boarders_.
* Barber Seth, Castle Terrace
* Barber Mrs., (ladies), Bank street
Blue Coat School, North Gate, William Bower
Brickley Anne, High street
British School, West Castle street
Dodd Samuel, Underhill st
* Grammar School, St. Leonard’s church yard; Rev. Henry Gordon Merriman,
M.A., principal; Wm. Fitz Harry Curtis, second master
Independent School, Stoneway, Jane Akrigg
Infant School, Listley street
* Kirtlan Mary, Whitburne st
Moore Mary, St. Mary’s st
National, (boys and girls), Listley street, Mr. & Mrs. Trott, teachers
Nock Ann, St. Mary’s street
* Parker Harriett, St. Mary’s street
Roby Miss, Salop road
Saint Mary’s, St. John’s st., George Marsh
* Wase Mary Ann, (ladies), High street
Wigley Joshua, Commercial, Bank street
Accountants.
Bennett John, Lacon, St. Mary’s street
Jones Jos., bank, Waterloo Terrace
Pilkington Samuel, Head’s Buildings
Architects and Surveyors.
Griffiths Edward Francis, Quatford
Hall John Claude, (land), East Castle street
Penzer Ezer; office, Underhill street
Attornies.
Backhouse Richard Onions, Whitburne street
Batte William, East Castle st
Cox J., High street
Gitton Thomas, (and master in chancery), High street
Hardwicke Thomas Bell, High street
Haslewood Edward William, East Castle street
Nicholls Samuel, Mill street
Potts and Nicholls, Mill st
Smith John Jacob, St. Leonard’s
Sparkes Arndell Francis, St. John’s street
Vickers Henry, East Castle st
Auctioneers and Valuers.
Backhouse Richard Onions, Whitburne street
Nock and Wilson, High st
Perry and Phillips, Postern Gate
Bakers and Flour Dealers.
Birkmire William, Waterloo Terrace
Cureton Thomas, High st
Evans John, High street
Long Henry, High street
Ostin Benj., Bernard’s hill
Peters Ann, Listley street
Roberts Wm., St. John’s st
Weale George, Listley street
Wellings William, Mill st
Barge Owners.
Bradley Saml., Underhill st
Broadfield John Holloway, Underhill street
Brown Wm., Underhill st
Davies Thos., Bernard’s hill
Doughty Benj., Underhill st
Doughty Rd., Underhill st
Doughty Wm., Underhill st
Head Richard, Bernard’s hill
Jones Wm., Underhill street
Longmore Henry, Underhill street
Oakes William, Underhill st
Preece William, Cartway st
Reece Richard, Friar’s road
Reece Thomas, Underhill st
Ridley Messrs., Bridge-foot Wharf
Rutter Samuel, Listley st
Salt William, Spital street
Wilson Andrew, Mill street
Boat Builders.
Oakes William, Underhill st
Penzer Ezer, Underhill Wharf
Rushton George, Cartway st
Bankers.
Cooper & Purton, High st., (draw on Williams, Deacon, and Co., London).
Pritchard, Boycott, and Nicholas, Waterloo ter., (draw on Barnett, Hoare,
and Co., London).
Savings’ Bank, Bank street, (open on Mondays and Saturdays from ten till
one o’clock).
Basket Makers.
Gwynn Charles, Cartway st
Gwynn Edwin John, St. Mary’s street
Gwynn James, Salop street
Berlin Repository.
Williams Fanny, fancy stationer and drawing materials, High street
Blacksmiths.
Atcherley J. Rennell, shoeing forge, High street
Binnell Francis, Whitburne street
Bishop John, North gate
Phillips Walter, Bridge end
Pope Alexander & William, Mill street
Tunkiss John, Listley street
Wellings Benjamin, St. John street
Bookbinders.
Edkins Lousia, High street
Rowley Wm. Jepson, High st
Booksellers, Printers, and Stationers.
Edkin Lousia, High street
Gitton George Robt., High st
Partridge Charlotte, Waterloo Terrace
Rowley Wm. Jepson, High st
Boot and Shoemakers.
_Those marked * are dealers_
* Badham Henry, Listley st
Badham Joseph, East Castle street
Bagnall Sarah, St. Mary’s st
* Beman Richard, High st
Bright Samuel, St. Mary’s st
Davies Thomas
Felton John, High street
Gregory John, Oldbury road
Heighway Samuel, Whitburne street
Lloyd Fredk., St. John’s st
Lay Matthias, St. John st
Lewis William, High street
* Milner Wm., Waterloo ter.
Newall Henry, Underhill
Pinner Rd., West Castle st
Reynolds James, Newtown
Reynolds James, jun., Newtown
Reynolds Thos., Whitburne street
Smith Charles, East Castle st
* Whatmore John, High st
Winsley Thomas, Newtown
Braziers & Tin-plate Workers.
Broadfield Wm., Cartway st
Coley Thomas, Whitburn st
Edwards Geo., Whitburn st
Glase Jos. Minton, High st
Hill William Whitehouse, High street
Lee Charles, High street
Nicholas William, High st
Bricklayers & Masons.
Case James, Newtown
Elcock Edward, Newtown
Foxall Francis, West Castle st
Gower Thomas, Newtown
Hayward Michael, Bernard’s hill
Lewis James, Friar’s lane
Piper Thomas, West Castle st
Rogers John, Newtown
Brick & Tile Makers.
Doughty Wm., Underhill st
Evans George, Kingslowe
Penzer Ezer, Underhill Wharf
Builders.
Griffiths Edward Francis, Quatford Works
Holding William, East Castle street
Lewis Richard, North gate
Page William, Newtown
Penzer Ezer, Underhill st
Perry and Phillips, Postern gate
Powell Thomas, builder
Preece Benjamin, East Castle
Butchers.
Barker George, Whitburn st
Bowen Edward Farmer, Castle Terrace
Brawn Charles, High street
Brown Thomas, High street
Cureton Benjn., High street
Edwards George, Newtown
Giles Joseph, St. Mary’s st
Hall John, St. John’s street
Maun Thomas, Mill street
Miles Francis, Listley street
Reynolds John, High street
Roberts Thomas, Listley st
Rawley William, Underhill st
Smith Thos., West Castle st
Southwell Josiah, Bridge st
Townshend William, High st
_Who attend the Market only_.
Bill Jeremiah Fred., Broseley
Bentley John, Cross Houses
Cartwright James, Broseley
Cartwright J., sen., Broseley
Clutton George, Worfield
Clutton William, Nordley
Doughty Daniel, Madeley
Edgerley John, Norton
Edwards George, Neenton
Higgs John, Alveley
Jarratt James, Erdington
Mollineux James, Wyken
Poyner George, Beckbury
Reece Thos., Smithy Houses
Scoffham Henry Francis, Chelmarsh
Tasker Jeremiah, Morville
Wellings Benjamin, Ackleton
Yapp Henry, Tasley
Cabinet Makers.
_Marked * are Upholsterers_.
* Cartwright Richd., High st
* Edwards John, High street
Gower Edward, High street
* Jones Dodo Davies, High st
* Perry and Phillips, Theatre buildings
Carpet & Rug Manufacturers.
Southwells & Co., Friars’ rd. and Pendleston Mills
Carvers and Gilders.
Lingen Francis, Market street
Perry and Phillips, Theatre buildings
Cement and Plaster Dealer.
Penzer Ezer, Underhill Wrks
Chair Maker & Broker.
Colley James, Whitburne st
Charcoal Iron Manufacturer.
Foster James, Eardington
Cheese, Butter & Bacon Dealers.
Callant George, High street
Jefferies Henry, High street
Saloway Benjamin, Bridge st
Southwell Ellen, High street
Southwell Robt. Baker, West Castle street
Chemists & Druggists.
Coley William, Mill street
Fisher George, High street, and dealer in chemical manures
Leake Robert, (dispensing) High street
Macmichael & Son, High st
Steward William, (dispensing) Medical Hall
Clothes Dealers.
Bagnall Mary, Listley street
Dudley Richard, Listley st
Tonkiss Richd. Whitburne st
Coach Makers.
Botwood Thos., Cann bldgs
Pearce Frederick, North gate
Warner John, Newtown
Coal Dealers.
Bradley Samuel, Underhill st
Case James, Newtown
Jones Elizabeth, Severn side
Reece Edward, Severn side
Reece Thomas, Underhill st
Rutter Solomon, Listley st
Wilson Andrew, Mill street
Coal Merchants.
Doughty Wm., Underhill st
Evans George, Kingslow
Confectioners.
Birkmire William, Waterloo terrace
Lewis John, East Castle st
Long Henry, High street, and dealer in british wines
Roberts Wm., St. John’s st
Southwell George, High st
Coopers.
Gwynn Charles, and wood turner, Cartway street
Gwynn Edwin John, St. Mary’s street
Jones William, Mill street
Yardley Daniel, Whitburne st
Corn Factors & Seed Merchants.
Bangham Benjamin, Oldbury Wells
Bangham Thos., Granary steps
Nock & Wilson, warehouse, Underhill street
Ridley Edward Wm., Mill st
Ridley Messrs. Samuel and Edward, Severn warehouse
Cow keepers.
Barker Edward, Newtown
Barker George, Whitburn st
Jones John, Northgate
Newall Richard, Underhill st
Perry William, Salop road
Preece William, Mill street
Southwell George, High st
Cutlery Dealers.
Baker Jas. (working), Listley street
Doharty Martin, Listley street
Williamson Thos., Waterloo Terrace
Curriers and Leather Cutters.
Clarke Messrs, Listley street
Lello William, High street
Lewis Francis, Underhill st
M’Michael Charles Edward, West Castle street
Summers John, Underhill st
Dyers.
Lowe Edward (wool), Bernard’s Hill
Rogers Mary (silk), North gate
Engravers.
Broadfield Thos. Underhill st
Gower Jas. (stone), Newtown
Fish-tackle Dealers and Net Makers.
Ball Thomas, High street
Broadbent John, Underhill st
Williamson Thos., Waterloo Terrace
Farmers.
Adams John, Friars’ road
Ball Thomas, High street
Bishop William, Mill street
Garbett Thos., Oldbury road
Newell Richard, Willow Tree House
Nock Thos., Cross lane head
Ridley Saml. & Miss, Low town
Wiar John, Oldbury lane Villa
Fellmongers, Skinners, and Wool Dealers.
Milner William, Robert, and Thomas, Pound street
Wheeler Jos. (executors of) Newtown
Fire and Life Office Agents.
Atlas—John Jacob Smith, solicitor, St. Leonard’s
Birmingham—Mrs. Macmichael & Son, High st
Crown—Richard Boycott, Waterloo Terrace
Horse and Cattle Insurance—Mrs. Macmichael & Son, High street
Legal and Commercial and British Guarantee Insurance—John Lacon Bennet,
St. Mary’s street
Minerva—Clement Edkins, High street
Phœnix—Miss Partridge, Waterloo Terrace
Royal Exchange—Mr. Smith, Cantern Bank
Shropshire and North Wales—Clement Edkins, High street
Fishmonger & Dealer in Game.
Davies Edward (& fruiterer), High street
Flour Dealers.
Instone Thos., Whitburne st
Jones John, St. Mary street
Meredith Richard, High st
Norcop Henry, Listley street
Furniture Dealers and Paper Hangers.
Cartwright Richard, High st
Edwards John, High street
Jones Dodo Davies, High st
Norwood Samuel, High st
Perry & Phillips, Postern gt
Gardeners & Seedsmen.
Bromage Thos., Mill street
Maun John, Newtown Nursery
Smith Jas., West Castle st
Smith Thomas, Listley st
Thomason Thos., North gate
Woodhouse Wm., High st
Glass & China Dealers.
Brown Thomas, High street
Liner William, Bridge street
Meredith Sarah Broadfoot, High street
Glover.
Bower Wm., Underhill street
Grocers & Tea Dealers.
Callant George, High street
Callant Wm., St. Mary’s st
Coley William, Mill street
Cooke Richard, High street
Crockett George, High street
Fisher George, High street
Hall Thomas, Underhill st
Jeffries Henry, High street
Lewis Francis, Underhill st
Macmichael Elizabeth & Son, High street
Morris William, High street
Pearson Benjamin, Bridge st
Saloway Benjamin, Bridge st
Southwell Ellen, High street
Southwell Robert Baker, West Castle street
Yate Josh., Waterloo terrace Gun Maker
Williamson Thos., Waterloo terrace
Hair Dressers and Perfumers.
Botwood Beriah, Listley st
Botwood Benjamin, High st
Botwood Benjamin, Mill st
Brickley John, High street
Curtis Thomas, Bridge street
Evanson Edw., St. Mary’s st
Milner Thomas, Cartway st
Hatters.
Ellis Langslow, High street
Gething Thomas, High street
Whatmore Joseph Lloyd, High street
Wollatt John Thos., High st
Hop Merchants.
Deighton Thos., Castle terrace
Mapp Thomas, warehouse, Underhill street
Hosiers.
Edwards Matthew, High st
Whatmore Joseph Lloyd, High street
Hotels, Inns and Taverns.
Ball, James Lowe, East Castle street
Bandon Arms, Wm. Bishop, Mill street
Bear, Jno. Bishop, North gate
Bell, George Evans, High st
Bell and Talbot, Richard Evans, Salop road
Bird-in-Hand, Thomas Piper, West Castle street
Black Horse & Commercial Inn, John Maun, Bridge street, Low Town
Bricklayer’s Arms, Susan Piper, Listley street
Bull, Thomas Southwell, Bridge street
Bull’s Head, Elizabeth Matthews, Listley street
Castle Inn, Samuel Willcox, High street
Castle (Old), Richd. Pinner, West Castle street
Commercial, William Davies, Salop street
Cross Keys, John Reynolds, High street
Eagle, Francis Smith, St. Mary’s street
Falcon, Commercial & Posting house, William Preece, Mill street, Low Town
Fox, Elizabeth Rutter, St. John’s street
Friar, John Adams, Friars road
Golden Lion, Charles Austin, High street
Greyhound, Robert Milner, Listley street
Harp, John Price, High st
Hen & Chickens, John Hudson Munday, St. Mary’s street
King’s Head, and Railway Coach Office and Posting House, George Edwards,
Whitburne street
Leopard, Joseph Mason, Salop road
Lion, James Cooper, West Castle street
New Inn, James Andrews, St. Mary’s street
New Inn, William Davies, Salop road
Pheasant, John Churns, High street
Plough, Mary Salt, St. John’s street
Prince of Wales, John Shipman, Friars road
Raven Hotel, Commercial Inn and Posting House, Thomas Whitefoot,
Whitburne and Raven street
Red Lion, Henry Longmore, Underhill street
Rein Deer, Thos. Dallaway, North gate
Rose and Crown, Walter Phillips, Stoneway
Royal Oak, George Perry, High street
Royal Hotel and Crown Inn, Commercial and Posting House, Joseph Bateman,
High street
Shakspere, Francis Foxall, East Castle street
Ship and Anchor, William Walford, Cartway street
Squirrel Inn & Commercial, Thomas Charles Burrows, Newtown
Star Inn and Commercial, Thomas Ross Southwell, Bridge street
Swan Inn, James Rennell Atcherley, High street
Tumbling Sailors, Thomas Reece, Underhill street
White Hart, John Martin, Cartway street
Woodman’s Inn, Ed. Elcock, Newtown
United Kingdom, Samuel Walters, Mill street
Vine Tavern, Thos. Maun, Mill street
Beerhouses.
Bennett James, Underhill st
Broadfield John Holloway, Underhill street
Brown Edmund, St. Mary’s st
Brown Wm., Underhill st
Brown Wm., Bernard’s hill
Collins Rd., Whitburne st
Evans Addison, Cartway st
Felton John, High street
Foxall James, Cartway st
Gower Thomas, Newtown
Hall Thos., Shiffnal road
Hayward Michael, Bernard’s hill
Jones Eliza Ann, Severn side
Jordan Edward, Underhill st
Lane Francis, St. John’s st
Lowe Edward, Bernard’s hill
Mason Joseph, Salop road
Page William, Newtown
Parker John, Whitburne st
Perry William, Salop road
Preece William, Cartway
Roberts Sarah, Listley st
Roberts Wm., Underhill st
Rutter Solomon, Listley st
Tench Edward, St. Mary’s st
Tipton Benj., St. John’s st
Wellings Elizabeth Hannah, West Castle street
Ironfounders.
Barker Hannah, Underhill st
Pope Alexander, Mill street
Pope William, Mill street
Irondealers.
Glase Jos. Minton, High st
Hill W. Whitehouse, High st
Lee Charles, High street
Pope Alexander and Son, Mill street
Ironmongers.
Glase Jos. Minton, High st
Hill William Whitehouse, High street
Lee Charles, High street
Joiners and Builders.
Andrew John, Newtown
Baker John, West Castle st
Gower Edward, High street
Hall Henry, St. John’s st
Holding Wm., East Castle st
Lewis John, West Castle st
Lewis Richard, High street
Moore John, for T. C. Whitmore, Esq.
Overton W., St. Mary’s steps
Page Wm., Yew Tree Cotge.
Penzer Ezer, St. Mary’s st
Perry & Phillips, Postern gt.
Pickard John, Whitburne st
Rea William, Listley street
Lacemen.
Edwards Matthew, High st
Nock Edwin, High street
Land and Estate Agents.
Hall, J. Claude, East Castle street
Parsons George, to Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq., Whitburne street
Linen Drapers and Silk Mercers.
Bowen Henry, High street
Bromwich & Oakes, High st
Grierson James Brown, Waterloo terrace
Pidduck William, High st
Locksmiths.
Binnall John, Whitburne st
Hardy John, Underhill street
Hardy John, Bernards hill
Piper Thomas, Cartway st
Livery Stable Keepers.
Bateman Josh., Royal Hotel
Edwards Geo., Kings Arms
Machine Makers.
Gittons Richard, Salop road
Perry William, Spital street
Maltsters and Dealers in Hops.
Boucher Benj., St. Mary’s st
Bowen John, High street
Deighton Thos., Postern gt
Edkins Clement, High st
Jones Wm., Underhill street
Lewis John, Listley street
Lewis John, East Castle st
Mapp Thomas, Cartway st
Maun John, Bridge street
Morris Richard, High street
Newell John, Whitburne st
Oakes Francis, Underhill st
Oakes John, Underhill st
Price John, High street
Ridley Samuel and Edward, Mill street
Salt William, Bernard’s hill
Southwell Josiah, St. Mary’s street
Summers John, Underhill st
Weston Elias, Mill street
Whitefoot Thos., Whitburne street
Market Gardeners.
Maun John, Newtown Nursy.
Power Edward, St. Mary’s st
Woodhouse Wm., High st
Millers.
Crowther John, St. Mary’s st
Ridley Messrs. S. and E., Steam Mill
Milliners and Dress Makers.
Baker Mrs. West Castle st
Edwards Mary, Newtown
Haines Hannah, St. Mary’s st
Lawley Ann, Bridge street
Maddocks Mary, West Castle street
Nock Harriett, High street
Onians Edith, The Square
Ree Elizabeth, Listley street
Rushton Susannah, Underhill street
Whatmore Sarah Ann, High street
Nail Makers.
Dodd Joseph, Underhill st
Hill William, High street
Oil and Faint Dealer.
Lee Charles, High street
Painters, Plumbers, and Glaziers.
Brown and Crump, Whitburne street
Corser Thos., West Castle st
Hughes Wm., Bridge street
Hunter Thomas, High street
Lees Charles, West Gate Cottage
Nicholas Henry, North gate
Patent Medicine Dealers.
Edkins Mrs., High street
Leake Robert, High street
Partridge Charlotte, Waterloo Terrace
Rowley Wm. J., High street
Yate Joseph, Waterloo Ter.
Pawnbroker.
Edwards Mary, St. Leonard’s lane
Physician.
Strange William, High st
Porter Agents.
Jones Wm., (Stone), Stoneway
Lewis Ann, High street
Whitefoot Thomas, Raven st
Post Horses. _For Hire_.
Boatman Joseph, High st
Edwards Geo., Whitburne st
Price John, High street
Southwell George, High st
Tench Edward, St. Mary’s st
Professors and Teachers.
Mercerot Wm., (dancing), Shiffnal road Villa
Sewell Wm., (music), St. Leonard’s lane
Williams Edward Vaughan, (astronomy), Bank st
Rope and Twine Makers.
Baker Joseph, Whitburne st
Roberts Thomas, Listley st
Saddlers and Harness Makers.
Clayton Charles, High st
Evans Henry, Listley street
Garbett Thos., Whitburne st
Giles John, Whitburne st
Jehu William, High street
Munday John Hudson, St. Mary’s street
Salt Dealers.
_Fine and Agriculture_.
Doughty Benjamin, Underhill street
Doughty Richard, Underhill street
Seed, Guano, & Tillage Dealers.
Ridley Samuel and Edward, Riddleford Mills
Shopkeepers.
_Dealers in provisions & sundries_.
Armstrong George, Newtown
Bates & Pearce, St. Mary’s st
Case James, Newtown
Cheese Mary, Bridge street
Cox John, Listley street
Foxall James, Cartway st
Garbett Maria, Whitburne st
Giles Joseph, St. Mary’s st
Hall John, Cartway street
Jenkins Mary, Whitburne st
Jones John, North Gate
Lawley John, Bridge street
Lay Thomas, Friars lane
Lee Richard, Underhill st
Matthews Thos., Listley st
Owen Thomas, Ebenezer pl
Page Wm., Whitburne st
Page Elizth., Whitburne st
Pearce Jane, St. Mary’s st
Phillips Ann, Friars lane
Ravenscroft Wm., Spital st
Sanders Alexander, West Castle street
Scott Gabriel, St. John’s st
Stowers Henry, Library steps
Townsend Thos., North gt.
Wellings William, Mill st
Whittingham Danl., Underhill street
Winsley Thomas, Newtown
Spirit Vaults.
Downes John, High street
Jones William, Stoneway
Lewis Ann, High street
Stay Maker.
Sharp Mary, Whitburne st
Stone Masons and Slaters.
Collins Rd., Whitburne st
Nuttall Thos., Whitburne st
Gower Thomas, Newtown
Gower William, Newtown
Straw Bonnet Makers.
Ball Mary Ann, High st
Nock Harriet, High street
Rogers Mary, North Gate
Southwell Maria St. Mary’s st
Surgeons.
Martin & Burleigh, Mill st
Mathias Alfred, Mill street
Newall James Edward, West Castle street
Phillips John, Whitburne st
Smith Steadman, Listley st
Thursfield Wm., High st
Surveyors.
Brown John, (road), St. Mary’s street
Hall Claude, (land), East Castle street
Taylor Richard, (land), Vine Cottage
Tailors.
_Marked * are Woollen Drapers_.
* Bache John, East Castle st
Brown Richard, Whitburne
Dudley Richard, Listley st
* Gething Thomas, High st
Hall George, High street
Hall Thos., Underhill street
* Hughes Wm., St. Leonard’s Walk
Lyster Thos., West Castle st
Pinner Ezekiah, West Castle street
Pursall Jas., West Castle st
Roberts Thos., St. Mary’s st
Sharpe Charles Jas., Whitburne street
Swayne James, Cartway st
Swayne Wm., Whitburne st
Tench John, West Castle st
* Tonkiss Richd., Whitburne street
Walford Wm., Cartway st
Walton John, Whitburne st
* Williams David, High st
Tallow Chandler.
Morris Benj., Listley street
Tanners.
Clarke Messrs. Joseph and Brother, Listley street
Sing Joshua, Mill street
Tea and Coffee Dealers.
Long Henry, High street
Macmichael Chas. Edward, West Castle street
Southwell George, High st
Timber Merchants.
Elcock Thomas, Newtown
Lewis Richard, North gate
Oakes William, Underhill st
Penzer Ezer, Underhill st
Perry & Phillips, Postern gt
Richard John, Whitburne st
Tobacco Pipe Makers.
Phillips Danl., The Foundry
Southern Thomas, Pound st
Toy & Fancy Repository.
Evanson Ed., St. Mary’s st
Wilmott & Bickley, High st
Veterinary Surgeons.
Atcherley James Rennell, High street
Bradshaw Henry Ainsworth, Castle Terrace
Churns John, High street
Pope John, West Castle st
Watch and Clock Makers.
Addison John, High street
Glase Thomas, High street
Pearson James M., (gilder and dentist), St. Mary’s street
Wharfingers.
Doughty Rd., Underhill st
Doughty Wm., Underhill st
Jones Wm., Underhill st
Ridley Messrs. J. and E., Underhill street
Wheelwrights.
Gittons John, Salop street
Lay Thomas, Friars lane
Lloyd John, Salop street
Pearce Wm., West Castle st
Perry John, Bernard’s hill
Preece Benj., East Castle st
Price Benjamin, Newtown
Whitesmiths & Bell hangers.
Binnall John, Whitburne st
Downes Jane, Underhill st
Lewis John, West Castle st
Wine and Spirit Merchants.
Downes John, (vaults) High street
Jones Wm., (vaults), Underlain street
Lewis Ann, High street
Wood Turners.
Gwynn Charles, Cartway st
Langford Ed., North gate
Langford Henry Thomas, North gate
Worsted Spinners.
Law & Grierson, Spital works
Wool Staplers.
Grierson & Law, Spital works
Grierson Thos., Grove house
Southwell Messrs. Josiah, William, and Joseph, Pendleston Mills
Whitcombe Thomas, Underhill street
Woollen Drapers.
Ball Thomas, High street
Brown Henry, High street
Bromwich & Oakes, High st
Gething Sophia, High street
Grierson James Brown, Waterloo house
Pidduck William, High st
Wager James, High street
Coaches.
To BIRMINGHAM—Ryl. Htl., at 7-45 A.M., dly., Sun ex.
To SHREWSBURY—Ryl. Htl., Mon. Wed. & Fdy., 2-30 P.M.
Omnibuses.
To SHIFFNAL—Twice a day from the King’s Head
To WOLVERHAMPTON—From the Leopard Inn on Monday, Wednes., & Friday
Carriers.
_The market carriers leave the several inns on Saturday afternoon_,
_except when specified_
To BILLINGSLY—A van from the Ball
To STOTTESDEN—A van from the Ball
To STOURBRIDGE—Eliza Gough, from the Bell
To MUCH WENLOCK—Wm. Clayton, from the Bell
To LONDON, BIRMINGHAM, &c.—Crowley and Co., from the Cross Keys every
Monday, Tuesday, Wed. and Friday, and to Ironbridge and Broseley on
Tuesday and Friday; T, Moseley, agent
To LONDON, BIRMINGHAM, &c.—Pickford and Co., from the Cross Keys daily
To CROFTON—John Beddoes, from the King’s Head
To STOKE & LUDLOW—T. Colton, from the King’s Head
To CORVE DALE—Edward Hopkins, from the King’s Head
To CHURCH STRETTON—J. Jones, from the Bell
To KIDDERMINSTER—Saml. Hill, from the Black Horse
To LUDLOW HALL—From the Squirrel, Monday
To LUDLOW & KIDDERMINSTER—Samuel Breakwell, from the New Inn
To MUNSLOW—J. Edwards, from the Raven
To STOTTESDEN—Edward Bytheway, from the Ball
To WOLVERHAMPTON—Rd. Beeston, from the Fox, on Tuesday, Thurs., & Sat.
BURWARTON
is a parish and village in the Cleobury division of the Stottesden
hundred, on the turnpike road from Bridgnorth to Ludlow, nine miles
south-west from the former, and ten miles north-east from the latter.
The parish contains 1,236 acres of land, and in 1801 there were 107
inhabitants; 1831, 112; and in 1841, 27 houses and a population of 151
souls. Rateable value, £1,115. 11s. 6d. The Hon. G. F. H. Russell is
the principal landowner, and occasionally resides at BURWARTON HALL, an
elegant free stone mansion, in the Italian style of architecture,
delightfully situated in a park richly clothed with sylvan beauty, and
watered by several mountain streams. There are some fine lakes of water,
and to the north-west of the park is the majestic Brown Clee Hill, which
adds much to the picturesque beauty of the scenery. The pleasure grounds
and shrubberies are laid out with a pleasing variety, and kept in the
most admirable order. THE CHURCH, a small structure dedicated to St.
Lawrence, has recently been repaired and beautified by the Hamilton
family; the east window is ornamented with stained glass, and cost
upwards of £50, which was defrayed by Lady Hamilton, who also presented
the communion table. The pulpit and seats are of oak, elaborately
carved, and there is accommodation for about ninety persons. The living
is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £4. 6s. 8d.; gross income,
£140; patron, Rev. John Churton; incumbent, Rev. T. Theodosius. The
tithes have been commuted for £90. The WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a small
chapel at Burwarton. The Hamilton Russell Arms Hotel and posting house
is a commodious inn, and the post office for a wide district. Letters
arrive from Bridgnorth at 11 30 A.M., and are despatched at 3 P.M.
DIRECTORY.—Hon. G. P. H. Russell, Burwarton Hall; John Bradley, farmer;
William Jones, vict., the Hamilton Russell Arms; James Prece, carpenter;
Rev. John Rathbone, curate; John Reynolds, shoemaker.
CAINHAM
is an extensive parish and scattered village three miles south-east from
Ludlow, comprising upwards of 3,040 acres of land. At the census of 1801
there were 711 inhabitants; 1831, 1,005; 1841, 973. Gross estimated
rental, £3,730. Rateable value, £3,333. 5s. The principal landowners
are Major Calcott, Hon. R. H. Clive, and Sir W. R. Broughton; the former
is lord of the manor. CAINHAM COURT, an elegant mansion surrounded by
plantations and shrubberies, was formerly the residence of the Calcott
family; it is now unoccupied. Not far from the above mansion is the site
of an ancient castle, noticed by Leland, who observes, “Kainsham or
Kensham Castle, clene down, stood within two miles of Ludloe, on a hill
top.” The place is now known by the name of Castle Fields, in which is a
deep and wide entrenchment. Tradition says that this was a depository of
the military stores of Cromwell, during the siege of Ludlow Castle. In
the neighbourhood of Cainham apples are extensively grown for making
cider. THE CHURCH, a venerable structure, picturesquely situated, and
dedicated to St. Mary, has a massive low tower containing three bells.
It consists of nave, chancel, and north transept, the latter having been
recently added at a cost of £140, of which sum the Hereford Diocesan
Society contributed £60. The interior has a neat appearance. The
beautiful altar was added at the expense of the late vicar. The living
is a vicarage, valued in the king’s book at £4. 13s. 4d., in the
patronage of Charles K. Mainwaring, Esq.: incumbent, Rev. Charles Adams.
There are upwards of 240 acres of glebe land. THE METHODISTS have a
small chapel here.
THE DISTRICT OF ST. PAUL’S KNOWBURY is partly in this parish and partly
in that of Bitterley. A considerable portion of the scattered district
called BENNETT’S END is in the former parish. In 1839 a church was
erected at a cost of £1,200, which is dedicated to St. Paul. The
structure is built in a simple style of architecture, and has a square
tower. The living is a perpetual curacy; and the patronage is vested in
the Bishop of Hereford: incumbent, Rev. Burleigh James. In connexion
with the church, spacious schools have been erected, by the Hon. R. H.
Clive, who also munificently supports the same: upwards of one hundred
children are educated in them. THE METHODISTS AND PRIMITIVE METHODISTS
have small meeting houses. The labouring population of this locality are
chiefly employed in collieries and brick works. The chief landowners are
the Hon. R. H. Clive, Sir W. R. Broughton, and William Poyser, Esq.
CAINHAM DIRECTORY.
Adams Rev. Charles, vicar
Bozwood Thos., wheelwright
Corbett Thomas, shoemaker
Gould Mary, farmer
Grosvenor William, farmer
Harding William, blacksmith
Langston Captain, Poughnill
Medlicott Sarah, farmer, Pervin
Morris Benjamin, farmer
Small Edward, farmer
Small Elizabeth, farmer
Small William, farmer
Swift George, farmer, Camp farm
Ricketts Gregory, farmer
Turley Benjamin, miller
Turley Samuel, farmer, Poughnill
KNOWBURY DIRECTORY.
Bate Wm., vict., Golden cross
James Rev. Burleigh, incmbt.
Lewis James, agent to Hon. R. H. Clive, and Sir W. R. Broughton
Meyrick Thos., vict., Crown
Meyrick Wm., vict., the Oak
Poyser William, coal & lime master, and manufacturer of bricks, tiles,
drainage pipes and earthenware
Price, B. J., schoolmaster
CHELMARSH
is a parish and small village, pleasantly situated on a gentle eminence,
four miles S.E. from Bridgnorth, which contains 3,126 acres of land,
having a rich loamy soil in some parts, and in others a strong clay.
There is a small colliery on the western side of the village, and
free-stone is got from the quarries on the common. Rateable value of the
parish, £3,660. At the census of 1801 there was a population of 411
souls; and in 1841, 104 houses and 495 inhabitants. CHELMARSH COMMON is
an unenclosed piece of land, containing 119 acres. The principal
landowners are Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq.; John Nicholls, Esq.; John
F. Wylde, Esq.; Edward Hughes, Esq.; and Mr. Richard H. Gwyn; besides
whom are several other smaller proprietors. Earl Edwin was lord of
Chelmarsh before the Conquest, and for some ages afterwards it was the
inheritance of the Mortimers. In the 49th of Edward III., Edmund Lord
Mortimer gave the manor to the Abbey and Convent of Wigmore, to maintain
a secular priest resident in the church of Lentwardine, to sing mass, and
daily pray for the souls of himself, family, and ancestors. THE CHURCH
is an ancient structure, consisting of nave, chancel, and north aisle,
with a tower, in which is a peal of six musical bells. The aisle is
separated from the nave by four pointed arches, and there is a gallery at
the west end. The east window is beautified with stained glass. A
tablet in the chancel, dated 1645, remembers John N. Minnis. The living
is a vicarage, valued in the king’s book at £6. 5s. 8d., now returned at
£264; patron, Sir John Seabright; incumbent, Rev. Charles W. Blathwayt,
B.A. The vicarial tithes are commuted for £237, and the rectoral for
£369. 3s., of which £358 are paid to Sir John Seabright, and £11. 3s. to
Edward Hughes, Esq. There are 24 acres of glebe land. THE NATIONAL
SCHOOL, a neat stone structure, built in the year 1850, has a residence
for the teacher annexed. About fifty children attend. CHELMARSH HALL,
an ancient structure, in the Elizabethan style of architecture, was
formerly the residence of the Nicholl family. It is now the property of
John Nicholl, Esq., but occupied as a farm house. HEMPTON’S LOAD is a
small village in the parish of Chelmarsh, two miles south-east from the
church, pleasantly situated on the banks of the Severn, which is here
crossed by a ferry. SUTTON is a small hamlet, about a mile south from
the church.
POST OFFICE—_At George Dudley’s_. Letters arrive at 9 A.M., and are
despatched to Bridgnorth at 4.30 P.M.
Ball Thomas, woollen draper, tailor, & farmer
Barker Thomas, blacksmith
Bishop Francis, farmer, The Hall
Blathwayt Rev. Charles Welfitt, B.A., vicar, The Vicarage
Corfield William, farmer, Spadeley
Detton Richard, tailor, The Common
Detton William, tailor, Hempton’s Load
Dovey William, joiner and carpenter
Draper George, farmer, Hempton’s Load
Draper John, farmer, Sutton
Dudley George, postmaster and parish clerk
Evans John, beerhouse-keeper, The Common
Fellows Wm., blacksmith, Hempton’s Load
Gwyn Richard Hodges, Esq., Astbury Hall
Hughes Edward, farmer, Hempton’s Load
Jordin John, farmer
Jordin Thomas, shoemaker
Lewis Thomas, shoemaker, Hempton’s Load
Mapp Thos., maltster & hop merchant, Sutton
Mapp William, maltster and farmer, Sutton
Martin John, farmer and ferryman and vict., The Unicorn, Hempton’s Load
Page John, blacksmith
Page Thomas, corn miller
Perry John, beerhousekpr. & bricklayer, The Common
Powell Richard, wheelwright and carpenter
Radner William, beerhouse and shopkeeper, The Common
Scoffham Henry Francis, butcher and shopkeeper
Spare Mary, schoolmistress (national)
Weaver James, farmer, Hempton’s Load
Williams Richard, cooper, The Common
Wyer Richard, farmer, New House
Wylde John Fewtrell, Esq., The Uplands
Wylde Rev. Charles Edmund, The Uplands
CHETTON
is a parish and pleasantly situated village, four miles and a half S.W.
of Bridgnorth, partly in the Chelmarsh and partly in the Cleobury
divisions of the Hundred of Stottesdon. The parish contains 3291A. 1R.
12P. of land, the gross estimated rental of which is £4,495. 13s. 6d.
Rateable value, £4,026. 18s. 0d. In 1841 there were 113 houses and 580
persons in the Chelmarsh division, and 19 houses and 113 persons returned
as in the Cleobury division. Population in 1801, 526; in 1831, 627. The
principal landowners are Lord Liverpool; John and George Pritchard,
Esqrs.; Thomas Pardoe Purton, Esq.; John Baker, Esq.; John Dallewy, Esq.;
and George Joseph Dallewy, Esq.; besides whom there are several smaller
proprietors. The tithes are commuted at £569. 14s. 9d.
The celebrated Wheatland hounds, belonging to John Baker, Esq., are
kennelled in this parish. The country over which they hunt embraces the
Wrekin and surrounding district. The hounds have been in the possession
of the present proprietor for eight years, and were principally bred from
the packs of Lord Yarborough, the Belvoir, the Shropshire, and Mr.
Hellier’s. There is a small colliery and also a brick manufactory in
this parish.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Giles, is a stone structure, with square
tower, containing six bells, recast in 1829, at which time the tower was
rebuilt. The interior consists of nave, chancel, and gallery, on which
is a small organ. The church has a chaste appearance, and has been
recently repaired at the joint expense of the parish and the late
Venerable Archdeacon Vickers, formerly rector of Chetton. The living is
a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £11, in the patronage of T. W.
Wylde Browne, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Richard Herbert. THE
NATIONAL SCHOOL is a neat brick building, erected in 1820. The average
attendance of boys and girls is about forty. Mrs. Ann Adams is
schoolmistress. FAINTREE, FAVON-TREE, or FANONIA-TREE, is a township in
Chetton parish, five miles S.W. of Bridgnorth. The name signifies the
western town. The township is situated on elevated ground, facing the
west, or Favonian wind, and hence its name. This manorial estate was
formerly the property of the Briggs family, from whom it was purchased by
the ancient family of the Pardoes of Cleeton, in Bitterley parish, whose
descendant, Thomas Pardoe, Esq., died, leaving an only child, Esther,
with whom this manor passed in marriage to John Purton, Esq., of Eudon
Burnall, in whose family it now continues, Thomas Pardoe Purton, Esq.,
being its present proprietor, who resides at Faintree Hall, a neat brick
residence, erected in the year 1802, upon the site of an ancient edifice.
EUDON BURNALL and EUDON GEORGE are small townships situated about a mile
from the church.
CHARITIES.—_Dorothy Holland_, by will, dated 1723, bequeathed to the poor
of this parish the sum of £20, in trust, to be placed out at interest,
and distributed to twelve poor people of the parish in bread, on Easter
days and Christmas days.
_Richard Pardoe_, by will, dated 1760, bequeathed the sum of £100, to be
placed out at interest, which was to be divided into forty parts, one of
which should be paid in bread every week to the poor and indigent persons
of the parish, in the months of January, February, March, April, May,
June, July, November, and December, for ever.
_Henry Aston_, who died in 1736, bequeathed the sum of £20, the interest
thereof to be applied in teaching the poorest children in the parish to
read.
_Thomas Pardoe_, by will proved in 1802, gave the sum of £50, the
interest thereof to be applied in the teaching of poor children to read
whose parents were not rated either to the church or poor.
_Sarah Pardoe_ also gave the sum of £50 in the year 1805, the interest to
be disposed of in the same manner as the preceding charity.
LOUGHTON is a chapelry and village in the parish of Chetton, nine miles
north-east from Ludlow, which contains 851A. 3R. 14P. of land, the
rateable value of which is £635. 1s. At the census of 1801 there were
130 inhabitants; 1831, 112; and in 1841, 19 houses and a population of
113 souls. The duke of Cleveland and Viscountess Boyne are the principal
landowners. The chapel is a small fabric of free stone of unpretending
appearance, exhibiting the style of architecture prevalent in the
sixteenth century. The living is a curacy, subordinate to the rectory of
Chetton.
Adams James, gardener
Adams Ann, schoolmistress
Baker John, Esq., Walsbatch
Broom George, shoemaker, Eudon Gorge
Corfield Cornelius, farmer, Eudon Gorge
Corfield Thomas, farmer and cider shop, Tedstill
Dallewy John, Esq., Lower House
Davies James, farmer, Hollicott and Cockshutt
Edmonds Joseph, farmer, Down House
Farmer Thomas, farmer, Lower Faintree
Fletcher Benjamin, farmer, The Bush
Foxall Harry Smith, farmer, Lower Faintree
Gordon Alexander, farmer, Eudon Burnall
Gratton John, miller, Eudon Gorge
Griffin Geo., relieving officer
Hall Edward, jun., farmer, The Drales
Harley Edw., farmer, Eudon Gorge
Herbert Rev. Richard, rector, The Rectory
Hinsley John, farmer, Little Cockshutt
Jones Thomas, shopkeeper
Jones William, shoemaker and beerseller, Old Field
Porter William, farmer and beerseller, Down
Porter William, wheelwright, Down
Purton Thos. Pardoe, Esq., banker, Faintree Hall
Reece Harriet, farmer, Criddon
Reynolds Wm., shoemaker and vict., Old Inn
Rudd John, farmer, Scotland
Smith James, farm bailiff, Tedstill
Taylor Thomas, farmer, Upper House
Wallace William, farmer, Hill Farm
Wall Thos., farmer, Archley
Walters Thos., miller, Down Mill
Yeardley Wm., blacksmith and farmer, Down
LOUGHTON DIRECTORY.
Blakemore Jesse, farmer
Chatham William, farmer
Evans John, shoemaker
Hall Richard, farmer
Kitson Mary, farmer
Lawley John, farmer
Noakes Thomas, shopkeeper
CLEOBURY MORTIMER
is parish and market town in the Cleobury division of the hundred of
Stottesden, situated 137 miles N.W. of London, thirty-three miles S.S.E.
of Shrewsbury, eleven miles E. of Ludlow, and eight miles W. of Bewdley.
It is divided into four quarters, viz.: Cleobury Town Liberty, West
Foreign Liberty, East Foreign Liberty, and Doddington Liberty, which
together contain 7,671 acres of land, of which 738 acres are in
woodlands, 104A. 0R. 14P. of public roads, 2A. 2R. water, and 619A. 2R.
3P. in common lands and waste. Rateable value of the parish, £7,300. At
the census in 1841 there were 364 houses and 1,730 inhabitants;
population in 1801, 1,368; and in 1831, 1,716, William Lacon Childe,
Esq., is lord of the manor. The principal landowners are the Earl of
Craven; Sir Edward Blount, Bart.; W. L. Childe, Esq.; Charles Wickstead,
Esq.; Mrs. Lucy Botfield; Beriah Botfield, Esq.; John Downes, Esq.;
Richard and Henry Backhouse, Esq.; Trustees of Cleobury School; George
James Compson, Esq.; Thomas Foxhall, Esq.; and Thomas Pardoe Purton,
Esq., besides whom are a number of smaller freeholders. The tithes are
commuted for £676. 12s. 6d., of which £602. 10s. is apportioned to the
vicar of the parish, £34. 10s. to the Earl of Craven, and 12s. 6d. to
William L. Childe, Esq.
The name of Cleobury Mortimer is said to be derived from its situation in
a district abounding with clay, and from the Saxon word _Byrig_, a town,
and the adjunct by which it is distinguished from North Cleobury is
obtained from its ancient possessor, Ralph de Mortimer, who held it at
the time of the general survey. The town principally consists of one
long street extending from east to west, and contains several family
mansions and good shops, in all the different branches of the retail
trade. The labouring population are chiefly engaged in agricultural
pursuits. There were formerly extensive ironworks in the vicinity, but
these have now disappeared. There are two paper mills in the adjoining
parish of Neen Savage, carried on by Mr. T. L. Hall. The Clee Hill
collieries, about three miles west of the town, have of late been little
wrought, though they contain extensive fields of good coal, ironstone,
and limestone. This town is generally thought to have been the birth
place of Robert Langlande, author of the “Vision of Pierce the
Ploughman,” which was published in the year 1369. A strong castle which
formerly stood in this place was entirely destroyed in the wars between
Henry II. and his rebellious barons; it was built by Hugh de Mortimer.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is an ancient and venerable
structure, built of rubble stone, probably about the 14th century. Hugh
de Mortimer settled this church for part of the endowment of the Abbey of
Wigmore, about the time of Henry II. The square tower, containing a peal
of six musical bells, a clock, and two dials, is surmounted by an
octagonal spire of wood painted white. The interior consists of nave,
chancel, and side aisles, the latter is separated from the nave by five
pointed arches on each side. The chancel is separated from the body of
the church by a pointed arch. The western gallery contains a fine-toned
organ, built by subscriptions about seven years ago, at a cost of £250.
On the south side is a stained glass window, with the representation of
Christ and the emblems of the crucifixion, and underneath are the words,
“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd.” On the north side is a
beautiful stained glass window in memory of Mary Ann, the wife of John
Lynn Priest; and also a stained glass window containing figures of St.
Anne and St. Mary the Virgin, erected in memory of Ann Golderby, who died
in 1849. There are several marble tablets and tombs within the church,
to the memory of deceased members of the various families in the
neighbourhood. Within the entrance of the porch is the following epitaph
to the memory of Honor Evans.
My days, alas! my mortal days, were short and wretched too:
Evil and few, the patriarch says, and well the patriarch knew
That death, like overflowing stream, sweeps all away; life’s but a
dream,
An empty tale, a morning flower, cut down and withered in an hour.
Remember, Lord, man’s mortal state; how frail is life, how short the
date,
Where is the man that draws his breath, safe from disease, secure
from death,
For man, weak man is born to die, made up of guilt and vanity.
Thy dreadful sentence, Lord, is just; return ye sinners to your dust.
The living of the church is a vicarage, valued in the king’s books at
£12. 10s. 10d., in the patronage of William Lacon Childe, Esq., and
incumbency of the Rev. Edward George Childe, M.A.
THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a small chapel in High street, built of
brick. THE ROMAN CATHOLICS have also a chapel near Mawsley Hall, in this
parish.
THE FREE SCHOOL was founded and endowed by Sir Lacon William Childe,
knt., in the year 1714, for the education of the youth of Cleobury
Mortimer; for which purpose he gave by will, dated 28th of October, 1714,
all his personal estate, undisposed of, to be put out at interest or to
be invested in land for the maintenance of a master, to whom he gave £30
for ever to teach and instruct the children of the parish. By an order
of the court of exchequer, dated 19th of June, 1735, it was ordered that
£200 should be laid out in the building or purchasing a school and
schoolhouse, and that the residue of the trust money should be laid out
in the purchase of lands, the rents and profits thereof to be applied to
the payment of £30 a year to the schoolmaster, buying English books for
the scholars, repairing the school and schoolhouse, and putting out six
or more poor children of the parish to husbandry, as the trustees should
think fit. By a further order it was directed that the securities should
be called in, and the money invested in the South Sea Annuities, which
produced in 1742 the sum of £2,475. 6s. which with an outstanding
mortgage of £100 constituted the whole of the testator’s personal estate.
In 1751, the sum of £2,700 was expended in the purchase of 348A. 3R. 36P.
of land, in the parish of Cleobury Mortimer, which is now let at a yearly
rent of £343. There is also funded property consisting of £1,700 south
sea annuities; £1,600 three per cent. consols; and a sum of £600 composed
of surplus income, and £198. 16s. received for return of property tax.
Of this fund £1000 three per cents were bequeathed to the trustees in
1810 by Mr. John Winwood, of Bristol, towards paying an usher to assist
in teaching. The interest of these funds with the rents of land
beforementioned amount to the sum of £463. 1s. 5d. per annum. Upwards of
160 children are now educated in the school, of whom twelve boys and
twelve girls are annually clothed, and a fee is given yearly for the
apprenticing of six or more poor scholars to some mechanical or
agricultural pursuit. The head master is appointed by William Lacon
Childe, Esq., of Kinlet, as representative of the founder, and receives
£60 per annum, besides other perquisites; especially an allowance of 30s.
per head for copy books, &c. The Rev. Henry Kemp, B.A. is the head
master: James Birchall, second master.
THE COUNTY COURT for the recovery of debts, and in all pleas of personal
action where the damage does not exceed £50, is held monthly at the
Town’s Offices, in the Lower town. The several parishes and places
within the jurisdiction of the court are Aston Botterel, Bayton, in
Worcestershire, Cleobury Mortimer, Coreley, Farlow, in Herefordshire,
Highley, Hopton Wafers, Kinlet, Loughton, Mamble, Milson, Neen Savage,
Neen Solars, Rock, in Worcestershire, Silvington, Stottesden, and
Wheathill. _Judge_, Uvedale Corbett, Esq., Aston Hall: _Clerk_, Samuel
Phillips Southam, Esq.; _Assistant Clerk_, William Nichols: _High
Bailiff_, William Cooke: _Bailiff and Appraiser_, William Farmer.
CLEOBURY MORTIMER UNION HOUSE is situated half a mile north-west of the
church. The union comprises the following parishes, viz.:—Aston
Botterel, Coreley, Farlow, Highley, Hopton Wafers, Kinlet, Loughton,
Milson, Neen Savage, Neen Solars, Silvington, Stottesden and Wheathill,
in the county of Salop; and Bayton, Rock and Mamble, in the county of
Worcestershire. The union comprehends an area of upwards of 50,000
acres, or 88 square miles, and a population of 8,632 souls. _Chairman to
the Guardians_, Sir Edward Blount, Bart.: _Clerk_, William Cooke, Esq.:
_Surgeon_, Henry Vevers: _Relieving Officer_, Mr. William Wainwright:
_Master_, Isaac Alfred Read: _Matron_, Sarah Read: _Schoolmistress_,
Sarah Jones.
THE MARKET HALL, situated near the church, is a modern erection of stone,
in which the weekly market is held on Wednesday. Fairs are held on April
21st, May 2nd, first Monday after Whitsuntide, and October 27th, which
are well attended. There is also a feast held the first Sunday after the
15th of August.
THE PETTY SESSIONS are held on the third Tuesday in each month, at the
Towns Offices, in the lower town. There is a LOCK-UP in Church street,
which was built of freestone in 1836; it is a small structure, containing
two cells: Richard Roberts, police constable. THE EXCISE OFFICE is held
at the Talbot Inn, where there is also a reading room, supported by
annual subscription. There is a Circulating Library in Market street, of
which Joseph Wainwright is the proprietor.
CLEOBURY MORTIMER township and liberty contains 947A. 1R. 27P. of land,
of which 315 acres are woodlands, 31A. 3R. 35P. are public roads, and 2A.
2R. are water. The soil is fertile and productive, and is watered by
numerous fine springs, as well as the River Rea, which intersects the
township, and is crossed by a bridge a short distance east of the
village. At the census of 1851 the liberty contained 211 houses and
1,122 persons. The rent charge payable to the vicar is £131. William
Lacon Childe, Esq., is lord of the manor, and holds a court leet and
baron, at the Talbot Inn annually, in November; Mr. James Boucher is the
steward.
DODDINGTON liberty, situated two miles west of the parish church, at the
census of 1851 had 87 houses and a population of 383 souls. It contains
2,878A. 6R. 19P. of land, of which 35A. 0R. 16P. are public road, and
619A. 2R. 3P. are moor, common, and waste, being part of the Clee Hill.
The tithes are commuted, and £172 apportioned to the vicar of Cleobury
Mortimer and £34. 10s. to the Earl of Craven. William Lacon Childe Esq.,
is lord of the manor.
THE DISTRICT CHURCH, situated on the side of Clee Hill, was founded and
endowed by the late Thomas Botfield, Esq., and his widow, Mrs. Lucy
Botfield, of Hopton Court, who has invested the sum of £1,000 for the
endowment, erected a parsonage house near the church, and given five
acres of land. The church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and
built of stone, with a square tower, the site and building of which cost
about £4,000. The living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of Mrs.
Botfield, and incumbency of the Rev. Henry Brown, M.A. There are several
coal works on the Clee Hill in this township, carried on by Beriah
Botfield, Esq. The townships in this liberty are Catherton, Ditton,
Dudnell, Hill Houses, and Woodhouses, an extra parochial liberty,
situated two miles from Cleobury.
THE EAST FOREIGN LIBERTY, situated three miles from Cleobury Mortimer,
contains 1,878A. 1R. 39P. of land, of which 17 acres are public roads,
and 132 acres woods and plantations. The vicarial tithes are commuted
for the sum of £121. W. L. Childe, Esq., is lord of the manor. The
liberty contains the townships of Mawley and Weston.
MAWLEY MANOR HOUSE, situated one mile S.E. of Cleobury Mortimer, is the
seat and residence of Sir Edward Blount, Bart. The mansion is a
commodious and handsome brick structure, with stone facings and mullions,
and surrounded by a richly wooded park.
WEST FOREIGN LIBERTY, situated two miles from Cleobury, contains 1,312A.
1R. 24P. of land, of which 291 acres are woods and coppices, 20 acres
public roads. The rent charge amounts to £122. 2s. 6d., of which the sum
of £121. 10s. is apportioned to the lord of the manor. William Lacon
Childe, Esq. This liberty, with that of East Foreign, contains 48 houses
and a population of 242 souls.
CHARITIES.—_Sir William Lacon Childe_, the founder of the free school
previously noticed, also gave by will the sum of £100, the interest
thereof to be distributed to the poor in bread every Sunday.
_Richard Walker_, gave by will, dated 1666, the sum of 1s. every Lord’s
day and 2s. every Christmas day, to be distributed in bread to the poor
of the parish of Cleobury Mortimer. This gift is paid out of certain
lands in the parish.
It is stated on a tablet in the church that _Benjamin Bateman_, clerk,
left £20, and _Mrs. Joyce Cumber_ left £5, for teaching poor children to
read. From a copy of part of the will of Mr. Bateman in the parish book
it appears that the £20 given by him was to be disposed of by the vicar
of Cleobury Mortimer and one Mr. Read in such a manner as they should
think fit.
_Henry Fox_, by deeds of lease and release, dated 1743, reciting that his
sister, Mary Fox, had by her will given £50, which she intended should be
laid out in land, and the rents applied to teaching poor girls to read,
conveyed to the vicar a field containing one acre, in trust, that he
should raise yearly the sum of 54s., and pay the same to a poor woman of
the parish to teach ten poor girls to read. Also _German Fox_, in 1775,
bequeathed £50, the interest thereof to be applied towards teaching poor
boys to read.
Near to Cleobury Mortimer is a large school room and school house
annexed, usually called the Old School Premises, but now uninhabited and
in complete decay. From an indenture dated 1727 it appears that these
buildings were erected upon a piece of land belonging to John Meysey,
Esq., by means of contributions raised among the neighbouring gentry, for
the purpose of a school for the benefit of the children of the parish of
Cleobury Mortimer.
THE POST OFFICE.—_Mr. William Jeffries_, _postmaster_, _Church street_.
Letters arrive from Bewdley at 7-45 A.M., and are despatched at 4-30 P.M.
Adams George, carrier, High street
Ashwood Thomas, gardener, Market place
Baker Slade, Esq., Sandbourne
Birchall James, second master of Free School, Market street
Blount Sir Edward, Bart., Mawley Hall
Boucher James, Esq., Church street
Bourne James, Esq., Mawley town
Bourne James, Esq., The villas
Botfield Lucy, gentlewoman, Hopton court
Brown Rev. William Henry, M.A., Doddington Parsonage
Childe Rev. Ed. Geo., M.A., The Vicarage
Childe Wm. Lacon, Esq., Kinlet Park
Childe William Lacon, Esq., junr., Kinlet
Cocks Rev. Charles Richard Somers, M.A., Neen Savage Rectory
Cocksey Mr. Charles, Market street
Colerick William, inland revenue officer, High street
Cooke Mr. William, junr., High street
Crump Thomas, Esq., Chorley
Crump Thomas, Esq., jun., The Hall
Dorrell Benjamin, miller and farmer
Farmer Wm., parish clerk & perpetl. overseer
Hall Thomas Lambert, paper manufacturer
Hardwicke Rev. Thos., D.D., Milson Rectory
Harris Sarah, school teacher
Hayton Rev. John, Market street
Hulme Rev. Benjamin, Mawley
Jefferies William, postmaster, Church street
Jones James, carrier, Market street
Jones Sarah, school teacher
Jones William Weaver, gentleman, Market st
Kemp Rev. Henry, B.A., Grammar School
Lowe Arthur Charles, Esq., Court of Hill
Marcy Wm. Nicholls, solicitor, and agent to Shropshire Fire Office,
Bewdley
Mytton Henry George, Esq.
Nichols Wm., county court clerk, Market st
Pardoe George, Esq., Nash court
Pope Benjamin David, Market place
Pope Thomas, gentleman, Market street
Read Isaac Alfred, M.A., Union house
Reynolds Mrs. Elizabeth, Church street
Roberts Richard, county police officer, Lower town
Southam Samuel Phillip, Esq., Market st
Tongue Mary, school teacher, Free School
Vevers Henry, gentleman, Lower town
Wainwright William, relieving officer
West Margaret, carrier, High street
Whatmore John, town crier, Church street
Whitcombe Edmund Bancks, gentleman, High street
Wickstead Charles, Esq., Skakenhurst
Woodward Mrs., Lower town
Woodward Rev. Thomas, M.A., Hopton Rectory
Academies.
Free School, Rev. Henry Kemp, principal; Birchall James, second master;
Sarah Harris, mistress
Infant, Mary Tongue
Attorneys.
Backhouse Richard Onions, Lower town
Marcy William Nicholls, Lower town
Pope Benj. David, Market place
Southam Samuel Phillips, master extraordinary in chancery, coroner for
the southern district of Shropshire, and clerk to the county court
Auctioneers and Valuers.
Backhouse Richard Onions, Lower town
Hill William, Lower town
Jones Lloyd, Lower town
Baker and Flour Dealer.
Price James, Market street
Blacksmiths.
Harris Thomas, Church st
Hay John, (& ironmonger), Market street
Potter Edward, Lower town
Webb Thomas, High street
Boot and Shoemakers.
Bodenham John, Market st
Breakwell Thos., The Hurst
Whatmore John, (& leather cutter), Church street
Wheeler James, Church st
Butchers.
Bright Edward, High street
Lloyd Thomas, (& farmer), Market place
Williams Thos., (& grazier) Market place
Coopers.
Knott John, High street
Simmonds Wm., Market pl
Chemist and Druggist.
Wainwright Joseph, Market place
Grocers and Tea Dealers.
Downes John, High street
Downes Thomas, (& provision dealer), Lower town
Eaton Robert, High street
Jefferies Wm., (& chandler), Church street
Wainwright Joseph, Market place
Williams Elizth., Church st
Yapp Thomas, Market pl
Hair Dresser.
Griffiths John, Lower town
Hotels, Inns, and Taverns.
Bell, Jas. Lane, Lower town
Crown, James Wm. Smith, High street
Fountain, Elizth. Williams, Church street
Fox Inn, Thomas Farmer, High street
King’s Arms, commercial inn and spirit vaults, Benjamin Taylor, Church st
Lion, Thomas Worrall, Church street
Plough, Jas. Wood, High st
Swan, Benjamin Dorrell, Church street
Talbot Hotel, and commercial inn & posting house, Wm. Dorrell, Market pl
Beer and Cider Retailers.
Eaton Robert, High street
Wadeley James, Lower town
Whetstone Wm., High st
Butter and Cheese Dealer.
Yapp Thomas, (& dealer in corn), Market place
Joiners and Builders.
Hare Thomas, High street
Hardy Edwin, (upholsterer and & bell hanger), Church street
Smith John, High street
Land Agents.
Boucher James, Church st
Bourn James, junr., Mawley town
Linen and Woollen Drapers and Silk Mercers.
Downes Wm., Market place
Mytton James, Market pl
Maltsters.
Beddoe Charles, (and hop merchant), Church street
Wheeler Wm., (and corn miller), Lower town
Milliners and Dressmakers.
Dallow Jane, (fancy repository and hosiery), Market place
Wright Elizth., Church st
Paper Manufacturer.
Hall Thomas Lambert, Neen Savage
Painters, Plumbers, & Glaziers.
Hume Benjamin and Sons, (& paperhanger), Market place
Hume Benj., Lower town
Hume James, Union road
Napper William, High st
Saddlers and Harness Makers.
Littler Wm., Market place
Palmer Samuel, Market pl
Shopkeepers and Dealers in Groceries and Sundries.
Allen Rebecca, High street
Beddoe Ann, High street
Farmer Thomas, High st
Keysall Edward, Market pl
Whetstone William, High st
Skinner and Woolstapler.
Dallow James, High street
Stone Masons.
Haberley Wm., Lower town
Hare Thomas, High street
Potter James, Lower town
Surgeons.
Jones Wm. Weaver, Markt. st
Pope Thomas, Market pl
Vevers Henry, Lower town
Whitcombe Edmund Bancks, High street
Surveyors.
Dallow Wm. Aloysius, (land and road), Mortimer pl
Hill William, (land), Lower town
Tailors.
Mytton James, Market st
Pennington George, Lower town
Potter George, Lower town
Tinman and Brazier and Ironmonger.
Evans John, Market street
Watch and Clock Maker.
Stockall Thomas, Market st
Wheelwrights.
Merrick John, Lower town
Williams Thos., Market st
Carriers.
To BIRMINGHAM—From the King’s Arms (Cleobury Mortmr.), passing through
Bewdley, Kidderminster, and Hales Owen, to the Swan with Two Necks,
Birmingham, every Monday, Benjamin Taylor, proprietor
To BEWDLEY—James Jones, Mondays and Saturdays
To KIDDERMINSTER—Geo. Adams, Saturdays
To LUDLOW—Margt. West, Mondays
CLEOBURY NORTH
is a small village in the Chelmarsh division of the Stottesden hundred,
on the turnpike road from Bridgnorth to Ludlow, eight miles south-west
from the former, and eleven miles north-east from the latter. The parish
contains 1,560 acres of land, of which 461 acres are in waste and
commons. At the census of 1801 there were 136 inhabitants; 1831, 187;
and in 1841, 33 houses and a population of 176 souls. Rateable value,
£1,001. 14s. 6d. The principal landowners are the Rev. J. Knight, H. G.
Mytton, Esq., the Earl of Powis, and Mr. John Hinksman; and the
Corporation of Ludlow are also proprietors. THE CHURCH is dedicated to
St. Peter, and consists of nave, chancel, and south aisle, with a short
tower in which are two bells. The windows exhibit the style of
architecture which prevailed during the reign of Henry VII.: in other
parts are traces of the Norman character. The living is a rectory,
valued in the king’s book at £5. 12s. 3d., in the patronage of the Mytton
family; incumbent, Rev. John R. Webb. The tithes are commuted for £149.
9s.; and there are 75 acres of glebe land, of the annual value of £60.
The rectory is a good residence, almost surrounded with water, and has a
very picturesque appearance, not far from which are the towering heights
of the Brown Clee Hill. The church has recently been restored and
beautified, at the expense of the landowners and the principal residents.
A fine toned organ has been added, at a cost of £120, which was raised by
the interest and exertions of the present incumbent. CLEOBURY HALL, the
residence of Henry George Mytton, Esq., and the Misses Mytton, is a
handsome mansion of free stone, erected by the grandfather of the present
proprietor; it is beautified with pleasure grounds and shrubberies, and
surrounded with fine scenery.
DIRECTORY.—Henry George Mytton, Esq., Cleobury Hall; The Misses Mary Ann,
Harriette, Ann, and Frances Mytton, Cleobury Hall; Launcelot Dixon,
joiner; Thomas Green, farmer and corn miller; John Minton, yeoman; John
Miles farmer; William Powell, farmer; Jeremiah Sambrook, farmer; Rev.
John R. Webb, the Rectory.
CORELEY
is a parish and small village four and a half miles N.N.E. from Tenbury,
containing 2,173A. 3R. 9P. of land, of which 877A. 2R. 6P. are common
lands. The rateable value of the parish is £2,266. 10s.: gross estimated
rental, £2,624. 3s. 6d. At the census of 1841 there were 112 houses, and
525 souls; population in 1801, 458; and in 1831, 553. The principal
landowners are the Earl of Craven, John Pritchard, Esq., W. S. Davenport,
Esq., Mrs. Lucy Botfield, and Miss Compson; besides whom there are
several smaller proprietors. There are coal works in this parish,
carried on by Beriah Botfield, Esq. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Peter,
is built of brick, and has a square tower, surmounted by a spire of wood.
The interior is neatly pewed with oak. The pulpit is carved, and has the
date of 1648. On the south wall is a tablet to the memory of William
Coling, of Coreley, dated 1657. The living is a rectory, valued in the
king’s books at £5. 5s. 8d.; patron and incumbent, Rev. Walter
Haliburton, M.A. The tithe is commuted for £168. There are 65 acres of
glebe land in the parish.
DIRECTORY.—William Adams, farmer, Hince; William Bishop, blacksmith;
Samuel Brown, wheelwright; Benjamin Bytheway, shoemaker and shopkeeper;
George Corfield, farmer, Brick House; James Davies, Esq., banker, Church
stile; William Davies, farmer; Rev. Walter Haliburton, M.A., rector, the
Rectory; William Honeybourn, vict., the Poplar; Jeremiah Jeffries,
farmer; John Kay, farmer; Edwin Wall, vict., the Colliers Arms; John
Webb, shoemaker; Richard Wyer, farmer, New Barn.
DEUXHILL
a small parish in the Chelmarsh division of the Stottesden hundred,
contains 683 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £471. The
principal landowners are the Rev. Mr. Haden, Mrs. Deenton, and the Rev.
Richard Herbert; besides whom there are a few smaller proprietors. At
the census in 1801 there were 30 inhabitants; and in 1841, eight houses
and a population of 45 souls. The village is pleasantly situated on the
Bridgnorth end Cleobury Mortimer turnpike road, four and a half miles
S.S.W. from the former town. THE CHURCH is a small structure, consisting
of nave and chancel, with a small turret, in which is one bell. Over the
porch is the date 1668. A neat tablet remembers John Lewis, who died in
1804, and his wife Frances, who died in 1809. The living is a rectory,
annexed to that of Chetton: incumbent, Rev. Richard Herbert.
The principal residents are Charles Birkin, farmer; Mary Ann Birkin,
farmer; Mary Jenkins, schoolmistress; Thomas Stonyer, corn miller,
Horsford.
DOWLES,
a small parish in the Cleobury division of the hundred of Stottesden,
situated one mile north of Bewdley, contains 1080 acres of land, the
rateable value of which is £1130. 10s., and gross estimated rental £1300.
In 1841 there were nine houses and eighty persons; population in 1801,
fifty-seven; 1831, sixty-two. The Misses Taylors are ladies of the manor
and the principal landowners, Mr. James Taylor, Rev. Joseph Fletcher, and
others are also proprietors. The word Dowles comes from the British Dôl,
which signifies a bottom surrounded with hills, or perhaps from the Saxon
Doelar, to divide, as it is on the extreme border of the county, a small
brook dividing it from Worcestershire. It is situated on the bank of the
river Severn and surrounded with beautiful scenery. The Bewdley Gas
Works are in this parish, and the manufacture of bricks and tiles is
carried on extensively here.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Andrew, stands in a sequestered situation
near the Severn. It is built of brick and has a small turret; the
interior consists of nave and chancel and the fittings are neat and
appropriate. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £4, in
the patronage of the Misses Taylor, and incumbency of the Rev. J.
Fletcher, B.A. The tithes are commuted for £120. There are two acres of
glebe land.
CHARITIES.—An old parish book records benefactions to the poor between
the year 1636 and 1710 to the amount of £13. 10s., which in the year 1786
was applied towards the rebuilding of the church, the rent of one of the
pews thereof being given to the poor in consideration of this sum, which
was regularly distributed till the year 1800, when a new minister of the
parish opposed the further letting of any pews and ordered them to be
thrown open to the public.
DIRECTORY.—Samuel Hill Crocket, farmer; William Downing, farmer; Rev.
Joseph Fletcher, B.A., The Parsonage; Benjamin Jeffries, parish clerk and
overseer and inspector of the Bewdley police; James Lawley, farmer;
William Meredith, farmer; and Thomas Perry, farmer.
GLAZELEY
is a parish and village situated on the Bridgnorth and Ludlow turnpike
road, three and a half miles S.S.W. from the former town. This parish is
in the Chelmarsh division of the Stottesden hundred, and contains 636
acres of land. At the census in 1801 there were 31 inhabitants; 1831,
47, and in 1841 eight houses and 38 souls. Thomas Whitmore Wylde Browne,
Esq., is lord of the manor and owner of the land. Adjoining the
church-yard is a mound or tumulus. THE CHURCH is a small unpretending
structure of brick, consisting of nave and chancel, and will accommodate
about eighty persons. In the chancel is a tablet in memory of Edmund
Wylde, Esq., who died in 1695. On the floor is brass, in a good state of
preservation, with two full length figures and six children,
commemorative of Thomas and Elizabeth Wylde and their children; it is
dated 1599. The living is a rectory annexed to that of Chetton, enjoyed
by the Rev. Richard Herbert. The parsonage house is a neat brick
residence on the south side of the church-yard. THE WOODLANDS, a
handsome stone mansion, the seat and property of T. W. Wylde Browne,
Esq., is surrounded by a finely timbered park, and commands extensive
views of the surrounding country.
The principal residents are Thomas Whitmore Wylde Browne, Esq., J.P.,
Woodlands; and Edward Brown, farmer.
HIGHLEY
is a parish and pleasant rural village near the western bank of the
Severn, seven miles S.S.E. of Bridgnorth, situated on an eminence
commanding fine views of the surrounding country, and noted for its
extensive orchards and the excellency of its cider, which is made to a
considerable extent in this locality. There are several quarries of
superior stone in the parish. At the census of 1841 there were 88 houses
and 360 inhabitants; population in 1801, 274, and in 1831, 404. Highley
contains 1,527A. 1R. 7P. of land, of which 780 acres are arable, 570
acres meadow and pasture, and 40 acres are woodlands, the rateable value
of which is £1,128. 3s. 4d; gross estimated rental, £1,929. 18s. 6d. The
tithes are commuted for £225. 1s. 6d. William Jordin, Esq., is lord of
the manor and principal landowner, besides whom Mr. John Crane, Rev.
Samuel Du Pre, Mr. Easthope, Mr. Thomas Fenn, Mr. J. H. Windle, Mr.
Daniel Jordin, Mr. Levi Jordin, Mr. Thomas Jordin, and Mr. George Peplow,
are proprietors.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, is built of free stone, with square
tower, in which is four bells. It consists of nave, chancel, and has a
gallery on which is placed a small organ. The Rev. Samuel Burrows is the
patron, and the Rev. Samuel Du Pre, incumbent. The living is a vicarage
valued in the king’s book at £5. 19s. 2d. Some portion of the land is
tithe free, the rest has been commuted and apportioned as follows:—To the
vicar the sum of £115. 10s.; to Mr. Jordin, £89. 11s.; to the Rev. P.
Haslewood, £19, and to Thomas Lowe, £1. The vicar has 89A. 3R. 2P. of
glebe land.
CHARITIES.—_Richard Lowe_ gave the sum of £10 by will in 1579; _George
Harris_, in 1607, gave £1. 6s. 8d.; and _Giles Rawlins_, by will, in
1677, gave £5, to be employed for the use and benefit of the poor of the
parish of Highley. With this money land was purchased containing two
acres, on which two cottages have been built, and the rents have been
given to the poor of the parish in bread every Sunday. _Thomas Getton_,
_Esq._, in 1808, gave £5. 10s., the interest thereof to be distributed in
bread to the poor of the parish on Christmas day.
DIRECTORY.—Decimus Burrows, farmer, Church Hill; William Burrows, farmer,
Rea Farm; John Davies, shopkeeper; Rev. Samuel Du Pre, The Vicarage;
William Easthope, farmer, Haylewells; William Evans, builder; Thomas
Fenn, farmer, Dustley; George Gough, shopkeeper; William Thomas Homer,
schoolmaster; Martha Hughes, beer and cider retailer; Daniel Jordin,
miller and farmer; Levi Jordin, farmer; Thomas Jordin, farmer, Netherton
House; William Jordin, Esq., New House; William Jordin, farmer, Highley
House; William Kirk, shopkeeper and quarry owner; John Kirkham, vict.,
The Ship; William Lloyd, shoemaker; John Oakley, farm bailiff; William
Pritchard, blacksmith; Richard Tomlinson, farmer, The Heath; William
Walford, shoemaker; Benjamin Williams, tailor.
HOPE BAGGOT,
a small parish five miles east by south of Ludlow, containing 650 acres
of land, in 1841 had 21 houses and 75 inhabitants; population in 1801,
94; 1831, 62. The tithes of this parish have been commuted for £75. In
the 22nd of Richard II., William de Hulle held half a knight’s fee here
under the Earl of March, which was formerly possessed by Robert Baggard,
from whom this place took its name. The principal landowners are
Benjamin Giles, Esq., Mrs. Lucy Botfield, Mrs. J. Hooley, and Mr. Richard
Bray. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. John, is a small stone edifice,
capable of accommodating 63 persons. The interior consists of nave and
chancel, in the latter of which is a tablet to the memory of Benjamin
Giles, Esq., dated 1795, and another to the memory of Benjamin Giles,
Esq., dated 1813. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s books at
£3. 6s. 8d., now returned at £90; in the patronage of the Duke of
Cleveland, and incumbency of the Rev. David Jones. DIRECTORY.—Richard
Bray, farmer; Edward Downes, shoemaker; Benjamin Giles, Esq., Hope Court;
Mrs. Jemima Hooley; Rev. David Jones, the Rectory; and James Geo. Lewis,
Esq., Hope Villa.
HOPTON WAFERS
is a parish and pleasantly situated village on the Cleobury Mortimer and
Ludlow turnpike road, 9 miles from the latter place. It contains 1,610A.
3R. 26P. of land, of which 22A. 3R. 18P. are roads; 236A. 3R. 26P.
common; and 60A. are in woods and plantations. In 1851 there were 94
inhabited houses, 20 uninhabited, and 444 inhabitants; population in
1801, 392; 1841, 481. There were formerly three paper mills in this
parish. Hopton Wafers is remarkable as giving a singular instance of
longevity in William Hyde, who resided in this place, and lived to the
advanced age of 106 years, and at the time of his decease in 1798, had
sons upwards of eighty years old. The principal landowner is Mrs. Lucy
Botfield, who is also lady of the manor; the trustees of Ludlow
charities, trustees of Palmer’s charities, and the rector are also
proprietors. Rent charge, £186. 12s. There are 83A. 1R. 21P. of glebe
land. THE CHURCH is a fine gothic structure, built of free stone, having
a square tower with pinnacles at the angles. In consists of north and
south aisles and chancel, and has a gallery, in which is a small organ.
On the altar is represented in statuary a Bible opening to the Ten
Commandments, and on each side of the window are marble scrolls with the
Creed and Lord’s Prayer engraved thereon. The church is dedicated to St.
Mary, and the patronage is vested in Mrs. Lucy Botfield, incumbent, Rev.
Thomas Woodward. THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a chapel, built in the
year 1837.
DIRECTORY.—Joseph Allen, blacksmith; Mrs. Lucy Botfield, Hopton Court;
John Bishop, farmer, Bank House; John Caldwell, tailor; Thomas Caldwell,
tailor; John Dolphin, farmer and beer retailer; William Edwards,
schoolmaster; William Farr, blacksmith; Richard Hatton, wheelwright;
William Highfield, farmer; Eliza Hyde, schoolmistress; Thomas Hyde,
shoemaker; William Hyde, shoemaker; William Jones, farmer, Little Shote;
Thomas Page, farmer, Roch Head; William Radnor, farmer, Sproseley; Thomas
Ree, farmer, White House; William Steed, stone mason; William Thatcher,
farmer, Great Shote; John Whitehead, vict., the Crown and farmer; Rev.
Thomas Woodward, M.A., the Rectory.
KINLET
is a parish in the Cleobury division of the Stottesden hundred, embracing
the townships of Kinlet and Earnwood, and contains 6,692 acres of land,
of which 1,079 are in woods, plantations and water; and 30 acres in
public roads. Population in 1801, 602; 1831, 532; 1841, 480; at the
latter period there were 98 houses. Rateable value, £5,760. 19s. 8d.
The soil is various; in some parts a strong loam, and in other places a
light soil prevails. The meadow land produces a rich herbage. William
Lacon Childe, Esq., is lord of the manor, and the principal landowner.
John White, Esq., Rev. Edward George Childe, Esq., George Crump, Esq.,
and Mr. William Rudd are also proprietors. The village of Kinlet is
delightfully situated in a luxuriant district, five miles north from
Cleobury Mortimer, and eight miles south from Bridgnorth. The township
is intersected by the Bridgnorth, Cleobury Mortimer, and Bewdley turnpike
roads, and a portion of the land stretches to the Severn side. This
locality is richly timbered, and the high grounds commands some fine
views of the surrounding country. At the census of 1841 there were 45
houses, mostly scattered, and a population of 227 souls, within the
bounds of this township.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Peter, is a venerable cruciform structure,
situated near the mansion in Kinlet Park: it has a lofty square tower
containing six bells. The interior has a very chaste and elegant
appearance, and the Saxon or early Norman arches of the nave bespeak its
antiquity. The structure was repaired and beautified in the year 1814,
when the east window was restored, at the sole expense of Mr. Childe; it
is richly adorned with armorial bearings and figures in stained glass.
The altar is of oak exquisitely carved. On the south side of the church
is an altar tomb, with the figures of a knight and two ladies in a
recumbent position; the male figure is in steel armour, and remembers Sir
William Childe, Knight; his feet rest on a lion couchant. On the north
side is a tomb with two full length figures, in memory of Sir William
Childe and his lady, dated 1678. There is also a beautiful marble tomb,
with a rich canopy, having the figures of a knight and his lady, in a
kneeling position, with those of a boy and a girl between them; it has
the date of 1584. There is also the figure of a knight in a recumbent
posture, in memory of George Blount, formerly lord of Kinlet, who died in
1581. Several elegant marble tablets, some of which are very chastely
designed, have been erected to the memory of various members of the
Childe family, of Kinlet Hall. The living is a vicarage valued in the
king’s book at £8. 2s. 4d., now returned at £360 in the patronage of
William Lacon Childe, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Edward George
Childe, M.A.; officiating minister, Rev. Edward Prest, M.A. The tithes
have been commuted, and £322 apportioned to the vicar, and £3. 7s. 6d. to
the impropriator, the lord of the manor. There are 45A. 0R. 16P. of
glebe land. A neat school and residence for the teachers was built in
the year 1844, by William Lacon Childe, Esq., by whose munificence and
that of the incumbent it is entirely supported.
KINLET PARK, the seat and property of William Lacon Childe, Esq., J.P.,
is a stately mansion of considerable extent, built in 1789, near the site
of a former mansion, which was taken down. It stands on a gentle
eminence in a delightful park, commanding views of great diversity and
beauty. The pleasure grounds are tastefully laid out, and kept in the
most admirable order, and the park is well timbered and beautifully
picturesque. A magnificent avenue stretches across the grounds. The
park contains 456 acres of land, besides which there are 1,076 acres
covered with woods, plantations, and water. W. L. Childe, Esq., at the
present time has upwards of 4,000 acres of land in his own hands. A
feast is held at Kilnet on the first Sunday after Midsummer day. Cider
is made to a considerable extent in this neighbourhood.
Childe Wm. Lacon, Esq., J. P., Kinlet Park
Barker Henry, farmer, Winnell
Beach Henry, farmer, Rotton row
Boucher James, Esq., steward & land agent
Chappell John, butler
Childe Rev. Edward George, The Hall
Childe William Lacon, Esq., junr.
Deverell Mr. William, farm steward
Elcock John, farmer, Winwoods
George George, farmer, Fastings
Hall John, farmer, Severn lodge
Jones William, Tip house
Jones William, farmer, Tip house
Lawley James, farmer, Norton’s end
Lawley John, farmer, Birch
Lawley Joseph, farmer, Button bridge farm
Lawley Thomas, blacksmith
Okey Edward, farmer
Pearson John, forrester and gardener
Pitt Hannah, school mistress
Pountney Charles, farmer, Catsley hall
Pountney Richard, farmer, Tilley grove
Prest Rev. Edward, The Vicarage
Reynolds Thomas, farmer, Braidley
Rhodes Richards, farmer and vict., Eagle and Serpent Inn
Rolf John, coachman
Rudd William, farmer, Hall of Hammons
Ward John, wheelwright
Whitehead John, park and gamekeeper
MIDDLETON SCRIVEN
is a parish and small rural village, in the Chelmarsh division of the
Stottesden Hundred, five miles S.W. from Bridgnorth. The parish contains
786A. 0R. 16P. of land, the soil mostly a strong marl, producing wheat,
barley, and turnips. The village is watered by two small streams, and in
1801 contained 80 inhabitants; 1831, 99; 1841, 108: at the latter period
there were twenty houses. The principal landowners are the Rev. Thomas
Rowley, D.D., and the Rev. F. S. Bolton; the former is lord of the manor.
There are also several smaller freeholders. Gross estimated rental of
the parish, £903. 16s.; rateable value, £827. 9s. THE CHURCH, dedicated
to St. John the Baptist, was almost entirely rebuilt in 1845 by the
present worthy rector. It consists of nave and chancel, and is neatly
fitted up with oak sittings; several of the windows are beautified with
stained glass, which gives the interior a very chastened and pleasing
appearance. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £4. 6s.
8d., now returned at £150 in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev.
Thomas Rowley, D.D. The rectory is a good residence a little south from
the church.
DIRECTORY.—The Rev. Thomas Rowley, D.D., The Rectory; Joseph Brown,
farmer, The Vicarage House; Richard Giles, joiner; Thomas Hall, junr.,
farmer, The Cave; Richard Lane, wheelwright; James Lock, draining
contractor; John Tongue, farmer and shopkeeper; Silas Webley, farmer;
William Wellings, blacksmith.
MORVILLE
is a parish in the Chelmarsh division of the hundred of Stottesden, three
miles N.W. of Bridgnorth, and five miles S.E. of Much Wenlock. At the
Doomsday survey it was written Membrefelde, and was granted by William
the Conqueror to Roger de Montgomery. The parish contains 2,778 acres of
land, the rateable value of which is £4299. 5s. 2d. The principal
landowners are Sir John E. D. Acton, Bart., and Lord Sudeley; Mrs.
Thursby, Lord Forester, and Thomas C. Whitmore, Esq., M.P., are also
proprietors. At the census of 1841 Morville contained eighty houses and
412 inhabitants; population in 1801, 415; in 1831, 517. The parish is
intersected by the Bridgnorth and Much Wenlock turnpike road, and watered
by the Mar brook.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Gregory, was rebuilt in the year 1118, on an
old Saxon foundation, and formed a part of the possessions of Salop
abbey. The interior contains nave, chancel, and side aisles, the latter
is separated from the body by three arches on each side. The structure
is neatly pewed, and will accommodate 294 persons. In the family seat of
the Acton’s is a tablet to the memory of Sir Edward Acton, Bart., who
departed this life September 28th, 1716, aged 64 years. The living is a
perpetual curacy in the patronage of Lord Sudeley, and incumbency of the
Rev. George Leigh Wasey, M.A. The chapelry of Aston Eyre is annexed to
this church. The tithes have been commuted, and £645 apportioned to Lord
Sudeley, and £21 to Sir John E. D. Acton.
THE ROMAN CATHOLICS have a neat chapel near Aldenham Hall, which was
built about the year 1836 by Lady Granville, and will accommodate near
200 persons. The interior has a chaste and elegant appearance. The east
window is of stained glass, having a beautiful representation of our
Saviour. In the chapel is a marble tablet to the memory of Sir Richard
Ferdinand Acton, Bart., who died at Paris, January 31st, 1837, aged 35
years. The Rev. Francis Ruiz is the priest.
ALDENHAM HALL, a handsome stone mansion, the seat and property of Sir
John E. D. Acton, Bart., situated four miles north-east from Bridgnorth,
was built in the year 1691. It is approached by a fine avenue of lofty
elms, and surrounded by a park of 170 acres. The owner of the mansion
and estate is now a minor
CHARITIES.—_Thomas Burte_, by will, dated 30th January, 1631, gave the
sum of £100 to Walter Acton, Esq., of Morville, to the intent that he
should add thereto the like sum of £100, and should lay out the whole
£200 in the purchase of land for the use of the poor people of the parish
of Morville. The money was expended in the year 1635 in the purchase of
fifteen acres of land in the parish of Claverley, to which was added 2A.
1R. 19P. of land in 1812 on the Enclosure of the common of Morfe. The
whole of the land is now let at a yearly rent of £20, one half of which
is paid to the perpetual curate of Morville, and the other half is
distributed among the poor
On the benefaction table it is stated that _John Mousall_ gave 10s. per
annum to the poor of Morville, to be expended in the purchase of Bibles,
which sum is charged upon an estate at the Reilth, in the parish of
Mainstine.
It is further stated on the benefaction table that _Arthur Weaver_ gave
to the poor at Morville on every Sunday sixpenny loaves, which is charged
upon an estate in this parish, which formerly belonged to that family.
_John Guest_, by will, dated 1,773, directed his son and executor, John
Guest, junr., to distribute the interest of £10 to such of the poor of
the parish of Morville as he should think the greatest objects of
charity. The interest of this sum, with another sum of £5 said to have
been left by Richard Geary, and £20 left by the aforesaid John Guest, in
1797, has been regularly distributed in bread to the poor of the parish.
ASTON EYRE, a chapelry in the parish of Morville, four miles N.E. of
Bridgnorth, contains 1,200 acres of land, the rateable value of which is
£1,111. At the census of 1841 it had 23 houses and 130 inhabitants;
population in 1801, 106, and in 1831, 120. The landowners in this
chapelry are Sir John E. D. Acton, Bart., Lord Sudeley, and St. John C.
Charlton, Esq. The chapel was built in the year 1147, and endowed by
Robert Fitz Aber, with sixty acres of land, the title deeds of which are
still extant. Over the door on entering the chapel is a tympanum of
antique workmanship, representative of our Saviour entering Jerusalem on
an ass. The chapel is built of stone, and contains nave and chancel,
which is separated from the body by a pointed arch. There is
accommodation for 76 persons. The living is subordinate to that of
Morville.
Acton Sir John E. D., Bart., Aldenham Hall
Backhouse Henry O., farmer & auctioneer
Braithwaite John, farmer, Haughton
Brown Mary & Sons, blacksmith
Brown Sarah, farmer, The Croft
Bryant Michl., miller & gardener, Aldenham
Clarke John, farmer, The Croft
Cureton Thomas, farmer, Bridgwalton
Downes John, farmer, and wine & spirit mer
Dutertre Rev. Peter, (Catholic), The Priory
Elcock Wm., miller & farmer, Ley mill
Fortel Rev. Thomas, (Catholic), The Priory
Green John, miller and farmer, Harpswood
Henbury Charles, farmer, The Hurst
Meredith James, farmer, Underton
Oliver William, farmer, Bridgwalton
Panter Charles, farm bailiff, Croft
Reece Edwin, farmer, Harpsford
Reynolds Joseph, farmer, Underton
Richards Rev. Fred., B.A., curate, Morville Hall
Rudd The Misses, farmers, The Croft
Ruiz Rev. Frances, O.M.C., (Catholic), The Priory
Russell Thomas, farm bailiff
Taylor Thomas, farmer & vict., Acton’s Arms
Trudeau Rev. Alex., (Catholic), The Priory
Wadlow Charles, farmer, The Hurst
Wasey Rev. George Leigh, M.A., incumbent, The Knowle Sands
Wall Francis, shoemaker and shopkeeper
Williams Charles, steward to Sir J. E. D. Acton, Bart., Morville Hall
Willis Joseph, farmer, Morville Hall
ASTON EYRE DIRECTORY.
Beddoes Mr. George, Aston Cottage
Corser William, farmer
Embrey William, farmer
Gittings Richard, farmer
Taylor Thomas, farm bailiff
Wall Hercules, farmer
NEEN SAVAGE
is a parish in the Cleobury division of the hundred of Stottesden, one
mile north-west from Cleobury, situated in a sequestered valley watered
by the River Rea. It contains 3,690 acres of land, and had at the census
of 1841, 99 houses and 490 inhabitants; population in 1801, 469; 1831,
450. The landowners in the parish are the Rev. Charles Richard Somers
Cocks, M.A.; William Lacon Childe, Esq.; C. B. Ogle, Esq.; Robert
Hinckesman, Esq.; and a few smaller proprietors. There are two paper
mills in this parish, in the occupancy of Mr. Thomas Lambert Hall. The
tithe of this parish is commuted for £420. THE CHURCH is an ancient
gothic edifice of stone, consisting of nave and chancel, and will
accommodate 300 persons. It was appropriated to the Abbey of Wigmore, by
Hugh de Mortimer, immediately after the finishing of that abbey. It is
rated in the king’s books at £6. In 1630, the advowson of Neen Savage,
now worth £445, was sold for only £80. On the 19th of January, 1825, the
wooden spire of the church was struck with lightning and burnt to the
tower; the roof was much injured, and the bells were melted and fell to
the bottom of the tower, and but for the exertions of the surrounding
inhabitants, the whole edifice would soon have been in ruins. There are
seven acres of glebe land in the parish. The Lord Chancellor is patron
of the living; and the Rev. Charles R. Somers Cocks, M.A., is the vicar.
CHARITIES.—_Richard Edwards_, by will, gave the sum of £400, in trust,
that the same should be laid out in land, and the rents and profits
thereof paid to some good schoolmaster to teach twenty poor boys of the
parish of Neen Savage. In 1732 the sum of £285 was applied in the
purchase of 17 acres of land in Stottesden parish, which is now let at a
rent of £35. The remainder of the money was placed out at interest until
some opportunity may offer of making an advantageous purchase in land.
_Richard Hinckesman_, _Esq._, by will, dated 1780, charged certain lands
in this parish with the payment of 6s. 8d. annually, for a sermon; and
13s. 4d. to be given to 10 poor widows annually.
_John Longmore_, by will, dated November 7th, 1835, gave the sum of £500,
to be invested in government securities; the interest, dividends, and
produce thereof to be expended in bread, and distributed to the most
deserving poor of the parish every Sunday morning after Divine service.
The aforesaid £500 was invested on the eighth day of March, 1839, in the
purchase of £538. 7s. 2d. in the three per cent. consols, in the name of
the vicar and churchwardens.
Bluck Samuel, farmer, Stepple Hall
Cleeton William, farm bailiff, Stone House
Cocks, Rev. Charles Richard Somers, vicar, the Vicrge.
Corbett Michael, farmer, Nethercott
Dallow John, castrator
Dorrall James, farmer, Wyer
Edmonds John, farmer, Wall Town
Hall Thomas Lambert, jun., paper manufacturer
Meredith Joseph, farmer, Rea Side
Minton Josh, farmer, Upper Beavney
Moore Thomas, blacksmith
Nisbett, Rev. Mr.
Preece John, farmer
Reynolds Thomas, farmer, Upper Beavney
Stephens Francis, farmer, Bank Top
Ward William, schoolmaster
Ward Elizh., schoolmistress
Weston Thomas, farmer
Wheeler George, farmer
Wheeler Joseph, miller
Whooton Thomas, farmer, the Lodge
Worrall John, farmer, Nash
Worrall Thomas, farmer, Elcott
NEENTON
is a parish and township in the Chelmarsh division of the Stottesden
hundred, situated on the western bank of the River Rea, near the foot of
the Brown Clee Hill, and six and a half miles south-west from Bridgnorth.
The parish contains 1,000 acres of land, and is intersected by the Ludlow
and Bridgnorth turnpike road. The land has mostly a strong soil,
tolerably productive. In 1801 there were 120 inhabitants; 1831, 130; and
in 1841, 29 houses and a population of 144 souls. The principal
landowners are Henry Lyster, Esq.; John Minton, Esq.; Rev. J. F. Benwell,
and Mr. T. Edwards; besides whom there are several smaller freeholders.
THE CHURCH is an inconsiderable structure of brick, consisting of nave
and chancel, with a turret in which are two bells. The living is a
vicarage, rated in the king’s book at £5. 3s. 6½d., now returned at £196:
patron and incumbent, Rev. John Frederick Benwell. The Vicarage is a
neat brick residence, situated a short distance from the church.
DIRECTORY.—James Amiss, wheelwright; Rev. John Frederick Benwell, The
Vicarage; William Childs, farmer, The Park; Richard Cleeton, wheelwright
and beerhouse keeper; Richard Dodd, farmer, The Hay; George Edwards,
butcher; George Edwards, farmer; Edward Hall, farmer, The Hall; John
Hodnett, tailor and vict., New Inn; William Massey, farmer, The Bank;
John Medlicott, farmer.
OLDBURY
is a parish and village in the Chelmarsh division of the Stottesden
hundred, situated about a mile S.S.W. from Bridgnorth. The village is on
a gentle eminence, and contains some respectable family residences, and
is surrounded by scenery of the most picturesque and romantic character.
The parish comprises upwards of 1,400 acres of land, and is bounded on
the east by the River Severn, and intersected by the Bridgnorth, Ludlow,
and Cleobury Mortimer turnpike roads. At the census in 1801 there were
107 inhabitants; 1831, 126; and in 1841, 28 houses, and a population of
142 souls. THE CHURCH is a plain structure, dedicated St. Nicholas,
consisting of nave and chancel, with a tower partly composed of wood.
The interior is neatly pewed, and the nave is separated from the chancel
by a carved oak screen. The Rev. Joseph Woolley, rector of this place 51
years, is remembered on a neat tablet dated 1728. There are also tablets
to members of the families of Dethic, Beech, Hincksman, and others. The
living is a rectory, rated in the king’s book at £5, now returned at
£254, in the patronage of the Lord Chancellor: incumbent, Rev. John
Purton, M.A. There are 16½ acres of glebe land. Sir John E. D. Acton,
Bart. is the principal landowner, and lord of the manor. Mr. Nicholas
Edwards and the Rev. John Purton are also proprietors. The Rectory is a
good residence, situated near the church.
CHARITIES.—_Mrs. Mary Harris_ left by her will £5 for the poor of the
parish. The time of this bequest is not mentioned; but in April, 1770,
it appears that the principal and interest then amounted to £10. No
application of this legacy seems to have been made to the use of the poor
for a period of upwards of fifty years. About thirty years ago the
principal and interest were paid over by Mr. Thomas Farmer, and invested
in the stock; the money so invested produced a sum of £57. 12s. stock in
the three per cent. consols; the dividends of which are yearly
distributed among the poor.
The _Rev. Thomas Littleton_, by his will, dated 17th September, 1792,
gave to the minister and churchwardens or Oldbury the sum of £10, upon
trust, to pay the interest among the poor who frequent the service of the
church. The personal property of Mr. Littleton passed into the hands of
his executor, Richard Green, and eventually into those of his brother,
Jonathan Green, who became embarrassed in his circumstances. The
property had been sold when the Charity Report was published, and it was
expected that this, with other claims, would soon be liquidated.
DIRECTORY.—John Bentley, butcher, Crosshouses; Samuel Bentley, farmer;
Edmund F. Bowen, farmer and beerhouse keeper; Mr. James Brawn; William
Brown, blacksmith; Miss Edwards; Nicholas Edwards, farmer, Westwood; John
Green, farmer and corn miller; Mrs. Sophia Elizabeth James, The Cottage;
Richard Jerrett, farmer and vict., The Hundred House; Margaret Wynne
Jones, gentlewoman, The Lodge; Mrs. Mary Longmore, The Villa; Rev. John
Purton, M.A., The Rectory; Miss Spalding; John Warden, farmer; Edward
Welding, wheelwright; Mary Wheatley, gentlewoman, Oldbury House; Mr.
Wright
QUATFORD,
a small parish and village on the banks of the river Severn, about a mile
and a half south from Bridgnorth, derives its name from _Coed_ and
_Forda_ (British), signifying the Wood at the Ford—originally within the
Forest of Morfe. The parish contains 1,773 acres of land, and includes
the lordships of Hay and Eardington, which are situated on the opposite
side of the river Severn. The parish in 1801 contained 417 inhabitants;
1831, 492; 1841, 553. Rateable value, £3,586, 18s. 3d. The township of
Quatford comprises 514 acres of land, and in 1841 had 44 houses and a
population of 204 souls. The manor belongs to the corporation of
Bridgnorth, and the mayor for the time being is lord of the manor. John
Smalman, Esq., is the principal landowner; George Pritchard, Esq., W. W.
Whitmore, Esq., Henry Vickers, Esq., Mary Jones, Mr. Thomas Hudson, Lord
Sudeley, Mr. William Hughes, Mr. Thursfield, and others, are also
proprietors. In this township stands the castellated residence of John
Smalman, Esq., J.P., called QUATFORD CASTLE. It stands within sight of
the rock where stood the castle erected by Ethelfleda Countess of Mercia
(the wife of Ethelred, the first Earl Palatine of Mercia), prior to the
year 919. Mr. Smalman is descended from an ancient family long seated at
Wilderhope Hall, in the parish of Rushbury. The castle is built on a
prominent hill, surrounded by plantations overlooking the beautiful river
Severn for several miles, and only approached by an artificial road on
its eastern side. This enchanting spot, from its varied views and
pleasurable walks, is the constant attraction of families resident in the
town and neighbourhood of Bridgnorth, who are welcomed by its liberal and
much respected proprietor.
THE CHURCH, a venerable structure, dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, has a
square tower, surmounted with pinnacles, and contains three bells. The
interior of the church has a handsome appearance; the altar is
elaborately carved, and the floor of the chancel is covered with
encaustic tiles. There are several neat monumental tablets, one of which
remembers Thomas Crump, who died in 1718; another is erected to the
memory of Joseph Corbet, Esq., who died in 1790. The living is a
perpetual curacy, in the patronage of Lord Sudeley, and enjoyed by the
Rev. George Leigh Wasey, M.A. Mr. Cox has the following account of
Quatford:—“The manor of Quatford, belonging to Roger de Montgomery, Earl
of Shrewsbury, he built a church here, upon this occasion: Adaliza, his
wife, coming out of Normandy, there happened so great a storm at sea that
nothing but shipwreck was expected by the mariners; but her chaplain
being wearied with much watching, fell fast asleep, and as he lay at rest
a venerable matron appeared to him, and said: ‘If your lady will make a
vow to build a church to St. Mary Magdalene, in the place where she first
meets the earl, her husband, in England, she shall be preserved from the
danger of this tempest.’ This vision being told his lady, she presently
vowed accordingly, and got safe to shore; from whence, going towards her
husband at Shrewsbury, she met him in this place a hunting, and telling
him the vision, he willingly fulfilled her vow, and built this church at
Quatford, and dedicated it to St. Mary Magdalene, endowed it with ample
possessions, and gave it to his collegiate chapel, in the Castle of
Bridgnorth. Robert de Belesme, his eldest son, coming to his father’s
inheritance in England (by the death of his younger brother, Hugh),
removed from this town of Quatford,—but whither, we find not.”
THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a small chapel in the village. There is
also a SCHOOL here, a decorated structure, built in the year 1847, by
subscription; about thirty children attend. A LIBRARY for the use of the
parish is kept in the church vestry.
CHARITIES.—_John Corfield_, in 1718, directed six twopenny loaves to be
distributed the first Sunday in every month in the year. This annuity is
paid out of land in Stottesden. _Arthur Weaver_, _Esq._, in 1709,
bequeathed out of the several tithes of Morville, Aston Eyre, and
Quatford, to the curates of each yearly; the bequest to the curate of
Quatford being £3. 13s. 4d.
It appears that in the years 1767 and 1769, _Arthur Weaver_ granted two
rent charges of £7 each, towards the augmentation of this curacy, and
that the Governors of Queen Ann’s Bounty, in conjunction with the said
Isaac Weaver, agreed to augment the curacy with two several sums of £200
each, having previously agreed to augment the same with a like sum of
£200 by lot. In pursuance of this agreement, in the year 1784, the sum
of £600 was laid out in the purchase of a certain messuage and about
seven acres of land, situated at Eardington, which were conveyed to the
then curate, to hold to him and his successors for ever.
CHURCH LANDS.—The following premises have been appropriated to the
repairs and uses of the church for a long period, but from what source
they were originally derived we have been unable to discover:—A parcel of
land, called Paradise, containing four acres and three-quarters,
producing £10 per annum. A house and garden let for 10s. a-year, also
rendering the service of rowing over the parishioners at all times free
to the parish church on the other side of the river. There are also
several other plots of land, comprising upwards of 14 acres, which, with
the above sums, produce an annual rent of £20. 1s. 11d. In the year
1810, timber was sold from the church land for £100. 12s. 6d., part of
which was laid out for a new boat, and there remained a sum of £70 in the
Bridgnorth Bank.
_William Nicholls_, in 1846, bequeathed £150 to the minister of Quatford,
upon trust, to dispose of the interest thereof among the most deserving
poor of the parish.
The sum of £20, left by _Thomas Spencer_ in 1722, for the benefit of the
curate of Quatford, and £10, left by _Elizabeth Oldburg_ in 1730, have
long been lost.
DIRECTORY.—John Smalman, Esq., The Castle; John Clayton, Esq., Quatford
House; John Davies, beerseller; Robert Griffiths, timber merchant,
architect, builder, quarry-master, and dealer in tiles, bricks, slates,
&c., Chantrey House; Thomas Hudson, beerseller; Mary Lambert,
school-teacher; William Martin, victualler, Red Lion Inn; Thos. Owen,
shopkeeper, and foreman to Mr. Griffiths; John Thomas Poole, farmer, The
Bank; The Misses Shepherd, The Grove; John Sing, Esq., The Hall; Richard
Turley, parish clerk and ferry-house keeper; Stephen Wolryche, Esq., The
Villa.
EARDINGTON
is a township and pleasantly situated village, in the parish Quatford,
one mile south from Bridgnorth, which contains 1,259A. 0R. 7P. of land,
the rateable value of which is £2,727. 13s. Gross estimated rental,
£2,997. 18s. The principal landowners are Mrs. Mary Oldbury; Mr. William
Baldwin; The Devisees of the late Thomas Duppa, Esq.; Lord Liverpool; and
Lord Sudeley; besides whom there are several other small freeholders. In
Doomsday Book we find this place written _Ardintone_, and though annexed
to the mother church of Quatford (on the opposite side of the river
Severn) in ecclesiastical matters, yet in all other respects is virtually
a parish of itself. About three miles below Bridgnorth, on the western
bank of the Severn, is the EARDINGTON FORGE, a charcoal iron manufactory,
celebrated for making the best charcoal wire, horse nail, and gun iron.
The works are carried on by James Foster, Esq., of Stanton Castle, in
Worcestershire, under the able management of Mr. Thomas Austin Jackson,
and are the largest of the kind in the kingdom. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL is a
neat brick structure, which will accommodate about fifty children. It
was erected in the year 1837. This township in 1801 had a population of
328 souls; 1831, 325; 1841, 349. At the latter period there were 71
inhabited houses.
Angeworth William, farmer, Hay Farm
Baker Thomas, farmer
Cooper John Henry, Esq., banker, The Knowle Sands
Cole George, stock taker, The Forge
Crowder John, corn miller
Duppa Mrs. Georgiana Elizb.
Fryer John, blacksmith
Garbett Francis, shoemaker
Harrison Mr. Samuel
Hudson William, victualler, The Crown
Jackson Mr. Thomas Austin, manager, Eardington Forge
James David, beerhouse
Jarratt James, butcher
Lloyd Thomas, shoemaker
Miles Thos., vict., Red Lion
Minshull John, miller
Noakes Samuel, farmer
Oldbury Mrs. Mary, farmer, Eardington House
Oldbury The Misses Anne and Margaret
Pitt James, engineer
Powell Martha, shopkeeper
Simkiss John, manager of Coal and Buck’s Works
Summers Samuel, farmer
Wasey Rev. Geo. Leigh, M.A. incumbent of Quatford and Morville Knowle
Sands
Weaver William, maltster, and farmer
QUATT,
an extensive parish, anciently within the forest of Morfe, is intersected
by the Bridgnorth and Kidderminster turnpike road, and bounded on the
western side by the river Severn, which is crossed at several places by
ferry boats. The parish comprehends the hamlets of Quatt Malvern, Quatt
Jarvis, Mose, Wooton, and Dudmaston, and contains 2,674A. 1R. 11P. of
land, of which 238A. 0R. 14P. are in woods and plantations, 33A. 3R. 36P.
water, 23A. 1R. 4P. public roads, and 66A. 2R. 26P. in the demesne and
grounds of Dudmaston Hall. The soil is for the most part highly fertile.
Rateable value, £3,514. 4s. 5d. Population in 1801, 300; 1831, 328;
1841, 365; part of the population is included within the limits of the
borough of Bridgnorth. The township of Quatt Malvern at the census of
1841 is returned as containing 29 houses and 141 inhabitants. The tithes
are commuted for £415. 9s. 8d. Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq., M.P., is
the principal landowner and lord of the manor; John Sing, Esq., Thomas
Bowen, and others, are also freeholders. The village of Quatt is
scattered, but pleasantly situated, four miles S.E. from Bridgnorth; it
contains some good residences, and the surrounding country is beautifully
picturesque and romantic. In Leland’s time there were to be seen here
the ruins of the manor house of Robert de Montgomery. About four miles
from Quatt Malvern are the remains of a Roman camp called THE WALLS. The
form of it is nearly quadrangular, and there have been four gates into
it; one in the middle of the north front, another in the middle of the
west, a third in the south-east, and a fourth at the north-east corner.
The odd position of the two last take advantage of declivities in the
rock. Besides these a sloping way is cut through the bank, and down the
rock in the middle of the south face, to the water. The west side has
been doubly fortified with a deep trench cut out of the solid rock
between two ramparts. To the north it has only one bank. It embraces an
area of more than twenty acres, but no coins or antiquities have been
found there. Not far from the Severn an ancient sword was discovered,
differing in form and metal to any hitherto found in Great Britain.
Similar have been found in Ireland.
THE CHURCH is a venerable fabric, dedicated to St. Andrew, partly
composed of free stone, and partly of brick. It consists of nave,
chancel, side chapel, and north aisle, the latter separated from the nave
by three arches resting on octagonal pillars; the tower contains four
bells. The pulpit and reading desk are beautifully carved, and dated
1629. The font is very ancient, and there is a gallery at the west end,
upon which is placed an organ. The altar is of oak, exquisitely carved.
On the floor is a remarkable inscription, with some curious tracery,
dated 1387 and 1495. On a pillar are remembered some of the ancient
family of Wolryches. In the side chapel is a black marble tomb in memory
of Sir Francis Wolryche, who died in 1668, near to which is an elaborate
monumental tomb with figures in black marble, in bold relief set in a
block of alabaster. There is also a fine figure in alabaster,
exquisitely carved, in memory of Dame Marie Wolryche, dated 1628.
Another tomb of fine workmanship has the figures of a knight and his
lady, and remembers Francis Wolryche, Esq., and Margaret, his wife, and
is dated 1614. There are also some neat tablets in the church which our
limits will not allow us to notice in detail. The living is a rectory
valued in the king’s book at £14. 15s., now returned at £415. 4s. 8d., in
the patronage of W. W. Whitmore, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Edmund
Carr, M.A. The rectory is a handsome and spacious residence situated
near the church. On rebuilding the church of Quatt in 1763 were found a
number of figures painted on the walls, representing the Seven Charities
and the Day of Judgment; and on a piece of vellum nailed to an oak board
the figure of our Saviour rising from the sepulchre, underneath the
figure were the following lines:—“Saynt Gregory and other popes and
byshops grantes sex and twenty thousand zere of pardonz thirtti dayes to
alle that saies devoutlye knelyng afor yis is ymage fife paternosters,
fife aves, and a cred.”
THE SOUTH EASTERN SHROPSHIRE DISTRICT SCHOOL has been established for the
reception of children belonging to the several unions of Bridgnorth,
Cleobury Mortimer, Madeley, and Seisdon. The object of the institution
is not only to give a sound healthy education, but so to improve both the
physical and mental powers as shall break the thread of pauperism, and
enable this hitherto unhappy class to establish themselves in after life
as independent labourers. The experiment has proved most satisfactory,
and even more successful than was expected, not only in giving a good
healthy education combined with labour to the children, but yielding such
a return in money as altogether prevented any additional cost to the
ratepayers, and even paid a portion of the former expenses. The actual
profits of the four acres of land cultivated having amounted to between
£60 and £70 per annum. The question of profit, though of importance, is
trifling when compared with the benefits derived by the children, who are
here removed from scenes of inferiority and degradation and brought up in
habits of industry, and a knowledge of gardening combined with the
inculcation of honest principles and religious knowledge, are blessings
of incalculable amount. The house is capable of accommodating 170
children, and the boys are employed in the cultivation of the land, in
the management of cows, pigs, and a pony; the girls are employed in the
house and dairy work. Henry Garland is the governor, and Mrs. Garland
matron.
DUDMASTON HALL, the seat and property of W. W. Whitmore, Esq., J.P., is a
handsome brick mansion, situated near the Bewdley and Bridgnorth turnpike
road. It stands in an extensive and richly wooded park, and is
beautified with tasteful pleasure grounds and choice shrubs. Dudmaston
is a manor within the manor of Quatt, and was in early times the
residence of Dudmastons, from whom it passed in marriage to the
Wolryches, and they devised it to their maternal relation, William
Whitmore, Esq., whose descendant now inherits the estate and mansion.
CHARITIES.—By an indenture, dated September 17th, 1687, the churchwardens
and two parishioners of this parish devised, for a term of 99 years, to
Richard Gough, a piece of land in St. Leonard’s parish, in consideration
that the said Richard Gough should, within five years, erect thereon a
bay of building with brick and stone; and also should pay, during the
term, the annual rent of five shillings, for the benefit of the poor of
Quatt. It does not appear to what source the parish was indebted for
this land, but in an old corporation book belonging to the corporation of
Bridgnorth, there is an entry, purporting to be an extract from the will
of _Thomas Dovey_, dated 13th of February, 1601, whereby he gave to the
parish of Quatt £5 for the use of the poor for ever. In 1788, the former
lease having expired, a new lease of the premises was granted for the
like term, and at the same rent; the sum of £12 being paid as a fine for
renewal.
This parish appears also to have enjoyed for many years the property of a
house and land, in the parish of Worfield, of the origin of which we have
not been able to discover any trace. The earliest notice that we find of
it is in the year 1759, when it appears in the occupation of a tenant at
the rent of £2. 10s. per annum. In 1802 the premises were sold for £110,
and the amount was placed in the bank of Bates and Jones, at Bridgnorth,
which subsequently failed. A dividend of 4s. in the pound was afterwards
paid, and this sum, amounting to £22. 13s. 2d. was placed in the
Stourbridge bank. The interest is carried to the poor rates.
DIRECTORY.—William Wolryche Whitmore, Esq., Dudmaston Park; Miss
Elizabeth and Ellen Bowen; Thomas Bowen, farmer, Wooton; Rev. Edmund
Carr, M.A.; Thomas Clare, farmer, Mose; William Clare, maltster and
farmer; Wm. Coupar, farmer, Hoult; John Craig, farmer, Wooton; Henry
Garland, governor of Union School; William L. Loundes, Esq., The Lodge;
Samuel Minor, farmer, Mose; George Pool, farmer, Morfe; John Sayce,
farmer, Lye Hall; Robert Sayce, farmer, The Hall Farm and Harles Farm;
William Spence, agent to W. W. Whitmore, Esq.; John Warder, farmer,
Morfe.
RUDGE
is a sequestered village and township in the parish of Pattingham,
situated seven miles east of Wolverhampton, and eight miles south by west
of Bridgnorth, bordering on the county of Staffordshire, from which it is
separated by a small stream of water. This township has no connexion
with the mother parish except for church assessments, all other parochial
rates being raised by a collection from the resident holders of property.
In 1841 there were 19 houses and 101 persons. There are 1,567 acres of
land here, of which 40 acres are woodlands, 10A. 2R. 18P. roads, 166A.
2R. 25P. of meadow or pasture, 894 acres arable, and 455A. 3R. 14P.
common and waste, which is now being enclosed by Thomas Boycott, Esq.,
who gives employment to a number of the labouring population. The
Wolverhampton and Bridgnorth turnpike road crosses Rudge Heath. Rateable
value of the township, £1,792. 1s. The tithes were commuted in 1839 for
£199. 10s. 10d. to the impropriator, and £75. 15s. to the vicar of the
parish. Thomas Boycott, Esq. is lord of the manor, and the principal
landowner. RUDGE HALL, the seat and property of Thomas Boycott, Esq., is
pleasantly situated on a gentle eminence, commanding most beautiful
prospects of the surrounding country. It is built of brick, and
stuccoed. The park grounds are of considerable extent, and richly
wooded.
DIRECTORY.—Thomas Boycott, Esq., Rudge Hall; Rev. William George
Greenstreet, M.A., The Vicarage; James Bentley, machine maker; John
Bentley, carriage builder and smith; Thomas Edwards, farmer; Robert
Francis, farmer; James Herbert, shopkeeper; Benjamin Hithcock, gardener;
George Jones, jun., farmer; George Jones, farmer; Sarah Jones,
dressmaker; William Jones, farmer; Richard Keysell, coachman; Charles
Lakin, farmer and vict., New Inn; William Lyndon, farmer; Alexander Mac
Donald, gardener; Richard Morris, butler; William Nash, farmer; Thomas
Pound, blacksmith, Hobston; James Tomkiss, grocer and provision dealer;
Robert Turnbull, farm bailiff; Benjamin Waklam, beerhouse keeper.
SHEINTON, OR SHINETON,
a parish and small rural village in the Chelmarsh division of the
Stottesden hundred, picturesquely situated in a romantic district, 2¾
miles N.N.W. from Much Wenlock, contains 967A. 3R. 4P. of land, bounded
on the north by the river Severn. Gross estimated rental, £1,428. 14s.
Rateable value, £1,352. 17s. Population in 1801, 163; 1831, 133; 1841,
154; at the latter period there were 36 houses. The principal landowners
are the Duke of Cleveland, Sir George Harnage, Francis Benthall, Esq.,
and the devisees of the late Walter Moseley, Esq. The family of Sheynton
were seated here at a very early period. William de Sheynton held one
knight’s fee in this manor in the 22nd of Richard II. Hugh de Sheynton
had the grant of free warren here in the time of Edward II. The land is
for the most part fertile in this parish, and produces good turnips and
barley: the low lands have been improved by draining. THE CHURCH
consists of nave and chancel, with a tower, in which are three bells. It
is dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, and has an ancient appearance.
There are no memorials worthy of notice. Some of the curious carving in
oak is of great antiquity. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s
book at £6. 9s. 2d., now returned at £360; in the patronage and
incumbency of the Rev. H. Bagnall. _Ann Lacon_ bequeathed a rent charge
of £5 per annum for the benefit of the poor. The amount is received by
the overseers, who distribute it in equal shares of 25s. each, among four
poor widows of the parish. They are appointed by the minister and
churchwardens, and continue to enjoy the charity during their respective
lives.
The principal residents are the Rev. Henry Bagnall, rector; Charlotte
Adney, farmer; Andrew Dodson, farmer; John Young, vict., The Rising Buck.
SIDBURY
is a parish and small village, six miles S.W. by S. from Bridgnorth, in
the Chelmarsh division of the hundred. It is situated on a slight
eminence in a bold undulating district, and contains 1248 acres of land,
the rateable value of which is £966. 14s. 6d. In 1841 the parish had 14
houses and 94 souls; population in 1801, 92; in 1831, 103. The parish of
Sidbury formerly belonged to the family of the Cresswells, whose ancestor
was Richard the faithful servant of Charles I., who was in attendance on
the king when he took the fatal step of escaping from the University of
Oxford. This was one of those villes that Edmund de Mortimer separated
from the hundred of Stottesden in the time of Edward I. The landowners
in this parish are William Henry Cresswell, Esq., Thomas Crump, Esq. and
Mr. Barnard Acres.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, consists of nave, chancel, and
north side chapel, the latter built by the Cresswell family; it contains
a tablet to the memory of Richard Cresswell, Esq., dated 1705. The
church is built of stone, with a small turret in which is one bell. On
the south wall is a tablet to the memory of Jacob Smith, Esq., dated
1795, and also one to the memory of George Smith, Esq., who died in 1802.
The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £4. 13s. 4d., now
returned at £227.; patron, the Earl of Shrewsbury; incumbent, Rev. R.
Maddox. There are 34 acres of glebe land. SIDBURY HALL is a good stone
residence, in the occupancy of Mr. James Pugh, farmer.
DIRECTORY.—Barnard Acres, farmer, Oxwood; John Corfield, farmer, Lower
House; Rev. William Lewis Jones, curate; Joseph Massie, farmer, The
Batch; William Powell, farmer, The Rectory; Samuel Pritchard, farmer, New
Barn; James Pugh, farmer, Sidbury Hall; Jane, Catharine, and Harriet
Snow, farmers, The Upper House.
STOTTESDEN
is an extensive parish in the Cleobury division of the hundred to which
it gives name, situated five miles north of Cleobury Mortimer, containing
the townships of Bardley and Harcourt, Chorley, Duddlewick, Hinton,
Kingswood and Button, Oak, Newton, Ingwardine and Lowe, Oreton, Overton,
Prescott, Walton and Bagginswood, Picton, Stottesden, Walkerslowe,
Wricton and Northwood, which together comprehend an area of 12,074A. 2R.
27P. of land, the rateable value of which is £8,796. 16s. 8d. At the
census of 1841 there were 259 houses and 1,217 persons in the Shropshire
portion of the parish, part of it extending into the Wolphy hundred of
the county of Hereford. The tithes have been commuted for £987. 17s. 1d.
The Duke of Cleveland is lord of the manor, and a considerable landowner.
The farms in the parish are generally large, excepting on the
south-western side, adjoining the Clee Hill, where are collieries and
ironstone mines, which give employment to a number of the labouring
population, but the principal part are engaged in agricultural pursuits.
There is a considerable portion of clayey soil in the parish, other parts
are of a more light and sandy nature, and in some places a fertile loam
prevails. STOTTESDEN is a pleasant village, 13 miles north-east by east
of Ludlow, five miles north of Cleobury Mortimer, and eight miles
south-west by south of Bridgnorth. The township contains 987A. 2R. 19P.
of land, the rateable value of which is £1,216. 4s. 7d.; and at the
census of 1841 there were 53 houses and 215 inhabitants. The principal
landowners in the township are Mrs. Oldbury; Rev. Charles J. Maddison;
Rev. Mr. Wakefield; Mr. Edward Bytheway; Mrs. Jones; Mrs. Waterhouse; Mr.
Frier; Mr. Pope; Mr. Edward Cleeton; Mr. Turner, and Mrs. Howard. The
vicarial tithes are commuted for £42. 3s. There are 27A. 3R. 4P. of
glebe land. The manor of Stottesden was the possession of Edwin, Earl of
Mercia, (at the time of Edward the Confessor), who rebelled against that
monarch, in consequence of which it was given to Roger de Montgomery, in
whose family it remained till a failure of male heirs. On the 28th of
Henry III., John de Plessitis had a grant of a market here on a Tuesday,
and a fair on the eve, the day, and the day after the assumption of the
Blessed Virgin. There is a feast held the first Sunday after Michaelmas
day.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, is an ancient edifice, built of rubble
stone, having been covered with three roofs, supported on each side of
the interior by five semicircular arches of equal size, rising from four
slender pillars, and from a pillar on each side. From these latter
spring two small arches, slightly pointed, and adjoining to the rector’s
chancel; the one is connected with and opening into the Stottesden
chancel, which is still kept apart by its ancient oak screen. The other
semicircular arch served as an opening to admit the staircase leading up
to the ancient rood loft, which no doubt stood under an arch between the
church and the communion chancel. The rood loft was swept away at the
reformation, and the arch probably about the period of the civil wars.
At the west end of the north and south aisles are still to be seen the
Norman pilasters, decorated with mouldings, and carried up with the walls
in the interior; probably the oldest part of the fabric. The elegant
part of the exterior of this mouldering pile has been most sacrilegiously
destroyed; its parapets and battlements, with its lead roof, have
entirely disappeared. The north wall has been lowered, and the windows
cut through, having removed the upper or traceried part to within five
feet six inches of the surface of the cemetery. The fine mullioned
windows in the rectory and Wrickton chancels, as well as on the south
side of the church, afford a beautiful display of architectural taste.
The eastern window of the former had twelve figures of its ancient lords
and their connections, with their armorial bearings, including that of
the sovereign of the day, and the royal arms displayed on shields,
exhibited upon their breasts: five only of these now remain, in a very
mutilated state. The upper or traceried compartments are still
ornamented with stained glass. In the south wall is still to be seen the
piscina or sink for the reception of any impurity falling into the
elements. In the same wall appear the canopied seats of the priest,
deacon, and sub-deacon, in their beautifully ornamented niches; and near
to these is an ancient oilet or loophole window, with exquisitely fine
mouldings, all of which savour much of the reign of Edward I. The
circular stone font at the west end is of large dimensions, well adapted
for the ancient practice of immersion; it is most elaborately carved,
having a beautiful cordage twisted with much taste around the verge of
the upper extremity: it is greatly ornamented, having eight compartments,
the one exhibiting the Agnus Dei, the others those of Griffins,
Cockatrices, and Centaurs, and is altogether a beautiful and rare
specimen of an inimitable chisel of its day, probably as early as the
reign of Henry III. The pulpit exhibits much ancient carving,
beautifully executed, and put up with a sounding board in 1675. The
desk, also much ornamented with carving, was set up in 1583. The
entrance of the porch to the south is under a semicircular arch of great
antiquity, probably introduced from a former porch. This, the principal
approach into the interior of the edifice, is under an ancient arch of
the pointed style; that on the north side is of a very early period, as
well as that into the chancel. This latter is singular and rare,
exhibiting an unusual display of fine chiselling. The entrance out of
this chancel into the vestry is under a stone arch of the florid style,
executed by a tasteful und scientific artist. The tower is lofty, and
standing on a commanding eminence is a beautiful land mark in the
country: the lower part to the second string course is built like the
church with rubble material, but from that course upwards, including its
battlements, is of good Ashler stone. It was rebuilt in 1583, and
contains a peal of five musical bells, and clock and sun dial. Over the
doorway leading from the tower to the church is an ancient and curious
tympanum. The church was repaired in the year 1840, by which means 268
additional sittings were obtained, of which 215 are declared free and
unappropriated for ever, in consequence of grants from the Incorporated
and Hereford Diocesan Societies. The living is a vicarage, to which the
curacy of Farlow is annexed, valued in the king’s books at £5. 10s. 10d.,
now returned at £676; in the patronage of the Duke of Cleveland, and
incumbency of the Rev. Charles John Maddison. THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS
have a small chapel here built of stone in the year 1849. THE NATIONAL
SCHOOL, supported by donations and subscriptions, will accommodate 80
children; about 53 is the average number that attend.
BARDLEY is a township in Stottesden parish, two and a half miles
south-east by east of the parish church. It contains, with the township
of Harcourt, 1,800A. 0R. 20P. of land, of which 760 acres are arable,
774A. 3R. 34P. pasture, and 170A. 1R. are woodlands. William Lacon
Childe, Esq. is lord of the manor, and the principal landowner. Thomas
Crump, Esq., Mr. Hyde, Miss Smith, John and Robert Lateward, Esqrs., Mr.
Kyer, Messrs. Jones, Thomas Gregory, Richard Porter, and others are also
proprietors. This township contained at the census of 1841, 38 houses
and 178 persons. The tithes are commuted for £232. 9s. 0d., of which
£92. 15s. 6d. to the vicar of Stottesden; £48. 16s. 6d. to William Lacon
Childe, Esq.; £40 to Mr. John Humphries; £14. 16s. 6d. to John and Robert
L. Lateward, Gents.; to Mr. Jones, £11. 6s.; to the Duke of Cleveland,
£10. 3s. 6d.; to Mr. Hyde, £8. 16s. 6d., of which £5 yearly is paid to
the rector of Dowles; to Mr. Compson, £5. 8s., and 16s. 6d. to Thomas
Crump, Esq.
CHORLEY is a township pleasantly situated one and a half mile north-east
by north of Stottesden, containing with Northwood 1,210A. 2R. 17P. of
land, the rateable value of which is £1,402. 7s. 5d. In 1841 there were
in this township 21 houses and 114 inhabitants. The tithes were commuted
in 1847 for £63. 14s. 7d., and the sum of £50. 8s. 7d. was apportioned to
the vicar of Stottesden, £12 to Mr. Hincksman, and £1. 6s. to the Duke of
Cleveland, Thomas Crump, Esq., is lord of the manor, and principal
landowner. Lord Sudeley, Mr. John Hinckesman, W. L. Childe, Esq., Mr.
John Gittins, and several others are also proprietors.
DUDDLEWICK is a small township one mile north west by west of Stottesden,
which in 1841 had 4 houses and 36 inhabitants, and contains, with the
township of Hinton, 932A. 0R. 6P. of land. The tithes are commuted for
£127. 10s. The Duke of Cleveland is the principal landowner. Thomas
Crump, Esq., is also a proprietor.
HARCOURT is a township 1½ mile south east by east of the parish church,
containing, with Bardley, 1,800A. 0R. 20P. of land, the rateable value of
which is £2,004. 0s. 2d. The tithes are commuted for £232. 19s., of
which £83 7s. 8d. is apportioned to the vicar of Stottesden, and £140.
3s. 6d. to the impropriators. There are six houses and 34 inhabitants in
this township. W. L. Childe, Esq., is lord of the manor and sole
landowner.
HINTON, a small township one mile north west of the church, contains,
with Stottesden and Duddlewick, 1,916A. 2R. 3P. of land, of which 1,070A.
2R. 25P. are arable: 823A. 0R. 19P. meadow and pasture: and 22A. 3R. 33P.
are roads and waste. The tithes are commuted for £169. 13s., of which
£84 is apportioned to the vicar of Stottesden; £64 to the respective
landowners; £12. 13s. to the Duke of Cleveland, and £9 to William
Whitesides, Esq. The Duke of Cleveland is sole proprietor of this
township.
INGWARDINE is a small township three miles north west by west of
Stottesden, containing 4 houses and 20 souls. The tithes are commuted
and apportioned to the vicar of the parish for £110. This township, with
that of Lowe, contains 652A. 0R. 34P. of land, the freeholders of which
are the Rev. G. D. Pardoe and Mr. Johnson.
KINGSWOOD is a rural village with twenty-three houses and ninety-seven
inhabitants, situated six miles south west by south of Stottesden, from
which place it is separated by the parishes of Kinlet and Neen Savage
intervening. It contains, with the hamlet of Button Oak, 1,392A. 1R.
31P. of land, a great portion of which is woodland, of which 524A. 2R.
2P. are woods belonging to Lord Ward, and 588A. 2R. 29P. belonging to Sir
Edward Blount, bart., who are the principal landowners. Mrs. Elizabeth
Doolittle, Mr. Frier, Mr. Joseph Mole, Mr. Thomas Trow, the Misses Lewis,
and Mr. Boycott are also proprietors. The tithes have been commuted for
£22. 14s, 10.
LOWE township, situated 2½ miles north west by west of Stottesden,
contained at the census of 1841 one house and 10 persons, and with the
township of Ingwardine, has 652A. 0R. 34P. of land, of which Mrs. Goulder
is sole proprietor.
NEWTON is a township 2 miles north of the parish church, which in 1841
had three houses and 23 souls, and contains, with the townships of
Wrickton, Overton, and Walkers Lowe, 2,186A. 1R. 17P. of land, of which
125A. 3R. 26P. are arable: 904A. 3R. 17P. pasture, and 21A. 2R. 14P. are
roads and waste. The tithes of these townships have been commuted for
£180. 10s., of which the vicar of Stottesden receives £95, and the
remainder is paid to several impropriators. George Peach Aston, Esq., is
the sole proprietor of Newton.
NORTHWOOD is a small township 1½ mile north west of Stottesden, which
had, at the census of 1841, three houses and 16 persons. It contains,
with the township of Chorley, 1,210A. 2R. 17P. of land, the principal
proprietors of which are Thomas Crump, Esq., Mr. John Hincksman, and Lord
Sudeley. The vicarial tithes are commuted for £18. 4s. 6d., and the
rectorial for £12.
ORETON is a township two miles south of the parish church, containing 68
houses and 275 inhabitants. It contains 580A. 1R. 37P. of land, of which
upwards of 300 acres are in common and waste. In this township are
extensive lime works and stone quarries. The tithes are commuted for
£100. 5s. 8d., of which £38. 10s. are apportioned to the vicar of
Stottesden, and £61. 15s. 8d. to the Duke of Cleveland. George Compson,
Esq., is lord of the manor and principal landowner. Rev. G. D. Pardoe,
Mr. John Page, Mr. Edward Wyer, Mr. Wm. Page, Mrs. Page, Mr. Preston, and
Mr. Wm. Wheeler are also small proprietors.
OVERTON is a township and small village 2¾ miles north of the parish
church, containing 3 houses and 22 souls. It has, with the townships of
Wrickton, Newton, and Walkers Lowe, 2,186A. 1R. 17P. of land. The tithes
are commuted for £24. 10s. 11d. Hamilton Tennant, Esq., is sole
proprietor of this township.
PICKTHORN is a township, one mile north-west of the parish church,
containing 560A. 0R. 37P. of land, and had at the census of 1841 four
houses and 16 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £61, of which £19
is apportioned to the Vicar of Stottesden, and £42 to William Henry
Cresswell, Esq.
PRESCOT township, situated two miles south of Stottesden, contains, with
the townships of Walton and Bagginswood, 804A. 2R. 34P. of land. The
tithes are commuted for £47, of which £44. 19s. is apportioned to the
vicar, and £2. 1s. to Mrs. Botfield. Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Botfield are
the principal landowners.
WALTON is a township, one mile and a half south-east of the church,
containing 804A. 2R. 34P. of land, with the townships of Prescot and
Bagginswood, and had at the census of 1841 one house and 12 inhabitants.
The tithes are commuted for £47. The Duke of Cleveland is the principal
freeholder; W. L. Childe, Esq., is also a proprietor.
WRICKTON is a scattered township, two miles and a half north-west by west
from the parish church, having at the census of 1841, 21 houses and 123
inhabitants. It contains, with the townships of Walkerslowe, Overton,
and Newton, 2,186A. 1R. 17P. of land. The tithes are commuted for £95.
1s. 4d., namely, from Wrickton township, £33 18s.; Walkerslowe, £26.
14s.; Overton, £24. 10s. 11d.; and Newton, £9. 18s. 5d. The principal
freeholders are Mrs. Haynes; Mr. Thomas Lowe; Panton Gardner, Esq.; and
Mr. John Maddocks.
CHARITIES.—There was formerly a sum of £30. 6s. 8d. in this parish,
called the poors’ stock, the origin of which is unknown, and which, with
some additions raised by subscription, made the sum of £45, which was
lent to the trustees of the turnpike road from Bewdley to Prescott, and
secured by a mortgage on the tolls in the year 1763, at an interest of
four per cent., in respect of which two pounds five shillings are
annually paid and distributed to the poor of Stottesden on St. Thomas’s
day. _Thomas Morris_, by will, in 1723, bequeathed to the poor of the
parish of Stottesden the sum of 20s. yearly, issuing out of his estate at
Bardley, in this parish. _George Rushbury_ and _Richard Rushbury_, in
1703, granted to trustees a piece of land in Stottesden, containing one
acre or thereabouts, in trust, for the erection thereon of an almshouse
to lodge some of the poor impotent persons of the said parish. An
almshouse was accordingly erected, the expense of which, amounting to
£35, was defrayed from the poor rates and contributions from the
parishioners. The house consists of five distinct dwellings, with a
garden to each, which are inhabited by the poor belonging to the parish.
_James Rushbury_, by will, dated 1717, gave the sum of £100, to be laid
out by his executor in the purchase of land, the yearly rents and profits
thereof to be distributed in the following manner, viz.: £3 yearly
towards maintaining an orthodox parson at Wombridge, who should read
divine service and preach yearly on the day of the testator’s death; 20s.
yearly to the poor of the parish of Wombridge; and 20s. yearly to the
poor of the parish of Stottesden. _The Rev. Samuel Meredith_, by will,
dated 1756, devised all his messuages, lands, tenements, and
hereditaments whatsoever and wheresoever, to his godson Charles
Hinckesman, his heirs and assigns, he and they paying thereout (among
other things) the sum of £120 to the minister, churchwardens, and
overseers of the poor of the parish of Stottesden, upon trust, that they
should place the same out at interest, and apply it in educating and
teaching poor children of the said parish to read. This legacy has never
been received, the present proprietor of the estate alleging that it is
void under the statute of mortmain.
STOTTESDEN DIRECTORY.
Alltree John, farmer, New House
Bytheway Edw., shoemaker, shopkeeper, carrier, and parish clerk
Bytheway John, butcher and farmer
Brookes Joseph, farmer, Woodhouse
Cleeton Edward, farmer
Cleeton Emma, farmer, Hardwick
Elcock John, farmer
Gittins John, farmer, maltster, and wheelwright
Hancox John, joiner
Hyde Mrs., The Hall
Hyde Thomas, farmer, The Hall
Jones Dorothy, blacksmith and victualler, The Cock
Jones John, blacksmith
Jones Mrs.
Lane William, wheelwright
Maddison Rev. Chas. John, The Vicarage
Millichap Richard, farmer
Nott Henry, cooper
Page Thomas, farmer
Price John, beerhouse and shopkeeper
BARDLEY DIRECTORY.
Beach James, shoemaker
Deverell William, farmer, Knowle Bays
Edwards Richard, farmer
Gittins William, wheelwright
Gregory Thomas, shoemaker
Lateward John, farmer, The Hall Orchard
Lateward Mr. Robt., Lambert
Millington Thomas, farmer, Headcroft
Nuth William, schoolmaster
Pugh John, farmer, Ribbly
Smith Thomas, farmer, The Lower Farm
BUTTON OAK DIRECTORY.
Bevan Edward, beer retailer
Giles John, farmer and vict., Button Oak Inn
CHORLEY DIRECTORY.
_Those marked * reside at High Green_.
Birkin Benjamin, farmer
Birkin Sarah, farmer
* Cooke Thos., beer retailer
* Corfield William, engineer and blacksmith
Crump Thomas, Esq., The Hall
* Downes Henry, shoemaker
Jordin Joseph, farm bailiff
Page John, farmer
Powell William, farmer
* Richards Thos., shopkeeper
Wall Richard, wheelwright
DUDDLEWICK DIRECTORY.
Dorrell William, farmer, The Hall
Hyde Thomas, farmer
Meredith John, miller and farmer
Pugh John, farmer
HARCOURT DIRECTORY.
Benbow Edward, farmer
Deverell William, farm bailiff
HINTON DIRECTORY.
Hyde John, farmer
INGLEWARDINE DIRECTORY.
Amies Edward, farmer
Pardoe Rev. G. D., The Hall
KINGSWOOD DIRECTORY.
Band Richard, miller and farmer
Doolittle James, farmer
Doolittle Samuel, maltster
Doolittle William, farmer
Mole Joseph, farmer
Parkes Thomas, farmer
LOWE DIRECTORY.
Bishop William, farmer
NEWTON DIRECTORY.
Fletcher John, farmer
NORTHWOOD DIRECTORY.
Brown William, farmer
Medlicott William, farmer
ORETON DIRECTORY.
Boddy George, blacksmith
Chatham George, saddler
Clayton Samuel, lime and quarry master
Davies John, farmer, Lower House
Haycocks James, beerhouse and shopkeeper
Jones John, farmer, Middle House
Martin Mary, wheelwright
Martin John, wheelwright
Page Mrs., Stocking House
Page Wm., farmer, Upper House
Page Wm., farmer, Stocking Farm
Preston Thos., lime master and farmer
Trow Edward, beer retailer and shopkeeper
OVERTON DIRECTORY.
Baker William, farmer
Fletcher Thomas, farmer
FICKTHORN DIRECTORY.
Fletcher Thomas, farmer
PRESCOTT DIRECTORY.
Gittins Elizabeth, farmer
Preeton Thomas, miller and farmer
WALKERSLOWE DIRECTORY.
Colebach George, farmer
Wyer Richard, farmer, Manor House
WALTON DIRECTORY.
Farmer George, farmer, The Hall
Oakley Richard, farmer
Page John, farmer, The Heath
WRICKTON DIRECTORY.
Cox John, farmer, The Hall
Haynes Mrs., The New House
Maddocks John, miller and farmer
Passey George, farmer
Wellings Humphrey, blacksmith
TASLEY
is a parish and scattered village in the Chelmarsh division of the
Stottesden hundred, two miles N.W. from Bridgnorth, which contains 1,120
acres of land, and at the census of 1841 had 18 houses and 83
inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,243. 13s. Gross estimated rental,
£1,328. 7s. The land has an undulating surface, and in some parts a
strong soil, which produces tolerable crops of grain; the meadow land is
generally of an inferior quality, and cold. The Earl of Shrewsbury is
the most considerable landowner, the other principal proprietors are
Edward Farrer Acton, Esq.; the Earl of Liverpool; the Executors of the
late William Clayton; Mr. Newell; Thomas C. Newport, Esq.; and Edward
Edmonds, Esq. Edward Farrer Acton is lord of the manor. In the 18th of
Edward II. Reginald de la Leigh gave lands in Tasseley towards the
endowment of a chantry in Bruges. The Bridgnorth race course is situated
in this parish. THE LEASOWS, the property and residence of Captain
Edward Edmonds, is a handsome modern erection of brick, pleasantly
situated, and surrounded by rural scenery. THE CHURCH is a small
structure rebuilt in 1840, consisting of nave and chancel, with a turret
in which are two bells. There is a gallery, the front of which is
ornamented with antique oak carvings, and there is a beautiful screen
which separates the chancel from the nave. The font is very ancient, and
there is a small organ upon the gallery. The living is a rectory in the
patronage of Edward Farrer Acton, Esq.; incumbent, Rev. John
Postlethwaite. The tithes have been commuted for £212, and there are 8A.
2R. 37P. of glebe land. When the church was rebuilt 115 additional
sittings were added to the original number, and in consequence of a grant
from the Incorporated Society for building and enlarging churches, 62 of
that number were declared free and unappropriated for ever. A handsome
tablet remembers Rowland Hill, Esq., who died in 1766. There is also a
neat tablet in the chancel in memory of the Rev. William Moore, M.A.,
late rector, who died in the year 1848.
DIRECTORY.—Samuel Arthur, farmer and vict., Boar’s Head; William Clayton,
farmer, Henley; Mr. William Cleaton, Tasley Cottage; John Corbet, farmer;
Robert Corbet, farmer, Race-course; Edward Edmonds, Esq., The Leasows;
Joseph Giles, farmer, Church Farm; Enoch Gwynn, basket maker; Thomas
Lees, farmer, Hundred House; Henry Yapp, butcher.
UPTON CRESSETT
is a parish and village pleasantly situated on an acclivity four miles
and a half W.W. by S. from Bridgnorth. The family of Cressett, of
ancient and honourable distinction, gave name to the place, and were
seated at Cressett Hall, an ancient mansion in the Elizabethan style,
built in the year 1580; it was formerly surrounded with a moat, traces of
which are still to be seen; several of the rooms are wainscotted with
oak. In the old lodge, now converted into a granary, is a spiral stair
case, with blocks of solid oak. The parish contains 1,300 acres of land,
which is the property of Mrs. Thursby. At the census of 1841 there were
53 inhabitants; 1831, 43, and in 1841 ten houses and a population of 56
souls. THE CHURCH is a small antique structure consisting of nave,
chancel, and side chapel, with a small spiral turret in which is two
bells; an arch of Norman character separates the nave from the chancel.
In the side chapel is a brass memorial in memory of Richard Cressett, his
wife, two sons and three daughters, dated 1640. The living is a rectory
valued in the king’s book at £4 15s. 2½d., now returned at £125;
incumbent, Rev. Henry Burton, M.A.
DIRECTORY.—Thomas Bishop, farmer, Upper House; Martha Churms, farmer, New
House; William Corser, farmer, The Hall; George Giles, farmer, Upton
Park; Richard Howells, farmer, Stapeley; Edward Morris, gamekeeper, The
Rectory; Richard Porter, farmer, The Lodge.
WHEATHILL
is a small parish and retired village nine miles N.E. by E. of Ludlow,
containing 1,094A. 2R. 16P. of land, the rateable value of which is £861.
6s. 5d., and gross estimated rental, £1,179. 12s. 6d. At the census of
1841 there were 24 houses and 140 souls; in 1801, 152, and in 1831, 123
inhabitants. The landowners in the parish are Viscountess Boyne, Mrs.
Lucy Botfield, Mr. Richard Haynes, John Onions, Esq., and John Whitefoot,
Esq. Wheathall appears to have been a place of importance in former
times, for on the 28th of Edward I. Walter Hakett obtained a grant for a
market on a Thursday, and of a fair on the eve and feast of the Holy
Trinity, and the day after. These have long been obsolete. THE CHURCH,
dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is a small stone edifice consisting of
nave and chancel, in which is a tablet of stone to the memory of Henry
Holland, gentleman, dated 1684. The living is a rectory valued in the
king’s book at £7. 5s. 7½d., now returned at £277., and enjoyed by the
Rev. Bernard Churton.
DIRECTORY.—Samuel Breakwell, shopkeeper, farmer, and carrier to
Bridgnorth; Harriett Bradnee, farmer, Townsend; John Bradnee, farmer,
Townsend; Thomas Bytheway, beerhouse and blacksmith; Rev. Bernard
Churton, The Rectory; Edward Duce, farmer, Weathall Green; William
Griffiths, farmer, Lower Bromden; Richard Haines, farmer, Duns Living;
John Hardwick, farmer, Wheathill House; Edward Hodnett, farmer, Besam;
Richard Sambrook, farmer; and Thomas Thomas, farmer.
FARLOW
is a detached portion of the county of Hereford, but a chapelry annexed
to the church of Stottesden, situated three miles S.W. of the parish
church. In 1841 here were 301 persons, and in 1831 345 inhabitants. The
township contains 1,419A. 3R. 35P. of land, and 20 acres of public roads.
The Duke of Cleveland is the lord of the manor. THE CHURCH is an ancient
edifice built of stone, with a tower in which are two bells. The living
is a perpetual curacy annexed to Stottesden, in the patronage of the
vicar, and incumbency of the Rev. David Williams, B.A. The tithes are
commuted for £127. 14s. 11½d. There are three acres of glebe land. The
Parsonage House, a short distance south of the church, is a modern
erection, built of brick, in the year 1847, at the sole expense of the
late Thomas Botfield, Esq., of Hopton Court, who also bequeathed by will
the sum of £800 the interest to be invested in the three per cents., the
interest thereof to be applied towards the augmentation of the salary of
the curate of Farlow, on condition that there should be divine service
performed twice every Sunday in the church.
DIRECTORY.—Thomas Bowen, wheelwright; Joseph Dolphin, farmer and vict.,
Maypole Inn; James Hauslow, blacksmith; William Harris, beerhouse keeper;
George Hancox, shopkeeper and wheelwright; Charlotte Humphry, farmer;
William Jones, farmer and corn miller; Mary Jordin, shoemaker; James
Lane, farmer; Rev. John David Williams, B.A., curate, The Parsonage
House.
THE OVERS HUNDRED
Is bounded on the west and north by Stottesden, and on the east and south
by Worcestershire. A detached part of it is bounded on the west by
Munslow, and on the east and south by Stottesden. It contains the
parishes of Bitterley, Burford, Greet, Milson, Neen Solars, and
Silvington; and at the census of 1841 had a population of 2.637 souls.
BITTERLEY,
an extensive parish in the hundred of Overs, comprises the chapelry of
Middleton, and the townships or Cleeton, Henley, Hill-upon-Cot, and
Snitton, which together contain 5,718 acres of land; of which 197 acres
are woods, plantations and public roads, and 26 acres in common lands.
Rateable value, £6,494. 10s. 10d. At the census of 1801 there were 1,083
inhabitants; 1831, 1,194; 1841, 1,098; at the latter period there were
191 houses. The soil is mostly strong and fertile. On the summit of the
Clee hill are vestiges of a Roman encampment; the prospect from this
lofty eminence is most extensive and delightful; coal and ironstone are
found in abundance, but the mines at present are but little worked. On
the lofty height of Titterstone hill a stately and elegant pillar has
been erected to the memory of the late Duke of Sutherland. Sir William
E. R. Broughton, Bart., is a considerable proprietor of land, and lord of
the manor. Sir Charles Corley, Rev. Charles Walcot, Mr. P. Jones,
Captain Horton and others are also landowners. BITTERLEY COURT is a good
residence, delightfully situated at the foot of the range of Clee hills.
The Kington Canal intersects the parish. The houses in Bitterley are
scattered, but pleasantly situated four miles north-east by east from
Ludlow. The township at the census of 1841 contained 40 houses and 204
inhabitants. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, stands in a sequestered
locality, and consists of nave and chancel, with a tower, in which are
three bells. It was rebuilt in 1667, and repaired in 1761. The south
transept was built in 1848–9, by subscriptions and a grant from the
Church Building Society. The church contains some interesting memorials,
some of which are of very elaborate workmanship. Among the families
remembered are those of Powys, Pardoe, Rocke, Walcot and others. The
living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £16. 16s. 3d.; in the
patronage and incumbency of the Rev. Charles Walcot, M.A. The tithes are
commuted for £740; and there are 88 acres of glebe land.
CHARITIES.—THE FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL was founded by Sir John Newborough in
1711, who bequeathed £400, in trust, to purchase an estate in fee simple
for the benefit of the master. The property now belonging to the school
consists of 38A. 2R. 20P. of land, which produces a yearly income of £42.
_Sergeant Powis_ left £50, which was laid out in the purchase of a rent
charge of 50s. per annum, issuing out of certain lands, called “The
Hales,” now the property of the Rev. Charles Walcot. This sum, with
other monies, is distributed to the poor on St. Thomas’s-day. The poor
have 8s. a year, as the interest of £10, left by Richard Page. _Ann
Shephard_, of Middleton, left by her will the sum of £500, which has been
invested in government stock; the dividends are distributed on St.
Thomas’s-day.
CLEETON is a township in the parish of Bitterley, three miles east from
the church, having in 1841 fourteen houses and seventy inhabitants. The
Earl of Powis is the principal landowner. Mrs. Lewis, Rev. G. D. Pardoe,
and Mr. Crowther are also freeholders.
HENLEY township in 1841 had six houses and fifty two inhabitants, and is
situated two miles south from the church. The Rev. S. J. Knight is the
chief landowner.
MIDDLETON is a chapelry and township in the parish of Bitterley, two and
a half miles north-east from Ludlow, having 31 houses and 198 souls at
the census of 1841. Sir W. E. R. Broughton, Bart., is lord of the manor
and owner of the land. The chapel is an ancient structure, built of
rubble stone, with a tower of wood. An antique oak screen which divides
the nave from the chancel has the date of 1582.
SNITTON township lies about two and a half miles east from Ludlow. At
the census of 1841 it had 118 houses, chiefly cottages, and 564
inhabitants. The Earl of Powis is the landowner and lord of the manor.
A chapel of ease was built here in 1839. The Rev. John Burleigh James,
M.A., is the officiating minister.
BITTERLEY DIRECTORY.
Beddoes William, Warthill Farm
Carter John, Astbach Farm
Cross Miss, boarding school proprietor
Froggatt John, Luppencot Farm
Gardner George, farmer
Green James Haynes, schoolmaster, Endowed Schools
Horton Captain
Nott William, shoemaker
Price Mrs., The Villa
Tomkins Harriet, school teacher
Tomkins William, shoemaker
Vaughan John, Lowbridge Farm
Walcot Rev. Charles, The Rectory
CLEETON DIRECTORY.
Edwards Charles, farmer, Clee Hill
George Anne, vict., Angel Inn
Glover Richard, farmer, Clee Hill
Nash Saml., farmer, Clee Hill
Onslow Thos., Gold Thorn Farm
Pardoe, Rev. G. D., Cleeton Hall
Powell William, farmer
Tunks Richard, farmer
HENLEY DIRECTORY.
Cuyler Sir Chas., The Hall
Hardwick Thos., blacksmith
Knight Rev. S. J., The Villa
Walker Charles, farmer
MIDDLETON DIRECTORY.
Adney John, farmer
Adney William, farmer
Braithwaite Stephen, farmer
Fletcher Edwd., Crow Leasow Farm
Hammonds Thomas, tailor
Hardwick Benjamin, joiner and cabinet maker
Hardwick Wm., wheelwright
Meyrick Samuel, blacksmith
Patrick William, farmer
Ricketts Wm., Torgrove Farm
Swift Joseph, Brookhouse Farm
Wall John, Meason’s Farm
Wilcox Joseph, Hill’s Farm
SNITTON DIRECTORY.
Beniams Edwd., shoemaker
Bray Benjamin, West Farm
Butcher Thos., South Farm
Pardoe Rev. G. D., Longhouse Farm
Reynolds Saml., Hall Farm
BURFORD
is an extensive parish in the Overs hundred, comprising the townships of
Burford, Buraston with Whetmore, Nash, Tilsop, Weston, and Whitton,
Greet, and Stoke, which have an area of 8,537A. 2R. 19P. of land, of
which 312 acres are in hop grounds. Rateable value, £9,875. 18s. 9d. At
the census of 1841 there were 212 houses and 1,031 inhabitants;
population in 1801, 819; and in 1831, 1,086 persons. The parish is
bounded on the south by the river Teme, which is here crossed by a
handsome stone bridge of six arches; the river here separates Salop from
Worcestershire. The township of Burford is situated one mile west of
Tenbury, and contains 1,510A. 2R. 1P. of land, the rateable value of
which is £2,683. 3s. 3d. In 1841 here were 67 houses and 297 persons;
population in 1801, 215; in 1831, 365. George Rushout, Esq., M.P., is
lord of the manor and the principal landowner. In 1839 springs of
strongly impregnated saline water were discovered in the immediate
locality of this place. The water is similar to that of Cheltenham,
except that there appears to be double the quantity of saline matter in
the fluid, one pint of which, on slow evaporation in a shallow vessel,
produced an ounce of crystalline salt. The analysis of one of the
springs is as follows:—Chloride of sodium 923.52 grains, of calcium
461.9, of potassum 38.63, of magnesium 41.81; sulphate of magnesia 1.57,
protoxide of iron 4.82; silica 4.54, and bromine and iodine .84;—total,
1,476.89 grains. Convenient and elegant buildings have been erected for
the accommodation of the numerous visitors who frequent the baths. In
the immediate vicinity of the baths are several good inns. The situation
is remarkably salubrious, and the scenery beautifully picturesque and
varied. Coaches from Ludlow to Bewdley, Kidderminster, Dudley, and
Birmingham, pass and repass twice a day, calling at the Swan Inn and the
Royal Oak Hotel.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, is a handsome stone edifice with a
square tower. It contains some interesting tombs and monumental tablets.
On the north wall of the chancel is a very elegant tryptych to the memory
of Edmund Cornwall, Baron of Burford, who was sheriff of Shropshire in
1580; on the outer part are the representations of the apostles, and in
the inner compartment are the figures of Edmund Cornwall, his father and
mother, and below a representation of the baron in his winding sheet. He
is said to have been 7 feet 8 inches in height. The triptych was painted
in 1588, by Melchior Salaboss, better known by the name of Gherardino
Milanese. This very beautiful work of art is in admirable preservation,
and with two others in different parts of the kingdom are the only
triptychs in England. There is a recumbent figure, beautifully carved in
oak, to the memory of the Princess Elizabeth, daughter of John of Gaunt,
and sister of Henry IV., who died and was buried at Burford in the year
1426. There is also a recumbent figure of wood to the memory of Edmundas
Cornewalle. An ancient tomb remembers Elizabeth Devroke, daughter of Sir
Walter Devroke, Knight, who lived to see seventeen score and more
children raised from her body, she died in 1508; besides which there are
various memorials which our limits will not allow us to notice. In the
chancel are two beautiful stained glass windows. The organ was the gift
of the Misses Rushout, in 1846. The tithes have been commuted for
£1,644. 18s. 11½d. The bishop of the diocese has recently divided the
parish into three divisions, and assigned to each rector a separate
districts, namely—Buraston and Nash chapelry to the rector of the first
portion, Whitton chapelry to the second, and the district of the Mother
Church to the rector of the third portion. Handsome residences have
recently been built for the rectors of the second and third portions.
BURFORD HOUSE is a beautiful and commodious structure, the seat and
property of George Rushout, Esq., M.P.
CHARITIES.—_John Turner_, by will, dated 1753, bequeathed £100, the
interest thereof to be distributed to the poor of the parish. _John
Knowles_, by a codicil to his will proved in 1814, bequeathed £200, the
interest of which was to be distributed to the poor in bread at Christmas
and Whitsuntide annually.
BORASTON is a township, chapelry, and pleasant village one mile and a
half N.E. of Burford, which in 1841 had 41 houses and 199 residents. In
this chapelry are the townships of Boraston and Whetmore, which have an
area of 1,386A. 0R. 36P. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,765.
6s. The principal landowners are John Dalleyway, Esq., Mr. Edward Good,
Rev. H. Mac Laughlin, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Edmund Edwards, Mr. John Benbow,
and several others. Boraston Chapel is an ancient edifice with a short
tower. The tithes are commuted for £470, of which £250. 14s. 4d. is
apportioned to the rector of the second portion, and the remainder to the
rector of the first portion, Hubert Mac Laughlin, M.A., is the incumbent
of the first portion of the parish.
GREET is a small township three miles N.W. by W. of Burford, containing
seven houses and 115 persons in 1841. The principal landowners are J. H.
Hope, Esq., and Thomas Hodgkiss, Esq.
NASH is a township and chapelry two and a half miles north of Burford,
which in 1841 had 23 houses and 115 persons. The chapelry comprises the
townships of Nash, Tilsop, and Weston, which have an area of 2,377A. 2R.
35P. of land. THE CHURCH is a small structure with a square tower
surmounted by a wooden spire. The south window is beautified with
stained glass. The tithes are commuted for £560. NASH COURT is a
handsome brick mansion, the seat and property of George Pardoe, Esq. It
is surrounded by beautiful pleasure grounds, and the park is richly
timbered. COURT OF HILL, the ancient seat of the family of Hill, is now
the residence of Major Arthur Charles Lowe.
STOKE is a small township four miles N.W. of Burford, containing 23
houses and 115 inhabitants. The principal landowner is P. P. Williams,
Esq. STOKE HALL is a handsome residence surrounded with park-like
grounds, the seat and property of Philip Penrey Williams, Esq.
TILSOP, a scattered township three and three quarter miles north of
Bridgnorth, in 1841 had 61 houses and 226 inhabitants. The principal
freeholders are Mr. Benjamin Bridgman and Mr. John Pugh. Tilsop and Nash
school was erected in 1846 by voluntary subscriptions; about forty
scholars attend.
WESTON township, three miles N.W. by W. of Burford, at the census of 1841
had ten houses and 41 residents. The tithes are commuted for £46. 11s.
Major A. C. Lowe is the sole landowner.
WHETMORE, or WHATMORE, is a small town containing seven houses and 24
persons. The principal freeholders are Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Edwards, Mrs.
Wilks, and George Pardoe, Esq. Captain Rushout, Mrs. Mary Beddoes, and
Mr. Foxall, are also proprietors.
WHITTON, a chapelry four miles N.W. by N. of Tenbury, embraces the
townships of Greet, Stoke, and Whitton, which have an area of 1,582 acres
of land, the rateable value of which is £674. 10s. The principal
landowners are Mrs. Lucy Botfield, the Ludlow Corporation, and the Rev.
Charles Adams. THE CHURCH is a plain structure with a square tower. The
Rev. Caleb Whiteford, M.A., is the incumbent. The tithes are commuted
for £327. WHITTON COURT, a fine old mansion in the Elizabethan style of
architecture, was formerly the seat of the Charlton family. It contains
some fine specimens of carved oak.
BURFORD DIRECTORY.
Berrington John, farmer, Venns
Davies and Edwards, brick and tile makers
Davies William, Dean Park
Edwards Edmund, farmer
Edwards Jno., miller & farmer
Giles William, farmer
Grove William Henry, vict., Swan Inn
Holmes Thomas, gentleman, Park Villa
Jones George, Bank Farm
Joyce Rev. J. W., rector
Morris John, farmer, The Lodge
Rushout George, Esq., M.P., Burford House
Smallman Hy., vict., Rose & Crown
Tenbury, Gas Co.’s Office
Tranter John, wine & spirit merchant, vict., Royal Oak Hotel, Commercial
and Posting House
Wall Mary, Rockhill Mill
Weaver Wm., Wall House
Webb John, fly waggon proprietor, from Ludlow and Worcester daily.
Williams Philip Penrey, Esq., Stoke Hall
BORASTON DIRECTORY.
Bowden Thomas, cooper
Down Thomas, blacksmith
Good Edmund, miller
Good Edward, farmer
Howells William, mason
Mac Laughlin Rev. Hubert, The Rectory
Meakin Thomas, farmer
Reynolds William, farmer
Rudge Rev. William
Sayer Benjamin, farmer
Smallman Esau, farmer and vict., Peacock Inn
Smallman William, farmer
GREET DIRECTORY.
Griffiths John, farmer
Grove Joseph, farmer
NASH DIRECTORY.
Brown William, wheelwright
Cork John, farmer
Hardwick Vincent, farmer, Hartall
Holt Letitia, farmer, Underhill
Hotchkiss Samuel, farmer
Jones John, farmer, Batch
Jones Thomas, farmer, The Shire
Lowe James, farmer, Greenway-head
Lowe Major Arthur Charles, Court of Hill
Morris Joseph, farmer, Shirebourne
Nott Mrs., Hartall
Pardoe George, Esq., Nash Court
Price Wm., farmer, Cliffords
Quaterman John, schoolmr.
STOKE DIRECTORY.
Wall Mary, farmer
Williams Philip Penrey, Esq., The Hall
TILSOP DIRECTORY.
Bridegman Benj., farmer
Pugh John, farmer
Ricketts George, farmer, The Wood
Robinson George, farmer, Cottrills
WESTON DIRECTORY.
Godfrey Benjamin, farmer, The Court
Tantram Thomas, farmer, Old Furnace
WHATMORE DIRECTORY.
_Farmers_.
Beddoes Mary
Brown Richard
Meakin Richard
Mytton James, & miller
Potts George
Powell William, carpenter
Weaver Joseph
Wilks Mary
WHITTON DIRECTORY.
Adams Rev. Charles
Amies Francis, wheelwright
Bill James, farmer, Whiteway Head
Bill John, farmer
Swift John, farmer, Whitton Court
Town Benjamin, shopkeeper and parish clerk
Whiteford Rev. Caleb, The Rectory
Whiteman Saml., wheelwrt.
GREET
is a small but pleasant village and parish, five miles south-east from
Ludlow, which contains 1,041 acres of land, of which fourteen acres are
in woods and plantations, and 8A. 2R. 15P. in roads and waste. At the
census of 1801 there was a population of 90 persons; 1831, 93; and in
1841, 22 houses and 112 inhabitants. Rateable value of the parish,
£1,276. 14s. The principal landowners are J. H. Hope, Esq.; P. P.
Williams, Esq.; Devisees of the late Mr. Mason; and the Trustees of
Ludlow Charities. THE CHURCH is a small structure, of unpretending
appearance (built of rubble stone), having a small turret. The living is
a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £5, now returned at £170. The
patronage is vested in the Hope family; incumbent, Rev. J. C. Bradney,
M.A. The tithes of this parish have been commuted, and £161. 5s. 8d.
apportioned to the rector of Greet, and £24. 1s. 6d. to the rector of
Whetton. THE RECTORY is a good house, of modern erection, pleasantly
situated a short distance from the church. It was built by the present
incumbent, on the site of the old rectory, about three years ago. The
cost of the structure was upwards of £1,400. The rector has 6A. 2R. 13P.
of glebe land. The _Rev. Francis Edwards_, who died in 1767, left £10
for the benefit of the poor of this parish, the interest of which was
formerly paid by the tenant of the Court Farm, at Greet; but it does not
appear to have been a charge upon the estate. A voluntary donation of
10s. yearly is now distributed by the Hope family in lieu of it.
DIRECTORY.—John Berrington, farmer; Rev. Joseph C. Bradney, M.A., The
Rectory; Mrs. Elizabeth Griffin; John Griffin, farmer; John Hardwicke,
wheelwright; Richard Mason, farmer, Brick House; Thomas Morgan, farmer,
Rock Hill; William Morgan, farmer; Samuel Price, blacksmith; Mary
Rawlins, farmer, Stoke; Lydia Smith, farmer, Longlands; Mary Wall, corn
miller, Rock Hill; Richard Whiteman, farmer, Bower.
MILSON
is a parish and small rural village, three miles south-west of Cleobury
Mortimer, and one mile north-west of Neen Sollars, which in 1851 had 31
houses and 170 inhabitants. Population in 1801, 134; and in 1831, 156;
1841, 160. The parish contains 1,102A. 2R. 39P. of land, the rateable
value of which is £934. 13s. 4d. Gross estimated rental, £1,028. 3s. 6d.
The principal landowners in Milson are H. G. Mytton, Esq.; Thomas Perry,
Esq.; Mr. William Lowe; and Mr. Thomas Jones; besides whom are several
smaller proprietors. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. George, is a small
structure, consisting of nave, chancel, and small square tower,
surmounted by a turret. On the south side of the church-yard is a fine
old yew tree. The living is a perpetual curacy, annexed to the rectory
of Neen Savage. Incumbent, Rev. Thos. Hardwicke, D.D.
DIRECTORY.—Rev. Thomas Hardwicke, D.D., rector, The Rectory; William
Barker, farmer; John Cox, farmer; William English, blacksmith; John
Evans, tailor; Thomas Jones, farmer, Upper Langley; William Lowe, farmer,
Church House; Edward Palmer, farmer; Francis Penny, farmer, Lay Fields;
John Radnor, farmer, Little Down; Edward Smallman, carpenter and
wheelwright; John Watters, farmer, Hill House.
NEEN SOLLARS
is a parish and pleasant rural village, in the Hundred of Overs, situated
three miles south-west from Cleobury Mortimer, and ten miles east by
south from Ludlow. It is intersected by the river Rea, which is crossed
a short distance below the village by a brick bridge. In this parish are
several hop plantations. It contained at the census of 1851, 40 houses
and 218 persons. Population in 1801, 197; and in 1831, 208; 1841, 190.
There are 1,916A. 1R. 31P. of land, the rateable value of which is
£1,732. 14s. The principal landowners are Sir Edward Blount, Bart.; Mr.
John Cooke; Mrs. Ann Wall; Mrs. Lucy Botfield; Charles Wickstead, Esq.;
Mr. Joseph Mantle; and Mr. Richard Hall; besides whom are several smaller
proprietors. The family of the Conynsbys were formerly lords of this
manor and residents in the parish. In the church is a monument to the
memory of Humphrey Conynsby, Esq., who was born about the year 1567, and
commenced his travels in 1594, and for four years remained on the
continent, when he returned home a little while, and then took his
journey again into Bohemia, Polonia, and Hungary, where for the defence
of the Christian faith, he put himself under the banner of Rodulph, the
second emperor of the Romans, and was at the siege of Stregonium, in
Hungary, against the Turks. Afterwards he visited most of the ancient
cities of Greece, and from thence he went to Constantinople, in the reign
of Mahomet, the third emperor of the Turks, who, to do him honour, gave
him a Turkish gown of cloth and gold; and his mother, the Sultana Ebrita,
gave him another rich gown of cloth and silver, and fifty chequins in
gold. After a twelvemonths sojourn there, he returned to England; where,
after staying a while, he went into Spain, and came back in safety: and
again, the fourth time, took his journey from London to Venice, in
October, 1610; from which time he was never seen by any of his
acquaintances, nor any certainty known of his death. Thomas Hearne,
speaking of the descent of the family of Coningsby, informs us that an
ancient parchment is preserved by them as a precious relic, on which is
written:—
“William de Coningsby
Came out of Brittany,
With his wife Tiffany,
And his maid Manifras,
And his dog Hardigras.”
THE CHURCH, dedicated to All Saints, is a cruciform structure, built of
stone, with a spire of wood, in which are three small bells. In the
south transept is a monument to Humphrey Conynsby, which has already been
noticed. In the chancel are two marble tablets to the memories of the
Rev. Edward Baugh, M.A., late rector of this parish, dated 1813, and to
Margaret Baugh, dated 1802. The living is a rectory, with the curacy of
Milson annexed, valued in the king’s book at £13. 2s. 3d., now £550; in
the patronage of the Provost and Fellows of Worcester College, Oxford,
and incumbency of the Rev. Thomas Hardwicke, D.D. The church was
formerly annexed to one of the abbeys of Gloucester. There are
ninety-eight acres of glebe land.
DIRECTORY.—William Bishop, farmer and corn miller; John Cooke, farmer,
New House; Benjamin Crow, blacksmith; Thomas Griffiths, tailor; Richard
Hall, farmer; Thomas Harris, farmer; Jane Mantle, beerhouse and
shopkeeper; Joseph Mantle, carpenter and joiner; John Massey, shoemaker;
Pattronella Morris, farmer, Haughton; Thomas Morris, farmer, The Bank;
Thomas Moss, farmer; Ann Palmer, farmer; Geo. Parker, farmer; Ann Wall,
farmer, Hill Top; James Williams, farmer; William Yates, farmer.
SILVINGTON,
a parish and village in a sequestered situation, between Titterstone and
Clee Hills, eight miles north-east of Ludlow, contains 1,120 acres of
land, and at the census of 1801 had fifty-eight inhabitants; 1831,
thirty; 1841, forty-six; at the latter period there were nine houses. Of
the land 170 acres are arable, 254 meadow and pasture, 36 woods, 655 moor
land and hills, and 4A. 3R. 20P. in public roads. Richard Betton, Esq.,
is the principal landowner and lord of the manor. The Rev. John Hayton
is also a proprietor. This locality has a bold undulating surface, and
the soil for the most part is of an inferior quality. THE CHURCH is an
ancient structure, dedicated to St. Michael, consisting of nave and
chancel, and has a square tower, in which are two bells. There is an
antique font. The altar was the gift of Edward Mytton, Esq., in 1676: he
died in 1683, and was interred in the chancel. The living is a rectory,
valued in the king’s book at £3. 6s. 8d.; now returned at £120; in the
patronage of Richard Betton, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. John
Hayton. The tithes have been commuted for £50, and there are 31 acres of
glebe land.
The principal residents are Richard Betton, Esq.; George Boddy,
blacksmith; Thomas Green, farmer; John Hammond, parish clerk; Rev. John
Hayton; Richard Palmer, farmer; William Powell, farmer.
THE FORD HUNDRED
is bounded on the north by the Oswestry and Pimhill hundreds, on the west
by Montgomeryshire, on the south by those of Purslow and Chirbury, and on
the east by the Condover hundred and the liberty of Shrewsbury. It is
divided into the Ford and the Pontesbury divisions. The Ford division
contains the parishes of Ford, Cardiston, Minsterley, and Westbury; and
part of the parishes of Alberbury, St. Alkmund, St. Chad, and St. Julian;
and at the census of 1841 had 5,669 inhabitants. The Pontesbury division
contains the parishes of Habberley and Pontesbury, and at the same period
had a population of 3,436 souls.
ALBERBURY
is an extensive parish, comprising the townships of Alberbury, Benthal
with Shrawardine, Amaston, Bulthey, Eyton, Ford (part of), Rowton,
Stanford, Trefnant, Wattlesborough (part of), Winnington, Woolaston,
which are situated in Shropshire; and Bausley, Coydway, Crew Green,
Criggion, upper and lower, Middleton and Uppington, which are in
Montgomeryshire. The entire parish contains 10,780A. 2R. 2P. of land,
the rateable value of which is £7,731. This parish is beautifully
diversified with picturesque scenery, and watered by the river Severn.
At the census of 1841 there were 472 houses, and 1,861 inhabitants.
Population in 1801, 1,204: and in 1831, 1,799, Sir Baldwin Leighton,
Bart., Henry Lyster, Esq., and others are joint lords of the manor.
ALBERBURY is a township and pleasant rural village eight miles west of
Shrewsbury. In this quarter or district are the townships of Alberbury,
Amaston, Benthal with Shrawardine, Eyton, Rowton, and part of the
township of Ford, which have an area of 3,104A. 2R. 27P. of land; of
which 1,277A. 1R. 20P. are arable, 1,532A. 0R. 16P. are meadow and
pasture, 116A. 3R. 13P. are woods, and 67 acres are roads and water. The
township, at the census of 1841, had 130 houses and 638 inhabitants. Sir
Baldwin Leighton, Bart., is the principal landowner. John Lloyd, Esq.,
and All Souls College are also freeholders. A fair is held on the 8th of
August.
THE ABBEY, of which but little now remains, is situated near the village,
and called the White Abbey. It was founded by Fulk, the son of Warine,
in the reign of Henry II., and was subject to the Black Monks of
Grandmorst, in Limosin. At the suppression of the alien priories it was
bestowed on Queen Joan, widow of Henry IV., and after passing through
several hands it was granted to the fellows of All Souls College, Oxford.
There were formerly a chapel within the site of this abbey, dedicated to
St. Stephen, in which were interred the remains of Fulk Warine, its
founder.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, is a venerable structure, with a
square tower, in which is a peal of five bells. The interior consists of
nave, chancel, and side aisles. The south compartment belongs to the
estate of Loton. On the walls are various monuments and tablets to
various deceased members of the Leighton family: to Dame Dorothy
Leighton, who died in 1638; and to General Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart.,
who died in 1828. The chancel is separated from the body of the church
by one arch, and was rebuilt in the year 1845. On removing a tomb-stone
in the south wall, the skeleton of a man was found quite perfect, but the
coffin and grave clothes all gone. It was placed in a coffin, and
interred in the same place. Several of the windows are ornamented with
stained glass, and the altar is very beautiful. The patronage of the
church is vested in the fellows of All Souls College, Oxford: incumbent,
Rev. Richard Webster Huntley, B.A. The living is a vicarage, valued in
the king’s books at £5. 10s. The tithes are commuted for £2,624, and
apportioned to the fellows of All Souls College, Oxford, to the dean and
chapter of Hereford, and the vicar of Alberbury. THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL
was founded and endowed with £3. 6s. 8d. per annum, by the fellows of All
Souls College, Oxford: it is principally supported by the neighbouring
gentlemen. LOTON PARK is a handsome brick mansion, the seat and property
of Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart., surrounded by a park well stocked with
deer, and richly diversified with sylvan beauty.
CHARITIES.—On the table of benefactions in the church are the names of
twelve several donors, who left £169 for the use of the poor of this
parish. This sum is supposed to have been applied in building a school
or workhouse, and the yearly sum of £8. 5s. is paid as the interest
thereof, which is distributed to the poor on Christmas day. _Richard
Lyster_ bequeathed the sum of £100, the interest thereof to be given to
the poor. _John Asterley_ in his lifetime gave £10 for the use of the
poor of the township of Wattlesborough. _John Morgan_ also left £10, the
interest to be given in bread to the poor of this parish.
AMASTON is a small township three miles south; BENTHAL is a township two
miles north-east; and LITTLE SHRAWARDINE is a small township two miles
and a half north-east, of Alberbury. BULTHEY is a scattered township one
and a half mile north-west by north of Woolaston, which contains 711A.
3R. 19P. of land; of which 371A. 3R. 19P. are arable, and 340 acres are
pasture. Robert Gardner, Esq., is the sole landowner.
BAUSLEY, or BALASLEY, is a scattered township and district, ten miles
north-east of Welshpool, which comprises Upper and Lower Criggion, Crew
Green, and Coydway, and has an area of 4,309 acres of land. Rateable
value, £1,954. 17s. 7d. The principal landowners are the Rev. F. K.
Leighton, who is lord of the manor; John Asterly, Esq.; Mr. Eddowes; Mr.
Edward Bufton; Dr. Crawford; Sir Edward Desbrowe, Knt.; Rev. Edward
Humphrey; Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart.; Isaac Swaine; Mr. John Ruscoe; and
Mr. Williams. The township contains 1,684 acres of land, and at the
census of 1841 there were 78 houses and 352 inhabitants. On the
enclosure of Bausley Common, in 1832, the Vicar of Alberbury had allotted
to him eleven acres of land, in lieu of small tithes. There are 31 acres
of glebe land.
CRIGGION is a township and chapelry, one mile east of Llandrinio, which
at the census of 1851 had 35 houses and 189 inhabitants. It contains
2401A. 2R. 17P. of land, the rateable value of which is £874. 12s. 2d.
The tithes are commuted for £220, of which £176 are appropriated to the
Fellows of All Souls College, and £44 to the vicar. On the summit of
Breidden hill, 1,004 feet above the Severn, is “Rodney’s Pillar,” erected
in memory of that brave naval commander. Near the Breidden is the range
of hills called Moel-y-Golfa, on which are the traces of an encampment.
In this district is a fine bed of coal. THE CHAPEL is a neat structure,
built of brick, with a square tower. The Rev. Leicester Darnwell, M.A.,
is the perpetual incumbent.
EYTON is a small township, one mile east of Alberbury. The Hon. and Rev.
R. W. Hill is the proprietor of the land.
MIDDLETON is a township, two miles south-west of Woolaston, which
contains 269½ acres of pasture, 426 acres of arable, 43 acres of woods,
five acres of roads, and 230 acres of common land, the rateable value of
which is £620. 10s. Panton Corbett, Esq., is lord of the manor, and the
principal freeholder. Mrs. Williams and Captain Close are also
landowners.
ROWTON AND AMASTON is a pleasant township and small rural village, seven
miles and a half west of Shrewsbury. At the census of 1811 here were 225
inhabitants, and in 1821 227 inhabitants. Henry Lyster, Esq., is lord of
the manor, and principal landowner. Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart., is also
a small landowner. Camden says this is the Rutunium described by
Antonious. Rowton was anciently in the possession of the Corbets, and
afterwards of the Le Estranges, from whom it passed to William Lyster,
who was styled Lord of Rowton. In the year 1482 Rowton Castle was razed
to the ground by Prince Llewellyn, at the time the Le Estranges possessed
this manor.
STANFORD is a township, one mile and a half west of Alberbury. Sir
Baldwin Leighton, Bart., is lord of the manor and the principal
landowner. Mr. Asterley and Mr. Edmund Phillips are also proprietors.
TREFNANT is a township and small village, two miles and a half south-west
by south of Woolaston, which contains 518 acres of land. Rateable value
£171. The principal landowners are Miss Oldnall, Mr. Thomas Vincent
Potter, Mr. William Meredith, and the Rev. Mr. Cureton. UPPINGTON is a
scattered township, three miles and a half south-west by west of
Woolaston, containing 968 acres of land, of which 308 acres are in common
and woodlands. In 1841 here were 123, and in 1851 167 inhabitants. The
principal landowner is Miss Oldnall. WATTLESBOROUGH is a township,
partly situated in this parish and partly in the parishes of Cardiston
and Westbury. Roger Corbet de Watlesburg, in the 56th Henry III. had the
grant of a market on Tuesday and a fair on the eve, the day, and the day
after the feast of St. James the Apostle, to be held at this manor.
There was formerly a castle here, little of which now remains.
WINNINGTON is a township, one mile and a half south-west by south of
Woolaston, which contains 1,605A. 3R. 10P. of land, the rateable value of
which is £1,146. 3s. 10d. Winnington is celebrated as the birth place of
Old Parr, who was born at the Glyn, in this township, in the year 1483.
When eighty years old he married his first wife, and in the space of
thirty-two years had two children, both of whom died young. Being aged
120 years, he became enamoured of Catherine Mitton, whom he married, and
had children by her. At the age of 130, a prosecution was entered
against him in the Spiritual Court for bastardy, and Parr did penance in
Alberbury Church. He lived in ten reigns, and died at Westminster on the
15th of November, aged 152 years. The cottage in which he lived stands
in a sequestered spot, near the Shrewsbury and Welshpool road. Mrs.
Oldnell and others are landowners.
WOOLASTON is a township and chapelry, pleasantly situated eight miles
north-east by east of Welshpool, which comprehends the townships of
Woolaston, Bulthey, Trefnant, Winnington, Middleton, and Uppington, which
have an area of 5,274A. 1R. 17P. of land, the rateable value of which is
£4,432. 6s. 6d. This chapelry at the census of 1841 had 126 houses and
609 persons. Woolaston township contains 496 acres of land. The
principal landowners are Sir Richard Jenkins, Mrs. H. S. Taber, and Mr.
Smith. Smythe Owen, Esq., is lord of the manor. THE CHAPEL was built in
1783 of rubble stone, and endowed with a grant from Queen Anne’s Bounty,
which amounts to £46. 16s. 7d. per annum. There are 20 acres of glebe
land. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Vicar of
Alberbury, and incumbency of the Rev. J. H. A. Harries, M.A. _Elizabeth
Collins_ left £10, the interest thereof to be given to the poor of this
chapelry. _Owen George_ bequeathed £50, 40s. of the interest thereof to
pay for six sermons, and 20s. to be given in bread to the poor.
POST OFFICE.—_At Wm. Rogers_, Letters arrive at 8 A.M. and are despatched
at 5 P.M.
ALBERBURY DIRECTORY.
Barrett John, farmer & vict., Cross Gates
Bennett John, farmer & vict., Windmill Inn, posting House, Rowton
Bromley Rd., farmer, Eyton
Brown Thomas, farmer and vict., The Dragon
Bruce Donald, butler, Loton Hall
Cooper William, farmer and lime master, Loton
Crane Geo., farmer, Benthall
Davenport Benj., farmer
Davies Mr., farmer, Whattlesborough
Derwas Thos., farmer, Hays
Evans Edward, farmer, Braggington
Evans Griffiths, tailor
Fox William, blacksmith
Gell Daniel, park keeper, Loton
Gittins James, farmer, The Wood
Gittins Jn., farmer, Amaston
Gittins R., frmer, Lower Wood
Huntley Rev. Rd. Webster, vicar, Bloxwell
Jenner Rev. Mr., M.A., curate, Vicarage
Jones Mary, housekeeper, Loton Hall
Kempster Richard, farmer, Little Woolaston
Lee Mrs. Francis, farmer, Rowton
Leighton Sir Baldwin, Bart., J.P., and chairman of Montgomery quarter
sessions, Loton Park
Lyster Henry, Esq., Rowton Castle
Mansell Stephen, farmer, Little Shrawardine
Onions William, basket mkr
Parry Thomas, farmer, Whattlesborough
Plunley John, farmer, Hilly House
Plunley Samuel, farmer
Pearce John, police constable
Powlter Richard, grocer & blacksmith, Rowton
Price John, traveller
Rogers Elizth., shopkeeper
Rogers William, postmaster
Teece John, farmer, Red Abbey
Tullock David, farmer
Wilde John, farmer, White Abbey
Wilde Wm., farmer, Hays
BAUSLEY DIRECTORY.
Derwas John, farmer
Derwas Richard, farmer
Evans John, basket maker
Evans Thomas, farmer, Pecknall
France John, farmer, Brimpoeth
Jones John, carpenter and builder
Pritchard Mrs., Brook Cot.
Speake Thomas, farmer, The Hill
Swaine Isaac, farmer, Hill
Wilde John, butcher and farmer
Wilde Richard, farmer, Plas-y-Court
BULTHEY DIRECTORY.
Burley Thomas, farmer
Swaine John, farmer, The Bank
Williams Richard, farmer, The Hall
COYDWAY DIRECTORY.
Brown Thomas, grocer and beer retailer
Harris Sarah, farmer
Jones Thomas, vict., Hand and Diamond
Jones Thomas, maltster and farmer
Richard George, shoemaker
Richards Thomas, saddler
Swaine Samuel, farmer
Wynne Thos., wheelwright
CREW GREEN DIRECTORY.
Briscoe John, farmer
Davies David, farmer
Downes Richard, farmer
Everall John, farmer
Mansell Mrs.
Payne Charles, farmer and maltster
Pritchard John, farmer
Pugh William, farmer
Ruscoe Abrahm., shopkeeper and beerhouse
Ruscoe Abraham, junior, farmer
Swaine Robert, blacksmith
Turner Joshua, blacksmith
Vaughan Samuel, shoemakr
Vaughan Thomas, saddler & harness maker
Watkin Evan, cooper
Williams John, grocer and provision dealer, & beerhouse, Glen, Newtown
Williams John, cooper and shopkeeper
CRIGGION DIRECTORY.
Brentnall Mrs., The Hall
Brentnall Samuel, farmer
Darwell Rev. Leicester, M.A., Parsonage
Davies Richard, farmer
Ford John, farmer
Gregory Richard, farmer and butcher
Jones John, farmer, Brinford
Morris John, farmer
Morris Mrs., Upper Farm
Owens John, farmer, Coppice
Ridge Francis, farmer
Vaughan William, farmer
Williams Richard, farmer
MIDDLETOWN DIRECTORY.
Harris Rev. John Henry Acton, M.A.
Hughes Mr. Thomas
Jones Isaac, farmer & beerhouse, Bell Isle
Morris Edward, farmer
Parry Thomas, farmer
Parry William, farmer
Poole Robert, machineman
Pritchard Miss, Doves Cot.
Pritchard Srh., vict., New Inn
Thomas Benjamin, gent.
Thomas Stephen, bricklayer and beer retailer
STANFORD DIRECTORY.
Harris James, farmer
Middle John, farmer
Turner Edward, blacksmith
TREFNANT DIRECTORY
Brown John, farmer
Edwards John, farmer
UPPINGTON DIRECTORY.
Dickin Arthur, farmer
Henley Thomas, farmer
Meredith William, miller and farmer
Rogers Thomas, farmer
WINNINGTON DIRECTORY.
Brown Thomas, farmer
Davies William, vict., Rose and Crown, farmer and blacksmith
Jasper James, carrier
Jones Evan, farmr., Hargreave
Rogers Ths. Hall, Mill Farm
Rogers William, farmer
WOOLASTON GREAT DIRECTORY.
Pigford Chas., wheelwright
Clemson Thomas, farmer
Cooper Joseph, wheelwright
Eddowes Thomas, farmer
Jones Elizabeth, farmer
Jones Henry, timber merchant, registrar of births and deaths for the
Alberbury district
Marsh Walter, tailor
Turner Edward, blacksmith
BICTON AND CALCOTT,
a township and village with a scattered population, three miles and a
half west from Shrewsbury, at the census of 1841 had 107 houses and 560
inhabitants, The principal landowners are Sir Richard Jenkins; John
Lloyd, Esq.; Hon. H. W. Powyes; Dr. Crawford; Colonel Wingfield; Mr. R.
B. Blakemore; Mr. T. Wall; and Mr. Matthews; besides whom Mr. Richard
Russ, Mr. Samuel Roberts, and others, are proprietors. THE CHAPEL of
Bicton is a small structure, dedicated to the Holy Trinity; in the
patronage of the vicar of St. Chad, and enjoyed by the Rev. Edward
Sandford. BICTON HALL is a neat stuccoed house; the residence of the
Misses Cotes. There is a school, chiefly supported by voluntary
subscriptions. BICKTON HEATH was enclosed about forty years ago, and is
now covered with luxuriance and fertility. THE NEW CONNEXION METHODISTS
have a chapel here, and a site had been chosen for a new church when our
agent visited this township. The COTTAGE BUILDINGS are a number of
cottages on the road leading to the Isle. Several scattered residences
near to Montford Bridge are in this township, where there is a small
METHODIST CHAPEL. UP AND DOWN ROSSAL contains upwards of 1,200 acres of
land. THE ISLE is a compact estate of 645 acres; the property of the
Rev. Humphrey Sandford. The Severn here makes a great bend, and forms a
peninsula, with so very narrow an isthmus as to occasion to be called the
Isle of Up Rossal. It acquired the name of Rossal from the circumstance
of a family of that name formerly owning the property. The estate was
granted by Queen Elizabeth to Richard Sandford, Esq., an officer of the
crown, and ancestor of the present proprietor: a family long before
possessed of other estates in this neighbourhood. THE ISLE HOUSE is a
good residence on elevated ground, commanding pleasing views of the
country, occupied by the Rev. H. Sandford, the owner of the estate.
ROSSAL, an ancient brick residence, built in 1077, stands in a
sequestered situation, and is the seat of the Dowager Countess Fielding.
THE LUNATIC ASYLUM for the counties of Salop and Montgomery, situated at
Bicton Heath, is a spacious and handsome structure in the Tudor style of
architecture, consisting of centre and wings. It is a brick edifice,
with stone finishings, and was built under the provisions of an act of
parliament obtained in the 9th of George IV. The buildings and airing
yards occupy about four acres of land; and there are eleven acres of
gardens and pleasure grounds, laid out with admirable taste, and
cultivated by the patients. A terrace has been raised round the kitchen
garden, where the females are allowed to walk, which affords a cheerful
prospect of the country, and contributes to the comfort and gratification
of the patients. The men are employed in useful mechanical trades,
attention being paid to diversify the modes of employment and the means
of amusement, so as to excite agreeable emotions, and to soften the
unavoidable severity of confinement. The establishment will accommodate
220 inmates, and the cost of the structure, with the site and various
alterations up to October, 1849, has been £33,537. 16s. 7½d. The
interior arrangements are admirably contrived for the convenience and
comfort of the inmates, and the whole has a clean, orderly, and
well-regulated appearance. The establishment is under the able
superintendence of Richard Oliver, M.D.
BICTON AND CALCOTT DIRECTORY.
Bowlker Frances, schoolmistress
Breese Mary, boarding school, Lower Calcott
Cotes the Misses, Bicton Hall
Cotton William, farmer, Montford Bridge
Crawford William, D.D., Bicton House
Edwards Mr. John, Udlington
Edwards Thomas, clerk
Evans John, bricklayer, Calcott
Hill Rev. Francis, Montford Bridge
Hilton Ann, farmer
Jellicoe Christiana Ann, boarding school, Bicton Cottage
Jenkins Miss Frances, Lower Calcott
Lloyd John, Esq.
Lloyd Richard, vict., Four Crosses
Millman John, nurseryman, Calcott
Oliver Richard, M.D., Bicton Asylum
Peters Martha, farmer
Pritchard Mrs. Mary
Roberts Samuel, farmer
Rowlands Philip, blacksmith
Russ Richard, farmer
Wall Thomas, farmer, Upper Calcott
Whitehorn Jno., Nag’s Head, Montford Bdge.
Wilkinson Mr. Robert, Lower Calcott
UP AND DOWN ROSSAL DIRECTORY.
Fielding Ann Catherine, Dowager Countess Ross, Hall
Hilton Robert, farmer, Down Rossal
Sandford Folliott, Esq., solicitor, The Isle Hse.
Sandford Rev. Humphrey, incumbent of Bicton and Edgton, The Isle House
Sandford Humphrey, Esq., barrister-at-law, The Isle House
Spearman Andrew, Esq., Udlington
Tomkies Richard, farmer, The Isle
Whitfield Thomas, farmer, Down Rossal
Williams Robert, corn miller, Isle Mill
Wood Henry, farmer, Isle Park Farm
CROW MEOL,
a township in the parish of St. Chad, on the Shrewsbury and Montgomery
turnpike road, two miles west from the former town, at the census of 1841
had 24 houses and 120 inhabitants. The township contains 200A. 3R. 11P.
of land, about one half of which is the property of Thomas Brocas, Esq.,
and the remainder is held by upwards of twenty freeholders. COPTHORNE
HOUSE, the residence and property of Thomas Brocas, Esq., is pleasantly
situated, and commands a pleasing view of the country. Adjoining the
hall a neat chapel has been built by Mr. Brocas, where the ministers of
the Wesleyan New Connexion officiate. The principal residents are Thomas
Brocas, Esq., Copthorne Hall; Robert Phillips, Esq., Bowbrook House;
William Adams, farmer; John Bowdler, tailor; and Francis Pool, farmer.
ONSLOW is a township four miles west from Shrewsbury, having 10 houses
and 76 inhabitants at the census of 1841. The land is the property of
Colonel Wingfield, who resides at ONSLOW HALL, a handsome stuccoed
mansion, partly in the parish of St. Chad and partly in that of
Pontesbury. A pillar in the kitchen of the hall is the point of
separation between the two parishes. The principal residents are Colonel
Wingfield, Onslow Hall, and Charles Edward Boore, Richard Vaughan, and
John Wood, farmers.
WHITLEY AND WELBACH is a township in the parish of St. Chad; four miles
west by south from Shrewsbury, having in 1841, 21 houses and 113
inhabitants. A short distance from the bridge at Nobold, the parishes of
St. Chad, Condover, and Brace Meole converge. HOOKER GATE is a hamlet in
this township, consisting of a few cottages and a small BAPTIST CHAPEL,
near to which collieries were worked till within the last few years. The
land is the property of George Jonathan Scott, Esq. The principal
residents are Thomas Savage, farmer, Whitley; John Mason, farm bailiff to
G. J. Scott, Esq.; John Croft, shopkeeper; and William Juckes, beerhouse.
WOODCOTE AND HORTON, a township in the parish of St. Chad, three miles
and a half from Shrewsbury, at the census of 1841 had 11 houses and 78
inhabitants. The chief landowners are Colonel Wingfield; John Walton,
Gent.; Rev. John Yardley; and Mr. Thomas Woodward. The principal
residents are Edward Kynaston, farmer; James Large, farmer; Thomas Lloyd,
farmer; William Sherratt, farmer; John Walton, Gent.; John Wilding,
blacksmith and wheelwright.
CARDISTON,
a parish containing the township of Cardiston and part of Wattlesborough,
is situated six miles and a half west of Shrewsbury. It comprises
2,548A. 2R. 13P. of land, of which 2,395 acres are titheable. Rateable
value of the parish, £2,692. 5s. Sir Baldwin Leighton is lord of the
manor, and the principal landed proprietor; the Rev. Francis Leighton,
bart.; Henry Lyster, Esq.; John Lloyd, Esq.; and the representatives of
the late John Vaughan are also freeholders. At the census of 1841 here
were 76 houses and 372 inhabitants. The parish is bounded on the south
by the river Severn, and is intersected by the Shrewsbury and Welshpool
road. The remaining part of Wattlesborough township is situated in
Alberbury parish. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, was rebuilt of
stone in the year 1749. The tower and windows were re-edified in 1844,
at the expense of Sir Baldwin Leighton, bart., who is patron of the
living. Rector, the Rev. Francis Leighton, M.A. The tithes are commuted
for £392, of which £267 are apportioned to the Rev. Francis Leighton,
M.A.; £120 to Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart.; and £5 to the small
impropriators. A yearly sum of 10s. is paid to the churchwardens of this
parish on account of _Morgan’s Charity_, which is distributed among the
poor. On the table in the church three other benefactions, amounting to
£25, are mentioned, which have been long lost.
DIRECTORY.—Richard Bromley, farmer; Richard Dyas, farmer; Thomas Hordley,
wheelwright, and shopkeeper; Thomas Evans, coachman; John Lamb,
shopkeeper; John Lee, farmer; Rev. Francis Leighton, M.A., The Rectory;
John Netherway, painter and glazier; Captain Owen; Thomas Poole, farmer,
The Park; Richard Poulter, shopkeeper and blacksmith; Ann Thomas,
housekeeper; Richard Weaver, butler.
FORD
is a parish and township, in the hundred to which it gives name, five
miles west by north of Shrewsbury, containing 2,140 acres of land, the
rateable value of which is £2,040. 10s. At the census of 1841 here were
66 houses and 309 inhabitants. Population in 1801, 349; and in 1831,
263. Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., is lord of the manor, and a
considerable landowner; the Rev. Robert L. Burton; Henry Gardner, Esq.;
Mr. Henry Leey; and Mr. John Baldwin, are also proprietors. The river
Severn and the Watling street intersect the parish. Earl Edwin held Ford
in the Confessor’s time; and Earl Roger in the time of the Conqueror. In
the 14th of Henry III. Henry Andele had a grant of the manor of Ford;
and in the 37th year of Henry III. James Aldithele had a grant of free
warren here, as had also Thomas Boterel some time after. The manor of
Ford continued in the Talbot family, Earls of Shrewsbury, until the year
1824, when the same was sold to Sir Henry Wakeman, Bart., in whose family
it now continues. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, is a small
structure, built of rubble stone. The interior is neatly pewed with oak.
The chancel is separated from the nave by a screen of oak of antique
carving. There is also an ancient stone font. The living is a perpetual
curacy, in the patronage of G. E. W. Tomline, Esq., and incumbency of the
Rev. John Wason, M.A. It was valued in the king’s book at £3. 6s. 8d.,
now £138. In the taxation of Pope Nicholas, A.D. 1291, Ford chapel is
estimated at £10. In the parliamentary returns of 1786 it is stated that
_Joseph Waring_, by will, in 1726, gave to the poor of this parish £10.,
which produces 10s. yearly.
DIRECTORY.—John Baldwin, farmer, Shoot Hill; John Barrett, farmer,
maltster, and victualler, Cross Gates; Hy. Brayne, wheelwright; Ths.
Breese, shoemaker; Edw. Bufton, shopkeeper and draper; Edwd. Bufton,
jun., farmer; Rchd. Clayton, blacksmith; David Evans, farmer; Jno.
Gittins, farmer, Ford heath; Joseph Gough, farmer, Ford heath; Rchd.
Hughes, shoemaker; Thomas Humphreys, farmer, Chavel; Wm. Jones,
shoemaker; Wm. Pugh, shopkeeper; John Quay, shoemaker; George Rogers,
farmer; Thomas Rogers, tailor; William Wall, farmer; Joseph Waring,
shopkeeper; Rev. John Wason, M.A., The Rectory; William Weaver, carpenter
and parish clerk.
POST OFFICE—_At Mary Bishop’s_. Letters arrive at 5.30 A.M., and are
despatched at 6.30 P.M.
HANWOOD GREAT
is a parish and pleasantly situated village four miles S.W. of
Shrewsbury, which contains 415A. 2R. 21P. of land, the rateable value of
which is £1,066. 10s. 5d. Gross estimated rental, £1,122. 12s. Sir
Offley P. Wakeman is lord of the manor. The principal freeholders are
Francis Harris, Esq., R. and W. Blakeway, Rev. Edward Warter, Mr.
Nicholl, Joseph Sheppard, Esq., Messrs. Marshalls, Eleanor Hill, and H.D.
Warter, Esq. In 1841 here were 43 houses and 167 residents; population
in 1801, 264; and in 1831, 288. There are bleach grounds and mills in
this parish carried on by Messrs. Marshalls and Co. THE CHURCH is built
of brick, and has a small wooden turret, in which are two bells. At the
east end is a handsome stained glass window, the gift of Henry Diggory
Warter, Esq., the patron of the living. There is a stone font dated
1683. The church-yard is nearly surrounded by venerable yew trees. The
parish register bears date from the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The tithes
are commuted for £237, and there are 32A. 1R. of glebe land. The living
is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £3, in the incumbency of the
Rev. Edward Warter, M.A., who resides at the rectory, a commodious
residence near the church. _Mrs. B. M. A. Harries_, by will, in 1833,
bequeathed to the rector and churchwardens for the time being of this
parish the sum of £100, the interest thereof to be distributed amongst
the poor inhabitants.
Alltree John, whitesmith, shopkeeper, and parish clerk
Blakeway, Richard, corn miller and farmer
Blakeway Wm., corn miller
Bridge Joseph, grocer and provision dealer
Bromley Mary, gentlewoman
Cotton John, bleach mill manager
Crane John, shoemaker
Edwards Thomas, higgler
Harries Francis Blythe, Esq.
Harrison Rev. Wm., M.A., Bank house
Hayward Rd., blacksmith
Higginson William, tailor
Hill Mrs. Eleanor
Hullen Eliza, boarding sch.
Jones Ann, vict., The Cock Inn
Jones Thomas, wheelwright
Jones Thomas, shoemaker
Jones Wm., basket maker
Littlehales John, wheelwrt.
Littlehales Rd., blacksmith and shopkeeper
Lloyd Mr. John
Matthews John, farmer
Oakey William, farm bailiff
Phillips Thomas, tailor and draper
Rydar Robert, gentleman
Ward John, shoemaker
Warter Rev. Edward, The Rectory
Yallowley Mary, gentlewmn.
HABBERLEY
is a parish and village in the hundred of Ford, nine miles S.W. from
Shrewsbury, pleasantly situated in a bold undulating district, the
scenery of which is pleasingly diversified with romantic beauty. The
parish comprises 754A. 2R. 19P. of land having mostly a fertile soil, and
335A. 1R. 21P. in hills and common land. 485 acres of the titheable land
are arable, 231 acres meadow, 38 woods and water, and five acres in
public roads. William Henry Sparrow, Esq., is the principal landowner
and lord of the manor; there are also a few smaller freeholders.
Population—1801, 104; 1831, 128; and in 1841 there were 27 houses and 125
inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,108. 15s.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, is an ancient gothic fabric consisting
of nave and chancel, having a wooden turret. It was partly rebuilt and
made parochial in the year 1558. The chancel window was restored by the
late rector; the floor is covered with encaustic tiles. Among the
memorials is a tomb to William Mytton, Esq., who died in 1747. The
living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £4. 0s. 2½d. in the
patronage of W. H. Sparrow, Esq., and enjoyed by the Rev. Richard White,
M.A. The tithes are commuted for £132, and there are 23 acres of glebe
land. The parish register dates from the year 1599.
_Edward Corbett_, in 1654, charged a messuage and certain land with the
payment of 20s. yearly, and directed the interest to be distributed among
the poor, especially orphans and poor widows. Only 6s. is now received
as Corbett’s benefaction. _John Gittins_, who died in 1808, left £20,
and his widow, Elizabeth, who died in 1819, a like sum, the interest to
be given away among the poor of the parish. The produce of these two
legacies are now in the Savings’ Bank.
DIRECTORY.—Ann Bromley, farmer; Martha Evans, farmer and corn miller;
John Everall, farmer; Thomas Highley, blacksmith, wheelwright, and parish
clerk; John Onions, beerhouse keeper; Richard Lewis, blacksmith; Mr.
Morris, farmer, The Hall; Thomas Pearce, agent to W. H. Sparrow, Esq.;
Thomas Rogers, farmer; Rev. Richard White, M.A., The Rectory.
MINSTERLEY
is a parish, nine miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, containing 2,875A. 3R.
7P. of land, the rateable value of which is £3,165. At the census of
1841 there were 168 houses and 914 persons. Population in 1811, 705; and
in 1831, 809. Half a century ago Minsterley consisted of only a few farm
houses; but since the lead mines have been extensively worked it has
greatly increased. The lead ore of this place is found enclosed or
covered with a spar, over which is a kind of blue stone or slate, and
contains a great quantity of red lead, and a small portion of silver.
The Snailbeach mines are situated about a mile from Minsterley, and have
been worked for 60 years in a most efficient and profitable manner,
without experiencing any stoppage. The shafts are from 300 to 360 yards
in depth, and the engine and machinery for crushing the ore are on an
extensive scale. There are about 500 miners daily at work, besides
others engaged in washing and smelting the ore. Upwards of £2,000 per
month is paid in wages. The mines are the property of Messrs. Lovett,
Jones, and Company, and under the management of Mr. John Harrison. In
the year 1851 a Roman pig of lead was found by some workmen in sinking
through a slag heap of smeltings, on which appears the following
inscription in raised letters:—
IMP. HADRIANI. AVG.
It is in length twenty inches, and the girth is twenty inches, weighing
173 pounds.
Some years ago, an act of parliament was obtained by several landed
proprietors to form a canal to carry the surplus water from Marton Pool
to the Severn, which covered upwards of 200 acres of land for several
months in the year. Since the cutting of the canal a great part of the
land has been reclaimed, and brought into a state of cultivation. The
Marquis of Bath is lord of the manor, and principal landowner. The Fair,
or “Gentlemen’s Meet,” at Minsterley, is held on July 25th.
THE CHURCH is a brick fabric, built about the latter end of the 16th
century. It consists of nave, chancel, and has a small wooden tower, in
which is one bell. It is neatly pewed with oak, and the reading desk and
sounding board are elaborately carved. In the chancel is a tablet,
erected by the Snailbeach Company to the memory of their late agent, Mr.
John Nealor. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the
Marquis of Bath, and the rector of the first portion of Westbury, and
enjoyed by the Rev. Emilius Nicholson, M.A. The incumbent has a rent
charge, derivable from the Cause Castle estate, amounting to £60 per
annum. THE METHODISTS have a neat brick chapel here, which was built in
1833. THE FREE SCHOOL was erected in 1843, at the joint expense of the
Marquis of Bath and several gentlemen belonging to the Snailbeach
Company, in compliance with the requisitions expressed in the will of the
late John Johnson, Esq., who provided an endowment to establish and
perpetuate a day-school for the education of all children resident in the
parish. The Snailbeach Mining Company have endowed the school with £40
yearly, and ordered that every miner shall pay to the schoolmaster
sixpence every quarter. The school will accommodate one hundred
children. The average attendance of the scholars is eighty. _Joshua
Williams_, by will, in 1819, bequeathed an annuity of £20 for the
education of poor children in the parish of Minsterley.
Adams Wm., maltster, farmer and vict., Miners’ Arms
Beady George, shoemaker
Beady Tryphena, milliner and dressmaker
Bowen Wm., underground assistant bailiff
Brumbil Thomas, victualler, Angel Inn
Clarke William, wheelwright
Croft Richard, perpl. overseer, Hawkstowbank
Davies David, engineer and mineral draftsman
Davies John, grocer & draper
Dolphin John Lloyd, druggist, draper, grocer, and maltster
Dorrcott Edward, schoolteacher and barber
Dyas Richard, blacksmith
Eddowes Edward, Hockstow Corn Mills and farmer
Eddowes Mrs. Judith, Reabrooks
Evans William, farmer
Everall William, farmer
Griffiths Mrs. Ann, ladies’ boarding school
Harrison John, gentleman, Snailbeach
Hincks Mary, dressmaker
Hincks Thomas, mason
Hughes Thomas, beer retailer
Hughes Vincent, engineer
Hughes Wm., linen weaver, and parish clerk
James Joseph, blacksmith
Jones Edward, shopkeeper
Jones George, tailor
Jones John, schoolmaster
Jones John and Co., Snailbeach Mines
Kempster John, Park Farm
Lee William, saddler and harness maker
Nealor Mr. Edwd., The Hall
Nealor William, Esq.
Nicholson Rev. Emilius, The Rectory
Philpot Jno. & Son, engineers
Powell Thomas, beer retailer
Robinson Thomas, tailor
Speake John, Wood Farm
Thomas Arthur, tailor
Turner John, grocer and draper
Vaughan Edwd., shoemaker
Whitefoot Richd., shoemaker
Whitefoot Thos., shoemaker
Woodhouse Samuel, farmer
Woodhouse Thomas, farmer
PONTESBURY
is an extensive parish containing the townships of Arscott, Asterley,
Boycott, Cruckmeole, Cruckton, Edge, Farley, Halston, Hanwood (Little),
Hinton, Lea, Longden, Newnham, Oakes, Onslow, Plealey, Pontesbury,
Pontesford, Sascott, and Siberscott, with the hamlets of Exford’s Green,
Ford Heath, Horton, Lea Cross, Longden Wood, Moathall, Pansom, Polmer,
Malehurst, Shorthill, and Woodhall, which together comprehend an area of
10,635A. 2R. 13P. of land, the rateable value of which is £14,513. 10s.
At the census of 1841, here were 697 houses and 3,311 inhabitants;
population in 1801, 2,053; and in 1831, 2,936 persons. Edward William
Smythe Owen, Esq., is lord of the manor. A great portion of the
labouring population find employment in the extensive lead and coal works
of this parish. The township of Pontesbury is situated seven and a half
miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, and fifteen and a half miles N.N.E. of
Montgomery, and, with the hamlet of Malehurst, contains 1,119A. 1R. 30P.
of land. Francis Harries, Esq., is the principal landowner. Sir Joseph
Hawley, Bart., H. D. Warter, Esq., Colonel Wingfield, Henry Gardener,
Esq., T. H. Hope, Esq., and Sir Offley P. Wakeman, and others are also
proprietors. The turnpike road from Shrewsbury, which joins the
Montgomery road at Brockton, passes through this township. In May, 1811,
Pontesbury was visited by a most terrific tempest, when “a cloud burst
upon the Stiperstone hill,” and the waters rushed down the acclivities
with irresistible force, sweeping away cottages, mills, cattle, and
trees, and drowning nine persons. The water being in many places from
thirteen to seventeen feet deep.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, was formerly collegiate, having
a dean and two prebendaries. The old structure was taken down in 1825,
except the chancel, and was rebuilt of rubble stone in the year 1829. At
the west end is a lofty square tower containing a peal of five bells.
The interior consists of nave, lofty north and south aisles, and chancel.
The living is a rectory divided into three portions, the first portion is
in the patronage of the present incumbent, the Rev. William Harrison,
M.A. The tithes of this portion are commuted for the sum of £780. 6s.
There are 21A. 3R. 21P. of glebe land. The second portion is in the gift
of Brazen-nose College, and incumbency of the Rev. Charles Drury, M.A.,
the tithes of which amount to £774. 11s. 10d., and there are 58A. 2R. 3P.
of glebe land. The third portion is in the gift of the present rector,
the Rev. William Vaughan, who purchased it from Smythe Owen, Esq., for
his life and ten years after. The tithes are commuted for £571. 6s. 4d.,
and there are 59A. 2R. 36P. of glebe land. The Rev. William Harrison,
M.A., also receives £129. 9s. as the impropriator. THE INDEPENDENTS have
a neat brick chapel, built in 1839, which will accommodate 200 hearers.
The Baptists have also a small chapel here. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL is a
spacious brick structure. CHARITIES—It is stated on the table of
benefactions that _Thomas Davies_ left £200, _John Peers_ £10, _Eleanor
Peers_ £10, and _Thomas Higgins_, _D.D._, left £10 the interest thereof
to be distributed to the poor. This sum, amounting to £230, was expended
in the purchase of 21A. 3R. 2P. of land in 1716, the rent of which is
distributed to eight poor widows of this parish.
ARSCOTT is a small township and sequestered village situated two and a
half miles N.E. by E. of Pontesbury, which contains 463A. 3R. 5P. of
land. The soil is mostly strong. Coal is got in the township. In 1841
here were 24 houses and 127 persons. The tithes are commuted for £93.
15s. 6d., and apportioned to the rector of the second portion. Francis
Harries, Esq., is the sole landowner.
ASTERLEY and INWOOD is a township and pleasant village, one mile and a
half west of the parish church, which at the census of 1841 had 61 houses
and 305 residents. The township contains 535A. 3R. 31P. of land. The
tithes are commuted, and apportioned to the rector of the third portion,
for the sum of £90. 15s. 6d. The principal landowners are Henry Gardner,
Esq.; William Gardner, Esq.; and Mr. Everall. Extensive coal works are
carried on here. The PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a small chapel.
BOYCOTT is a small township, three quarters of a mile N.W. by N. of
Pontesbury, containing 344A. 2R. 9P. of land. In 1841 here were three
houses and 33 persons. The tithes are commuted for £75. 2s. Thomas
Baycott, Esq., and Henry Warren, Esq., are the principal freeholders.
CRUCKMEOLE is a township and pleasant rural village four and a half miles
S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 512A. 0R. 13P. of land. At the census
of 1841 here were 33 houses and 136 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted
for the sum of £114. 17s. The township is intersected by the Reabrook
and the Shrewsbury and Minsterley turnpike road. H. D. Warter, Esq., and
Francis Harries are the principal freeholders. Cruckmeole Hall is a
handsome brick mansion, the property and residence of Henry Diggory
Warter, Esq.
CRUCKTON is a township, chapelry, and pleasant village four and a half
miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 900A. 1R. 28P. of land.
In 1841 here were 27 houses and 155 persons. The tithes are commuted,
and £76. 4s. 4d. is paid to the rector of the first portion, to the Rev.
Wm. Harrison, as impropriator, £10. 9s. 4d., and to Geo. Tomline, Esq.,
£7. Francis Harries, Esq., is sole landowner. THE CHAPEL, dedicated to
St. Thomas, was built in the year 1839. On the entrance door are two
figures of angels carved in oak. It will accommodate 180 persons. This
chapel was built for the district comprising the townships and hamlets of
Arscott, Sibberscott, Shorthill, Cruckmeole, Cruckton, Sascott, Horton,
Nox, Onslow, Woodhall, Moathill, Panson, and Little Hanwood, so much of
the township of Newnham as is north of Yockleton brook, and for the
places on Ford’s Heath. The Rev. Charles Drury, M.A., is patron and
incumbent. THE HALL, a commodious and handsome mansion in the early
English style of architecture, is built of brick, with stone facings, and
is the seat and property of Francis Harries, Esq.
EDGE township, situated two miles N.W. by W. of Pontesbury, contains 422
acres of land. In 1841 here were 15 houses and 68 persons. The tithes
are commuted for £95. 11s. 6d. The executors of the late Mr. Thornes are
the principal landowners.
FARLEY is a small township one mile N.W. by N. of Pontesbury, which
contains 172A. 0R. 10P. of land. At the census of 1841 here were three
houses and 19 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £34. 3s. 3d. The
principal proprietors are Mr. Thomas Inions, and Mr. John Hughes.
HALSTON is a small township to the S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains
275A. 0R. 39P. of land. In 1841 there were three houses and 17
inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £78 17s. 9d. W. L. Childe,
Esq., is the sole landowner. HANWOOD LITTLE is a small scattered
township four miles south of Shrewsbury, which contains the hamlets of
Moathall, Woodhall, and Pansom, and comprehends an area of 667A. 2R. 37P.
of land. In 1142 here were 11 houses and 60 inhabitants. The tithes are
commuted for £133. 13s. 9d. The principal landowners are Miss Oldnell,
John Berrington, Esq., and Francis Harries, Esq. Coal is got here in
considerable quantities.
MOOTHALL, an ancient half timbered mansion the property of John
Berrington, Esq., is still surrounded by a moat filled with water. The
interior of the house is of curious workmanship, and has some fine
specimens of elaborate oak carving. It is now occupied as a farm
residence. WOODHALL was built in the year 1684, on the site of a more
ancient structure; it is now occupied as a farm house. HINTON is a small
rural township one and a half mile north of Pontesbury, which contains
339A. 3R. 13P. of land. In 1841 here were 12 houses and 59 persons. The
tithes are commuted for £80. 18s. 3d. Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., is
the sole landowner.
LEA is a small township pleasantly situated on the turnpike road from
Pontesbury to Shrewsbury, which comprehends the hamlets of Crosshouses
and Shorthill. In 1841 here were 27 houses and 132 inhabitants. There
are 481A. 3R. 21P. of land. The tithes are commuted for £143. 6s. 3d.,
of which £33. 15s. 8d. is apportioned to the rector of the first portion
of Pontesbury, and £109 10s. 7d. to the Rev. William Harrison, as
impropriator. The principal landowners are Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart.,
and William Henry Nicholls, Esq. There are several collieries at
Shorthill. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, situated at Shorthill, was built in the
year 1842. It is supported by voluntary contributions and a small charge
from each scholar. About ninety scholars attend.
LONGDEN is a chapelry and township six and a half miles S.W. by S. of
Shrewsbury, which contains 1,604 acres of land, of which Sir Joseph
Hawley, Bart., is the principal landowner. John Walton, Esq., Rev.
George Jewdwyne, Samuel Harris, Captain Parr, and Robert Hesketh, Esq.,
are also proprietors. In 1841 there were 80 houses and 371 inhabitants.
The tithes are commuted for £330. 19s. 2d., one half of which is
apportioned to the rector of the second and the other half to the rector
of the third portion of Pontesbury. THE CHAPEL is a small structure
consisting of nave and chancel. The living is a donative curacy in the
patronage and incumbency of the Rev. Edward Homfray, M.A. THE
INDEPENDENTS have a chapel here built of brick. THE BRITISH SCHOOL is
held in the chapel. About forty children attend.
NEWNHAM is a small township six miles west of Shrewsbury, which with the
hamlets of Polmer and Ford’s Heath contains 345A. 2R. 6P. of land. In
1841 here was one house and nine inhabitants. The rent charge is
commuted for £79. 14s. 5d. The principal landowners are W. H. Nicholls,
Esq., Francis Harries, Esq., and the Rev. F. D. Dimmock.
NOX is a hamlet in Newnham township, situated five and a half miles west
of Shrewsbury, which contains five houses and 22 inhabitants. Mr.
Richard Lloyd is the sole landowner in this hamlet.
OAKES is a township and scattered village three miles west of Pontesbury,
which contains 630A. 2R. 25P. of land. In 1841 here were nine houses and
42 inhabitants. H. D. Warter, Esq., is lord of the manor and sole
landowner. The tithes are commuted for £110. 12s. 3d., and £97. 10s. are
apportioned to the rector of the first portion, and £13. 2s. 3d. to the
rector of the second portion.
ONSLOW is a small hamlet three and a half miles W.W. by N. of Shrewsbury,
which contains 251A. 3R. 20P. of land. In 1841 here were two houses and
twelve persons. The tithes are commuted for £54. 4s. 8d. Colonel John
Wingfield is lord of the manor and sole landowner.
PLEALEY is a pleasant rural township and village seven miles S.W. of
Shrewsbury. It contains 664A. 2R. 12P. of land. This township had in
1841 43 houses and 212 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £134.
11s. The principal landowners are Dr. Griffiths, Mr. Thomas Wilkinson,
Joseph Phillips, Esq., Rev. Mr. Phillips, Mr. Richard France, and Mrs.
Cross. THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a neat chapel here.
PONTESFORD is a township seven miles south of Shrewsbury, containing
387A. 2R. 38P. of land, and at the census of 1841 had 67 houses and 283
inhabitants. The tithe is commuted for £82. 12s. 2d. There are coal,
lime, and lead works in this township. THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a
small chapel here.
SASCOTT, a small township five miles west of Shrewsbury, containing 221A.
2R. 28P. of land, in 1841 had 24 persons and three houses. The tithes
are commuted for £52. 6s. 6d. Francis Harris, Esq., is the sole
landowner.
SIBBERSCOTT is a township five and a half miles S.W. of Shrewsbury,
having 147A. 3R. 6P. of land, and in 1841 had one house and nine
inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £34. 18s. 1d. H. W. Meredith,
Esq., is the sole landowner.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. Samuel Griffith’s_. Letters arrive at 6 A.M. and
are despatched at 7 P.M.
PONTESBURY & PONTESFORD DIRECTORIES.
Bennett Isaac, inland revenue officer
Birkenshaw Mr.
Chapman Miss
Croft Mr. Richard, registrar
Deakin William, farrier
Drury Rev. Charles, M.A., The Rectory
Eddowes William, surgeon
Harrison Rev. Wm., M.A., The Rectory
Heighway Miss, gentlewmn., Upper House
Jones Frederick, Esq., Pontesford Hall
Jones John and Company, Pontesford Works
Jones Mrs. Sarah
Jones Rev. Thomas, Independent minister
Jones Robert Corbet, gentleman
Jones The Misses
Jones Wm., land surveyor
Nicholls Thomas, parish & vestry clerk
Philpot Charles, mine agent
Plimmer Mrs.
Preece Richard, engineer
Rogers Robert, agent, lead works
Rogers Thomas, schoolmr.
Vaughan Mr. John
Vaughan Rev. William, M.A., The Rectory
Ward and Co., Shorthill Colliery
Agents.
Jones William, (land)
Philpots Charles, (coal)
Rogers Robert, (lead)
Blacksmiths.
Elks William
Griffiths John
Boot and Shoemakers.
Breeze John
Hughes John
Bricklayer.
Barber John, and builder
Butchers.
Cross Forrester
Blackmore William
Broxton William
Coal Merchants.
Harries Francis
Jones Frederick
Snailbeach Co., Nagshead Colliery
Whitegrit Co., Shorthill Colliery
Cooper.
Griffiths Edward
Corn Millers.
Blakeway Richard and Wm.
Edwards Patience
Evans Thomas
Farmers.
Croft William, Pontesford
Inions Edward, Red House
Jones Frederick
Jones Henry, New House
Jones John and Company
Morris Edward, Nills
Morris Thomas, Woodhouse
Price Widow
Ward and Company
Wilde Samuel, White Hall
Grocers and Tea Dealers.
Griffiths Samuel
Owens Owen & Son, drapers, outfitters, shoemakers, & leather cutters
Roderick John, and druggist
Innkeepers.
Breese Mary, vict., Red Lion
Croft Mary, vict., Seven Stars
Langford John, vict., Nag’s Head Inn
Beerhouses.
Evans Ann
France John
Tipton Edward
Wilde Samuel
Lead Merchants, Miners, and Smelters.
Snailbeach Company
White Gritmines Company
Shopkeepers.
Davies Mary
Jones Hugh
Shevlin John
Saddler.
Brazanor Samuel
Tailors.
Davies Richard
Littlehales Mr.
Powell William
Tomlins William
ARSCOTT DIRECTORY.
Bearcroft Rev. Thos., M.A.
Bridgeman John, farmer
Deakin Thomas, farmer
Nicholls Henry, butcher
ASTERLEY DIRECTORY.
Breese John, blacksmith
Chapman Richd., vict., Wind Mill
Everall Richard, farmer
Gardner Hry, Esq., The Hall
Gardner Messrs., coal masters and farmers
Jones Robert, beerhouse
Lewis William, shopkeeper and joiner
Marsh Henry, shopkeeper
Pritchard John, farmer
Tipton Jacob, mine agent
Wheelding John, wheelwrt.
BOYCOTT DIRECTORY.
Andrews Thomas, farmer
Jones Edward, farmer
CRUCKMEOLE DIRECTORY.
Cumpson Joseph, miller & farmer
Pugh William, farmer
Warter Henry Diggery, Esq., The Hall
Weaver William, farmer
Whittall Thomas, miller
Wilding James, farmer
CRUCKTON DIRECTORY.
Bates John, farmer
Crump Thos., vict., Hare and Hounds, maltster & farmer
Harries Fras., Esq., the Hall
Wilding Henry, Holly Bank
Shepherd Mr. Jph., the Lodge
EDGE DIRECTORY.
Jackson George, assistant overseer and collector
Pugh William, farmer
Thornes George, gentleman, The Grove
FARLEY DIRECTORY.
Briscoe John, farmer
Inions Thomas, farmer
HALSTON DIRECTORY.
Bennett Thos., underground bailiff
Blowet Benj., Shorthill farm
Glover Joseph, farm bailiff
Lee Mr. farmer
Ward & Company, farmers
HANWOOD LITTLE DIRECTORY.
Crapper and Proctor, coal-masters, Moathall colliery
Gibbs William, farmer
Passant Jas., Woodhall farm
Savage Thos., Moathall farm
HINTON DIRECTORY.
Everall John, farm bailiff to Sir O. P. Wakeman, Bart.
Parry John, Esq.
LEA DIRECTORY.
Baldwin John, farmer, Shorthill
Bowen John, farmer
Davies Richard, wheelwright
Diggery John, machine mkr.
Edwards John, machine mkr.
Hudson William, vict., the Cross, and farmer
Lashbrook Richard, National Schoolmaster
Rowland David, blacksmith
LONGDEN DIRECTORY.
Bowers William, parish clerk
Casewell Richard, beer retailer, Exford’s green
Crisp Alfred, school teacher
Davies Thos., beer retailer
Deakin Edward, farmer
George Samuel, joiner
Gittins Adams, blacksmith
Harris Mr. Samuel, farmer and maltster
Higley William, wheelwright and beer retailer
Homfray Rev. Edward, M.A.
Jewdwyne Rev. George
Jones Edward, saddler and harness maker
Jones Richard, vict., Tankerville Arms Inn, & farmer
Jones Richard, farmer
Jones William, farmer
Littlehales Rd., blacksmith
Matthews John, vict., Red Lion, the Wood
Morgan Thomas, Hall farm
Munslow Join, farmer, the Wood
Nicholls Henry, butcher
Preece Joseph, tailor
Richards Edward, bricklayer
Roberts William, cowleech
Sutton John Hart, surgeon
Thomas John, farmer
Thompson Wm., farm bailiff
Timmis Rd., grocer & draper
Tipton Wm., pump maker
Whittall Edward, beerseller
Woodcock Samuel, farmer
MALEHURST.
Issard Thomas, farmer
NEWNHAM AND POLMER DIRECTORY.
Niccolls Wm. Henry, Esq., Newnham house
Skyrinsher John Mytton, Polmer farm
NOX DIRECTORY.
Dillow William, blacksmith
Lloyd Richard, gentleman
Nicholls Thomas, farmer
Tomlins Thomas, wheelwright
OAKS DIRECTORY.
Howells Wm., gamekeeper
Lewis Jeremiah, farmer
Perks Thomas, farmer
Whitehurst Jn., the Hall Farm
Woodcock John, farmer
ONSLOW DIRECTORY.
Vaughan Richard, farmer
Wingfield Col. John, the Hall
PLEALEY DIRECTORY.
Bowers James, shoemaker
Bromley Edward, blacksmith
Bromley Richard, farmer
Cross Mrs., the Villa
France Richard, farmer
Hall Mary, farmer
Little Thomas, wheelwright
Peacock George, farmer
Phillips Joseph, farmer
Phillips Mrs., the Cottage
Phillips William, glazier
Wilkinson Thomas, farmer
SASCOTT DIRECTORY.
Evans Robert, farmer
Higginson Thomas, farmer
SIBBERSCOTT DIRECTORY.
France Richard, farmer
France Samuel, farmer
PRESTON MONTFORD, AND DINTHILL
is a township in the parish of St. Alkmund, returned in 1841 as
containing 17 houses and 76 inhabitants. Preston Montford is situated
four miles N.W. from Shrewsbury, and consists of a few scattered houses
leading to Montford Bridge. Dinthill is completely severed from
Montford, and lies about three and a half miles S.W. from Shrewsbury,
near the Shrewsbury and Welshpool road. It is considered as a distinct
township by the parochial officers. Mr. Thomas Hawkins, farmer, Dinthill
Hall, is the only resident. The chief inhabitants of Preston Montford
are John Bowen, police officer; William Jones, farmer and vict., Swan;
John Randles, blacksmith and machine maker; John Thomas, grocer and
general dealer; George Whitehorn, vict., Nag’s Head; George Whitehorn,
Jun., fish net and shoemaker; Miss Wingfield, The Cottage; Mrs.
Wingfield, The Hall.
WESTBURY
is a parish and considerable village situated on the Shrewsbury and
Montgomery turnpike road, nine miles S.W. by S. of the former place, and
twelve miles N.E. of the latter. It comprises the townships of Marsh
district, Newton, Stretton, Vennington, Wallop, Westbury, Westley,
Whitton, Wigmore, Winsley, and Yockleton, which have an area of 18,347
acres of land. Rateable value, £10,810. The woodlands are 197 acres,
and roads 67½ acres. Edward William Pembroke Smithe Owen, Esq., is lord
of the manor and the principal landowner. Colonel John Wingfield and
John Michael Severne, Esq., are also considerable proprietors. The rent
charge is £1,459. 16s. 5d. Population in 1801, 1,991; 1831, 2,228; and
in 1841 there were 314 houses and 2,412 persons. Westbury, anciently
written _Wesberie_, was held in the reign of the Confessor by Ernui, and
was free. Roger, the son of Corbet, held of Earl Roger most of that
tract of land lying in the hundred of Ford, with parts of Chirbury and
Condover hundreds, which in the whole consisted of 39 manors or hamlets,
and for his seat he built the Castle of Cause. It is thought that Roger
Corbet or his son espoused the cause of his patron, Robert de Belesme,
against Henry the I., and upon incurring the king’s displeasure,
forfeited his inheritance, which was given to Pain Fitz John. In 2nd
Henry III. the king commanded the Earl of Chester to restore to Thomas
Corbet the Castle of Cause and all his lands. In 30th Henry III. the
said Thomas Corbet had a grant of free warren in Cause and two years
after, the grant of a fair to be kept on the eve, the day, and the day
after, the translation of Thomas the martyr. The site of the castle is
lofty and commanding; it stood on an isolated ridge, rising abruptly from
a deep ravine on one side, and sloping towards a vast valley bounded by
the Stiperstones on the other. The castle is in a state of complete
dilapidation. There is a colliery in this township, and bricks and tiles
are also made near the village.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, has a square tower, in which are five
bells. The interior is neatly pewed, and consists of nave, side aisles,
and chancel. There are many neat tablets in the church. The living is a
rectory divided into the two portions of Westbury in Dextra and Westbury
in Sinistra. The former portion is rated in the king’s book at £13. 9s.
4½d., now returned at £643, and the latter at £11. 12s. 8½d., is now
returned at £556.
CHARITIES.—_John Topp_, by deed, dated 1716, left a yearly rent charge of
£30 issuing out of certain lands in Vennington, upon trust, to dispose of
the same yearly in the education of poor children of the parish of
Westbury, and in putting out such children apprentices. _Letitia
Barnster_, by indenture, dated 1726, left for the benefit of the poor of
the parish a small parcel of land fourteen yards in length and six yards
eight inches in breadth. On this land a school was built in 1736, and a
residence for the master has since been built upon land belonging to E.
W. P. S. Owen, Esq.
On the tables of benefactions in the church are noticed charities left by
twenty several donors for the benefit of the poor, amounting to the sum
of £153. 13s. 4d. This sum, with an additional £6. 6s. 8d., was expended
in the year 1710 in the purchase of three parcels of land in the parish
of Worthen, containing about 17 acres, the rent of which amounted to £43.
10s. per annum at the time the Charity Commissioners published their
reports. One-fourth of these rents are distributed in bread to the poor
of the parish on Good Friday, and the residue given away on St. Thomas’s
day in clothing, fuel, and money, as is most advisable.
NEWTON is a small township in Westbury parish, one and a half mile N.E.
by E. of Westbury, containing twenty inhabitants. Robert Corbet Jones,
Esq., is the sole landowner. MARSH is one and a half mile N.E. by N. of
Westbury. The principal landowners are Mr. William Howells, Mr. John
Turner, and John Wood, Esq. STRETTON AND THE HEATH is situated two miles
N.E. of Westbury, and contains 290 inhabitants. The landowners in this
township are Mr. J. Cadwallader, Mr. S. Dovaston, Mr. R. James, Mr.
William Millman, Mr. Timothy Oakley, Mr. Rd. Evans, Mr. Rd. Hughes, and
Mr. R. H. Gwynn. VENNINGTON is a township 1½ miles S.W. by W. of
Westbury, which contains 313 persons. The Rev. Mr. Parr is the principal
landowner. WALLOP is a small township containing 77 inhabitants,
situated two miles west of Westbury. John Michael Severne, Esq., is the
sole landowner. WESTLEY, a township two and a half miles east of
Westbury, contains 88 persons. The principal landowners are Mr. R.
Butler, Mr. E. Butler, Richard Gardner, Esq., Mr. John Gardner, Mr. John
Smith, and Mr. Rogers. WHITTON has a population of 38 persons, and Mrs.
Topp is the sole landowner. WIGMORE township lies two miles N.W. of
Westbury, and contains 63 inhabitants. The freeholders are Mr. Edward
Davies, Mr. John Davies, Mr. John Dorricott, Mr. Richard Hillhouse, and
Mr. Thomas Randles. WINSLEY township is situated two miles from
Westbury, and contains 15 inhabitants. Mr. John Blakeway Tipton and Mr.
John Phillips are the principal landowners. YOCKLETON is a township
containing 231 inhabitants, and situated two miles N.E. of Westbury. The
principal landowners are Colonel Wingfield and Thomas Nichols, Esq.
POST OFFICE.—_At Thomas Clark’s_. Letters arrive at 8 A.M. and are
despatched at 6 P.M.
WESTBURY DIRECTORY.
Bebb Thos., farmer, Wigmore
Birch Benj., farmer, Forest of Hayes
Corfield Richard, farmer
Clarke Thos., farmer & vict., Red Lion Inn
Clemson Thomas, farmer, Perton Woods
Cureton Rev. William, M.A., Chaplain to the Queen
Darrell Geo., undergrd. agent
Davies Richard, blacksmith and parish clerk
Dickenson Joseph, Esq.
Evans John, farmer, Wigmore
Hanley Wm., pump-maker
Harrison William, farmer and beerhouse, The Wood
Hayman Elzbth., shoemaker
Hayman William, shoemaker
Inions John, frmr., The Hall
Jasper Jas., carrier to Shrewsbury
Jones Sarah, grocer & draper
Mason Richard, stone-mason
Meredith Mrs.
Owen Jeremh., frmr., Sightly
Parr Rev. Thos., The Rectory
Perry Joseph, farmer, Wigmore Hill
Phillips John, Esq., Winsley Hall
Preece John, farmer, Wigley
Pugh John, farmer, Cause Castle
Randalls Thomas, victualler, The Bear, Wigmore
Reese Edward, farmer
Reeves Rev. J. Somerville, M.A., curate
Roberts Jos., farmer, Marsh
Sambrook Chas., mine agent
Sambrook Mrs., The Cottage
Smith John, frmr., Radbrook
Smout Richard, shoemaker
Smout Thomas, linen weaver
Smout Thomas, butcher and farmer
Trantham Edward, tailor
Webster Thomas, shoemaker
Wood John, Esq., Marsh Hall
MARSH DIRECTORY.
Davies Edward, farmer
Davies John, farmer
Dolphin Edward, farmer and butcher
Dorricott John, farmer
Edwards Thomas, maltster
Hills Wm., farmer, Irongate
Howell William, blacksmith
Kempster Richard, farmer, Woolaston Little
Perry Thos., beerhouse and shopkeeper
Turner Jno., victualler, Half-way House
Turner John, jun., farmer
Wilde George, shopkeeper
Wilde Sml., farmer, Wattlesborough Heath
Wood John, farmer
NEWTON DIRECTORY.
Pitchard Thomas, farmer
Williams William, farmer
STONEY STRETTON DIRECTORY.
Brazenor Thomas, victualler, Elephant and Castle
Beddoe Robert, blacksmith
Cadwallader John, farmer, Heath
Cooper James, shoemaker
Griffiths Mrs., beerhouse and shopkeeper
Jones Elizabeth, shopkeeper
Morgan John, farmer
Nicholls Richard, glazier
Oakley Timothy, farmer
Padduck Robert, tailor
Parry John, farmer, Hinton
Pugh George, farmer
Richards Richard, shopkeepr
Tomkins Thomas, farrier
Tomlins Wm., wheelwright
VENNINGTON DIRECTORY.
Dorricott Richard, farmer
Evans William, blacksmith
Gittins Samuel, farmer
Habberley George, wheelwright
Hanley John, shopkeeper and carrier
Knight George, farmer
Maddocks John, farmer
Mason Thomas, corn miller, farmer, and beerhouse kpr.
WALLOP DIRECTORY.
Davies John, farmer
Gittins Samuel, blacksmith
Marsh Joseph, farmer, Napps
Morris Wm., farmer, Broomhill
Rydar Richard, farmer, Tilled House
Severne John Michael, Esq., The Hall
WESTLEY DIRECTORY.
Gardner John, farmer
Gardner Richard, coalmaster and farmer
WHITTON DIRECTORY.
Brayton Edward, farmer
Dickinson Joseph, farmer
Edwards Thos., frmr., Grange
Palmer Thomas, shoemaker
Parry Joseph, Field Farm
Topp Mrs., Whitton Court
Wilding Matthew, farmer and wheelwright
WINSLEY DIRECTORY.
Corfield William, farmer
Eddowes William, farmer, The Lakes
Morris David, farmer, Forest of Hayes
Nevett William, farmer, The Hem
Parry William, farmer, The Hurst
YOCKLETON DIRECTORY.
Beddoe Edward, shoemaker
Bland Joseph, blacksmith
Bromley Thomas, farmer, Lynches
Bromley William, butcher
Bromley William, farmer
Broughall Richard, farmer
Broughall Richd., grocer, &c.
Gittins George, butcher
Gittins Richard, farmer
Meredith John, Bank Farm
Nichols Thomas, Esq., The Hall
Tudor Mrs., The Villa
SHELTON AND OXON,
a small township and pleasant village, with some neat villa residences,
two miles west from Shrewsbury, partly in St. Chad, and partly in the
parish of St. Julian, at the census of 1841 had twenty-three houses and
100 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Robert Burton, Esq.;
Edward Morris, Esq.; and Sir Richard Jenkins. At this place stands the
celebrated SHELTON OAK, famed from the tradition that Owen Glendower, in
1403, ascended its branches to ascertain the event of the battle of
Shrewsbury. The interior is hollow, and capable of holding a dozen
persons. This venerable monarch of the forest, although much decayed,
and many of the branches broken off, yet shows vigorous signs of life.
The girth, five feet from the ground, is 34 feet 4 inches; and at the
base, 44 feet 3 inches.
DIRECTORY. _Those with * affixed are at Bicton Heath_. Miss Ann Burton;
* Samuel Cookson, shoemaker; * Stephen Davies, blacksmith and shopkeeper;
William Davies, farmer; * George Evans, vict., The Grapes; Edward Evans,
pig dealer; William Evans, cow keeper; * Mr. Joseph Lakelin; * Joseph
Lloyd, shopkeeper; * Thomas Mansell, tailor; James Martin, butcher,
Little Oxon; * Magdalene Morgan, beerhouse; John Morris, Esq., Oxon;
Thomas Norton, Esq., solicitor; * John Roberts, joiner and wheelwright; *
John Rowlands and Sons, iron and brass founders, engineers, millwrights,
and agricultural implement makers; * Mr. William Smith, Zion Villa; *
Mrs. Mary Urwick; Francis Walford, Esq.; * John Williams, shoemaker.
THE HUNDRED OF CHIRBURY
is bounded on the north by the hundred of Ford, on the south and west by
Montgomeryshire, and on the east by the hundred of Ford and Purslow. It
is divided into the upper and lower divisions; the former containing
1,783 inhabitants, and the latter 2,956, at the census of 1841. The
upper division contains the parish of Chirbury, and part of Church Stoke;
and the lower division the parishes of Shelve, Worthen, and part of
Hyssington.
CHIRBURY
is an extensive parish and considerable village in the upper division of
the hundred of Chirbury, comprising the several townships of Chirbury,
Dudston, Hockleton, Marrington, Marton, Middleton, Priestweston,
Rorrington, Stockton, Tunberth, Walcot, Wilmington, Winsbury, and
Wotherton, which together embrace an area of 11,041A. 1R. 27P. of land.
Gross estimated rental, £12,648. 15s. 5d. Rateable value, £11,442. 12s.
6d. Population in 1801, 1,391; 1831, 1,576; 1841, 1,593; 1851, 1,533; at
the latter period there were 303 houses. The most considerable
landowners are the Earl of Powis; Sir Offley Pembury Wakeman, Bart;
George Pritchard, Esq.; Rev. R. H. M. Price; Edward Humphries, Esq.;
William Rubbathan, Esq.; and John Davies, Esq. The former owns the whole
township of Chirbury, which contains 1,125A. 1R. 16P. of land, the
rateable value of which is £1,606. 10s. At the census of 1841 there were
56 houses and 278 inhabitants. The village of Chirbury is pleasantly
situated in a fertile valley on the confines of Montgomeryshire, eighteen
miles and a half south-west from Shrewsbury, and two miles and a half
east from Montgomery. Petty Sessions are held here the first Wednesday
in each month. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in agricultural
pursuits. Some few, however, are employed in the lead mines and stone
quarries in the immediate vicinity. The village is watered by the Camlad
stream, which is noted for the excellency of its trout. It is presumed
that the place was at one time of more consequence than it is at present,
as it gives name to the hundred in which it is situated, and had a
castle, erected in the tenth century by Ethelfleda, Queen of the
Mercians, with a view to repel the incursions of the Welsh. It is said
to have been a strong and stately structure, but no vestiges of it now
remain. Chirbury is celebrated as having given the title of Baron to
Edward, Lord Herbert. He was made Knight of the Bath at the coronation
of James I., and subsequently appointed ambassador to Louis XIII., King
of France, to mediate for the Protestants. On his return he was made
Lord Herbert, of Castle Island, in Ireland, where he had a large estate.
He greatly assisted his majesty in council and arms, and on that account
was created a baron of England by the title of BARON HERBERT, of
Chirbury. He was author of several publications, among which is a life
of Henry VIII. CHIRBURY PRIORY was of the order of St. Bennett, and
founded in the time of King John. In the 9th of Edward I. the prior and
convent removed to Snede, the place of their first institution and abode;
for Chirbury it seems was represented as a situation not so convenient
for celebrating divine mysteries: the religious were to continue the same
good offices to the parishioners, and the right of burials and
christenings was reserved to the church at Chirbury. This monastery had
a grant of the tithes of Montgomery Wood, and of the mill there. At a
subsequent period the chapel of Hyssington was given to the prior of
Chirbury. On the dissolution of religious houses, King Henry VIII.
granted the house, and lands on which it stood, to Edward Hopton and his
heirs forever. In the 13th of Elizabeth, the rectory and parsonage of
Chirbury, belonging to the late priory, was given to augment the income
of the grammar school of Shrewsbury, where it remains at present.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, consists of nave, chancel and side
aisles, and was formerly a portion of the conventual church of Chirbury
priory. It is a commodious structure, having on each side of the nave
six pointed arches rising from circular pillars. There is a fine tower
at the west end, surmounted by an open-worked battlement, and eight
pinnacles. It contains six musical bells, set up in 1808, and partly
re-cast from the fine deep-toned priory bell which was formerly used for
ringing the curfew. The living is a vicarage, rated in the king’s book
at £9. 6s. 8d., now returned at £180.; in the patronage of the
corporation of Shrewsbury: incumbent, Rev. James Wilding, M.A. The
tithes have been commuted, and £1000 apportioned to the Free School of
Shrewsbury.
CHARITIES.—_The Free School_ was founded and endowed by the Rev. Edward
Lewis in 1765. The trust property consists of a farm at Hem, in the
county of Montgomery, comprising 38 acres of land, and producing a yearly
rental of £65. A farm at Meadow Town, in the parish of Worthen,
consisting of 41A. 3R. 23P., with suitable premises, let for £35 a year.
The school premises consist of a school and residence for the teacher,
with a small garden attached, and the master has a salary of £20 per
annum. After paying for repairs and other contingencies, the residue of
the rent is distributed among ten poor widows, as directed by the donor.
_Thomas Edwards_, of Rorrington, gave by will 20s. yearly, to be given in
bread on St. Thomas’s-day. There are two other bequests recorded on the
table of benefactions, one a sum of £10, and the other a rent charge of
20s. per annum, which have long been lost to the poor.
DUDSTON, a township and small village, is situated about a mile and a
half west from Chirbury, and at the census of 1851 had twelve houses and
96 inhabitants. There are 679A. 3R. 12P. of land, the rateable value of
which is £786. The Earl of Powis is owner of the land in this township.
Rent charge, £93. 11s. 2d.
HOCKLETON township comprises 487A. 2R. 9P. of land, and is situated about
a mile N.E. of Chirbury. The rateable value is £422. 15s. At the last
census there were seven houses and a population of 38 souls. The Earl of
Powis is owner of the land. The small stream of the Camlad intersects
the township. The tithes have been commuted for £49. 10s. 8d.
MARRINGTON, a small rural village a mile and a half south from Chirbury,
is situated in a picturesque glen, watered by a small stream. The hills
on each side rise to a considerable altitude, and being richly covered
with foliage, it forms one of the most romantic dingles in the county of
Shropshire, and is the admiration of every visitor. The township
contains 1,002A. 3R. 37P. of land, and at the census of 1851 had 15
houses and 77 inhabitants. Rateable value, £801. The Earl of Powis and
John Davies, Esq., are the landowners. Rent charge, £65. 14s. 11d.
Merrington Hall is an antique structure composed of timber, the property
of John Davies, Esq., and residence of Mrs. Helena Forbes.
MARTON is a township and pleasant village situate on the Shrewsbury and
Montgomery turnpike road, three miles N.E. from Chirbury. The township
contains 1,318A. 2R. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,419. The
village contains several good residences, and at the census of 1841 there
were 64 houses and 273 inhabitants. Rent charge, £133. 11s. 7d. Marton
Pool covers 40A. 2R. 37P., of which 27A. 2R. 35P. are in this township,
and the rest in that of Wilmington. It is well stocked with various
kinds of fish, and is the frequent resort of wild fowl. John Hamer,
Esq., is the principal landowner in this township. A neat INDEPENDENT
CHAPEL was built some years ago by William Nevitt, Esq., of Marton Villa.
MIDDLETON is a village, township, and chapelry, three miles S.E. from
Chirbury, comprising 1,247A. 3R. 33P. of land, and at the last census had
31 houses and 156 inhabitants. Rent charge, £55. 14s. 7d. THE CHURCH is
a neat structure, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, consisting of nave,
chancel, and transepts, and has 280 sittings, of which 262 are free and
unappropriated. The living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of the
vicar of Chirbury; incumbent, Rev. Robert Edward Warren, M.A. On
Middleton hill are some druidical remains, which no doubt originally
consisted of twelve upright stones; vestiges of eleven are still to be
seen, in an upright position, and about six feet above the surface of the
ground. The diameter of the circle is about ninety feet. THE NATIONAL
SCHOOL was built in 1843, and enlarged in 1848. The average attendance
of children is about fifty. The principal landowners in Middleton are
George Pritchard, Esq., and Mrs. Stokes.
PRIESTWESTON is a township in the parish of Chirbury, comprising 1,107A.
2R. 26P. of land, the rateable value of which is £847. 12s. 1d. The
village of Priestweston, pleasantly situated three miles S.E. from
Chirbury, contains fifty houses and a population of 222 souls. The
principal landowners are the Earl of Powis, Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart.,
George Pritchard, Esq., David Lloyd, Esq., John Beeman, Esq., and Edward
Smith, Esq. Rent charge, £82. 17s. 2d. THE CALVINISTIC METHODISTS have
a small chapel, built in the year 1845.
RORRINGTON, a small village and township in the parish of Chirbury, four
and a half miles east from the church, contains 969A. 0R. 9P. of land,
and at the census of 1851 had 23 houses and 111 persons. Rateable value,
£532. 12s. 6d. Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., is the sole landowner in
this township.
STOCKTON township is situated two and a half miles N.E. from Chirbury,
and has 404A. 3R. 14P. of land, the rateable value of which is £547. 15s.
It contains eleven houses and 53 inhabitants. Rent charge, £35. 2s. 9d.
The Rev. H. Mostyn Pryse and Edward Humphries, Esq., are the landowners.
TIMBERTH township has 257A. 1R. 27P. of land, seven houses and 31
inhabitants, and lies about a mile and a half S.W. from Chirbury.
Rateable value, £258. 5s. 6d. Rent charge, £24. 11s. 8d. The land is
the property of Earl Powis.
WILMINGTON is a township with a few scattered houses, pleasantly situated
four miles N.E. from Chirbury, and has 693A. 1R. 16P. of land, the
rateable value of which is £777. 10s. At the census of 1851 there were
nine houses and 37 inhabitants. Rent charge, £85. 13s. 10d. A fine
sheet of water called Marton Pool covers upwards of forty acres, of which
13A. 0R. 2P. are in this township. The landowners are J. Medlicott,
Esq., and Mr. William Rubbathan.
WALCOT, a township situated on the Shrewsbury and Montgomery turnpike
road, and about half a mile N.E. from Chirbury, contains 345A. 2R. 1P. of
land, and has three houses and a population of 18 souls. Rateable value,
£459. Rent charge, £56. 7s. 1d. Edward Humphries, Esq., is the
landowner.
WINSBURY, a small township a mile and a quarter west from Chirbury,
intersected by the Shrewsbury and Montgomery turnpike road, contains
658A. 1R. 4P. of land, and at the census of 1851 had six houses and 41
inhabitants. Rateable value, £850. Rent charge, £96. 7s. 1d. The land
in this township is the property of the Earl of Powis
WOTHERTON, a small village and township, at the census of 1841 had 18
houses and 95 inhabitants. Rateable value, £756. 13s. 4d.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. William Gough’s_. Letters arrive at 9 A.M. and are
despatched at 4 30 P.M.
CHIRBURY DIRECTORY.
Bower Edward, blacksmith
Bridgewaters Benjamin, registrar of births, deaths, and marriages
Bridgewaters Saml., blacksmith
Cotterell Richard, shoemakr
Davies Thomas, shoemaker
Evans Samuel, tailor
Fletcher Mr. Geo., assistant overseer
Gough William, shopkeeper and postmaster
Groves Samuel, farmer
Harris Ann, schoolmistress
Langford Jane, farmer, The Hall
Price John, farmer
Pugh Jno. Frederick, schoolmaster (endowed)
Sneade Mrs. Margaret, vict., The Cross
Watts Thomas, farmer
Whittingham Wm., shoemkr
Wilding Rev. James, M.A., vicar, The Vicarage
Williams Henry, shopkeeper, auctioneer, and butcher
Wood Edward, wheelwright
DUDSTON DIRECTORY.
Gardner Humphrey, farmer, Little Moat
Groves Robert, farmer
Harris John, farmer, Great Moat
Jones Matthew Edwd., farmr
Powell Jeremiah, farmer
Smith Philip, farmer
HOCKLETON DIRECTORY.
Hughes Richard, maltster and farmer
Robinson Joseph, farmer
MARRINGTON DIRECTORY.
Bemand John, farmer
Benson Thomas, shoemaker
Farmer Thomas, farmer
Forbes Mrs. Helena, the Hall
Gittins Thomas, miller
Hurdley Francis, farmer
Makelin William, farmer
Pearce John, farmer, Kingswood
Reynolds William, farmer
Thomas John, farmer, The Bank
MARTON DIRECTORY.
Bemand Richard, farmer
Edwards Matthew, wheelwrt.
Gardner John, blacksmith
Gough Joseph, shopkeeper
Griffiths John, maltster and beerhouse keeper
Griffiths John, farmer
James William, beerhouse and shopkeeper
Jones Rev. John Peter (Independent)
Lewis Richard, farmer
Meddings John, farmer
Morgan Richard, victualler, The Sun Inn
Oliver John, cooper, shopkeeper, and carrier
Phillips Richard, farmer
Preece Mary, farmer
Roberts Samuel, blacksmith
Wilcox Richard and Evan, shoemakers & shopkeepers
MIDDLETON DIRECTORY.
Bromley William, farmer
Gittins John, farmer, Kinton
Mellings Jane & Sons, frmrs.
Preece Vincent, farmer
Price Charles, schoolmaster (national)
Rogers Richard, blacksmith
Warren Rev. Robert Edwd., M.A., incumbent
PRIESTWESTON DIRECTORY.
Davies Wm., farmer, Little Weston
Francis John, farmer, Rudge
Gough Thomas, blacksmith
Holloway John, victualler, Red Lion
Mountford John, farmer, Stapeley
Pearce Saml., farmer, Rudge
Poulton Thos., farmer, Over House
Powell Mary, farmer, Lower Aldrees
Prince Thos., farmer, Brook House
Richards Samuel, shopkpr.
Rolands John, farmer
Taylor George T. R., surgeon
Thomas John, farmer, Upper Aldrees
Thomas William, tailor
Ward John, farmer, Little Weston
Ward Thomas, farmer, New House
Williams Thomas, farmer, Hagley
RORRINGTON DIRECTORY.
Bowen William, shoemaker
Corfield John, miller
Gittins Edward, farmer
Parry William, farmer, Rorrington Hall
Powell John, farmer
Roberts Mary Ann, farmer
Stokes John, shoemaker
Whettall John, blacksmith
Whettall Martha, farmer
STOCKTON DIRECTORY.
Croft Richard, blacksmith
Jones William, farmer
M’Cape Rev. Alex., curate of Chirbury
Morris John, miller
Williams Thomas, farmer
TIMBERTH DIRECTORY.
Davis Edward, farmer
WALCOT DIRECTORY.
Humphries Edward, Esq.
WILMINGTON DIRECTORY.
Miller Samuel, farmer
Rubbathan William, farmer
Whettall Thomas, farmer
WINSBURY DIRECTORY.
Farmer Thomas, farmer
WOTHERTON DIRECTORY.
Blockley Edwd., stone mason and quarry master
Chelmick Edward, farmer
Evans David, farmer
Titley William, farmer and gamekeeper
Whettall John, farmer
BROMPTON-WITH-RISTON, OR RHISTON,
is a township in the parish of Church Stoke, six miles north-west by west
of Bishop’s Castle, containing 1,560 acres of land, the rateable value of
which is £1,168. 18s. 4d. At the census of 1841 there were 22 houses and
119 persons returned as in Brompton, and 10 houses and 71 persons in
Riston. Church Stoke parish is situated in the hundred of Cawrse, in
Montgomeryshire, excepting the above township. There is a good Inn in
the village, called the Blue Bell, situated on Offa’s Dyke, at the
junction of the Montgomery, Newtown, Bishop’s Castle and Shrewsbury
turnpike roads. The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis; Rev.
Richard John Davies, M.A.; Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart.; Mr. George
Montford: Mr. Lloyd; and Thomas Brown, Esq.
BROMPTON DIRECTORY.—Thomas Barrs, farmer; Samuel Beamond, wheelwright;
Richard Blaney, farmer, The Ditches; Edward Davies, farmer, Penyllan;
William Davies, farmer and vict., Blue Bell; William Ellis, farmer;
Edward Evans, blacksmith; William Lockley, mason; George Montford,
farmer, Pentra-heylin; William Pugh, farmer, Wellingwern farm; Evan
Watkin, miller and farmer; Stephen Williams, farmer, Lock. RISTON
DIRECTORY.—David Blaney, farmer, Gwarthlow; Richard Griffiths,
wheelwright; Samuel Groves, farmer, Rockley; Richard Lewis, farmer,
Gwarthlow; Edward Price, farmer, Cœprion Farm.
MUCKLEWICK is a township in the parish of Hyssington, in the Chirbury
hundred, the rest of the parish being comprised within the bounds of the
county of Montgomery. The village of Mucklewick lies in a valley five
miles north of Bishop’s Castle, and at the census of 1851 had 13 houses
and 64 inhabitants. The township contains 296 acres of land, exclusive
of common lands, the rateable value of which is £292. 18s. 6d. The
principal landowners are Richard Tibby, Esq.; R. B. More, Esq.; and Mr.
William Llewellyn; besides whom there are several other smaller
proprietors. An act of parliament has recently been obtained for the
enclosure of the common lands in this township.
The principal residents are Thomas Evevall, farmer; William Llewellyn,
farmer; William Mellings, farmer; John Preece, farmer; and Robert Preece,
farmer.
SHELVE
is a sequestered parish, situated in the lower division of the hundred of
Chirbury, six miles north of Bishop’s Castle, containing about 587 acres
of enclosed land, 200 acres of common, and 18¾ acres of glebe; the
rateable value of which is £456. 6s. 10d., and gross estimated rental,
£507. 4s. Robt. Bernard More, Esq. is lord of the manor and sole
landowner. At the census of 1841 there were 14 houses and 69 persons;
population in 1801, 71; and in 1831, 71. This manor formerly belonged to
the Corbets of Caux Castle, though it is not mentioned in Doomsday book.
In the 45th Henry III., Thomas Corbet had the grant of a market here on a
Friday, and a fair on the vigil, the day, and the day after the Invention
of the Cross. On the Lords Corbet of Caux dying without male issue, in
the 24th Edward III., Robert de Harley paid twenty-five marks relief to
the king for the fourth part of the barony of Caux, of which Shelve was a
parcel. The White Grit and the Bog lead mines are near this township.
It is supposed that these mines were worked by the Romans in the time of
Adrian; a pig of lead having been found, on which was a Roman
inscription. Messrs. Edward Lloyd, Ward, and Company are the
proprietors, and Mr. Edward Dickin, manager. THE CHURCH, dedicated to
All Saints, is a stone edifice, with square tower, in which is one bell.
It was built in the year 1839 by Robert Bernard More, Esq. The Rev.
Thomas Frederick More, M.A., is the incumbent. A NATIONAL SCHOOL was
built in the same year by the same benevolent individual, by whom it is
also munificently supported.
DIRECTORY.—John Beamond, farmer, Benree; William Bennett, underground
steward; Edward Dickin, manager, The Lead Works; John Higgins,
schoolmaster; Jeremiah Powell, farmer; Thomas Powell, farmer; Thomas
Price, farmer, Squilva Farm; William Rawson, farmer; Messrs. Ward and
Co., White Grit Lead Mine proprietors and smelters.
WORTHEN
is an extensive parish twelve miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains
the townships of Aston Pigott, Aston Rogers, Beachfield, Brockton,
Bromlow, Bynweston, Grimmer, Habberley Office, Hayes, Heath (Upper and
Nether), Hope, Leigh, Meadow Town, Walton, Worthen, Leighton, Rhos Goch,
and Trelystan,—the last three townships are partly in Montgomeryshire.
The townships of Grimmer, Habberley Office, Hayes, Upper and Nether
Heath, and part of Hope, are in the Ford hundred. The entire parish
comprehends an area of 14,798A. 3R. 31P. of land, the rateable value of
which is £11,520. Population in 1801, 1,602; in 1831, 2,290; in 1841,
3,195; and in 1851 here were 701 houses and 3,227 inhabitants. The
parish is divided into five parts or districts, namely—Bynweston
district, which comprehends the townships of Bynweston, Walton, and
Beachfield; Worthen, comprehending the townships of Worthen, Brockton,
Aston Rogers, and Aston Pigott; Bromlow district, containing Bromlow,
Meadow Town, Leigh, Grimmer, and Hope; the Heath division comprehends
Upper and Lower Heath and Habberley Office; and Trelystan district,
Trelystan, Rhos Goch, and Leighton. The township of Worthen is situated
nine miles N.E. of Montgomery, and contains 707A. 1R. 39P. of land, the
rateable value of which is £755. 16s. 6d. In 1841 there were 223
inhabitants, and in 1851 had 48 houses and 240 persons. This division of
the parish contains the townships of Worthen, Aston Rogers, Aston Pigott,
and Brockton, which together have an area of 3,300 acres of land. The
rent charge apportioned to the rector is £461. 2s. 10d. The principal
landowner in the township is Sir John Roger Kynaston, Bart., who is also
lord of the manor; the Rev. Charles Awdry, Mr. Joseph Bunts, the
Venerable Archdeacon Clive, Mr. Thomas Hughes, Mr. John Inions, Baldwin
Francis Leighton, Esq., John Arthur Lloyd, Esq., Mr. Thomas Morris, Mr.
Thomas Vaughan, and Mr. Robert Woodward, are also proprietors. The name
of Worthen is derived from _Worth_, an old Saxon word, signifying an
habitation. This manor was part of the portion that fell to Roger Corbet
at the conquest. In 30th Henry III. Thomas Corbet had a grant of free
warren here, and in the 54th year of the same reign he had a market on
Wednesday, and a grant of two fairs, one on the eve, day, and day after
the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, and the other on the eve, day, and
day after the exaltation of the Holy Cross. Fairs are now held on April
7th, July 7th, and October 6th, for the sale of cattle and merchandise,
and on the 2nd of May for the hiring of servants. The fairs are well
attended with all kinds of stock.
THE CHURCH is an ancient stone edifice, dedicated to All Saints, having a
square tower in which is a clock and a peal of six bells. The interior
consists of nave, side aisles, and chancel, the various compartments are
neatly pewed with oak. The chancel was rebuilt in the year 1761, at the
expense of the then rector, and the arch which separates it from the body
of the church by the parish. The living is a rectory valued in the
king’s book at £28. 14s. 7d., now returned at £1,495 in the patronage of
the New College, Oxford, and incumbency of the Rev. Charles Awdry, B.C.L.
The tithes of the whole parish amount to £1,194. 14s. 4d., and there are
160 acres of glebe land. There is a free school now building, chiefly at
the expense of the rector.
CHARITIES.—_Martha Scarlett_, by will, dated 1725, bequeathed £100, the
interest thereof to be paid annually to six poor widows. Besides the
above there are nine other pecuniary gifts recorded on the benefaction
table, amounting to £160, making in the whole £260. There are no deeds
or documents relative to these bequests in the parish, but it is
understood that about £160 was laid out many years ago in the purchase of
a farm in Chirbury, which was sold in 1793 for £375, which, with £100
then on private security, was soon after placed out on the Pool and
Montgomery House of Industry. The interest of this sum is distributed
among the poor at St. Thomas’s-day.
_Robert Nicholson_ left a house and yard in Aston for the benefit of the
poor of Worthen parish for ever. In the year 1793 they were sold for
£211. 2s., which, after paying the solicitor’s bill, left £204. 11s.
clear. This sum was taken by the overseers of the parish (to defray an
expense incurred by a new survey and valuation), who pay an annual sum of
£10 as interest, which is distributed to the poor on St. Thomas’s-day.
_Peter Scarlett_ also left a rent charge of £3 per annum for the benefit
of the poor of the parish of Worthen. _John Powell_, by will, in 1774,
bequeathed to the minister and churchwardens £150, in trust, to
distribute the interest amongst the poor of the parish.
ASTON PIGOTT is a small township and pleasant village eleven miles S.W.
by W. of Shrewsbury, containing 541A. 0R. 16P. of land, the rateable
value of which is £495. At the census of 1841 here were 14 houses and 82
inhabitants. The principal landowners are Mr. John Leech Rowlands, Mr.
Kennedy Smith, Mr. George Griffiths, and Mr. John Inions. THE PRIMITIVE
METHODISTS have a small chapel here.
ASTON ROGERS is a small rural township and village ten and a half miles
S.W. by S. of Shrewsbury, which had at the census of 1851 35 houses and
140 persons. It contains 807A. 1R. 31P. of land, the rateable value of
which is £747. 15s. The principal landowners are Captain Clutton, Mrs.
Platt, Mr. Kennedy Smith, and Mr. Phillips.
BEACHFIELD is a small township two and a half miles west of Worthen,
which contains 597A. 2R. 4P. of land, the rateable value of which is
£604. 13s. 9d. At the census of 1851 here were five houses and 23
inhabitants. The principal freeholder is Thos. Nicholls, Esq.
BROCKTON is a township and well built village thirteen miles S.W. of
Shrewsbury, containing 1,114A. 1R. 21P. of land, the rateable value of
which is £914. 3s. 6d. Sir John R. Kynaston, Bart., is the principal
landowner; Baldwin Francis Leighton, Esq., Mr. Benjamin Broston, Mr.
Aaron Davies, Mr. John Evans, Mr. Alexander Hughes, Mr. Joseph Hickman,
Mr. Evan Stephen, and several others are also proprietors. In 1851 here
were 72 houses and 295 persons.
BROMLOW is a scattered township two miles S.W. of Worthen, situated in a
bold undulating district, containing at the census of 1851 96 houses and
406 residents. The township contains 864A. 3R. 6P. of land, the rateable
value of which is £557. 0s. 6d. The principal freeholders are Mr. B.
Betton, Mr. Bryan, Mr. Richard Betton, Mr. John Blakemore, Mr. Thomas
Blakemore, Mr. Thomas Bromley, Mr. Job Davies, and John Eddowes, Esq.
Bromlow district comprehends the townships of Bromlow, Grimmer, Hope,
Leigh, and Meadow Town, and contains 3,406A. 2R. 19P. of land, the rent
charge on which is £282. 2s.
BYNWESTON is a township and small well built village fourteen and a half
miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury. It contains 998A. 0R. 28P. of land, the
rateable value of which is £835. 11s. 6d. At the census of 1851 here
were eleven houses and eighty persons. John Arthur Lloyd, Esq., is lord
of the manor and sole proprietor. Bynweston district comprises the
townships of Bynweston, Walton, Beachfield, and the Forest of Hayes, and
contains 2,112 acres of land, the rent charge on which is paid to the
rector of Worthen, and amount to £229. 7s. 3d. annually.
GRIMMER is a small township one and a half mile south of Worthen, which
in 1851 had eight houses and 39 persons. It contains 382A. 2R. 31P. of
land, the landowners of which are the Venerable Archdeacon Clive, M.A.,
and the Marquis of Bath.
HABBERLEY OFFICE is a scattered township three miles S.E. by S. of
Worthen, containing 61 houses and 313 inhabitants in 1841, and 58 houses
and 302 persons in 1851. The township contains 1,779A. 2R. 1P. of land,
the rateable value of which is £895. 17s. 3d. The Marquis of Bath is the
principal landowner. The Earl of Tankerville and the Venerable
Archdeacon Clive, M.A., are also proprietors. There are lead mines in
this township worked by a company of shareholders.
HAYES, a small township two and a half miles S.W. of Worthen, contains
two houses and 13 residents at the census of 1851. The landowners in
this township are Sir John R. Kynaston, Bart., and the trustees of the
late John Edwards, Esq.
HEATH UPPER AND NETHER are townships situated about three miles S.E. of
Worthen, containing 1,679A. 0R. 32P. of land, a great portion of which is
heath and moor land. At the census of 1851 here were 142 houses and 719
persons. The principal landowners are the Marquis of Bath, Earl
Tankerville, and Mr. John Rogers. The Batholes and Stiperstone lead
mines are in this district. The lead ore obtained at these mines is of a
superior quality, and got in large quantities. The works are carried on
by Messrs. Jones and Company, who are erecting new offices and powerful
engines for the purpose of extending their mining operations. Mr.
William Baratt is the resident manager. The Heath division of the parish
comprises the townships of Upper and Nether Heath, and Habberley Office,
which together contain 4472A. 2R. of land, the tithes of which are
commuted for £158. 19s. 6d.
HOPE is a chapelry and township in Worthen parish, eight miles and a half
N.E. by N. of Bishop’s Castle, which contains 664A. 3R. 30P. of land, the
rateable value of which is £425. 12s. At the census of 1851 here were 78
houses and 355 inhabitants. THE CHAPEL is a small structure, erected in
1843, and consists of nave and chancel, having a small turret. It is
neatly pewed with open benches, and will accommodate 280 persons. In
consequence of a grant from the Incorporated Society, 230 sittings are
free and unappropriated. The Hope school was built in 1844, by means of
a government grant and private subscription. The average attendance of
scholars is 80. The principal freeholders are Mr. James Davies, Mr.
William Eddowes, and John Arthur Lloyd, Esq.
LEIGH is a small township, one mile from Worthen, which contains 868A.
3R. 6P. of land, the rateable value of which is £559. 9s. In 1851 there
were seven houses and 29 persons. The Venerable Archdeacon Clive is sole
proprietor of the township.
LEIGHTON is a township and well built village, one mile and a half S.E.
by S. of Welshpool, containing 1,568 acres of land, the rateable value of
which is £1,792. 8s. 4d. John Naylor, Esq., is the sole proprietor of
this township. In 1841 here were 44 houses and 220 persons. The village
is situated on the eastern bank of the river Severn, which is crossed by
a stone bridge. This estate was purchased a few years ago by its present
owner, who has at a great expense drained the land, and erected new
homesteads and farm buildings, and is now engaged in building a
magnificent mansion. In July, 1851, the worthy proprietor commenced
building a new district church, and a parsonage house for the minister.
The tithes of this township are commuted for £172, of which sum £100 is
given to the incumbent of Leighton. This township is in the county of
Montgomery.
MEADOWTOWN is a scattered township, situated between the Hope and Shelve
hills, having a population of 131 persons at the census of 1851 and 27
houses. It contains 264A. 2R. 26P. of land, the rateable value of which
is £151. 13s. 6d. Mr. J. M. Edwards, Mrs. Wildblood, Mr. Morris, the
Trustees of Chirbury School, and Mr. Edward Parry are the principal
landowners in this township.
RHOS GOCH is a small township, in the parish of Worthen and the county of
Montgomeryshire, eight miles and a half north-east of Montgomery. At the
census of 1841 here were six houses and 38 inhabitants. It contains 851
acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,060. The tithes are
commuted for £57. 15s., and apportioned to the Rector of Worthen. John
Naylor, Esq., is the principal landowner. Rhos Goch is celebrated for
its mineral springs, which are efficacious in the cure of scorbutic
complaints. The Beacon Ring, or mountain, is in this township, on the
summit of which are the remains of a Roman encampment.
TRELYSTAN is a chapelry and district in Worthen, comprising the townships
of Rhos Goch, Trelystan, and Leighton, which comprehend an area of 3,528
acres of land, the rent charge of which is £292. 10s. The township
contains 21 houses and 113 inhabitants, and has an area of 1,109 acres of
land. Trelystan is situated in the county of Montgomery.
WALTON is a small township, two miles and a half west of Worthen, which
had at the census of 1851 three houses and twenty three persons. The
principal freeholders of this township are Mr. Wm. Thomas, Miss M.
Shuker, Sir J. R. Kynaston, Bart., Thos. Howell, Esq., and Mr. Edward
Menlove. The township contains 953A. 0R. 3P. of land, the rateable value
of which is £601.
POST OFFICE at _Miss Woodward’s_. Letters arrive at 9 A.M., and are
despatched at 5 P.M.
WORTHEN.
Awdry Rev. Chs., The Rectory
Bennett Jsh., farmer, Scantley
Bryan Edw., farmer, Leighton
Bunce William, shoemaker
Butler Jno., farmer, The Hall
Downes Arthur, saddler and harness maker
Downes Mr. William
Downes Rd., grocer & draper
Downes Rchd., jun., relieving officer & carrier to Shrewsbury, Wednsy. &
Saturday
Gough Geo., c. police const.
Gorner Rbt. plumber & glazier
Green Rev. Mr., B.A., P. C. Trelystan
Howells Thomas, shoemaker
Hughes Alx. farmer, Leighton
Hughes Susannah, farmer, Trelystan
Jacks Job, farmer, Rhos Goch
James David, farmer, Red House, Trelystan
Jones Jno. contractr. & buildr.
Jones Thos. farmer, Trelystan
Maddox Thomas, carpenter
Menlove John, Bank Farm
Morris Mr. Thomas
Naylor John, Esq., Leighton Hall
Passant Wm., Rowens Farm
Poston Rbt. farmer, Shelfield
Preece Philip, farmer, Capsill
Speake William, farmer, Minsterley Bank
Thomas William, joiner
Tomlins Edwd. farmer, Rhos Goch
Tomlinson Rev. Edward, B.A., curate
Trantem Edward, tailor
Vaughan Evan, farmer, Grove Trelystan
Weaver Mr. John
Weaver Wm., farmer & vict., Kynaston’s Arms
Williams Wm., shoemaker
Woodhouse Edward, farmer, Hogstow
Woodward Robt., grocer, draper, maltster, porter agent, and vict., White
Horse
Young Alexander, vict. and maltster, Plough, Little Worthen
ASTON PIGOTT.
Cumpston John, farmer
Evans John, farmer
Home Samuel, wheelwright
Kempster Thomas, farmer
Meredith John, wheelwright
Randle Ths. maltster & farmer
Williams John, miller
ASTON ROGERS.
Bromley Thomas, farmer
Croft Thomas, blacksmith
Done Richard Sutton, farmer
Lloyd John, maltster and beer retailer
Owen Richard, farmer
Parry Jno. farmer, The Hurst
Platt Sarah, farmer
BEACHFIELD.
Groves Sarah, farmer
BROCKTON.
Braxton Benjn., wheelwright
Broston Benjamin, farmer
Davies Aaron, shopkeeper
Davies Mr. William
Evans Mr. John
Evans William, wheelwright
Hickman Joseph
Lloyd Edward, wheelwright
Menlove John, farmer, The Bank
Savage Richard, farmer
Stevan Evan, farmer
Timmis Thos. the Hall Farm
Wall William, farmer
Young Thomas, blacksmith
BROMLOW.
Bright Samuel, farmer
Butler John, blacksmith
Eddowes Edwd. Betton Farm
Eddowes John, farmer
Edwards Edwd., shopkeeper
Ellis Thomas, farmer
Hammons Jane, farmer
Jones Thos., farmer, Mincop
Rogers John, victualler, Sun Inn, and shopkeeper
Watkin Evan, farmer
BYN WESTON.
Davies John, farmer
Eddowes Richard, farmer
Jebb Thomas, farmer
Wall Robert, farmer
GRIMMER.
Eddowes John, farmer
Morris John, farmer
HABBERLEY OFFICE.
Bromley William, farmer, Lord’s Hill
Cadwalader Thomas, farmer
Johnson Wm., wood bailiff
Powell Hannah, farmer
Speake William, farmer
Vaughan John, farmer
Williams William, farmer
HAYES.
Corfield Jno. farmer, The Has
Jones Saml., farmer, Hampton Hall
HEATH UPPER AND NETHER.
Rarratt Wm., mine steward, Batholes
Davies Thos., farmer, Snailbeach
Horton, Johnson, Stainsby and Jones, lead mine proprietors, Batholes and
Stiperstones
Lakin Jos. farmer, Crow Nest
Passant John, shoemaker, Gravells
Rawson Arthur, mine manager, Snailbeach
Rogers Edward, victualler, Tankerville Arms
Rogers John, victualler and shopkeeper, Gravel mine
Rogers Richard, blacksmith
Rogers Wm. farmer, Batholes
HOPE.
Dorricott Richard, carrier
Eddowes Edward, Hogster Farm and Mill
Gough Ths. farmer, Ivy House
Lindley Wm., farmer, Hope’s Gate
Rogers Mary Ann, dress mkr.
Rogers Sarah, school teacher
Williams John, farmer
LEIGH.
Jebb Thos. farmer, The Hall
MEADOWTOWN.
Clare Thos., miner & farmer
Evans Evan, frmr., Whitchley
Gwynne David, cooper
Harrison John, lead mine manager
Higginson Thomas, farmer
Jones William, shoemaker
Powlter Abrm. tailor & carrier
Quilt John, farmer
Reece Cornelius, farmer
Titley Richard, farmer
WALTON.
Brown Richard, farmer
Hilton William, farmer
Menlove Edward, farmer
Menlove John, farmer
Smout Richard, farmer
THE PURSLOW HUNDRED
is divided into the Bishop’s Castle and Stow divisions; the former of
which contains the parishes of Bishop’s Castle, Lydbury North, Lydham
(part of), Mindtown, More, Norbury, Ratlinghope, and Wentnor; and the
latter, Bedstone, Bucknell (part of), Clunbury, Clungunford, Edgton,
Hopesay, Hopton Castle, Sibdon Carwood, Stowe, and Wistanstow. At the
census of 1841 the two divisions of the hundred contained a population of
9,016 persons.
BEDSTONE
is a parish and township, situated six miles north-east of Knighton,
which contains 737 acres, the rateable value of which is £926. 17s. At
the census of 1851 here were 28 houses and 151 persons. This place was
part of the inheritance which Isabel de Say, Lady of Clun, brought to
William Fitzallen, her husband, in King Stephen’s time. Edward Bennett,
Esq., is lord of the manor, and sole proprietor of the land. THE CHURCH
is a small structure, consisting of nave and chancel, and dedicated to
St. Mary. It is undergoing a complete reparation, at the expense of the
rector and the lord of the manor. The living is a rectory, valued in the
king’s book at £4. 13s. 4d., in the patronage of Benjamin Brown, Esq.,
and incumbency of the Rev. James R. Brown. The tithes are commuted for
£135, and there are 68 acres of glebe land.
DIRECTORY.—John Abley, wheelwright; Edward Bennett, Esq., Bedstone House;
William Bryan, blacksmith; James Chandler, tailor; Mrs. Rosannah Edwards;
John Gittins, stone mason and well sinker: Rev. Thomas Green, The
Rectory; Thos. Jones, carpenter; Richard Pitchford, shopkeeper; William
Plant, carrier to Ludlow and Knighton on market days; Edward Tilley,
farmer; William and John Smith, farmers; William Steadman, farmer,
Bedstone Hall.
BISHOP’S CASTLE
is a parish, borough, and market town, twenty miles south-west of
Shrewsbury and seventeen miles north-west from Ludlow. It contains the
townships of Bishop’s Castle, Broughton, Colebatch, Lea and Oakley, and
Woodbatch, which comprehend an area of 5,630 acres, the rateable value of
which is £9,220. 10s. The town is pleasantly situated on a declivity,
near the course of the Clun, and the houses are irregularly built. In
the 20th Edward I. the Bishop of Hereford claimed for his tenants of
Bishop’s Castle an exemption from attending the county or hundred court,
and the privilege of keeping a market every Friday, and a fair on the eve
and feast of the Decollation of St. John the Baptist, and the day
following. A market is still held every Friday, and fairs on the Friday
before February 13th, March 26th and 27th, the first Friday after May
day, on the second Monday in June, on July 5th, September 9th, and
November the 13th. Bishop’s Castle, prior to the passing of the Reform
Bill, returned two members to parliament. The government of the town is
vested in fifteen burgesses, inclusive of a bailiff, justice, and
recorder, whose jurisdiction is co-extensive with the borough. The
property at their disposal produces an annual income of £38. John
Beddoes, Esq., is the present bailiff; Richard Wollaston, Esq., justice;
and Richard Beddoes, Esq., recorder. On the site of the Castle Inn
formerly stood a castle, belonging to and a residence of the Bishop of
Hereford, from whence arises the name of Bishop’s Castle. The township
of Bishop’s Castle contains 1,717 acres of land. At the census of 1841
here were 373 houses and 1510 inhabitants. The principal landowners are
the Earl of Powis and R. H. Kinchant, Esq. The bailiff of the town for
the time being is lord of the manor. In 1801 the parish had a population
of 1313; 1831, 2,007; 1841, 1,781. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. John, is
a cruciform structure, with a fine old Norman tower of massive
proportions. On the south side is an entrance of beautiful Norman
workmanship. On a board in the church is the following
inscription:—“This church being burned in ye civil wars, Walter Waring,
Esq., of Owlbury, gave ye timber yt rebuilt it, and ye rest of ye charge
was defrayed by contributions of ye parishioners.” The living is a
vicarage, in the patronage of the Earl of Powis, and incumbency of the
Rev. William M. Rowland. There are two small chapels in the town, one
belonging to the Independents, and the other to the Primitive Methodists.
The NATIONAL SCHOOL is built of stone, in the Elizabethan style, and was
erected to commemorate the majority of Viscount Clive, on November 5th,
1839.
THE COUNTY COURT, for the recovery of debts not exceeding £50, is held at
the Town Hall. The jurisdiction of the court embraces the following
parishes, viz:—Bishop’s Castle, Clun, Clunbury, Clungunford, Church
Stoke, Hopton Castle, Hyssington, Hopesay, Lydbury North, Lydham,
Mainstone, More, Norbury, Ratlinghope, Sneade, Shelve, and Wentnor.
_Judge_, Uvedale Corbet, Esq., Aston Hall, near Shiffnal: _Clerk_,
Frederick Pardoe, Esq.: _Bailiff_, Mr. Edward Griffiths.
THE UNION HOUSE is a brick structure faced with stone, which was built in
1844, and is capable of accommodating 240 inmates. The union embraces
the parishes of Bishop’s Castle, Clun, Clunbury, Clungunford, Edgton,
Hopesay, Hopton Castle, Hyssington, Lydbury North, Lydham, Mainstone,
Myndtown, More, Norbury, Ratlinghope, Shelve, Sneade, and Wentnor. The
_Medical Officers_ are Henry Brook, Robert Jones, Robert D. Shield, and
Richard G. Wollaston: _Master_ and _Matron_, Mr. and Mrs. Hamar.
CHARITIES.—_Mary Morris_, by will, dated 1785, left £1000 to be placed
out at interest, and applied in the support of a charity school; and she
also bequeathed £200 for the purpose of erecting a schoolhouse, to be
called Mr. Wright’s Charity School, in remembrance of her first husband,
John Wright, Esq. The testatrix further directed, that if her estate
should exceed £1000, the further sum of £200 should be invested, and the
interest applied to the benefit of the school. The property belonging to
this charity consists of £1,598. 13s. 1d. three per cent. consols, which
produce an annual dividend of £47. 19s. 2d. There is a house in Bishop’s
Castle, called the Stone House, the rent of which was formerly applied in
teaching poor children to read. The rent now amounts to £6. 6s., and is
distributed by the churchwardens to the poor. _George Baxter_, by will,
in 1658, left 20s. a year for ever to the poor of this parish. _John
Tanner_, by will, dated 1677, bequeathed an annuity of £6 a year for
ever, in trust, to dispose of the same as follows; viz.:—52s. yearly to
be distributed in bread to twelve poor people of Bishop’s Castle; 4s. 4d.
to be given to the clerk in bread annually; 20s. to be paid to the vicar
of Bishop’s Castle for preaching a sermon on the second day of June,
yearly; and the remaining 43s. 8d. to be given to the poor persons of the
town that attend divine service on the aforesaid day. _Walter
Wollaston_, in 1818, gave 40s. yearly for the benefit of the poor of this
parish. _George Bostock_ left £5, the interest to be given to the poor.
_Thomas Jones_ bequeathed £20 to the poor of Bishop’s Castle. The poor
also participate in _Mousell’s Charity_, the particulars of which have
been already given. _Ann Gwilliam_ also left £100, the interest to be
given to poor housekeepers resident in the out liberties of the town.
BROUGHTON is a township one mile north-west of Bishop’s Castle, which
contains 850 acres of land. Rateable value, £848. 10s. At the census of
1841 there were nine houses and seventy inhabitants. The principal
landowners are the Earl of Powis; Rev. Arthur Oakeley; John Coates, Esq.;
William Summonds, Esq.; and Isaac Maddox, Esq.
COLEBATCH is a township one mile and a half south-west by south of
Bishop’s Castle, containing 1,119 acres, the rateable value of which is
£1,171. 10s. The principal landowners are Beriah Botfield, Esq.; Earl of
Powis; Miss E. Sayce; Samuel Home, Esq.; and Joseph F. Spencer, Esq. At
the census of 1841 there were 22 houses and 104 persons.
LEA AND OAKELEY is a township two miles north-east of Bishop’s Castle,
containing 1,060A. 10P. of land. Rateable value, £1,171. 10s. In 1841
there were six houses and 48 persons. The land is the property of the
Rev. Arthur Oakeley. There are some small remains of a castle here.
WOODBATCH is a township containing 886A. 0R. 24P. of land, the rateable
value of which is £838. 10s. In 1841 there were seven houses and 49
inhabitants. The principal landowners are Beriah Botfield, Esq.; T.
Hunt, Esq.; and Robert Chester, Esq.
BISHOP’S CASTLE DIRECTORY.
Anstey Jno. vict., Three Tuns
Bailey Thomas, shopkeeper
Beddoes Mr. Jno. Green Fields
Beddoes Rd. maltster & farmer
Bird John, blacksmith
Bird Martha, dress maker
Bond Henry C., watch maker
Bowen John, registrar of birth and deaths
Bowen Ths. painter, plumber and glazier
Bowyer Richard, butcher
Bluck Ths. vict. White Horse
Bright Edward, chair maker
Bright John, carpenter, and carrier to Shrewsbury
Bright Samuel, manager of North & South Wales Bank
Brook Henry, surgeon
Butler Mary Ann, tea dealer
Cooke George, shoemaker
Davies, Legge & Co, drapers and grocers
Davies Edward, chemist and druggist, & agent for Shropshire & North Wales
Fire Office
Davies John, shoemaker
Davies Jno. vict. The Plough
Davies Thomas, hair dresser
Davies Agnes, dressmaker
Dubber William, printer, stationer and bookseller
Edwards George, butcher
Edwards Thomas, butcher
Farmer George N., solicitor
Green Charles, skinner
Green John, butcher
Green Richd., beerseller and chair maker
Greenhouse Howard, carrier to Shrewsbury & Ludlow, and vict., Boar’s Head
Griffiths Mr., postmaster, stationer and printer
Griffiths James, saddler and harness maker
Griffiths Thomas, solicitor
Griffiths Wm. H. watchmaker
Hammonds Charles, farmer
Hebet Mary, shopkeeper
Holl George, ironmonger
Home Edward, shopkeeper
Home Fanny, dressmaker
Home George, tea dealer
Home Hannah, dressmaker
Home Levi, vict., Red Lion
Howells Rebecca, shopkpr.
James Elizabeth, staymaker
Jenkins George, painter, plumber and glazier
Johnston John, grocer
Jones and Norton, wine and spirit merchants. (Henry H. Jones & Wm.
Norton)
Jones Samuel, glass & china dealer
Knill Thomas, grocer
Lewis Richard, saddler
Lewis Thomas, blacksmith
Matthews John, watchmaker
Medlicott Jeremiah, surgeon
Meredith Richard, Academy
Minton Andrew, boot and shoe maker
Newbery, James, vict., The Castle, Excise Office and Posting House
Newell Elizbh., Stamp Office
Nicholas Edwd. stone mason
Nicholas Jno. painter & glazr.
Nicholas Richd. stone mason
North & South Wales Banking Company, Samuel Bright, Esq., manager
Nightingale John, carrier to Shrewsbury
Norton Charles, carpenter
Norton John, butcher
Norton John, tailor & woollen draper
Norton John, tanner, currier, maltster, butcher & farmer
Norton Robert, ironmonger
Norton Robert, farmer
Norton William, draper
Onians John, vict., The Harp
Palmer Francis, tailor
Pardoe Frederick, solicitor
Partridge John, blacksmith
Phillip Jno. & Co. ironmngrs.
Phillips George, shoemaker
Playfair Thomas, shopkeeper
Pugh Edward, beerseller
Pugh Thomas, carpenter
Pugh Willm. tailor & draper
Richards Thos., turner, &c.
Rimboult Rev. Samuel F., Independent
Robinson Jas. vict., The Bull
Robinson Wm., blacksmith
Rowland Rev. Wm. M., vicar
Sayce James, beerseller
Sayce John, shoemaker
Sayce John, stone mason
Thomas George, tailor and woollen draper
Tomlins Edward, shoemaker
Vickers John, cooper
Watters John, cooper
Woodhouse James, farmer
Wollaston Richard, surgeon
Williams John, baker
BROUGHTON DIRECTORY.
Bailey Thomas, farmer
Beddoes John, farmer
Maddox Isaac, farmer
COLEBATCH DIRECTORY.
Carden William, farmer
Harris William, farmer
Howard Richard, farmer
Mason Hamar, farmer
Owen John, carpenter
Thomas Edward, farmer
LEA AND OAKELEY DIRECTORIES.
Davies Wm. farmer, The Lea
Harris Jerh. farmer, The Lea
Oakeley Rev. Arthur, rector of Lydham, Oakeley House
WOODBATCH DIRECTORY.
Morris Edward, farmer
Thomas Richard, farmer
BUCKNELL
is a parish, partly in the hundred of Wigmore, in Herefordshire, and
partly in that of Purslow, in Salop. That portion which is situated in
Shropshire contains 2,976A. 0R. 14P. of land, the rateable value of which
is £2,079. 7s. 6d. At the census of 1841 here were 85 houses and 416
persons. The village is pleasantly situated five miles N.W. of Knighton.
W. G. H. Sitwell, Esq., is lord of the manor; Samuel Hotchkiss, Esq.,
James Steadman, Esq., P. M. Matthews, Esq., and Mr. Thomas Jones, are
also proprietors. THE CHURCH is a small edifice mantled with ivy, and
dedicated to St. Mary. The body of the church was repewed in the year
1684. There are three bells, one of which is dated 1639. The living is
a rectory valued in the kings book at £5. 6s. 8d., in the patronage of
the Grocers’ Company, London, and incumbency of the Rev. Joseph Richard
Coope.
CHARITIES.—_Joseph Freemantle_, by will, in 1635, left a rent charge of
40s. to the poor of the parish. There is a sum of £321. 10s. 6d., three
per cent. consols, standing in the names of John Stedman and Thomas
Edwards, who were churchwardens about the year 1812. Of this sum £200 is
supposed to have been given by _John Davies_, in 1745, and £50 was
probably the gift of — _Gretton_, who is stated to have left that sum, in
the Parliamentary returns of 1786. The dividends of this money are
distributed to the poor of the parish. _Edward Jones_, by will, in 1815,
left a rent charge of 20s. per annum, to be distributed to the poor in
bread.
Beavan William, farmer, The Lye
Botwood Chas., shopkeeper
Coope Rev. Joseph Richard
Crow Richard, shoemaker
Davies John, builder and cabinet maker
Evans Richard, shopkeeper
Ford Thomas, agent to W. G. H. Sitwell, Esq.
George Joseph, wheelwright
Green Bine, vict., Sitwell Arms
Hotchkiss Samuel, farmer, New House
Hull Edward, beerseller and blacksmith
Jerdan William, wheelwright
Jones Richard, house agent to W. G. H. Sitwell, Esq.
Jones Thomas, farmer, Woodside
Lello Edward, farmer, Mynde
Mason John, miller
Matthews Philip Morris, Esq. Turkey Hall
Pitch Mary Ann, shopkeeper
Price William, land surveyor
Probert John, butcher
Powell Joseph, schoolmaster
Rogers Samuel, shoemaker
Sitwell Wm., G. H., Esq.
Steadman Edward, woollen draper and tailor
Steadman Miss Margaret, New House
Steadman Richard, farmer, The New Farm House
Williams John, miller
CLUNBURY
is a parish, comprising the townships of Clunbury and Causton, Clunton,
Kempton, Obley, and Purslow, which at the census of 1841 had a population
of 994 persons. The township of Clunbury is pleasantly situated 7 miles
south-east of Bishop’s Castle, and contains with Causton 1,661A. 3R. 36P.
of land, the principal owners of which are Edward Turner, Esq.; Captain
Gordon; John Morris, Esq.; John Rocke, Esq.; and Charles Meteyard, Esq.
In 1841 here were 66 houses and 279 persons. THE CHURCH is dedicated to
St. Swithin. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the
Earl of Powis, and incumbency of the Rev. T. J. Hogg. The tithes are
commuted for £179. CAUSTON township in 1841 had five houses and 21
inhabitants. CLUNTON lies about two miles east of Clun, and contains
1,974A. 3R. 33P. of land, the rateable value of which is £2,436. 5s. The
tithes are commuted for £173. In 1841 here were 69 houses and 304
persons. The principal landowners are Philip Morris, Esq.; Rowland
Statham, Esq.; and Rocke, Eyton, and Co. KEMPTON, a small village and
township, one mile west of Clunbury, contains 1,885A. 3R. 33P. of land.
Rateable value, £2,095. 10s. In 1841 here were 43 houses and 216
inhabitants. The Earl of Powis is sole landowner. OBLEY is a township
on the south-western extremity of the parish, containing 1,025A. 3R. 33P.
of land, the rateable value of which is £1,023. 1s. The tithes are
commuted for £110. In 1841 here were 30 houses and 164 inhabitants. The
Earl of Powis is the sole landowner. PURSLOW is a small township in this
parish, containing five houses and 31 persons.
CHARITIES.—THE PARISH SCHOOL of Clunbury was built on the waste, by
subscription, and is partly supported by the rents of two closes of land.
In the parliamentary returns of 1686 it is stated that _Mr. Tankard_ left
£12, the interest thereof to be given to the poor.
DIRECTORY.—_Clunbury_: Thomas Anthony, shopkeeper; Richard Hints,
beerseller; Rev. Thomas J. Hogg, curate; Edward Jones, victualler,
Purslow Hundred House; Charles Meteyard, surgeon; John Morris, farmer;
John Rudd, farmer; Edward Turner, Esq., Causton Hall; Edward Tomkins,
schoolmaster; John Woolley, farmer; Thomas Taylor, farmer, Causton;
Thomas Weyman, farmer, Purlow Hall. _Clunton_: Richard Brown, farmer;
John Farmer, victualler, Crown; George Hamar, farmer; Richard Williams,
beerseller. _Obley_: James Edwards, farmer, The Combs; Joseph Edwards,
farmer, Pool House; Richard Edwards, farmer; Richard Jones, farmer, New
House; John Palfrey, farmer, Llanadevey. _Kempton_: Samuel Bright,
farmer; and Francis Southern, farmer.
CLUNGUNFORD
is an extensive parish, comprising the townships of Abcott, Beckjay,
Broadward, Clungunford, and Shelderton, which have an area of 3,397 acres
of land, the rateable value of which is £3,054. 13s. 2d. In 1841 here
were 107 houses and 554 persons. Population in 1801, 436: and in 1831,
488. The township is situated nine miles north-east of Knighton. This
manor was part of the ancient inheritance of the Fitzalans, Earls of
Arundel, who were also patrons of THE CHURCH, which is dedicated to St.
Cuthbert. It is in the Gothic style of architecture. In the interior
are some fine specimens of stained glass. The living is a rectory, in
the patronage of John Rocke, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Thomas O.
Rocke. The tithes are commuted for £538. 12s. 1d., and there are 51
acres of glebe land. The principal landowners are John Rocke, Esq.; Mr.
John Bridgewater; Mr. John Langslow; and Mr. John Howells. There is an
Endowed School here for the benefit of the children of this parish and
Broom, in Hopesay. It is endowed with 25A. 2R. 29P. of land, the rent of
which is paid to a schoolmaster. There is the sum of £150 three per
cent. consols, standing in the name of the Rev. John Rocke, the dividends
of which are given to the poor and the school.
ABCOTT is a small township, half a mile from Clungunford, which contained
at the census of 1841, 17 houses and 87 persons. The principal
landowners are John Rocke, Esq.; Mr. John Langslow; Rev. John Knight; Mr.
Thomas Bird; and the Trustees of Clungunford School. BECKJAY AND
BROADWARD is a scattered township, two miles from Clungunford, containing
15 houses and 91 persons. The principal landowners are the Rev. S. J.
Knight and George Bright, Esq. SHELDERTON is a township, two miles from
the parish church. W. W. Sitwell, Esq., and the Rev. Henry Cowdell are
the principal landowners.
DIRECTORY.—_Clungunford_: William Anslow, victualler, Cross Keys; Timothy
Bishop, farmer, Rowton; John Bridgewater, farmer; Samuel Eyre,
schoolmaster; John Howells, farmer; Edward P. Langslow, butcher; John
Rocke, Esq., Clungunford House; Rev. Thomas O. Rocke, rector; Richard
Yapp, blacksmith. _Abcott_: Thomas Bird, tailor; John Greenhouse,
victualler, The Bird on the Rock; John Langslow, farmer, Abcott Cottage;
Aaron Woolley, farmer; Thomas Woolley, farmer. _Beckjay_: Samuel Urwick,
farmer. _Shelderton_: Rev. Henry Cowdell, and Charles Blakeway, farmer.
EDGTON BRUNSLOW AND HORDERLEY
is a parish situated five miles S.E. by E. of Bishop’s Castle,
comprehending an area of 1,645A. 1R. 30P. of land, the rateable value of
which is £1,304. 0s. 9d. In 1841 here were 47 houses and 214
inhabitants. The principal landowners are the Rev. Humphrey Sandford,
George Beddoes, Esq., and the Earl of Craven. THE CHURCH, dedicated to
St. Michael, is a small structure consisting of nave and chancel, with a
tower in which are three bells. The living is a perpetual curacy in the
patronage of the Rev. Humphrey Sandford, and incumbency of the Rev.
Folliett Sandford.
HORDERLEY is an Extra Parochial Liberty eight miles east of Edgton, which
is included in that parish by the population returns. There is only one
house here, called Horderley Hall, the property of Thomas Hotchkiss,
Esq., and residence of John Hotchkiss, farmer.
CHARITIES.—It is stated in the parliamentary returns of 1786 that _Edward
James_, in 1620, left £5, _Humphrey Sandford_, in 1735, £5, and _Charles
Lucas_, in 1728, £2, the interest thereof to be given to the poor of this
parish.
DIRECTORY.—George Beddoes, Esq.; William Bird, farmer; John Brown,
farmer; Elizabeth Herbert, farmer; Thomas James, farmer; William Lucas,
farmer; Charles Luther, farmer; Mary Norncott, shopkeeper; Thomas
Poundley, parish clerk; and Roger Wellings, farmer.
HOPESAY
is an extensive parish and rural village situated six miles S.E. by E. of
Bishop’s Castle, which contains 3,857A. 1R. 18P. of land. Rateable
value, £4,430 8s. 8d. The Earl of Powis is lord of the manor. The
principal landowners are William M. Beddoes, Esq., Captain Henry Beddoes,
James Baxter, Esq., Mr. Samuel Griffiths, and Mr. Francis Davies. In
1841 there were in this parish 160 houses and 660 inhabitants. THE
CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, comprises nave, chancel, and a massive
square tower. The living is a rectory in the patronage and incumbency of
the Rev. Philip P. Adams.
ASTON is a township and considerable village on the Ludlow and Bishop’s
Castle turnpike road, seven miles S.E. of the latter place. In 1841 here
were 70 houses and 292 persons. The principal landowners are Richard
Marston, Esq., Mrs. Margaret Nicholls, Mr. John Cadwallader, and John
Whitefoot, Esq. There is a small Baptist chapel in this village. BARLOW
township is returned as having one house and eight inhabitants. BROOM
and ROWTON is partly in Hopesay parish and partly in Clungunford; in the
former in 1841 there were 25 houses and 96 inhabitants, and in the latter
parish two houses and fifteen persons. The principal landowners are
George Bright, Esq., Miss A. M. Tunstall, and Ralph Benson, Esq. CARWOOD
township is returned as having seven houses and 29 inhabitants at the
census of 1841. LITTLE BROMPTON is a township four miles east of Clun,
which contains eleven houses and 44 persons. The Earl of Powis is sole
landowner. _Thomas Parks_, by will, dated 1726, left £50, in trust, to
be placed out at interest and given to a schoolmaster to teach six poor
children of this parish. _Dennis Harris_ left a rent charge of 10s. per
annum to be given to the poor. _Elizabeth Newnham_, by will, dated 1750,
bequeathed £30, the interest to be given to the poor of Hopsay. _Jane
Pugh_, by will, dated 1808, bequeathed an annuity of £10, for the benefit
of the poor of this parish.
DIRECTORY.—_Hopesay_: The Rev. Philips B. Adams, rector; William Bedell,
stone mason; John Childe, shopkeeper; John Cruckson, farmer; Francis
Davies, farmer; William Evans, farmer, Barlow; Samuel Griffiths, farmer;
Joseph Price, vict., New Inn; The Rev. Folliett Sandford, P.C., of
Edgton. _Aston_: John Beddoes, vict., Kangaroo; John Cadwallader,
tailor; Thomas Childe, farmer; Charles Childe, farmer; James Dislee,
blacksmith; Martha Griffiths, shopkeeper; Edward Jacks, farmer; Edward
Lewis, corn miller; George Proctor, farmer; William Pugh, postmaster;
Sarah Weyman, farmer, The Hall; John Whitefoot, Esq. _Broom_: George
Bright, farmer; William Jacks, farmer. _Little Brompton_: Richard Smith,
wheelwright; John Weyman, farmer.
HOPTON CASTLE
is a parish and pleasantly situated village nine miles south of Bishop’s
Castle, which contains 2,366A. 3R. 5P. of land, exclusive of the hills,
the rateable value of which is £1,730. At the census of 1841 here were
31 houses and 164 persons. Population in 1801, 138; and in 1831, 145.
Thomas Salway Beale, Esq., is lord of the manor and the principal
landowner. This manor was anciently the possession of Roger Lord
Mortimer, who obtained a charter of free warren in the 14th of Edward I.
In this township are the remains of a castle, from which this parish
takes its name. Camden mentions Hopton Castle as being given to Walter
de Clifford by Henry II. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, is a small
structure consisting of nave and chancel. The living is a rectory in the
patronage of T. S. Beale, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. George D.
Pardoe. The tithes are commuted for about £280. There are eighty acres
of glebe land.
DIRECTORY.—Richard Filer, steward to T. S. Beale, Esq.; Thomas Harley,
joiner; Thomas Mansell, Esq.; Rev. George D. Pardoe, rector; John Sawyer,
shopkeeper; and Edward Tanner, farmer.
LYDBURY NORTH
is an extensive parish and considerable village, two and a half miles
south-east from Bishop’s Castle. The parish includes the townships of
Acton, Brockton, Lower Down, Eaton and Choulton, Eyton and Plowden, North
Lydbury, and Totterton, which together in 1841 had a population of 908
souls; 1801, 829; 1831, 955. The township of North Lydbury contains
2,253A. 0R. 35P. of land, and in 1841 had 84 houses and 337 inhabitants.
Rateable value £2,651. 7s. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, is a
plain substantial structure with a massive tower. The living is a
vicarage, with the perpetual curacy of Norbury annexed, in the patronage
and incumbency of the Rev. John Bright. The vicarial tithes are commuted
for £486, and the rectoral for £439. 8s., of which £411. 8s. have been
apportioned to W. Plowden, Esq., £11 to the parish clerk, for the time
being, and £17 to the rector of Pontesbury. The church contains many
elegant monuments to the Plowden and Walcott families. The chief
landowners are Earl Powis, and William Plowden, Esq. WALCOTT HALL is a
spacious and elegant mansion, the occasional seat of the Earl of Powis.
It contains a fine collection of paintings and Indian curiosities,
collected by the first Lord Clive. The pleasure grounds are very
beautifully laid out, and the park is richly wooded. At Tangley Hill are
prominent vestiges of a British encampment, called the _Bury Ditches_.
The interest of £200, bequeathed by John Shipman, in 1662, is applied in
the support of the national school, another £100 has been raised by the
liberality of the parishioners and the Earl of Powis for the same object,
in addition to which a considerable sum is raised by annual
subscriptions. The school, a substantial stone building, has been built
about six years. _The Poor’s Estate_ produces a yearly sum of £27. 10s.,
out of which £7 per annum is paid for educational purposes, and the
residue applied in a general distribution among the poor. _Richard
Sayce_, in 1754, left a rent charge of £2. 12s. per annum, to be given in
bread.
The following are the out-townships of this parish, namely: ACTON,
situated two miles south-west from Lydbury, having 816 acres of land, and
in 1841, 23 houses and 108 inhabitants. BROCTON township lies about a
mile from Lydbury, and has 694 acres of land, the rateable value of which
is £1,102. 4s. In 1841 there were 30 houses and 137 inhabitants. LOWER
DOWN, a small village and township, lies to the south west of Lydbury,
and contains 1,207 acres, the rateable value of which is £875; population
in 1841, 116; at which period there were 25 houses. EYTON AND PLOWDEN
township has 872 acres, and in 1841 had 11 houses and 59 inhabitants.
Rateable value £747. 13s. EATON AND CHOULTON in 1841 had 16 houses and
87 inhabitants, and contains 699 acres of land. TOTTERTON township is
distant about a mile from Lydbury, and contains 775 acres of land. In
1841 there were 11 houses and 64 inhabitants; William Plowden, Esq., and
the Earl of Powis, are the landowners in the above townships.
LYDBURY NORTH DIRECTORY.
Beddoes Geo. farm., Brunslow
Brereton John, farmer
Brown John, schoolmaster
Colgan Rev. Rd. (Rom. Cathol.)
Gwilt Rd., farmer, The Folly
Hodgkiss John, farmer
Lane Thomas, farmer
Lawrence John, blacksmith
Mason William, farmer
Newell Joseph, agent to the Earl of Powis
Norncott Rd. farmr. & shopkpr
Owens John, farmer
Phillips William, farmer
Southern William H., farmer
Statham John, farmer
Whitefoot Mrs. E. the Vicarage
Williams John, parish clerk
ACTON DIRECTORY.
Gwilt Richard, farmer
Luther Robert, farmer
Price George, farmer
Robinson Joseph, farmer and blacksmith
BROCKTON DIRECTORY.
Bluck William, beerseller
Blayney Thos., vict., New Inn
Bore Mr., vict., Wheat Sheaf
Davies Jane, farmer
Hamar Thomas, miller
Evans Samuel, farmer
James Mr. Thomas
Marston Richd., wheelwright
Mountford Edward, farmer
Powell James, blacksmith
Powell John, farmer
Tomlins John, farmer
CHOULTON DIRECTORY.
Edwards Ann, farmer
Gwilt Evan, farmer
Gethyn, Thomas, farmer
Wood Thomas, blacksmith
EATON DIRECTORY.
Watkins Joseph, farmer
EYTON AND PLOWDEN DIRECTORIES.
Amies Samuel, farmer
Evans Gabriel, miller & farmr
Gwilt William, farmer
Hacock Thomas, farmer
Watts Thomas, farmer
Williams John, farmer
LOWER DOWN DIRECTORY.
Farmer George, farmer
Hamar Thomas, farmer
Titley John, farmer
Whittall John, farmer
Whittall Thomas, farmer.
TOTTERTON DIRECTORY.
Bright Rev. John, vicar of Lydbury
Everall Jph. farmer, Friezland
Hodges William, farmer
Shuker William, farmer
LYDHAM
is a parish, two miles north-east from Bishop’s Castle, partly in Salop
and partly in Montgomeryshire. In this county are 1,760 acres of land.
Rateable value, £2,319. 5s. Gross estimated rental, £2,535. 5s. In 1841
here were 19 houses and 128 inhabitants. The Rev. Arthur Oakeley is the
sole landowner and lord of the manor. The river Camlad has its source in
this parish. THE CHURCH is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and the living
is a rectory, rated at £10. Gross income, £462. Patron and incumbent,
Rev. Arthur Oakeley.
DIRECTORY.—Richard Bright, farmer; William Davies, farmer; Edward
Gwilliam, farmer, The Lodge; Thos. Mapp, farmer, Heblands; Rev. Arthur
Oakeley, The Rectory; Edward Rogers, blacksmith; Edward Williams, miller.
MORE
is a parish and township, situated two miles north of Bishop’s Castle,
containing 3,511 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £2,124.
In 1841 here were 46 houses and 246 persons in the parish. Population in
1801, 288; and in 1831, 272. R. B. More, Esq., is the principal
landowner in this parish. This place takes its name from the family of
More, who have been settled here since the thirteenth century. THE
CHURCH is a handsome Gothic structure, consisting of nave and chancel, in
which is a beautiful stained glass window. The living is a rectory, in
the patronage of R. B. More, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Thomas F.
More. The tithes are commuted for £242.
LINLEY is a township three miles N.E. of More, containing 26 houses and
123 persons. R. B. More, Esq., is sole landowner. LINLEY HALL is a
handsome mansion in the Grecian style of architecture, the seat and
property of R. B. More, Esq. CHARITIES.—_The Rev. Edward Rogers_ left
£35. 13s., the interest to be distributed amongst the poor. This sum,
£15. 13s. of the parish stock, and £8. 14s. which was borrowed, were laid
out in the purchase of land, the rent of which is now paid to a
schoolmaster to teach eight poor children. MOREWOOD township at the
census of 1841 had ten houses and 63 inhabitants.
DIRECTORY.—_More and Morewood_: Martha Burgess, farmer; James Harris,
farmer; John Hill, carpenter; Robert James, farmer; Richard Jones,
farmer; William Medlicott, farmer; John Mellings, farmer; Margaret
Mellings, farmer; Thomas Morris, farmer; John Thomas, farmer; Thomas
Wardman, farmer; John Wardman, farmer; John Wilks, farmer. _Linley_:
Evan Abley, carpenter and wheelwright; William Jones, farmer: Robert B.
More, Esq., Linley Hall; Benjamin Perkin, gardener; Richard Poulter,
blacksmith; Rd. Pugh, farmer; Ed. Tomlins, shoemaker; and Joseph
Whittall, mine agent.
DINMORE is an Extra Parochial Liberty two miles from Bishop’s Castle,
containing about 100 acres of land, the property of William Plowden, Esq.
Mr. Richard Guilt is the resident farmer.
MYNDTOWN
is a small parish five miles north east of Bishop’s Castle, on the
western side of the Longmynds. It contains 906A. 3R. of land, including
347A. of common. Rateable value £425. 10s. William Plowden, Esq., is
sole landowner and lord of the manor. The church is a small structure,
dedicated to St. John. The living is a rectory in the patronage of Earl
Powis, and incumbency of the Rev. John Rogers. The tithes are commuted
for £52. 11s. 9d. There are 33 acres of glebe land.
DIRECTORY.—Edward Hammonds, farmer; John Lewis, farmer, The Hall; and
Philip Shukar, farmer.
NORBURY
is a parish 4 miles N.N.E. of Bishop’s Castle, which comprises the
townships of Asterton, Norbury, Whitcott, and Hardwick, and has an area
of 2,685A. 2R. 25P. of land, the rateable value of which is £2,600. 3s.
8½d. The principal landowners of the township of Norbury are Robert
Scott, Esq., and Thomas Harris, Esq. In 1841 there were 33 houses and
174 persons. THE CHURCH, dedicated to All Saints, is a neat structure,
consisting of nave and chancel, and has a tower, in which are three
bells. The living is a perpetual curacy, annexed to North Lydbury. The
tithes are commuted, and £180 has been apportioned to the vicar, and £145
to William H. Plowden, Esq.
ASTERTON is a township in this parish, one mile and a half from Norbury,
which had at the census of 1841 had 37 houses and 164 persons. The
principal landowners are Wm. Plowden, Esq.; Edward Medlicott, Esq.; Ralph
Benson, Esq.; and Edward Home, Esq. There is a small Primitive Methodist
Chapel in this township.
WHITCOTT AND HARDWICK is a scattered township, containing 14 houses and
82 persons. The principal landowners are Mr. Thomas W. Ambler; James
Wilkes, Esq.; and Edward Home, Esq. CHARITY.—_Thomas Jacks_ left £10,
the interest thereof to be given in bread to the poor of this parish.
DIRECTORY.—_Norbury_: Thomas Beamond, farmer; William Bowen, farmer; John
Cook, beerseller; Thomas Cook, farmer; John Dewin, farmer; John Everall,
farmer; Thomas Harris, farmer; Joseph Jones, farmer; Charles Morris
farmer; Jeremiah Pugh, maltster and victualler, The Red Lion; Thomas
Williams, farmer. _Asterley_: John Pincher, farmer; and William Pincher,
farmer. _Whitcott and Hardwick_: Thomas W. Ambler, farmer; William
Davies, miller and farmer; Edward Dewin, farmer; William Marston, farmer
and beerseller; William Morris, farmer; James Wilks, farmer.
RATLINGHOPE
is a parish comprising the townships of Ratlinghope, Stitt, and Gatten,
which have an area of 3,690 acres of land, the rateable value of which is
£1,901. 8s. At the census of 1841 there were 50 houses and 315
inhabitants. The township is pleasantly situated 13 miles south-west of
Shrewsbury, and comprises 1,269 acres of land, exclusive of common.
Rateable value, £750. 12s. Ratlinghope township in 1841 contained 25
houses and 162 persons. Robert Scott, Esq., is lord of the manor, and
the sole landowner. This place, at the Doomsday survey, was in the
possession of Robert, the son of Corbet, one of whose descendants gave it
to the canons regular of St. Augustine. There was anciently a priory
here, in which were placed a few black canons. THE CHURCH is dedicated
to St. Margaret. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s books at
£3. 6s. 8d., in the patronage of Robert Scott, Esq., and incumbency of
the Rev. Edward Homfray.
STITT AND GATTEN is a township in this parish, ten miles south-west of
Shrewsbury, which contains 2,421 acres of land, the rateable value of
which is £1,151. 8s. In 1841 there were 25 houses and 153 inhabitants.
The principal landowners are Samuel Smith, Esq., and the Hon. H. W.
Powys. _James Rowson_, in 1746, left £20 for the benefit of the poor of
this parish.
DIRECTORY.—_Ratlinghope_: Thomas Cooke, farmer, The Coppice; John Elison,
farmer; Thomas Jones, farmer; Thomas Lello, farmer; Mary Partridge,
blacksmith and victualler, The Bridges; Randolph Poston, miller; Emanuel
Preece, farmer. _Stitt and Gatten_: Edward Andrews, farmer, The Stitt;
William Groves, farmer, The Stitt; Samuel Medlicott, farmer, Gatten;
William Mellings, farmer, Gatten; and John Munslow, farmer, Gatten.
SIBDON CARWOOD
is a small parish eight miles S.S.E. of Bishop’s Castle, which contains
754 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £858. 12s. 6d.: gross
estimated rental, £869. 13s. James Baxter, Esq. is the sole landowner,
and lord of the manor. At the census of 1841 there were 12 houses and 59
persons. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, is a neat edifice,
rebuilt in 1741. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of
James Baxter, Esq. and incumbency of the Rev. W. E. Lumb, M.A. SIBDON
CASTLE is an ancient castellated mansion, situated in a picturesque
position, commanding extensive and varied views of the surrounding
country, and is the property of James Baxter, Esq.
DIRECTORY.—James Baxter, Esq., the Castle; Thomas Cooper, farmer; Richard
Dawes, farmer; William Griffiths, farmer.
STOWE
is a parish and small village about two miles north-east by east from
Knighton, which contains 2,724A. 0R. 11P. of land. At the census of 1841
there were 38 houses and 135 souls. The township of Stowe contains 748A.
2R. 25P. of land, the rateable value of which is £531. The village is
romantically situated, and surrounded by lofty hills. Edward Rogers,
Esq., is the landowner in this township. THE CHURCH is dedicated to St.
Michael, and the living a vicarage, in the patronage of the crown:
incumbent, Rev. Thomas Green. The tithes are commuted for £250, of which
£45 is apportioned to Clun Hospital. There is also glebe land of the
annual value of £20. DIRECTORY.—Sarah Baldwin, miller and farmer,
William Langford, stone mason, and Caleb Steadman, farmer.
LURKINHOPE is a township in Stowe parish, containing 1,265A. 1R. 26P. of
land, the rateable value of which is £586. 15s. The principal landowner
is Charles Edwards, Esq. Sarah Bright is the resident farmer.
WESTON is a small township in the parish of Stowe, containing 710 acres,
the rateable value of which is £475. 10s. Edward Rogers, Esq., is sole
owner in this township. DIRECTORY.—Charles Steadman, farmer, and Edward
Turner, cattle dealer.
WENTNOR
is an extensive parish comprising the townships of Adston, Home,
Kinnerton, and Ritton, Medlicott and Wentnor, which have an area of 4,190
acres of land, the rateable value of which is £2,978. The village of
Wentnor is pleasantly situated five and a half miles N.E. of Bishop’s
Castle, and in 1841 had 43 houses and 200 inhabitants. There is a small
woollen manufactory in this parish, worked by water power. THE CHURCH is
dedicated to Saint Michael. The living is a rectory in the patronage of
the dean and canons of Christ Church, Oxford, and incumbency of the Rev.
Thomas Hunt. The tithes are commuted for £212. 10s. The principal
landowners are the Rev. John Bright, Rev. G. D. Pardoe, Robert Scott,
Esq., Thomas Downes, Esq., and Mrs. Sarah Medlicott. The Earl of Powis
is lord of the manor.
ADSTON is a township situated to the north of Wentnor, the principal
landowners of which are the Rev. John Bright, Jeremiah Medlicott, Esq.,
Francis Norton, Esq., John Whitehurst, Esq., and H. Walters, Esq. In
1841 here were 19 houses and 100 inhabitants.
HOME is a small township containing three houses and 24 persons. The
land is the property of the Rev. John Rogers.
KINNERTON AND RITTON is a township and village three miles from Wentnor,
which contains 58 houses and 322 persons. Henry Lyster, Esq., is the
proprietor of the land and lord of the manor.
MEDLICOTT is a township one mile from Wentnor, containing 14 houses and
60 inhabitants. John Medlicott, Esq., is lord of the manor and chief
landowner; Mrs. Sarah Medlicott and Mr. Thomas Bright are also owners.
CHARITIES.—_Rev. Edward Rogers_, by will, dated 1788, left £50, the
interest to be applied in teaching poor children of the parish to read.
This sum, with the surplus of a subscription raised for building a
school, to which _Charles Rogers_, _Esq._, contributed £100, was invested
in the purchase of £100 stock new four per cents., and the dividends paid
to a schoolmaster who teaches twelve poor children. _Dr. Price_
bequeathed £10, and _Edward Redrobe_ gave £10, the interest to be given
to the poor on St. Thomas’s-day.
WENTNOR DIRECTORY.
Beamond John, farmer
Jones Richard, farmer
Hotchkiss William, farmer
Humphrey Rev. Thos., curate
Mapp Richard, farmer
Medlicot John, woollen manufacturer
Medlicot Sarah, beerseller
Morris John, farmer and maltster
Kirkham Edward, farmer
ADSTON DIRECTORY.
Andrews Edward, farmer
Evans John, farmer and miller
Harding John, farmer
Jameson George, farmer
Kirkham George, farmer
Kirkham Samuel, farmer
HOME DIRECTORY.
Gething John, farmer
Rogers Rev. John, rector of Myndtown
KINNERTON AND RITTON DIRECTORY.
Beamond Robert, farmer
Blockley William, farmer
Davies John, farmer
Davies William, farmer
Hotchkiss Francis, farmer
Mountford John, farmer
Potter John, farmer
Potter Jonathan, farmer
Pugh John, farmer
Walters Edward, farmer
MEDLICOTT DIRECTORY.
Bright Thomas, farmer
Hotchkiss Jeremiah, farmer
Maddox Thomas, farmer
WISTANSTOW
is an extensive parish, partly in this hundred and partly in that of
Munslow, pleasantly situated ten miles north-west of Ludlow, and
intersected by the Shrewsbury and Ludlow turnpike road, the Shrewsbury
and Hereford railway, and the Watling street, which here divides the
hundreds of Munslow and Purslow. The township contains 728A. 2R., the
rateable value of which is £1,126. 1s. In 1841 the parish contained 227
houses and 1051 persons. Population in 1801, 586; and in 1851, 989. THE
CHURCH, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is a cruciform structure, with a
massive square tower. The living is a rectory, in the incumbency of the
Rev. Christopher Swainson, and patronage of the Earl of Craven. The
principal landowners are the Rev. Christopher Swainson; James Cartwright,
Esq.; Thomas D. Duppa, Esq.; Mr. Thomas Owens; Mr. Edward Lewis; and Mr.
William Potter.
CHENEY LONGVILLE is a township, ten miles north-west of Ludlow,
containing 805A. 1R. 21P. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,144,
6s. 10½d. The principal landowners are W. M. Beddoes, Esq.; Thomas D.
Duppa, Esq.; and Mr. Joseph Humphreys. In 1841 here were 24 houses and
125 persons. There is a METHODIST CHAPEL in the township. A pack of
hounds has been kept here for upwards of 80 years.
FELHAMPTON AND THE GROVE is a township, one mile and a half north-east of
Wistanstow, containing 1,524A. 2R. 19P. of land, the rateable value of
which is £2,015, 13s. the principal owners of which are the Earl of
Craven; Mrs. Thursby; and Francis Marston, Esq. STREFFORD is a small
village and township, ten miles north-west of Ludlow, which contains
372A. 2R. 24P. of land, the rateable value of which is £532. The Earl of
Craven is the sole landowner. WITTINGSLOW is a township, one mile and a
half north-west of Wistanstow, containing 536A. 2R. 12P. of land.
Rateable value, £608. 4s. The chief landowners are W. M. Beddoes, Esq.;
John Mier, Esq.; Mr. J. Broom; and Mr. Thomas Beman. WOOLSTON is a small
village, one mile from Wistanstow, which contains 772A. 0R. 13P. of land,
the rateable value of which is £721. 3s. The principal landowner is the
Rev. S. J. Knight.
WISTANSTOW DIRECTORY.
Cartwright James, farmer, The Hall
Cox Thomas, butcher
Cox William, farmer
Davies Mrs. Jane
Edwards Mrs. Sarah
Ellis Rev. John S., curate
Home Richard, shopkeeper and postmaster
Jones John, farmer
Oliver Thomas, victualler, The Plough
Owens Thomas, victualler, White Horse
Owens Thomas, farmer, The Corner
Potter Mr. William
Rogers William, shopkeeper
Wilding James, draper and grocer
Williams William, saddler and harness maker
CHENEY LONGVILLE DIRECTORY.
Back Edward, farmer
Beddoes Francis, farmer
Duppa Thomas D., Esq.
Harris Elizabeth, farmer
Humphreys Joseph, tanner and shoemaker
Lucas George, farmer, Newington
Speake Joseph, schoolmaster
STREFFORD DIRECTORY.
Davies Henry, vict., The Boot
Jones John, veterinary surgn.
Jones Robert, surgeon
Rickards James, farmer
Rickards Richard, Esq.
FELHAMPTON & THE GROVE.
Blockley Edward, farmer
Bowen Richard, miller
Goode Thomas, blacksmith
Hancocks George, miller
Oakes John, Esq., Affcott
Marston Francis, Esq.
Martin John, vict., The Rest
Poole Richard, cooper
Thomas William, miller
Tomlinson John, farmer, The Marsh
Urkick Richard, farmer
WITTINGSLOW DIRECTORY.
Beman Thomas, farmer
Clare Peter, farmer
Falkingham Wm., beerseller
Harris Edward, farmer
Hotchkiss Wm., victualler, Cross Pipes
Howells John, farmer
WOOLSTON DIRECTORY.
Broom John, farmer
Martin Benjamin, farmer
Venables Thomas, farmer
THE CLUN HUNDRED
lies on the south-western verge of the county, and is bounded by
Radnorshire on the west and Montgomery on the north; by the hundred of
Purslow on the east and Radnorshire on the south. It is divided into the
Clun and Mainstone divisions, the former having in 1841 a population of
2,077, and the latter 1,331 inhabitants. The Clun division contains the
parish of Clun, and the Mainstone division the parish of
Llanvair-Waterdine, part of Mainstone, and part of Bettwys-y-Crwyn.
CLUN
is an extensive parish and market town twenty-six miles S.S.W. of
Shrewsbury, containing the townships of Bicton, Clun, Edicliffe, Guilden
Down, Hopebendrid, Mannutton, Newcastle, Obarras, Pentrehodrey,
Peerlogne, Shadwell, Spoad, Treverward, Whitcott-Evan, and
Whitcott-Keysett, which together comprehend an area of about 22,000
acres, inclusive of common; of this number there are 11,882 acres subject
to tithe. At the census of 1841 there were 424 houses and 2,077 persons,
and in 1851 here were 2,119 inhabitants. The rent charge paid to the
vicar is £802. 2s. and that to lay impropriators £415. In the township
of Clun there are 3,075A. 2R. 12P. of land, the rateable value of which
is £3,505. 5s., and at the census of 1841 there were 191 houses and 913
inhabitants; population in 1811, 734; and in 1831, 930 persons. The
principal landowner is the Earl of Powis, who is also lord of the manor;
Philip Morris, Esq., Rev. Christopher Swainson, P. M. Matthews, Esq.,
Thomas Evans, Esq., Mr. Thomas Hamer, Mr. Charles Bright, Mr. Edward
Chelmick, Mr. John Law, and Mrs. Elizabeth Jones are also proprietors,
besides whom are a number of smaller freeholders. Clun takes it name
from the river Colun or Clun, which rises six miles east of the town, and
flows through it, dividing it in two parts, and thence pursuing its
course to the west. The town is romantically situated on a gentle
eminence surrounded by lofty hills, and consists principally of one
irregular street on the northern bank of the river, over which is an
ancient stone bridge of five pointed arches, leading to that part of the
town where the church stands. The borough of Clun, now greatly declined
from its ancient station, appears from Dugdale to have been of sufficient
importance, in the age immediately succeeding the Norman Conquest, to
have conferred a title on the celebrated family of “Fitz-Allan.” It
remained in the possession of this family till the reign of Elizabeth,
when by the marriage of Mary Fitz-Allan with Philip Howard, son of Thomas
Duke of Norfolk, the estate became vested in that family. From them it
passed to the Walcotts, and afterwards by purchase to the family of its
present possessor, the Earl of Powis, who is lord of the manor, though
the Duke of Norfolk still retains the title of Baron Clun. The castle
was built about the reign of Stephen by William Fitz-Allan Earl of
Arundel, and being exposed to the ravages of the Welsh, it was well
fortified in the 8th of King Stephen. In Richard the First’s time, the
king being in the Holy Land, this castle was taken by Rees Prince of
Wales, who laid all the country around waste. Prince Llewellyn in the
year 1234 advanced with an army against the town, burnt the suburbs, but
could not take the castle; this damage was fully revenged A.D. 1264, by
an entire rout of the Welsh army at the battle of Clunne. Lewis says,
“Within a quarter of a mile to the north-west of the town is a single
entrenchment, said to have been raised by Owen Glendwr, as a shelter for
his troops during their attack on the castle, and within half a mile to
the south is Walls Castle, from which it was battered.” We are informed
by Leland that this castle was “somewhat in ruins” in his time. The
remains now present an interesting and picturesque object, consisting of
lofty walls, the keep, and the banquet hall, and considerable masses of
the ruin mark out both the ancient form and extent of this once stately
pile. About two miles and a half to the N.E. is the camp of Ostorious,
and five miles S.E., near the confluence of the river Clun and Teme, are
the Caer or Bury Ditches, the station of that British hero, Caractacus,
and the scene of his last effort against the Roman powers. The camp is
of an elliptic form, comprehending an area of three or four acres of
land, on the summit of a lofty eminence, commanding an extensive view of
the surrounding country. The steep acclivities of the hill are defended
by a triple entrenchment, which after the lapse of so many centuries is
still entire.
Clun was formerly a lordship in the Marches, and was first incorporated
by the Lords Marches, whose charter was confirmed by Edmund Earl of
Arundel in the reign of Edward II., at which time its prescriptive right
was admitted, but the charter not having been enrolled in Chancery, and
all the records of the Lords Marches having been destroyed, its being an
incorporate borough was proved by parole evidence. In the sixth year of
King John, William Fitz Allan had a charter for a fair to be kept here
for three days at Martlemas, which was the 11th of November and two days
after. Fairs are now held on the last Friday in January, May 11th, June
15th, September 23rd, and November 22nd, and a market is held every
Tuesday. The poor-law union of Clun comprises nineteen parishes,
seventeen of which are in Shropshire, and contains a population of 10,024
persons.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. George, is an ancient structure in the early
style of Norman architecture, and has evidently been of greater extent
than it is at present. It has a low tower of great strength with a
pyramidal roof, from the centre of which rises another tower of similar
form, but of smaller dimensions; there is a peal of six bells. The most
ancient part of the building is the nave, which no doubt existed prior to
the Norman Conquest. The arch under the tower forming the western
entrance bears a strong resemblance to the Saxon style. The northern
entrance is under a highly ornamented Norman arch, on the east side of
which is an arched recess, richly cinquefoiled. This church was partly
destroyed in Oliver Cromwell’s time by Fleetwood, one of his generals.
The living is a vicarage valued in the king’s book at £18. 10s. 5d., now
£680, in the patronage of the Earl of Powis and incumbency of the Rev.
Christopher Swainson. THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a neat stone chapel
at Clun, built in 1834, which will accommodate 150 persons. THE WESLEYAN
METHODISTS have also a chapel here.
CHARITIES.—_Henry Earl of Northampton_, by will, dated 1614, founded Clun
Hospital (dedicated to the Holy Trinity), and endowed it with tithes now
producing a revenue of £1,600 per annum, for the support of thirteen poor
brethren, including a master or warden. The buildings comprise a
quadrangle forty yards in length and the same in breadth, which were
extended in the year 1845, by the erection of a chapel, and a dining
hall, and a house for the warden. The management of the hospital is
vested in the bailiff, vicar, and churchwardens, the steward of the
lordship, the rector of Hopesay, and the warden. The Bishop of Hereford
is visitor of the hospital, which now consists of 18 poor brethren, who
receive 10s. per week, and a warden who receives £80 per year, with a
house rent free, and firing. The chapel is beautified with a handsome
window ornamented with the arms of the founder, the Earl of Powis and the
Bishop of Hereford.
_Sarah Like_, by will, 1725, left £60, and directed that the interest
thereof should be expended in teaching 15 poor children to read English.
_William and Elizabeth Stirchley_, by indenture, dated 1730, bequeathed
nine acres of land at Hopebendrid township, in this parish, in trust, to
apply the rents and profits thereof for the benefit of the poor
inhabitants of Clun, to be distributed to them every Sunday in bread.
_Francis Brown_, who died in 1795, left £100 for the benefit of the poor
of Clun, the interest thereof to be distributed in bread every Sunday.
There is a sum of money in the hands of the present vicar amounting to
£80, the origin of which is unknown, but it is probable that the sums of
£50 stated in the returns of 1786 to have been given by _Peter Meredith_,
and £20 by _William Acton_, form part of it. Interest is paid for this
sum at the rate of five per cent., and what is not required for the
weekly supply of bread, is given away in clothing. _Randle Tonna_, who
died in 1799, left £100, and directed the interest thereof to be
distributed among twenty poor people, in such sums as the vicar and
churchwardens should appoint.
BICKTON AND WESTON is a township in Clun parish, one and a half mile N.W.
by N. of that place, which in 1841 had seven houses and forty persons.
It contains 1,787A. 1R. 25P. of land, the rateable value of which is
£1,138. 18s. 4d., and gross estimated rental, £1,208. The rent charge of
this township paid to the vicar is £79. 1s. 2d., and to the lay
impropriators £6. 15s. 9d. The Earl of Powis is lord of the manor and
the principal landowner.
EDICLIFF is a township two miles north of Clun, containing 1,028A. 2R.
9P. of land, the rateable value of which is £944. 10s., and gross
estimated rental £1,037. 5s. At the census of 1841 there were 35 houses
and 157 persons. The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis, John
and Thomas Price, Esqrs., and Mr. John Luther.
GUILDER DOWN is a small township, one mile north of Clun, containing
919A. 2R. 10P. of land, the rateable value of which is £944. 10s. The
Earl of Powis is sole landowner. The rent charge paid to the vicar is
£37. 8s. In 1841 here were eight houses and fifty persons.
HOPEBENDRID is a township, four miles south of Clun, containing 1,727A.
2R. 35P. of land, the rent charge of which is £53. 11s. 8d. paid to the
vicar, and £29. 16s. 6d. to the lay impropriators. At the census of 1841
here were 25 houses and 138 persons. The principal landowners are Mrs.
Middleton, Mr. John Hamer, and Mr. Thomas Galliers. In this township is
the village of CHAPEL LAWN, where stands a chapel of ease to Clun, which
was erected in the year 1844. There are 232 sittings, of which 162 are
declared free and unappropriated for ever, in consequence of a grant from
the incorporated society. The chapel is in the early English style of
architecture. In the chancel is a richly stained glass window
representing the Crucifixion.
MANUTTON is a township, one mile and a half south-west by west of Clun,
containing 302A. 2R. 37P. of land, the rent charge on which is £37. 11s.
8d. The principal landowners are Mr. Thomas Jones and Mr. William
Edwards. In 1841 this township contained 10 houses and 39 persons.
NEWCASTLE is a village, three miles and a half south-west by west of
Clun, which contained in 1841, 32 houses and 176 inhabitants. The
township has 2,989 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,066.
6s. 8d. The rent charge paid to the vicar amounts to £85. 12s. 8d., and
that to the lay impropriators £22. 13s. 1d. The principal landowners are
John Oakes, Esq.; the Earl of Powis; Mrs. Beaumond; Mrs. Ann Richards;
and Mr. Thomas Owen. There is a Chapel of Ease here annexed to Clun
parish.
OBARRIS is a township in the parish of Clun, contains 622A. 2R. 32P. of
land, the rateable value of which is £308. 10s. Rent charge paid to the
vicar, £19. 16s., and that to the lay impropriators is £16. 12s. 3d. In
1841 here were 17 houses and 67 inhabitants. The principal landowners
are William Hamer, Esq.; Thomas Whettall, Esq.; and Mr. Thomas Middleton.
PENTREHODREY township lies about four miles south west from Clun, and
consists of two farm houses and a few cottages. There are 670A. 2R. 10P.
of land, the rateable value of which is £439. 12s. 6d. The small tithes
paid to the vicar amount to £27. 12s. 4d., the tithes paid to the
impropriators amount to £29. 12s. 10d. The principal landowners are
Richard Edwards, Esq.; B. J. E. Williams, Esq.; and Richard Matthews,
Esq.
PEERLOGUE, a township three miles south-west of Clun, containing 1,009A.
2R. 24P. of land. The vicarial tithes are commuted for £39. 16s. 2d.,
and the rectoral for £29. 11s. 4d. Rateable value of the township, £439.
12s. 6d. The principal landowners are the Rev. Christopher Swainson; Mr.
Samuel Pugh; Mrs. Clark; and Mr. Thomas Jones.
SHADWELL is a small township, four miles from Clun, containing 813A. 1R.
3P. of land, the rateable value of which is £709, and the small tithes
are commuted for £47. 12s. 11d., and the rectoral for £31. 13s. 8d. In
1841 here were nine houses and 59 persons. The principal landowners in
this township are William Botfield, Esq., and Mr. John Luther.
SPOAD, a township three miles south-west by west of Clun, contains 12
houses and 31 persons, and has an area of 1,251A. 3R. 26P. of land, the
rateable value of which is £592. 15s. 10d. Rent charge paid to the
vicar, £43. 10s. 5d., and that to the lay impropriators £20. 2s. The
principal landowners are Thomas Brown, Esq.; Thomas Moore, Esq.; Mr.
Thomas Owen; Rev. Christopher Swainson; and Edwd. Morris, Esq.
TREVERWARD is a small township, two miles and a quarter from Clun, and
contains 1,025A. 2R. 4P. of land, the rateable value of which is £315.
5s. 10d. Of the rent charge £25. 1s. 5d. is apportioned to the vicar of
the parish, and £12. 2s. 1d. to the lay impropriators. In 1841 here were
20 houses and 94 persons. The principal landowners are Thomas Jones,
Esq.; Trustees of T. B. Davies, Esq.; Mr. Thomas Middleton; and Mr.
Richard Turner.
WHITCOTT-EVAN is a township in the parish of Clun, two miles west of the
church, situated in a beautiful vale, and has an area of 426A. 1R. 11P.
of land, the rateable value of which is £326. 5s The vicarial tithes are
commuted for £22. 1s. 1d., and the amount paid to the lay impropriators
is £13. 12s. In 1841 here were six houses and 38 inhabitants. The
principal landowners are Roger Bryan, Esq., and Edward Rogers, Esq.
WHITCOTT-KEYSETT is a village and township two miles west of Clun,
divided from Whitcott-Evan by the river Clun. It contains 2,303A. 0R.
24P. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,267. 18s. 8d. The rent
charge paid to the vicar is £81. 8s., and that to the lay impropriators
£56. 13s. 5d. In 1841 here were 51 houses and 225 inhabitants. The
principal landowners are Rev. John Rogers; Richard Bright, Esq.; Francis
Brown, Esq.; Richard Parry, Esq.; John Wellings, Esq.; William Jones,
Esq.; the Earl of Powis; Rev. Christopher Swainson; and several others.
There is a small Baptist Chapel in this township.
POST OFFICE at _Mrs. Thomas_. Letters arrive at 11 A.M., and are
despatched at 2 P.M.
CLUN DIRECTORY.
Addis John, shoemaker
Addis Richard, tailor
Baker John, baker
Beaumond Mrs. Sarah
Beaumond Wm., hairdresser
Bradley Mrs. Mary, Cromfryd
Braze Mary, baker
Bright Jeremh. vict., Buffalo
Bright Margaret, dressmaker
Bright Thomas, maltster
Bowen John, carrier to Salop
Carter Rev. William, curate
Chelmick Edwd., shoemaker
Chelmick William, beerseller
Childe Joseph, farmer
Cooke John, joiner
Coombs Lawrence, inland revenue officer
Cullis Mrs. Dorothy
Davies Ann, stationer
Davies Benjamin, stone and marble mason
Davies John, beerseller
Davies John, carpenter
Davies John, cooper
Davies Margaret, academy
Davies Mary, baker
Davies Thomas, butcher
Davies Thomas, glazier and ironmonger
Davies Wm., relieving officer
Dear Wm., supervisor, Villa
Evans Daniel, beerseller
Evans Mrs. Elizbth. Cottage
Evans Ths. Esq. Castle Cttge.
Faulkner John, mason
Farmer William, beerseller
Francis John, shoemaker
Francis John, wheelwright
Francis William, shoemaker
Gwilliam Benjamin, farmer
Hamer Jas. grocer & ironmgr.
Hamer John, farmer
Hamer Ths. frmr., Woodside
Harris Thomas, farmer
Haynes John, joiner
Heighway Thomas P. farmer, Cock’s Hall
Hinckman Walter, carrier to Ludlow
Howells Mrs. Elizabeth
Hughlings Mrs. Martha
Jones James, shoemaker
Jones Jeremiah, blacksmith
Jones Richard, tailor
Jones, William and Harley, drapers and grocers
Jones William, warden, Clun Hospital
Langford Jno. frmr. the Villa
Lewis Rev. Lewis, curate
Luther Mr. Richard
Luther William, beerseller and maltster
Matthews Thomas, farmer
Moore Jane, draper & grocer
Morgan Rev. Jenkin, curate
Morris Philip, Esq. the Hurst
Morris Thomas, butcher
Oldbury Charles, vict., White Horse
Parry Thomas, saddler
Poston Samuel, shopkeeper
Price Edward, shoemaker
Rawlings Francis, shoemaker
Rawlings John, draper and grocer
Roberts John, skinner
Rogers Mrs. Ann
Sheild Robert D., surgeon
Smith Mrs Martha
Speake Samuel, stone mason
Swainson Rev. Chrisr., vicar
Taylor Edwin, vict. Six Bells
Thomas Eliza, grocer
Thomas Richard, druggist
Vaughan Rich., stone mason
Walters Edward, weaver
Whiston John, vict. the Sun
Whittall Thomas, shoemaker
Williams Morgan, saddler and harness maker
BICTON DIRECTORY.
Collings John, farmer
Hamar Henry, farmer
Luther Martin, farmer
Statham Rowland, farmer
EDICLIFFE DIRECTORY.
Adams Richard, beerseller
Gough Thomas, farmer
Gwillian James, farmer
Thomas Edward, farmer
GUILDEN DOWN DIRECTORY.
Gwilliam Richard, farmer
Luther Thomas, farmer
HOPEBENDRID DIRECTORY.
Baldwin Saml., maltster and victualler, the Woodcock
Bright Richard, farmer
Jones John, blacksmith, Chapel Lawn
Lloyd William, farmer, Lyne-y-ven
Williams Jno. farmer, Chapel Lawn
MANUTTON DIRECTORY.
Edwards William, farmer
Matthews Isaac farmer, Wear
NEWCASTLE DIRECTORY.
Beaumond William, farmer, Fron End
Beddows Geo., farmer, Garn
Evans John, blacksmith
Hamar Henry, farmer
Hamar Thomas, farmer
Jones Richard, beerseller and shopkeeper
Southern Robert, miller
OBARRIS DIRECTORY.
Edwards Thomas, farmer
Gittins Wm. frmr. Penywarne
Hamar William, Esq.
Middleton Thomas, farmer
PENTREHODREY DIRECTORY.
Davies John, farmer
Edwards Richard, farmer, Bryncalled
PURLOGUE DIRECTORY.
Bevan Francis, farmer
Bright Charles, farmer
Jones Thomas, farmer
Mason Edward, farmer
Lewis Thomas, farmer
SHADWELL DIRECTORY.
Jones Thomas, farmer, Llanhedrick
Luther John, farmer and corn miller
Sankey John, farmer
SPOAD DIRECTORY.
Brown Thomas, farmer
Hamar Henry, farmer
Hudson Stephen, farmer
Wooley Thomas, farmer
TREVERWARD DIRECTORY.
Davies Mr. William, Upper Treverward
WHITCOTT-EVAN DIRECTORY.
Bryan Roger, Esq. Little Hall
Owens Richard, farmer
WHITCOTT-KEYSETT DIRECTORY.
Bright Richard, farmer
Brown Francis, farmer
Edwards John, farmer
Miles John, farmer
Francis John, wheelwright
Gough John, farmer
Hamar Henry, farmer
Jones James, blacksmith
Parry Richard, farmer
Wellings John, farmer
BETTWS-Y-CRWYN, OR BETTWS,
is an extensive parish, near the south-western verge of the county, nine
miles north-west from Kington, comprehending the townships of
Kevancalanog, Rugantine, and Trebrodier, which together comprise an area
of 8,664 acres of land, of which 5,950 are in common lands. The tithes
are commuted for £214. 2s. Rateable value of the parish, £2,037. 2s. 6d.
At the census of 1841 there were 308 inhabitants; 1851, 452.
KEVANCALANOG township has a scattered population, and in 1841 had 232
inhabitants, at which period 19 persons were returned as resident in Clun
parish. This township contains 4,800 acres of land, the tithes of which
have been commuted for £67. 5s. The Earl of Powis is the principal
landowner and lord of the manor. Michael Jones, Esq., and others are
also proprietors.
RUGANTINE township lies on the western borders of the county, and
contains 1,970 acres of land, separated from Radnorshire by the river
Teme, which adds beauty and fertility to this delightful valley. One
thousand three hundred and fifty acres of the land in this township are
in open common. The principal owners are the Earl of Powis; John Lloyd,
Esq.; William Price, Esq.; and George Green, Esq. At the census of 1841
there were 19 houses and 100 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for
£66. 7s.
TREBRODIER, a township in the parish of Bettws-y-Crwyn, is situated on
the south-west verge of the county, on the borders of Wales. In 1841
there were 26 houses and 139 inhabitants. The chief landowners are the
Earl of Powis; Edward Jones, Esq.; Thomas Hamer, Esq.; Michael Jones,
Esq.; Mr. Francis Howells; and Mr. Charles Lloyd. At the MOAT, in this
township, the residence of E. Jones, Esq., is a lofty mound, or barrow of
the ancient Britons, which is surrounded by a deep moat. THE CHURCH is
an irregular built structure of considerable antiquity, in an isolated
position, and surrounded by uninclosed lands. It consists of nave and
chancel, and has a belfry with one bell, which can only be heard at one
house in the whole parish. The ceiling of the church is of timber,
beautifully carved. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage
of the Earl of Powis, and incumbency of the Rev. R. N. Kinchant.
DIRECTORIES.—_Kevancalanog_: John Brown, farmer, Dyfryn; William Davies,
farmer, Brook House; Richard Gough, farmer; Mary Hamer, farmer, Dyfryn;
Richard Hudson, farmer, Black Mountain; Edward Jones, farmer, Moar Hall;
Edward Owen, farmer, Hall of the Forest; John Price, farmer, Upper Lawn;
William Pritchard, farmer, New House.
_Rugantine_: Joseph and Thomas Chandler, farmers; John Davies, farmer;
George Lloyd, farmer; John Lloyd, farmer; William Price, farmer.
_Trebrodier_: George Hamer, farmer; William Hughes, farmer; Edward Jones,
farmer, The Moat: Mr. Chas. Lloyd, Bettws; John Lloyd, farmer, Bettws;
John Morris, farmer, Hambly-cot-farm; William Richards, farmer, Cross
House.
LLANVAIR-WATERDINE
is an extensive parish on the extreme south western borders of
Shropshire, divided from Radnorshire by the river Teme. It contains the
townships of Clewilsey, Funnanvair, Llanvair, Maneythesney, Selley,
Skyborry, and Trebert, which had at the census of 1841 108 houses and 603
inhabitants; population in 1801, 466; and in 1831, 566. The village of
Llanvair is pleasantly situated on the northern banks of the river Teme,
four miles N.W. of Knighton, and has an area of 280A. 1R. 20P. of land,
the rateable value of which is £312. 0s. 6d. The principal landowners
are the trustees of Millington’s charity, Shrewsbury; George Davies,
Esq., and Edward Griffiths, Esq. The township had at the census of 1841
twenty houses and 102 persons.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, consists of nave, chancel, and south
aisle, which is separated from the body of the church by a row of oak
pillars, beautifully carved. The living is a perpetual curacy in the
patronage of the Earl of Powis and incumbency of the Rev. John R. N.
Kinchant. The tithes are commuted for £375. Previous to the year 1714
several donors left sums of money, amounting in the whole to £40, for the
benefit of the poor, which was expended in 1714 in the purchase of about
three acres of ground, the rent of which is now given to the poor. _The
Rev. John Davies_, _D.D._, by will, left the sum of £100 for the benefit
of the poor. This sum was lost in 1772, by the insolvency of the person
in whose hands it was placed out at interest.
DIRECTORY.—Richard Bright, vict., Red Lion; Benjamin Brown, blacksmith;
George Davies, farmer, Black Hall; Richard Davies, wheelwright; John
Griffiths, shoemaker; Joseph Miles, shoemaker; Mary Price, farmer, Meadow
Cottage; Edward Trudge, farmer, Llanvair Hall.
CLEWILSEY is a township three miles N.W. of Llanvair, containing 1,167A.
3R. of land, the rateable value of which is £825. 6s. The principal
landowners are Mrs. Conway, Edward Price, Esq., Mrs. Maria Rutter, Mrs.
Ann Richards, and the Earl of Powis. The village contains 32 houses and
306 persons. DIRECTORY.—Martha Bowen, farmer; James Edwards, farmer,
Brynbeddow; Edward Price, farmer, The Runnis; Richard Thomas, farmer.
FUNNANVAIR is a township in Llanvair-Waterdine parish, which contains 432
acres of land. Rateable value, £321. 18s. In 1841 there were fifteen
houses and 74 inhabitants. The principal landowners are C. L. Duppa
Duppa, Esq.; Edward Griffiths, Esq.; and Mr. John Griffiths, besides whom
are a number of smaller freeholders. DIRECTORY.—Evan Davies, farmer,
Blain-y-dree; John Lyre, farmer, Cwm Brain.
MANEYTHESNEY is a township one and a half mile S.W. of Llanvair, which
contains 712 acres of land. Rateable value, £685. 7s. 6d. The township
at the census of 1841 had eleven houses and 52 inhabitants. The
principal landowners are the trustees of Millington’s charity,
Shrewsbury; and Thomas Jones, Esq. DIRECTORY.—Edward Griffiths, farmer,
Melling-y-groge; Thomas Jones, farmer, and Jonathan Swancott, farmer.
SELLEY is a township two and three quarter miles N.E. of Llanvair, which
contains 516 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £285. 6s. 8d.
The principal landowners are Henry Powell, Esq.; Walter Lander, Esq.; and
Edward Hamar, Esq. At the census of 1841 here were three houses and 25
persons. DIRECTORY.—Richard Edwards, farmer, Garbett; John Collins,
farmer, Little Selley; and Penry Powell, farmer, Selley Hall.
SKYBORRY is a township one mile N.W. of Knighton, which has a population
of 98 persons and 21 houses. It comprehends an area of 839 acres, the
rateable value of which is £775. 3s. 4d. The principal landowners are
John Davies, Esq.; John Edwards, Esq.; Michael Jones, Esq.; Henry Powell,
Esq.; and Mr. Thomas Bright. DIRECTORY.—John Bevan, farmer, Monach-ty;
Charles Edwards, farmer; Michael Jones, Esq., Nether Skyborry; and
William Parr, farmer.
TREBERT is a small township containing 662A. 2R. of land, the rateable
value of which is £422. 6s. 8d. The principal landowners are the
trustees of Millington’s charity, Shrewsbury; the Rev. John R. N.
Kinchant; and James Lee, Esq. The parsonage house is situated in this
township. DIRECTORY.—Charles Davies, Esq., The Craig; Mrs. Jane Davies,
Landinshup; the Rev. John R. N. Kinchant, incumbent, of
Llanvair-Waterdine; and Ann Price, farmer, The Veddw.
MAINSTONE
is a parish partly in this county and partly in that of Montgomery, which
comprises the townships of Mainstone, Edenhope, Knuck and Reilth. At the
census of 1801 the parish had 406 inhabitants; in 1831, 462; 1841, 449;
of whom 276 persons were returned as in this county, and the remainder in
Montgomeryshire. “The village of Mainstone is situated in a hilly
district, four miles south-west by west from Bishop’s Castle. The
township contains 362A. 1R. 38P. of land, and in 1841 had 17 houses and
91 inhabitants. Rateable value £306. 12s. 6d. The principal landowners
are the Misses Beck, Rev. John Harrison, and Mr. Benjamin Beddoes. The
Earl of Powis is lord of the manor. THE CHURCH is an antique structure
of unpresuming appearance, dedicated to St. John. The living is a
rectory, valued in the king’s book at £4. 13s. 4d., in the patronage of
the lord chancellor: the incumbent is a non-resident. The tithes are
commuted for £343. This parish is intersected by Offas Dyke.
CHARITIES.—_Lewis Reynolds_, _John Price_, _Hugh Edwards_, _John Daniel_,
_William Farmer and John Lateward_, left in the whole £25. 10s., of which
£23. 10s. was laid out in the purchase of about an acre of land, called
Comb-y-Llan, which is let for £1. 10s. per annum. _Catherine Thomas_ in
1722 left a rent charge of 12s. issuing out of a meadow in Mainstone, and
directed it to be distributed among the poor not receiving parochial
relief. _Nathaniel Shuker_ in 1735 conveyed a piece of land called the
Little Meadow, in trust, for the benefit of the poor; it now produces a
yearly rent of 25s. The several sums above mentioned, amounting to £3.
7s. per annum, are divided into two parts, and one part is distributed on
the north side, which is in the county of Montgomery, and the other on
the south side, in the county of Salop. _Humphrey Bird_ left £10 to the
poor of the Shropshire part of the parish of Mainstone. _John Edwards_
in 1722 left £5 for the benefit of the poor. The sum of 10s. was
annually paid by the donor’s grandson up to the time of his death, in
1806, and he requested his executor to pay 10s. a year in addition to the
5s. a year left by his grandfather. Since Mr. Edwards’ death, the sum of
10s. only has been received; but it appears evident that 15s. yearly
ought to be paid in respect of these charities, according to the
intentions of the donors.
EDENHOPE, a township and small village in the parish of Mainstone, six
miles north-west from Clun, comprises 1,673A. 1R. 1P. of land, the
rateable value of which is £764. 7s. The tithes are commuted for £86.
The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis; Henry Lyster, Esq.; John
Coates, Esq.: there are also a few smaller proprietors.
KNUCK, a small township with a few cottage residences, is situated about
a mile south from Mainstone, contains 594 acres of land, and in 1841 had
five houses and 26 inhabitants. The chief landowners are the Misses
Beck, Earl Powis, and John Sankey, Esq. Rateable value of the township,
£355. 18s. 6d.
REILTH, a township in Mainstone parish, comprising 717A. 3R. 13P. of
land, the rateable value of which is £484. 0s. 6d. The principal
landowners are the Earl of Powis; Richard Sankey, Esq.; Beriah Botfield,
Esq.; and the Rev. R. Browne. In 1841 there were 10 houses and 64
inhabitants. DIRECTORY.—_Mainstone_: Benjamin Beddoes, farmer; John
Lewis, farmer; George Morris, blacksmith; John Powell, schoolmaster,
Churchtown; Thomas Powell, shoemaker. _Edenhope_: Edward Davies, farmer;
Richard Hudson, farmer, Helfield; Edward Jones, farmer; John Thomas,
farmer. _Reilth_: Richard Sankey, Esq., The Reilth.
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FINIS.
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PRINTED BY SAMUEL HARRISON, BOOKSELLER, &C., 5, HIGH STREET, SHEFFIELD
FOOTNOTES.
{ii} Unfortunately this was not present in the copy transcribed and so
has had to be omitted in this transcription.—DP.
{32} The errata has been applied in the transcription. However, the
page 445 has not because Charles Nowell Hill name occurs on other pages
where it is not corrected.—DP.
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